Oversold cruise ships aren't totally unheard of in the industry. 

Although not as common as oversold flights, cruise lines occasionally accept more bookings than a ship can accommodate because they know some guests will cancel due to last-minute travel changes.

For example, Royal Caribbean recently oversold two Alaska cruises aboard Voyager of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas. The Last Frontier is an extremely popular cruise destination with limited capacity, with demand far exceeding available cabins during peak sailing seasons.

When a cruise is overbooked, the cruise line starts by reaching out to affected guests before embarkation, offering lucrative options such as generous compensation, future cruise credits, or alternative sailings to those willing to adjust their plans. 

Fortunately, most cruisers never experience this issue, though some actually hope they do because of the tempting perks. Still, the news headlines of overbooked cruises can be scary for those with strict travel plans and little wiggle room. 

Here's exactly what happens when a cruise ship gets overbooked — and why cruise lines oversell itineraries to begin with. 

Look for volunteers and offer generous incentives to change plans

In the weeks leading up to any cruise, Royal Caribbean monitors its bookings as part of its inventory management process. If it comes across a potential issue, the cruise line proactively reaches out to remedy the situation. 

For example, guests sailing on the July 16, 2026, Serenade of the Seas cruise received an email asking select cruisers if they'd consider rebooking a different voyage. 

However, as you might notice, the company did not use the words "oversold" or "overbooked." Rather, they were looking for passengers with "flexible travel arrangements."

(Credit: Marie Paulette / Facebook)

"Ahead of our Serenade of the Seas July 19, 2026, sailing, we are looking to see if you and your travel party have flexible travel arrangements. If your plans are set in stone, please mark this email as "Read" , and gear up for your upcoming adventure - although, there are some pretty sweet options below," the email reads. 

Royal Caribbean offered passengers the ability to transfer their booking to another 2026 sailing aboard Ovation of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, or Voyager of the Seas at no additional cost. 

In addition, guests would receive a full refund of the paid cruise fare, a 50% Future Cruise Credit (FCC), and reimbursement of any non-refundable, pre-purchased travel expenses. 

The second option stated that passengers could cancel their booking and receive a 100% refund, along with a 100% FCC to be used on a future Royal Caribbean voyage. 

Royal Caribbean also oversold a cruise on Voyager of the Seas. Like the overbooked Serenade of the Seas cruise, those sailing aboard Voyager were given the option to move to a different sailing aboard Serenade, Anthem, or Voyager of the Seas and receive a full refund of the paid cruise fare. 

Unlike the Serenade of the Seas sailing, however, Royal Caribbean did not offer an additional FCC to Voyager passengers who chose to cancel their upcoming cruise. 

(Credit: Jennifer Seitz / Facebook)

The only way to get an FCC in this case would be to fully cancel their upcoming Voyager of the Seas cruise. Those who accept this option would receive a 100% refund, along with a 100% FCC to be used on a future Royal Caribbean sailing. 

The idea behind these last-minute offers is to find people booked on the cruise who might sail a lot and can change their plans because they have multiple vacations booked. For these passengers, missing out on one sailing may not be as disruptive to their schedule, especially if the compensation offered makes it worthwhile.

Royal Caribbean is also searching for opportunistic deal hunters who wouldn't mind delaying their trip or switching ships for a refund and FCC. Of course, the exact compensation offered will depend on the situation, so don't take these examples aboard Serenade and Voyager of the Seas to be the only scenarios you could encounter in an overbooked cruise email. 

Do cruisers ever get denied boarding because of an overbooked sailing?

Thankfully, it is extremely rare for a cruise to be oversold and have passengers denied boarding, but it has happened. 

In December 2023, a few people booked on Quantum of the Seas from Australia encountered a situation where they were unable to board after the ship reached capacity and ran out of available cabins, USA TODAY reported. 

