It's not your imagination, the Royal Caribbean website experience has been refreshed to make things hopefully just a little bit easier in getting what you want.

Royal Caribbean's website has mirrored the larger travel industry trend of trying to improve its web presence and make things easier and faster for its customers.

New cruisers looking to book a cruise are likely to find the options - 2600 rooms, a dozen decks, shows, dining - are overwhelming. It’s no wonder users skip the aging websites and try calling instead.

Making its website easier is important considering that Royal Caribbean Group disclosed during an earnings call last month that every day there are "millions of interactions on our websites".

Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty said web traffic is higher than ever, "Our websites are receiving close to double the visits compared to 2019, and we are generating record level of direct bookings."

To that point, Royal Caribbean sees opportunity with its online travel tools. Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley talked about the importance of enhancing its web portal, "I think, certainly, the investments that we made in our technology as it relates to getting to customers about their cruise experience and the opportunities and experiences that are available to them has proven to be successful."

"And I think that's connected and reflects the kind of the acceptance that the consumer has now at a much greater level to buy online."

"And I believe that everything that we've done with our pre-cruise marketing is really proving to be very effective."

Here's a look at some of the recent updates and enhancements Royal Caribbean has made to allow guests to book and manage their cruises with greater ease.

Making search easier

Finding the perfect cruise vacation starts off with lots of possibilities, which requires the user to comb through the search results for the right option.

Royal Caribbean recently updated its cruise booking site with the goal of returning results in an easier manner.

While the search form looks the same on Royal Caribbean's homepage, the results come through a new simpler layout that is not only easier to use on a mobile device, but provide filtering options with less clicks.

The search results are in a cleaner layout with less "fluff" around it so you can drill into the itinerary and ship you want. You'll find clear and simple messaging and pricing throughout the booking process. Visuals are important, but text is crucial.

Read more: How do I pick the perfect first cruise?

Royal Caribbean also included advanced paths, alternate routes, and exits throughout the booking process - so that experienced users can rapidly dial in the exact cruise they want.

The new search results seem to come up some of the time, which perhaps indicates they are testing it out until it's ready to fully replace the legacy search results. 

Upgraded cruise planner

Just as important to Royal Caribbean's bottom line as someone booking a cruise is someone booking a cruise add-on.

According to Royal Caribbean Group executives, every dollar a guest spends before the voyage, translates into about $0.70 more on the dollar when they sail and double the overall spending compared to other guests.

This year, guests are spending 30% more across all categories of pre-cruise spend than they did in 2019 before the pandemic.

It certainly is easier for guests to buy a drink package, wifi, or shore excursion if the website is simpler.

In early 2021, Royal Caribbean began rolling out a new look to its cruise planner tool.

Dubbed, "My Royal Cruise", it has slowly replaced the old Cruise Planner site where guests can browse the various add-ons for their sailing.

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

The goal for this refresh was to make it more intuitive for guests to plan their sailing.

My Royal Cruise features a cleaner look, which takes advantage of contemporary web design.  It is simple and functional, while still visually appealing.

Moreover, returning guests have more of their personal information saved so purchases can be completed significantly faster than with the old site that required the user to enter all their information in over and over for each transaction.

App upgrades

Royal Caribbean's app has evolved from "nice to have" to "essential" since cruises restarted in June 2021.

For most cruises, scanning your passport and uploading a security photo will generate a mobile boarding pass that’s going to help make for a better experience at the terminal.

You can then choose your arrival time from a list of staggered options so you know what time to arrive.

The new eMuster process has also been rolled into the app, which allows you to start the mandatory safety briefing even before you board.

On several ships, like Odyssey of the Seas, the app can also be your very own Digital Key to unlock your stateroom.

Once inside, you can control the TV and even stream content right from your phone. The room temperature, lights and curtains for some staterooms can also be controlled.

Book a pre-cruise hotel

Because a lot of its guests were already booking a pre- or post-cruise hotel, Royal Caribbean made that option easier.

The Royal Caribbean Hotels program was launched in March of this year, and it gives cruisers an easy way to lock in a pre- or post-cruise stay.

Royal Caribbean says this new program offers exclusive rates with thousands of hotels in every Royal Caribbean departure and arrival port, including those in the Caribbean, Europe, Asia-Pacific as well as North, South and Central America.

Hotel search results can easily be filtered based on the number of travelers in your group, the sailing’s departure or arrival city, and dates — plus preferences such as hotel rating, amenities and more.

Have you every wanted to know about going on a cruise if you or someone you know has a special need?

Today, Royal Caribbean management participated in a discussion with travel agents, answering questions relating to special needs and accessibility while cruising.  

Ronald Pettit, Royal Caribbean’s Executive Disability Inclusion & Accessibility Officer, addressed several topics along with Renee Didier, Manager of the Sales Training Team.

Pettit has been with Royal Caribbean Group for over 16 years in varying positions and has led the cruise line as an industry leader in accessible cruise vacations. In the webinar today, Pettit elaborated on a number of Royal Caribbean’s practices in making the cruise experience more accessible.  

Here are some of the questions and answers from today’s session.

How much advance notice should we provide about a disability?

Ideally at the time of booking, but “no later than 30 days prior to sailing, except for sign language interpreting requests which must be submitted 60 days prior to sailing".

What are the steps Royal Caribbean takes to prepare for guests before coming on board?

Royal Caribbean collects and reviews all accommodation requests, working with relevant parties to prepare. C

loser to the sailing date, about 10 days beforehand, important details are disseminated to staff, such as housekeeping and dining. 

Where can you find the special needs form?

The special needs form is a very important tool for anyone to use. As listed on the website, the form requires basic information, including:

• Personal details such as name and address
• What accommodations are requested
• If an accessible stateroom is required
• Accessible hotel room pre or post-cruise
• Any equipment that needs to be brought on board
• Dietary request
• Accessible shore excursion
• Any other request

The website notes that information provided on the form will be shared with only those who need it, such as crew members, housekeeping staff, and third parties, including ground transportation staff or shore excursions where required.

How can I get assistance with embarkation and disembarkation?

The cruise line does provide a wheelchair and assistance in navigating the terminal and getting on the ship. Asking the day of can be an issue, as the information is collected and organized days in advance.

Pettit did note that staff does their best to make sure wheelchairs are available when needed, and organizing various boarding times is part of this process. Sometimes patience is required, though.

While onboard the cruise, scooters and wheelchairs are not provided unless it is a medical emergency. Royal Caribbean does work with companies that can provide mobility options that can be rented for the duration of the cruise and even delivered right to the guest’s cabin.

• Special Needs at Sea: https://www.specialneedsatsea.com
• Scootaround https://scootaround.com/en/cruise-services

What can be done for guests with food allergies or dietary restrictions?

Pettit noted that dietary restrictions and allergies are the second biggest request after pier assistance. Royal Caribbean is very experienced in dealing with common needs such as gluten, dairy and lactose-free foods, which he noted are well highlighted on menus. However, there are less common allergies that can be problematic for guests.

He advised cruisers can request the following evening's menu with modifications.

What type of options do we have on board for those individuals with autism?

Royal Caribbean is known to be first autism friendly cruise line in the world, partnering with Autism on the Seas, which helps them with specific products and services, including sensory friendly movies, an autism channel, a social storybook to name a few.

 In addressing this, Pettit explained that there is lots of programming that can be offered on board the ship, and literally, they can make any of them accessible.

Read more: How one group helps families with Autism cruise on Royal Caribbean

Can guests bring a service dog on a cruise ship?

When asked if service dogs are permitted onboard, the answer was an emphatic yes, with Pettit going on to discuss the critical, evolving role of service dogs play,  adding they do many things:  “Service dogs help retrieve object, alert people that somebody is at the door there now, medical alert dogs that help people to detect if they're going to have a seizure or to take their medication.

He did clarify that service dogs have been specifically trained to perform a very specific function or take to help a person with a disability, different than a therapy dog who may not qualify under the ADA as a service dog. 

Are there sharp containers and fridges for diabetics?

Yes, Royal Caribbean does provide these in the stateroom, and Pettit advised the need to clearly identify specific requirements.

For example, not all diabetes medicine needs to be refrigerated.  

If a guest needs oxygen, can Royal Caribbean provide it onboard?

Royal Caribbean does not provide oxygen for their cruise; it is only available for emergencies, so guests need to make their own arrangements in this regard.

He noted the advancements that have led to the portable oxygen concentrator that helps convert ambient air into on0demand oxygen, which may be of benefit to some passengers.

If a guest needs dialysis, can they sail with Royal Caribbean?

Guests who can bring their machines and do self-administered dialysis are welcome to sail, and this has been happening for decades.

Royal Caribbean is unable to provide medically supervised hemodialysis; however, some guests have been using self-administered NxStage equipment, which which are permissible.

Guests can book through Dialysis at Sea (https://www.dialysisatsea.com).

Are there accessible shore excursions available?

Discussing accessible short excursions, Pettit describes his team's effort, "I have a small six seven member team that deals exclusively with accessible shore excursions, which are akin to a concierge service."

"They work in various ports of call with tour operators to provide guests with what they are looking for. This is also why it is key to communicate well heard of time."

Are Royal Caribbean's private islands accessible?

Yes, they are, and Pettit elaborated that both Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas and Labadee in Haiti have a good amount of access with hard pathways throughout the island, accessible trams,  beach wheelchairs to navigate the sand, pull lifts to get in and out of the pool and accessible cabanas. 

There’s nothing quite like relaxing on a Caribbean beach with no worries in the world except deciding which tropical cocktail to order next, and on a cruise vacation, you’ll have the chance to do this at a different beach every day!

With crystal clear, turquoise waters and soft white sand, you’ll find some of the world’s best beaches in the Caribbean Sea, and while you’ll find beautiful beaches on every island, there are a few that outshine the others.

This list could have been hundreds of beaches long, as there are plenty of gorgeous beaches to discover throughout the Caribbean–from the Bahamas to Puerto Rico and beyond.

When visiting on a cruise ship, however, you have limited time to explore each island, so it’s important to make sure the beaches you visit are somewhat close to the cruise port.

Luckily, many of the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches are located just a short ride away from cruise ports in the region. Here are the top 11 most beautiful beaches you can easily access from port while on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Trunk Bay, St. John

One of the most idyllic beaches in the Caribbean is Trunk Bay, located in the Virgin Islands National Park in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands.

Trunk Bay is nothing short of a tropical paradise, and it even has an underwater snorkeling trail providing information about marine life and coral formations. Amenities on the island include food and drink stands, bathroom facilities, beach chairs, and snorkel rentals.

You can reach Trunk Bay through an excursion or from the Cruz Bay Ferry Terminal in St. Thomas. A taxi is required to reach the ferry terminal from the cruise port.

Related: Guide to visiting St. John on a Royal Caribbean cruise

Magens Bay, St. Thomas

The most famous beach on St. Thomas is Magens Bay, a one mile stretch of beach with calm waters and fine, soft sand. Due to its beauty and proximity to the cruise port, it’s an extremely popular destination for visitors to St. Thomas.

There are enough amenities on the beach to get you through the day, with bathrooms, showers, a restaurant, concession stand, a bar, and beach chair/umbrella rentals.

Taxis or shuttles are available to reach Magens Bay, which requires a 15 minute drive up and down mountainous terrain, offering stunning views of the island. Taxis are more economical than booking an excursion, especially when traveling with larger groups!

The only downside to Magens Bay is that it can get very crowded, especially when many ships are in port!

Related: Things to do in St. Thomas on your Royal Caribbean cruise

Orient Bay Beach, St. Martin

Located on the French side of St. Martin is Orient Bay Beach, a 1.5 mile long stretch of pristine white sand with turquoise waters.

The southern end of the beach has many beach bars, restaurants, and hotels whereas the northern end has few services but more peace and quiet.

Be sure to taste French cuisine while at the beach, with several French restaurants and bakeries located nearby.

Related: Top things to do in St. Maarten on your Royal Caribbean cruise

While many cruisers flock to Maho Beach in St. Maarten for the chance to view airplanes soaring overhead before landing at the airport adjacent to the beach, Orient Beach provides better swimming and lounging conditions.

Note: The southern end of the beach is clothing optional.

Playa El Cielo, Cozumel, Mexico

El Cielo means heaven in Spanish, and that should be enough of an indication that Playa El Cielo is heaven on Earth!

Located on the southwest coast of the island of Cozumel, Playa El Cielo cannot be reached by road. The best way to reach this slice of paradise is by boat, and you’ll find several excursions visiting the beach.

Most tourists visiting Playa El Cielo tend to snorkel, as this area of Cozumel has incredibly clear water and an abundance of marine life, including starfish and stingrays.

Related: Things to do in Cozumel on your Royal Caribbean cruise

Valley Church Beach, Antigua

The small nation of Antigua and Barbuda has a whopping total of 365 beaches, one for every day of the year!

Valley Church Beach is one of the best on the island of Antigua and is located around 20 minutes by car from the cruise port. Located in Valley Church Bay, the beach has calm seas and unbelievably blue water.

While there are a few hotels and places to eat near the beach, it remains relatively undeveloped, making for a more serene beach experience than many of the others on this list.

Beach chairs and umbrellas are available to rent at the beach.

Related: Excursion Focus: Valley Church Beach in Antigua

Eagle Beach, Aruba

While visiting Aruba requires a little more travel time compared to visiting islands closer to the United States, it’s certainly an island worth seeing.

Aruba is covered with breathtaking beaches, but the “best” is usually considered to be Eagle Beach, a wide stretch of soft white sand leading to the most turquoise and clear water you’ll experience on the island!

Eagle Beach is also home to two Fofoti trees, a twisted tree that grows on the beach and is shaped by Aruba’s strong wings, leading to the trees always pointing in a south-easterly direction. These trees are an iconic symbol of Aruba and make for a great photo opportunity!

Eagle Beach is located around 3 miles from the cruise port in Aruba, so reaching the beach via taxi is recommended. Some shore excursions may also include a stop at the beach.

Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman

Seven Mile Beach, located on the island of Grand Cayman, is consistently listed as one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. This ~6 mile (not 7 mile!) stretch of white-sand beach is the perfect setting for visitors looking to unwind in paradise.

Due to the beach’s size and popularity, there are plenty of amenities along Seven Mile Beach, with no shortage of restaurants and bars to enjoy during your time on Grand Cayman.

Seven Mile Beach is conveniently located just a 10 minute drive away from the cruise port in Grand Cayman, making the beach accessible via taxi or bus.

West Bay Beach, Roatan

One of the most common port stops on a Western Caribbean cruise itinerary is the island of Roatan, located north of mainland Honduras.

West Bay Beach is a beautiful tropical landscape, with a palm tree-lined sandy beach and incredible snorkeling right off shore. Many beach resorts, hotels, restaurants, and bars are found at West Bay Beach, as well as a plethora of activities like snorkeling, diving, and parasailing.

Photo by Billy Hirsch of cruisehabit.com

Roatan is famous for its diving and snorkeling opportunities, and a coral reef is located swimming distance from the beach.

The beach is located around a 30 minute taxi ride from the cruise port. You’ll also find several excursion options providing transportation to and from West Bay Beach.

Barefoot Beach, Labadee

When you arrive at Royal Caribbean’s private destination of Labadee, Haiti, you’ll likely be amazed by the gorgeous scenery of the peninsula. Green mountains and small coves dot the landscape that is surrounded by beautiful and clear water.