According to the news article, Jai Raynor and his wife, Kaitlyn, were denied boarding for the eight-night South Pacific cruise. They had booked a guarantee (or GTY) cabin for around $1,900. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean will let you now pay $30 to find out your guaranteed cruise cabin sooner

Normally, GTY cabins allow the cruise line to assign passengers a room closer to the sailing date, often in exchange for a lower fare. Rarely, however, does the number of guests booked exceed the number of available cabins. 

"Unfortunately, efforts to accommodate all those who wished to sail fell short for a group of our guests, and some were unable to sail as planned," a Royal Caribbean spokesperson told USA TODAY.

"We take these disruptions seriously, and we apologize for the inconvenience this has caused," they added.

In the end, Raynor and the other impacted sailors were given a full refund, along with an FCC worth their entire paid fare and complimentary Deluxe Beverage Packages. 

Why do cruise lines oversell sailings to begin with?

Vicki Freed, Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President, Sales & Trade Relations, talked about why cruise lines oversell cabins during a Q&A session aboard Ovation of the Seas in 2025. 

"Because of such high demand, we have been selling a lot more guarantees because travel partners said, 'Please have a lower price point,'" Freed explained.

Billy Hirsch, owner and founder of CruiseHabit, told Royal Caribbean Blog that overselling cruise cabins is actually a practical business approach since data shows that there are people who either cancel at the last minute or don't show up on embarkation day.

"Even if a sailing is totally booked weeks out, there will almost always be some number of guests who cancel at the last minute or fail to show up. Trying to fill cabins at the last minute is risky and can harm price integrity," Hirsch said.

As such, cruise lines will make an educated prediction, based on years of data, of how many empty staterooms they'll likely have ahead of any given sailing and sell that many extra cabins ahead of time.

Freed continued, saying, "Occasionally, we don't get the wash or the cancellations on the guarantees, and we are in an oversold situation." 

To be clear, Royal Caribbean prefers to avoid oversold sailings whenever possible. However, the cruise line also has to balance demand to keep its ships sailing as full as possible. As Freed said, "We're not trying to do an oversold situation. That's not our goal. But we have to make sure that our ships are sailing at full capacity."

According to Freed, there's a certain methodology that helps them choose which guests to reach out to when they realize a sailing is overbooked. Factors include whether passengers live near the cruise port, whether they have flight arrangements, and their ages.

"We'll just kind of say, do you think these people are flexible? And then we do offer them quite beautiful compensation to kind of go on to a different sailing with a nice upgrade," she adds.

"Usually forecasts work out, but when they don't, if those offers are so good that people are happy to accept them, then everyone leaves the port feeling good — whether on the ship or in a cab," Hirsch concluded. 

Is Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas the right cruise ship for your next vacation?

I previously sailed aboard this Freedom Class ship in 2023. However, I wanted to get back on board to see whether the changes during her highly anticipated Royal Amplification improved the experience. 

This dry dock added new amenities, such as the Lime & Coconut Bar, Izumi Sushi and Hibachi, and even a unique ice skating show that can't be found on any other ship in the fleet. 

I embarked on a five-night voyage aboard Liberty of the Seas from Southampton, England, to Hamburg, Germany, and Zeebrugge, Belgium. The sailing gave me enough time to experience the ship's venues and updates, entertainment offerings, and overall atmosphere — and in the end, I wish it had been a longer cruise!

Here's what my cruise on the Liberty of the Seas ship was like and whether you should rush to book a sailing on this Freedom Class ship or not. 

About Liberty of the Seas

Debuting in 2007, Liberty of the Seas was the second Freedom Class cruise ship to enter Royal Caribbean's fleet. At one point, she was among the biggest cruise ships in the world, but that title has since been awarded to Oasis and Icon Class vessels like Utopia of the Seas and Star of the Seas. 

Still, despite not being the largest cruise ship in the world, Liberty of the Seas has a lot to offer guests. There's more than enough to keep passengers busy — ranging from the resort-style pool deck to the adults-only Solarium, retail shops, unique shows, FlowRider surf simulator, waterslides, complimentary poolside movies, and more. 