While all of Labadee’s beaches make for a wonderful port day, one of the best is Barefoot Beach, reserved for suite guests on Royal Caribbean.

An upgraded lunch buffet and bar are available at the beach, along with cabanas available to reserve. There are more than enough complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas available as well.

Related: First timer’s guide to Labadee

Jalousie Beach, St. Lucia (Sugar Beach)

St. Lucia is most easily recognizable by the Pitons, which are two mountainous volcanic plugs rising over 2500 feet above sea level on the coast.

Situated at the foot of the Pitons is Jalousie Beach (Sugar Beach), a small, white-sand beach located in a cove that offers gorgeous views of St. Lucia’s unique landscape. When you picture St. Lucia, you’re likely picturing the view you’ll see from Jalousie Beach.

At the beach are a few restaurants and the Sugar Beach resort. Snorkelers and scuba divers can enjoy the underwater marine reserve at the shoreline of Petit Piton, the smaller of the two Piton mountains.

Reaching Sugar Beach takes around an hour and a half by car from the cruise port, so it’s recommended to book a tour to the beach, especially if you have limited hours in St. Lucia. Some tours may reach the beach via speedboat instead of by car.

Great Anse Beach, Grenada

Photo credit: Varun Kapoor (no changes made)

The small island of Grenada boasts over 45 beaches, but the most popular beach on the island is Great Anse Beach. Spanning two miles long, Great Anse Beach offers ideal Caribbean beach conditions with plenty of amenities.

A variety of beach activities are available at Great Anse Beach including water-skiing, parasailing, and snorkeling. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available to rent.

If you’re looking for a more secluded beach, check out Morne Rouge Beach, located just a 5 minute drive from Great Anse Beach. This beach will have even calmer and clearer waters than Great Anse Beach with fewer crowds.

Great Anse Beach is located five miles from the cruise port in Grenada. You can reach the beach via taxi, public bus, or water taxi. A water taxi is the quickest option, taking only 10 minutes or so to reach the beach from the ship.

Looking for more travel inspiration? Start here:

• 15 countries you didn’t know you could cruise to on Royal Caribbean
• Best Royal Caribbean itineraries with overnight ports
• Bahamas cruise guide
• 10 Royal Caribbean cruise destinations not to be missed

The internet is a great place to share experiences, but there are a few cruise ship critiques that you should probably not put much stock in when making a decision.

I enjoy reading other people's experiences on a Royal Caribbean cruise, including what they liked and didn't like about their cruise. But I will rarely, if ever, use it as a basis for my own plans.

The reason why you should not base your buying decisions on someone else's experience is that your cruise could be completely different. Moreover, your particular tastes may be different than theirs.

It's quite common for me to see a message on the Royal Caribbean Blog message boards from someone who got back from a cruise and rants about something they did, saw, or experienced onboard they did not like at all. In some cases these are a result of being unaware of what to expect, or perhaps they simply did not care for it. 

An important mantra of reading others reviews is that we all have different tastes. Think about something you love but you know others cannot stand, such as a favorite sport, a hobby you enjoy, or a local restaurant. You love it, but know someone that has the complete opposite opinion you hold. That doesn't make you wrong, nor does it mean others might not enjoy it either.

Of all the commonly reviewed cruise experiences out there, here are the top hot takes to safely ignore and try it out yourself anyway.

Food and dining reviews

They say "everyone's a critic", and this definitely holds true of dining.

One of the most commonly shared reviews of a cruise ship is the food served onboard, both the food included and what costs extra.

With so many dining choices, lots of people love to share their dining reviews of a restaurant, including the individual dishes, the service, or the restaurant overall.

When it comes to food reviews, I always think about broccoli. 

Broccoli is a particularly polarizing food because there are so many people that love broccoli and an equal amount of people who absolutely hate broccoli. What does that mean? We all have different tastes and just because someone loves or despises broccoli doesn't mean you will either.

So when you read about Meemaw’s Fried Chicken N’ Waffles at the Mason Jar, or Taste of Royal lunch, you shouldn't decide if you'll order something (or skip the restaurant all together) because of someone's review.

This also holds true of the service.  Every restaurant has a bad day in terms of slow service. Think about dining at home and I'm sure you'll recall plenty of times your favorite restaurant was extra slow or your waiter was not great.

Slow service can happen anywhere, and it's something Royal Caribbean is constantly working to prevent. 

My advice is to not limit yourself or skip a restaurant because of what someone else thought of the food or service. Give it a try at least once to see how you like it or not.

Mattress comfort

"I've hard the mattresses are uncomfortable" is another topic of discussion that is bound to be purely subjective.

There are plenty of theories about cruise ship mattresses and whether or not they are too firm.

Just like all the models at a mattress store, some people will prefer a firm or cushy mattress. Your cruise ship mattress is going to be no different.

If you do find the mattress firm, you could always ask your stateroom attendant for a mattress topper. Or ask for another comforter and place it under the sheet to provide more cushion.

Crowds

Is the pool deck, Adventure Ocean, Royal Promenade or the ship itself crowded? A lot of it will depend on your own personal definition of how crowded is too crowded.

A researcher at the University of Tokyo looked at how people perceive congestion, and it turns out the sheer volume of people around us is not the end-all, be-all of what makes it feel crowded.

"I was a little surprised to find that the density of people in a given space was not the best indicator of perceived congestion; in fact, it turned out to be the walking speed, or velocity, of the people around the perceiver," said Project Assistant Professor Jia Xiaolu.

If you hear that the pool was crowded on a sea day, was that person in the pool the whole day? Did they observe it from a higher deck? Did they spend all day or 10 minutes? And most importantly, how do they determine what is too crowded?

Let's face it, Royal Caribbean cruise ship are not private yachts and their ships sail at full capacity. This isn't a secret, so there will be other guests around you most of the time. But that doesn't mean it's a poor experience.

Some people love being in the center of the fun, and that includes being in a bar or pool where lots of other people are hanging out.  Meanwhile, there are folks that prefer to have a space all to themselves at all times. 

If you read that a ship was crowded, that isn't a scientific analysis of the experience or that you shouldn't sail on it. 

Entertainment

You'll find comedians, Broadway shows, singers, and plenty of other live entertainment on your cruise. With it, comes everyone's thoughts on if it's worth seeing.

Royal Caribbean invests heavily in live entertainment, so you'll find no shortage of bands, singers, actors and the like. 

The shows onboard Royal Caribbean cruise ships are always the source of endless reviews. Look no further than the ongoing discussions surrounding the Broadway show, "Cats" on Oasis of the Seas, for proof of this.

My advice is to see the show to determine for yourself what you like or don't like. 

I've seen enough magicians onboard cruise ships to swear them off, but that's my opinion. I know others that love magic shows on cruises. It's proof that we all have different tastes and not to rely on someone else's review of a show to determine if you will see it.

Cruise ships

The all-time cruise hot take worth ignoring completely are cruise ship reviews.

Because cruise ships offer so many choices in what you can do, the experience will be vastly different for every person. You certainly cannot determine if you should cruise on one ship or not based on if someone else liked or hated the ship.

But what if there are a lot of negative reviews about a particular ship? I get this question all the time from readers.

My response is reviews of cruise ships are useless because of how much variation each person on that ship can have.

First and foremost, I believe the top reason for a negative experience on a cruise ship is being unaware of what the ship has and does not have onboard.

People often ask "What is the worst Royal Caribbean ship?" thinking that there's at least a few duds that everyone should avoid. It's not the case at all.

It has less to do with an inherit flaw or problem with the ship, and more to do with what you want in a cruise ship.

If you're still not convinced that all those negative reviews of one cruise ship are flawed, then consider the the nature of online reviews.

The people that write online reviews are far from objective, and anything but a professional reviewer. Often they will let minor issues overwhelm the bulk of their experience and give an undeserved 1 star review.

Want proof of that? Here's my favorite exercise.

Do a Google search for The Great Wall of China, which is one of mankind's greatest engineering achievements. 

There are over 15,000 reviews and it has a 4.2 star rating with hundreds of 1 star reviews.

"It’s way too long. They should offer rides across."

"Very boring. It did not move and it was no fun."

"Too much walking."

You may be laughing at these ridiculous reviews of an incredible feat, but these are the same kind of slanted reviews you'll read about cruise ships.

Read more: Why you can't trust online reviews of cruise ships

Instead of relying on online cruise ship reviews, look at what each ship you are considering offers and doesn't offer. Consider your own personal preferences (do you like having lots of activities for kids? Want water slides? Need Broadway shows?) and then pick the right ship based on those thoughts.

If you want to learn about Royal Caribbean ships, here are some helpful resources:

• Which is the best Royal Caribbean cruise ship?
• What was added to each Royal Caribbean ship during its Royal Amplified refurbishment
• Should I take a short or a long cruise?

Planning a cruise often starts with setting a budget, which sometimes means forgoing the cruise cabin of your dreams for something smaller and cheaper.

In the past, you could only switch your cabin category by paying the “sticker price” on an upgraded stateroom, but now there’s a second option: RoyalUp.

RoyalUp is Royal Caribbean’s stateroom bidding program that allows passengers to bid on higher cabin categories before their cruise, offering the chance to “win” an upgraded stateroom.

RoyalUp upgrades often come at a lower price than upgrading your stateroom on your own, making it an attractive option for those looking for the best deal on a better stateroom. Whether switching from an interior to balcony or Junior Suite to Grand Suite, here’s what you need to know about Royal Caribbean’s RoyalUp program.

How RoyalUp works

When RoyalUp bidding opens for your sailing, you’ll receive an email offering you the chance to bid on select stateroom options. The bidding process has a few steps:

1. Browse through the stateroom options available and choose the amount you’re willing to pay for each upgrade. You don’t have to make bids on every room category, so just bid on the staterooms you’re interested in.
2. You will enter your credit card information when making the bid. If you win the bid, you’ll receive an email confirmation and your card will be charged the bid amount automatically. Note that your card is not charged unless you win the bid.
3. Once you win the upgrade and have your credit card charged, you are automatically switched to the higher-category stateroom!

Note that RoyalUp is non-refundable, although cancellations and modifications are allowed prior to a bid being accepted. Bids can be accepted up to 2 days before your sail date.

Related: How to upgrade your cabin on Royal Caribbean

How to increase chances of a RoyalUp upgrade

Sailing at less busy times of the year

You may have a higher chance of winning a RoyalUp bid on a cruise with less capacity. Cruises during the off-season may have fewer guests onboard, meaning there are more rooms available.

Even if your cruise will likely be at near-full capacity (cruising during peak season, during holidays, etc.), it doesn’t hurt to make a bid. Stateroom categories can open up through last-minute cancellations, meaning you can still have a chance to be upgraded even on the busiest of sailings.

Related: The best time to go on a Caribbean cruise

Bid higher than the minimum

RoyalUp bids have a minimum and maximum bid. Minimum bids depend on the stateroom category, with some upgrades starting at $30 per person whereas other bids may begin at $200+ per person. Bid amounts on RoyalUp range from weak to strong.

While no winnings are guaranteed, it’s recommended to bid at least a little bit higher than the minimum bid. Many passengers may bid the minimum and hope they win the upgrade, but if your bid is even $10 more than another passenger, you will have a higher chance of receiving the upgrade.

Top things to consider before bidding through RoyalUp

If you’re on the fence between bidding and not bidding for a stateroom upgrade through RoyalUp, there are a few key considerations that may help you decide if it’s right for you. While the idea of receiving a cabin upgrade may seem appealing, RoyalUp comes with its own set of pros and cons.

Look at the cost to upgrade yourself before bidding

Before bidding on an upgraded stateroom category with RoyalUp, contact your travel agent or Royal Caribbean to check how much it would cost to upgrade your cabin outright instead of through RoyalUp.

Sometimes you may discover that the cost to upgrade your cabin without RoyalUp is not unreasonable. In fact, it’s not unheard of to upgrade your cabin for the same price of a low bid or even less! Be sure to check to see what the cost of a (guaranteed) upgrade is before placing a bid through Royal Up.

Related: Royal Caribbean suites guide & review

Understand the room category and possible cabin locations

RoyalUp cannot guarantee a specific cabin location, so if location is of utmost importance to you, it may be better to upgrade a stateroom on your own instead of through the bidding process.

If you’re bidding on an upgrade from a midship Grand Suite to an AquaTheater suite, for example, your new cabin will be located at the very aft of the ship, which can be prone to more motion throughout the cruise.

Additionally, if you bid from an ocean view to a balcony, you have no control over where the balcony will be located. It may be located midship, or it might be far forward or aft, close to the pool deck, etc.

Bidding is priced per person

Keep in mind that bids placed through RoyalUp are priced per person on a double capacity basis. If you are a solo traveler, you’ll still have to pay the bid amount x2, which can make upgrades more expensive for those cruising solo.

If your stateroom has more than two people, however, you’ll only be charged the bid amount for 2 passengers in the stateroom category. Therefore, a $500 bid per person in a room with four guests will only be $1000 total instead of $2000.

Gratuity amounts increase

If your RoyalUp bid takes you from an interior, ocean view, balcony, or Junior Suite to a Grand Suite or above, your daily gratuities will increase from $14.50 per person, per day to $17.50 per person, per day. This will add $21 per person to a 7-night cruise.

RoyalUp will not maintain connecting rooms

One important note for families before bidding on RoyalUp is that the bidding program will not maintain connecting rooms. If you originally booked a connecting room with friends or family, ensure you are comfortable with the fact that you will no longer be in a connecting room if you win a RoyalUp upgrade.

Related: What’s the best cruise ship cabin for my family?

You won’t receive double Crown & Anchor Society points

If you’re upgrading from a standard stateroom (interior, ocean view, balcony) to a suite, keep in mind that you won’t receive double Crown & Anchor Society points through RoyalUp.

RoyalUp stateroom categories available

RoyalUp upgrade opportunities differ based on the original stateroom you booked. Usually you'll be able to upgrade on stateroom categories that are 1-2 steps up from your original cabin.

If you booked an interior cabin, for example, you won’t typically see the opportunity to bid on staterooms like Owner’s Suites and Loft Suites. You will, however, be able to upgrade to ocean view and balcony cabins. The exact room categories available to book depend on the ship.

Many passengers bid on suites with RoyalUp, as you can often find a lower price through bidding than upgrading to the suite category outright.

One possibility of a RoyalUp upgrade is from a regular suite category to Star Class, Royal Caribbean’s top-tier suite level. Star Class benefits include a personalized Royal Genie service, complimentary specialty dining, complimentary deluxe beverage package, complimentary VOOM internet, and more.

Related: A beginner’s guide to sailing in Star Class

How can I access RoyalUp?

You should receive an email a couple months before your cruise offering you the chance to bid with RoyalUp.

If you haven’t received an email, make sure to opt-in to Royal Caribbean International’s marketing emails. To do this, sign up on the Royal Caribbean website, opt-in during online check-in, or through the My Reservations area on Royal Caribbean’s website.

You can also check if you’re eligible to bid on RoyalUp on Royal Caribbean’s RoyalUp portal.

Bidding rules and cancellations

If you bid on RoyalUp and later decide you don’t want to upgrade your stateroom, you can choose to cancel the bid. Likewise, if you prefer to modify the bid to a higher or lower offer, you can modify each stateroom category’s bid. Be sure to make any modifications or cancellations right away, as you never know when you might receive an upgrade confirmation.

Always be sure to double check your bids before hitting submit, too. While it’s unlikely that your RoyalUp bid will be accepted immediately after bidding, be sure to double check your bid amounts. If you meant to bid only $200 per person on an upgrade, do a double check to make sure you didn’t accidentally move the slider to $300 or $400!

Learn more about cruise ship cabins and upgrades:

• Cruise FAQ: Cabins
• The rare cruise ship cabins that get booked very quickly
• Guide to balcony staterooms on Royal Caribbean

A common concern for new cruisers is where to keep valuables, including your phone, cash, credit cards, and SeaPass card, while on a shore excursion or exploring port.

It’s important to ensure your belongings remain safe, whether you’re at the beach, kayaking, or sightseeing in a busy city.

From picking the right daypack to keeping valuables in a locker, here are our top tips for where to keep your valuables while on a shore excursion.

Keeping belongings safe at the beach

Keeping your valuables and SeaPass card secure at a beach you’re unfamiliar with may seem stressful, but there are a few ways to help keep your belongings safe.

If you’re at the beach with a group and want to be as safe as possible, have one person from the group stay near your belongings while others swim or explore the area. This is the most fool-proof way to ensure your belongings remain secure.

If your group wants to go in the water together, cover your belongings with a pool towel and periodically keep an eye on your valuables while in the water. Remaining close to your belongings while swimming is recommended.

Alternatively, if you spot other passengers from your ship at the beach (look for the Royal Caribbean pool towels!), consider asking them if you can keep your belongings nearby while swimming. This can add an extra sense of security on a crowded beach, but you may also want to reciprocate the favor for their group.

Where to keep valuables on city excursions

If you’re on an excursion to a city, no matter the size, it’s important to keep your belongings safe to deter pickpockets, especially in busy areas. Here are a few of our best tips for avoiding any mishaps while in a city:

• Wear a daypack with an anti-theft pocket that lays against your back. Inside this pocket you can keep your phone, wallet, passport, SeaPass card, etc.
• Don’t keep anything in your back pocket
• If you have a wallet or phone in your front pocket, keep a hand on the pocket when in very crowded areas
• Keep your purse or bag on your lap at restaurants
• Wear a cross-body bag with the opening pointed toward your body
• Always be aware of your surroundings
• Wear your backpack on your frontside while on public transportation

Utilize lockers in port

Lockers are available at Royal Caribbean’s private destinations of Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee. Lockers are free of charge in CocoCay, whereas they come with a daily rental cost at Labadee.

Perfect Day at CocoCay has lockers spread throughout the island. You’ll find lockers at Thrill Waterpark, Chill Island, and near Oasis Lagoon and the helium balloon.

Lockers at Labadee are located in Buccaneer's Bay, the first place you’ll arrive in Labadee once off the ship. To access the locker area, take a right at the end of the dock and walk to the large shaded building. Inside you’ll find lockers available.

There are also lockers located at the entrance to the zipline excursion. These lockers are free of charge for those doing the zipline.

Pack light when visiting port

The best way to prevent any mishaps with your belongings while in port is to not bring much with you in the first place. There’s no need to carry around hundreds of dollars in cash, your iPad, laptop, diamond necklace, etc. Carry only what you need for the day and leave your most valuable items back onboard.

Use a water-resistant or waterproof daypack

Having a water-resistant or waterproof daypack is a must while on a shore excursion near the water. Not only can it protect your belongings when participating in water sports or on a boat tour, but it will also protect against rain.

It’s not uncommon for sudden rainfall to occur in the Caribbean and other tropical destinations. The last thing you want to happen while in port is for the weather to take a turn for the worse and become stressed about keeping your belongings dry and secure!

A water-resistant backpack should work for most situations, although you may also want to consider a waterproof dry bag.

Bring a portable safe

If you want to be extra certain your valuables remain safe at the beach, consider purchasing a portable safe. You can attach a portable safe to an object, such as a beach chair or umbrella, with a cable, and the safe can be opened with a 4-digit combination.

Wear shorts with zippered pockets

If your pants/shorts pockets have zippers, place your SeaPass card in the pocket to ensure it does not fall out throughout the day. Whether on a roller coaster in Labadee or snorkeling in the Caribbean, you can have an enjoyable day without worrying whether or not your cards will fall out of your pocket.

Bring a waterproof phone pouch

If you’re going swimming, kayaking, whale watching, or doing any other activity near water, you’re going to need a way to keep your phone from being damaged while still being able to take pictures of your fun day in port.

A waterproof phone pouch can be a great way to bring your phone with you without worrying about it getting wet! These phone pouches can hold most of the newest phones, and you can wear the pouch around your neck, making for easy access while at the beach or participating in a water sport.

Keep valuables in a Ziploc bag

One easy way to ensure your valuables won’t get damaged on a shore excursion is to place them in a Ziploc bag. Putting your passport (or any other belongings that may get damaged by water) in a Ziploc bag takes little time, money, or effort, but can pay off in an unexpected emergency.

After all, you don’t want to open your backpack and realize a water bottle spilled all over your documents!

Royal Caribbean sails to over 200 destinations around the world, from common ports like Cozumel to off-the-beaten-path destinations like Mo'orea, French Polynesia and Alexandria, Egypt.

While there’s no “best” cruise port in the world, there are several ports that should be high on anyone’s bucket list. Whether you’re interested in exploring medieval history or are looking for a picturesque beach day, here’s our list of the top 10 Royal Caribbean cruise destinations that can’t be missed.

Kotor, Montenegro

If you’re looking for a port that transports you back in time 1000 years, look no further than Kotor, Montenegro.

Kotor is a small, medieval town located in the Bay of Kotor, which is often called a “fjord” due to its winding waterway surrounded by steep mountains. The sail into Kotor is arguably one of the most scenic in Europe, where you’ll pass charming mountain villages dwarfed by the rocky cliffs above.

Once you arrive in Old Town Kotor, you’ll find yourself walking through one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Mediterranean, lined with narrow streets of traditional stone buildings, cathedrals, and public squares.

If you’re up for a challenge, consider hiking to the Castle of San Giovanni for the most impressive views of Kotor and the bay. While the 1300 steps and 70 switchbacks may have you struggling in the moment, it will be well worth it when you reach the top.

Related: A day spent in Kotor, Montenegro

St. Maarten

St. Maarten is one of the more common cruise ports in the Caribbean, and you’ll often find the port on Eastern Caribbean itineraries.

St. Maarten is unique in the fact that the island is owned by two countries. On one side of the island is Sint Maarten, a Dutch territory, and on the other is Saint Martin, a French territory. Because the island is quite small, it’s possible to visit both sides of the island in one day.

One of the most touristy spots on the island is Maho Beach, where you’ll witness planes flying directly overhead as they take off from St. Maarten’s international airport, located directly adjacent to the beach.

Related: Top things to do in St. Maarten on your Royal Caribbean cruise

A more tranquil beach day can be found at Orient Beach, located on the French side of the island, with pristine waters and soft white sand.

Most visitors to St. Maarten will opt for a beach day, although more adrenaline-filled activities are available, including kayaking, snorkeling, cycling, and 4-wheeling.

Phuket, Thailand

When you think of Thailand, you’ll likely picture crystal clear beaches, green mountains, colorful temples, and spicy street food. Phuket, the largest island in Thailand, offers all of those attractions and more.

If a beach day is up your alley, consider a full-day boat tour of the world famous Phi Phi Island (Koh Phi Phi). You’ll sail past steep green cliffs emerging from turquoise waters on your way to some of the world’s best beaches, where you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel in paradise.

Be sure to visit a Wat (Buddhist temple) while in Phuket to gain more insights into Thailand’s fascinating culture. You may also want to visit The Great Buddha of Phuket, a 150 foot seated Maravija Buddha statue set atop a hill with views of the sea.

Make sure to try local Thai cuisine, too, which is often regarded as one of the best cuisines in the world. Spicy curries, fried noodle dishes, papaya salads, and noodle soups can be found at countless street food stalls or restaurants on the island.

Some itineraries may offer overnight stops in Phuket, meaning you’ll have more time to explore the city’s nearby attractions.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan is another favorite destination among many cruisers for its historical landmarks, natural beauty, and alluring old town. Cruise ships dock adjacent to Old San Juan, the colorful, colonial area of San Juan lined by the old city walls.

San Juan is a port that is easy to explore without prior planning. Because the ships dock right in town, you can simply walk off the ship and spend a few hours wandering around Old San Juan. History buffs may want to visit the Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a citadel built between the 16th and 18th centuries to protect the city.

Related: Things to do in Old San Juan

If you’re interested in exploring Puerto Rico’s natural beauty, consider an excursion to El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the United States National Forest Service. Excursions to the rainforest often include hiking and visits to waterfalls.

Many itineraries dock in San Juan until 10 or 11PM, meaning you can enjoy a relaxing evening in port, taking in sunset views and sampling cuisine at local restaurants.

Lisbon, Portugal

While Portugal has been on the travel radar for decades, it has recently been rising in popularity. Boasting world-class beaches, a sunny climate, affordability, and diverse landscapes, it’s no wonder that Portugal has become one of the most up-and-coming destinations in Europe.

A major benefit when cruising to Lisbon is that cruise ships dock right in the historic city center, just a 5-minute walk from Praça do Comércio, the city’s main square. From the square you have immediate access to Lisbon’s Alfama neighborhood, the oldest neighborhood in the city known for its narrow, hilly, and colorful streets.

While in Lisbon, be sure to try the country’s famous pastel de nata, an egg custard tart with a crispy crust. You’ll find these delightful treats all over the city. You’ll also want to find the best “miradouros” in the city, which are viewpoints atop hills offering the best views of Lisbon (and the best place to take a selfie).

Because Lisbon is located on the Atlantic coast as opposed to the Mediterranean, you’ll typically only find port stops to Lisbon on longer (9 to 12-night) cruises departing from Southampton, England.

Perfect Day at CocoCay

Royal Caribbean’s premiere private destination in the Caribbean, Perfect Day at CocoCay, offers a stress-free beach day experience with activities for every cruising style and budget.

The majority of the island is complimentary, with beaches, pool chairs, umbrellas, locker storage, trams, and food included in your cruise fare.

Other activities, such as kayaks, snorkeling, ziplining, and a helium balloon ride come at an extra cost. You can also opt to rent a cabana for the day or visit the Coco Beach Club, offering a slice of tranquility and your own private place to relax.

Related: 40 Perfect Day at CocoCay tips, tricks and secrets

Passengers traveling with kids will be amazed by the variety of kid-friendly activities on the island, too. From Thrill Waterpark, home to the tallest waterslide in North America, to Splashaway Bay, it won’t be hard to keep kids busy at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Another plus of visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay is that your drink packages will work on the island, extending the value of your beverage package.

Juneau, Alaska

Juneau is the most popular port on Alaska cruise itineraries, and the city offers everything you could want in a quintessential Alaskan experience, from glaciers to wildlife and culture.

Mendenhall Glacier is one of the most popular places to visit while in Juneau, which is located in a recreation area with hiking trails and the 377ft. Nugget Falls waterfall. Kayaking tours are also common here, where you’ll have the chance to get up and personal with the massive glacier.

Read more: Everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean cabins and suites

Juneau is one of the best whale watching destinations on an Alaska cruise, too, as it's known for the abundance of humpback whales calling the area home in the summer months. Helicopter tours, dog sledding excursions, and the Goldbelt Tramway are other fantastic ways to spend the day in Juneau.

Related: Top 10 things to do in Juneau, Alaska

Bermuda

Often mistaken for being a Caribbean island due to its tropical beaches and landscapes, Bermuda is actually located in the north Atlantic, 650 miles east of North Carolina.

Something unique about a cruise to Bermuda is that ships often dock overnight (sometimes with two overnights). With so much time in port, you won’t have to pick and choose one activity over another as you’ll have time to experience many different areas of the island.

Related: Why you should take a cruise to Bermuda

There are around 34 beaches and coves to discover in Bermuda, although the most famous is Horseshoe Bay, known for its clear waters and pink sand. The island also boasts excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities including underwater visits to shipwrecks.

Bermuda has an efficient public transportation system that makes exploring the island a breeze. You’ll enjoy taking a stroll around the colorful, colonial buildings in Bermuda’s capital of Hamilton, visiting Bermuda’s crystal caves, or touring the Royal Naval Dockyard.

Simply put, there’s no shortage of ways to keep busy in Bermuda despite the island’s small size.

You’ll find most Bermuda itineraries departing from Cape Liberty, New Jersey or Baltimore, Maryland, making visiting this Atlantic paradise convenient for those living in the northeast.

Canary Islands

Spain’s Canary Islands are located off the coast of Africa and more than 600 miles from mainland Spain. There are eight main islands in the Canaries.

You’ll typically find a few itineraries per year to the Canary Islands. These cruises generally depart from Southampton, England on Anthem of the Seas and visit three ports in the Canary Islands in addition to several ports on mainland Spain and Portugal. Visits to the Canary Islands can also be found on select transatlantic itineraries.

Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, offers black sand beaches, cliffside towns, and diverse landscapes–from volcanic to dense forests. Consider an excursion to Teide National Park, where you’ll find Mount Teide, the highest mountain in Spain.

Lanzarote, another island in the Canaries, has plenty of otherworldly landscapes to discover. Some parts of the island may make you feel like you’re on Mars, with desolate volcanic landscapes, whereas others will transport you to a palm tree-lined paradise.

Each Canary Island has its own distinct charm that will surely leave you wanting to discover more of this unique archipelago.

Airlie Beach (Queensland), Australia

Let’s head down under for our last destination not to be missed: Airlie Beach, Australia. Located on the coast of Queensland, Airlie Beach is a gateway to Australia’s Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef.

Cruises tender near the town of Airlie Beach, with a walkable main street and several attractions in the town itself, such as the Airlie Beach Lagoon, white sand beaches, and cafes, shopping, and restaurants.

Most visitors to Airlie Beach will opt for an excursion to discover the area’s natural beauty. Catamaran tours to the Whitsunday Islands, for example, give the opportunity to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe on the archipelago of 74 small islands floating off the coast.

If you’re looking for a unique experience, consider a flightseeing tour over the Great Barrier Reef, where you can spot the massive reef and nearby Whitsunday Islands from above.

Regardless of what you choose to do in port, Airlie Beach is sure to exceed your expectations for a gorgeous beach day.

Read more cruise destination inspiration:

• 4 great itineraries (and 1 to avoid) for a first cruise vacation
• 15 countries you didn't know you could cruise to on Royal Caribbean

Everyone wants to save money, so when is the best time to buy popular add-ons for your Royal Caribbean cruise?

Drink packages, specialty dining packages, internet, and shore excursions are just a few of the very popular extras lots of cruise fans buy for their cruise vacation.

While you could wait to buy these items on your ship, you will pay more for them because Royal Caribbean typically offers a pre-cruise discount.

A common reason for trepidation to pre-purchase is not knowing fully if someone needs them. After all, Royal Caribbean includes a great deal of food and activities with your cruise fare.

While you can have a very nice cruise without spending extra on a tour, cocktails, specialty restaurants or the spa, these optional purchase will enhance your cruise experience. After all, you're on vacation and this is all about splurging and treating yourself.

If you decide to buy any cruise extra-charge items, it's a really good idea to take advantage of the lowest price possible so your money can go further.

Here is my advice for when to buy these cruise-addons.

Why you should buy extras before the cruise begins

There's a few good reasons you should buy certain cruise add-on's before your cruise, and not all of them are purely related to dollars and sense.

Here's a few compelling reasons to do so.

Discounted Price

In many cases, Royal Caribbean promises a discount on select pre-cruise purchases compared to the price onboard.

The discounted savings can vary, with the price of drink and internet packages varying from ship to ship and sailing to sailing. 

Break up total cruise cost

When you purchase anything before your cruise via the Cruise Planner site, you will be required to pay for it at the time of purchase.  This provides the ability to break up the total cost of the cruise.

When you make purchases onboard your cruise, at the end of the cruise you get a final bill with all of the charges tallied up. 

By pre-purchasing certain items, you can pay off parts of the cruise months or years in advance, allowing you to reduce the cruise bill at the conclusion of your cruise. This is incredibly helpful for budgeting to have control of what charges come in on which billing cycles.

Save you time onboard

An intangible benefit to pre-purchasing anything is it saves you time onboard from doing the exact same thing, which means more vacation time back to you.

Taking the time to purchase anything onboard does not take very much time, but every little bit helps, and some purchases on the first day of the cruise can require waiting in a line, such as drink packages.

You can use onboard credit

When you buy something on Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner site, you can use any onboard credit towards these purchases. This alleviates a primary concern among cruisers in the past that wished to use onboard credit towards any purchases first.

One thing to consider is the onboard credit available for use in the Cruise Planner is limited to onboard credit provided by Royal Caribbean.  This means, if you are receiving onboard credit from a travel agent or other source, it may not be available for use online. 

Granted, while I have never had any trouble using up onboard credit on a Royal Caribbean cruise, some guests prefer to save their credits for on the ship.

You can re-price if the price goes down

No matter what price you pay today, if there's a lower price at any point before your cruise, you can cancel and rebook it.

Cruise Planner purchases are fully refundable with no cancellation penalties. This means you can book something now and lock in the price, but if there's a lower price later, you can cancel it and rebook online.

This also helps protect you if the price goes up.

Best time to buy Royal Caribbean drink package

You should buy a Royal Caribbean drink package at any point before your cruise because it will be cheaper online.

Royal Caribbean runs many pre-cruise sales, and even when there's not an active promotion going on, the price of an unlimited drink package is cheaper before the cruise that onboard the ship.

You'll find the drink packages available to purchase on Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner website.

It can be a little confusing to understand how much of a discount you're getting, since Royal Caribbean bases its discounts on an unknown onboard price, and then combines the price of a drink package with a buy one get one 50% off deal.

When you look at the drink package price online, ignore the sale details and look at the price when you add the drink package to the cart.

It's a good idea to keep track of the drink package price, as there's new sale promotions every few weeks. These sales don't always lower the price, but sometimes it can.

Best time to buy a shore excursion

It's a good idea to book your shore excursions at least 2-3 months before your cruise.

Just as important as the fun things to do on your cruise ship are the things you can do in the ports of call you will visit.

Royal Caribbean will list a variety of shore excursions you can pick from in the Cruise Planner, and some of the most popular excursions will sell out before your cruise.

Royal Caribbean will begin listing excursions as early as six months before your cruise (although they can show up even earlier than that). 

Many cruisers prefer to book their shore excursions through the cruise line for the convenience and peace of mind Royal Caribbean offers. For that reason, tours can sell out.

I find the majority of people on a cruise don't start really booking tours up until closer to the sail date because they are unaware of all the tips and tricks cruise fans know, so you'll notice things begin to sell out around six weeks before the cruise begins.

Excursions selling out are at a much higher risk in destination cruises, such as Alaska or Europe.  If you are booked on one of these sailings, it's a good idea to start booking up tours as much as 3 months before you sail.

You could always reserve a tour on your own, and outside tours do not sell out nearly as early. If you go on your own, it's a good idea to book these 1-2 months before the cruise.

Best time to book a Perfect Day at CocoCay or Labadee activity

Due to the popularity of Royal Caribbean's private destinations, you're going to want to book something fun here to do even earlier than shore excursions.

It's a really good idea to book a cabana as much as 4-6 months before your cruise to assure yourself of one, and get a lower price.  Cabanas have become the hottest selling commodity at either Perfect Day at CocoCay or Labadee, so you're going to want to act fast to get one.

Read more: Guide to CocoCay Cabanas

The days of cabanas going unsold are pretty much gone, so act quickly if you want one. Just like everything else in the Cruise Planner, they're refundable if you change your mind later.

Another hot ticket is the CocoCay water park, which can sell out. The entire water park selling out is less likely, but the price going up certainly is common. So book that 3-5 months early whenever possible.

The other must-book early add-on is admission to the Coco Beach Club. 

If the idea of going to an exclusive area of CocoCay appeals to you, then book your admission before it sells out.  I suppose the word is out about this place, because it's pretty rare for the Coco Beach Club not to sell out before the cruise begins.

Other CocoCay extras like the zip line, helium balloon ride, and aquatic activities rarely sell out, so book them at your convenience.

There is one extra I'd recommend not booking in advance at Perfect Day at CocoCay and that's the Up, Up & Away Helium Balloon Ride. The balloon can only go up in near-perfect wind conditions, and that tends to be fairly rare. 

My advice is hold off and if you get to the island and see it going up, run over and book a spot. You might pay more, but I think it's a safer bet than waiting for an almost inevitable refund when it gets cancelled.

Over in Labadee, the zip line is a good idea to book in advance just to get a good time. Zip line rides are based on ride times, and it's a good idea to go in the morning before it gets overly hot or the threat of rain grows.

Best time to book an internet package

Just like the drink package, the price of an internet package is always cheaper before the cruise.

These packages are good for the duration of your cruise, and are limited per device (not per person).

Unlike the drink package, wifi prices rarely change much. So you don't need to book it well in advance. Just book yourself a package at some point before you board.

Best time to book specialty dining restaurants

These days, you absolutely should pre-book a specialty dining package before your cruise, at least a month before your sail date.

Ever since Royal Caribbean restarted cruises after the global health crisis, demand for specialty dining has gone through the roof. A combination of pent-up demand, new dining concepts, and more cash to spend on vacations have lead a lot more people to try specialty dining.

If you are booking an individual restaurant, book it before the cruise. Izumi hibachi is one restaurant you must-book before the cruise because it sells out quite often before the cruise begins.

If your cruise is over a major holiday, such as Christmas, New Years or Valentine's Day, pre-book a specialty restaurant to assure yourself of a spot. Everyone else will be thinking of a special meal on a special day.

Dining packages are just as popular, and it's becoming more commonplace to find dining packages sold out onboard. To be safe, if you want a dining package, buy it a couple months before your cruise.

Read more: How to know if you should buy a Royal Caribbean dining package

Best time to book spa services

It's less clear of an advantage when to book a spa service, and it may make more sense to wait and book a spa service onboard on a port day.

Deciding to book a spa service before or after your cruise is not always a crystal clear decision, primarily because the spa services offered online do not always match up with the total services offered onboard.

Spa services are often discounted on the Cruise Planner, with the discount percentage depending on the day and time you select for the service.  The most lucrative discounts are usually earlier in the cruise.

The challenge in figuring out whether to purchase or not prior to the cruise, is each day of your cruise will have some spa specials offered.  These spa specials are usually combination offers, which are not offered as an option in the Cruise Planner before the cruise. In my experience, the Cruise Planner offers individual services which are good for those that just want a massage, service or therapy.  

Royal Caribbean offers an onboard discount on an individual spa service, which varies depending on your Crown and Anchor Society status level.

Best time to book shows

You want to reserve a show as soon as you get onboard the ship.

Royal Caribbean allows guests on all ships to pre-reserve theater shows, but you're going to have to wait until you get onboard to do so.

Once on the ship, reservations open up via the Royal Caribbean app or at Guest Services.

You'll want to log onto the Royal Caribbean wifi and then open up the app and begin making reservations for shows because they will sell out, especially on ships that have must-see shows, such as the Oasis Class or Quantum Class.

There is no cost to make show reservations.

How to check for a price drop

Regardless of which pre-cruise purchase is of interest to you, your best bet is to watch the price online in the months leading up to your cruise in case there is a price drop (or increase).

Royal Caribbean allows its guests to cancel and rebook any Cruise Planner purchase without a penalty.  This means that if you purchase something online, and then the price drops before your sailing, you can log back in and cancel the purchase and then immediately rebook to take advantage of the lower price.  Similarly, booking in advance protects against a price increase.

Moreover, if you decided to buy something online but change your mind later, you can get a refund on the pre-cruise purchase prior to your sailing.

More cruise advice

• What is the best room on a cruise ship?
• Picking a Cruise Line and Ship
• Avoid these mistakes when picking a cruise ship cabin
• 25 best Royal Caribbean tips, tricks & hidden secrets
• 5 Costly lessons learned on a cruise (and how to avoid them!)
• 15 really cool things to do that you can only find on Royal Caribbean cruise ships
• Ultimate Cruise Packing List

I recently returned from my first ever cruise from the United Kingdom, a 7-night Spain & France cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas. Taking a cruise from the UK came with several differences than what I’ve experienced on cruises from the US.

From Main Dining Room meals to port options and expanded drink menus, it was fun to spot the differences in a Royal Caribbean cruise experience when departing from across the pond.

If you’re interested in booking a cruise from Southampton, here’s what you need to know about sailing from the UK.

Limited ship choices

Anthem of the Seas, a Quantum Class ship, calls Southampton home in the summer months, offering cruises to Norway, Spain, France, the Canary Islands, and the Mediterranean.

While having only one ship to book is very limited compared to what you’ll find in the United States or Mediterranean, the good news is that Anthem of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean’s most modern cruise ships.

As a Quantum Class ship, Anthem was built to sail in many types of weather conditions, and you’ll find a variety of indoor spaces throughout the ship, from multiple indoor pools to an indoor SeaPlex offering activities like bumper cars and volleyball. The entertainment on Anthem of the Seas is sure to impress, too, with a full-length Broadway production of We Will Rock You.

The ship has plenty of complimentary and specialty dining venues to enjoy as well, including Jamie’s Italian, Izumi Sushi, Wonderland, Chops Grille, Johnny Rockets, Solarium Bistro, and Cafe @ Two70.

Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Icon of the Seas, will be debuting in the United Kingdom in fall 2023 prior to being homeported in Miami, Florida. If you’re hoping to sail on the latest and greatest ship offered by Royal Caribbean, keep an eye out for when Icon of the Seas will be available to book.

Main Dining Room menu differences

Something unique about cruising from the United Kingdom is that the Main Dining Room menu will offer two additional menu options each day: an English-style option and an Indian option.

Menu items include shepherd's pie, chicken tikka masala, chicken and leek pie, and fish curry. You’ll definitely have the opportunity to taste diverse Main Dining Room meals when sailing from the UK!

More gins and whiskeys available

One interesting find on my Anthem of the Seas cruise was a menu of gins and beers located at bars around the ship. This is another way in which Royal Caribbean caters its offerings to guests from the UK, and it was a fun difference to spot onboard!

Menu items include Guinness, Magners Irish Cider, Old Speckled Hen, Hendrick’s, Whitley Neill Rhubarb & Ginger, and Sipsmith.

Getting to the Mediterranean will take more time

If the idea of a sunny Mediterranean cruise sounds appealing to you, keep in mind that the United Kingdom does not have the most convenient access to the Mediterranean sea.

Reaching destinations like Rome and Barcelona from Southampton can take quite some time, so you won’t find any 7-night cruises visiting Mediterranean ports from the UK. Many Mediterranean cruise itineraries will be around 14 nights instead!

The Bay of Biscay can be choppy

If you’re on a cruise itinerary leaving from Southampton that travels to France, Spain, the Canary Islands, or the Mediterranean, your ship will be passing through the Bay of Biscay. The bay is located above northern Spain and to the west of France.

The Bay of Biscay is a body of water that has been feared by sailors for centuries due to its proximity to the open Atlantic waters and storms in the winter months. While today’s modern navigation technology and ship construction has no problem passing through the Bay of Biscay, you may still encounter choppy waters.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, be sure to pack seasickness remedies with you to ensure you can remain comfortable throughout the cruise.

Visiting unique ports

One advantage of cruising from the United Kingdom is that you’ll have the opportunity to visit less common cruise ports.

As an example, cruising from Southampton will give you the chance to visit ports like La Coruña, Vigo, and Bilbao in Spain along with La Rochelle and Le Havre in France.

These ports receive far fewer tourists and cruise ships compared to the most popular European cruise destinations. This can lead to a much more relaxed feel while in port, giving you more opportunity to immerse in local culture and lifestyle without hoards of other tourists around.

If you have more time to spare, you can also book a longer cruise visiting the Canary Islands along with ports in Portugal and mainland Spain. Cruise itineraries to the Canary Islands are not very common, but you’ll typically find a few itineraries on Anthem of the Seas every year.

Weather is unpredictable

While this may not be surprising for those who call the United Kingdom home, don’t be shocked if you encounter cloudy skies and chilly weather when cruising from Southampton. The weather on my June UK cruise was far from ideal for much of our time at sea, and I found myself wearing jeans and a jacket nearly every day.

This may not always be the case, however. When we arrived in our first port of call in France, we encountered lovely temperatures in the 70s. Just a day or two before, though, a heat wave passed through with temperatures over 100 degrees!

Weather is likely to be unpredictable, so remember to check the weather forecast before packing for your cruise!

You can visit Paris

If visiting Paris is on your bucket list, look for cruise itineraries that visit the port of Le Havre, located around 2.5-3 hours from the city center of Paris. Royal Caribbean offers excursions visiting popular spots in the city, from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre.

Be prepared for a long port day in Le Havre, as excursions to Paris will likely be over 10 hours! They also tend to be quite expensive, with some tours costing several hundreds of dollars.

You can choose to visit Paris on your own instead of on a Royal Caribbean excursion, but keep an eye on the time. With such a long travel time required to reach the city from Le Havre, you don’t want to risk missing the ship!

Gateway to Norway

If you’re hoping to visit Norway, cruising from Southampton will offer the chance to visit the country’s stunning fjords and charming towns. Royal Caribbean regularly offers 7-night Norwegian Fjords cruises visiting ports like Geiranger, Bergen, and Alesund.

A Norwegian cruise is arguably one of the most scenic in the world. If the idea of sailing past colossal mountain peaks on both sides of your cruise ship seems intriguing, don’t hesitate to book a cruise to Norway.

More guests and crew from the UK onboard

A Royal Caribbean cruise departing from Southampton will likely have a higher percentage of crew and guests onboard from the United Kingdom and Ireland. On my recent cruise on Anthem of the Seas, I'd guess that upwards of 80% of guests were from the UK! This was a huge difference compared to cruises leaving from the United States, where a large majority of guests are from the US or Latin America.

I enjoyed the shift in guest makeup on my UK cruise and it was fun talking to other guests on Anthem of the Seas, as I was able to learn more about the lifestyle in culture in different areas of the UK.

Cruising from Southampton is convenient

One aspect I really appreciated on my cruise from Southampton was how accessible the port is from London via public transit. The United Kingdom has an extensive train network, and there is a direct train from London’s Waterloo station to Southampton.

I paid $70 for my roundtrip train ticket on the app Trainline, and it only took around 90 minutes to reach Southampton from central London.

Not only that, but the port in Southampton is within walking distance of the train station! While I took an Uber on my way to the ship, I decided to walk to the station on disembarkation day to avoid a long wait for a taxi or Uber. It only took around 15 minutes!

Have you ever cruised from the United Kingdom? What tips and tricks do you have for those cruising from Southampton for the first time? Let us know in the comments below!