Here's a full list of the features and amenities available aboard Liberty of the Seas:

• Adventure Ocean
• Social040
• Casino Royale
• Perfect Storm waterslides (Cyclone and Typhoon)
• Tidal Wave waterslide
• Jogging track
• Library
• Mini-golf course
• Outdoor moving screen
• Multiple pools and hot tubs
• Adults-only Solarium
• Royal Escape Room
• Platinum Theater
• Skylight Chapel
• Sports Court
• Studio B ice rink
• Vitality Spa
• Fitness center

According to the cruise line, Liberty of the Seas measures 154,407 gross tons and can accommodate 3,948 guests at double occupancy. She's home to over 1,350 international crew members and comes in at 1,112 feet long. 

Although she's spending summer 2026 in Europe, sailing from Southampton to bucket list destinations like Portugal, Norway, and Denmark, Liberty will relocate to Galveston, Texas, in October, where she'll offer Western Caribbean voyages through at least April 2028. 

Cruise embarkation

My fiancée and I flew to London, England, six days before our scheduled embarkation for a pre-cruise vacation. We arrived on time and had a great time exploring London, visiting iconic attractions like the Tower of London and eating our way through Borough Market. 

Before we knew it, it was time to order an Uber from our pre-cruise hotel and make our way to the London Waterloo train station. Since Southampton isn't as close to central London, we decided to take the train since it was more affordable than hiring a private car. 

The journey was straightforward and relatively affordable, coming in at around $65 for two people. Plus, the two-hour-long ride gave us a much-needed opportunity to relax after five busy days sightseeing in London. The train also had complimentary Wi-Fi and power outlets at every seat. 

After arriving in Southampton, we opted to hire a taxi to take us to the terminal. Although it is within walking distance, we had too much luggage and preferred the ease of being dropped off steps from the building's entrance. It was affordable, coming in at less than $10 for both of us and our massive suitcases. 

After arriving, we ran into a few hiccups at the Southampton cruise terminal. The first delay we had was waiting in the long line to obtain luggage tags. However, those who pre-printed them quickly dropped off their bags and made their way inside. As such, we could have avoided this delay if we had printed our tags at our pre-cruise hotel in London. 

We ran into another small issue when the check-in agent escorted us to another port employee to verify our credit card information for our SeaPass accounts. This was unexpected since I had already completed the online check-in and entered the payment details before arriving in Southampton. 

Even with the short delays, we were on board in around thirty minutes and eager to begin our cruise to Germany and Belgium, starting with a quick stop at our cabin to drop off our carry-on bags.

Liberty of the Seas interior cabin

Since we splurged during our pre-cruise visit to London, my fiancée and I decided to book the cheapest available cabin aboard Liberty of the Seas: a Category 4V Inside Stateroom. The fare came to $1,497.84, or $748.92 per person, including gratuities. 

Since we didn't spend extra on a balcony cabin, we didn't have a strict budget for our port days, opting to book museum tickets and cooking classes, rather than aimlessly walking around.

Our 162-square-foot cabin was located on Deck 7 in the aft (or back) of the ship. The location ended up being perfect for us since it wasn't far from an elevator bank. As such, we could easily get to popular dining venues like Café Promenade and the Windjammer buffet on Deck 11. 

Overall, the layout was typical for an outdated Freedom Class cabin, with one Royal King bed (that could have been split into two twin beds), a vanity, dresser, closet, safe, mini-fridge, television, an ensuite bathroom, two nightstands, a full-length mirror, and a decent-sized couch. 

Having sailed on Liberty before, I wasn't surprised by the lack of charging options, though I wish Royal Caribbean had devoted some time and money to updating the older staterooms during the ship's Royal Amplification in 2026.

In the stateroom, there were just two standard American outlets, along with one European outlet, all located at the vanity. This meant there weren't any convenient bedside charging options. 

Moving on, we agreed that — between the built-in dresser, closet, hidden shelves, and generously-sized nightstands — there was more than enough storage to keep everything organized, and we didn't struggle to fully unpack for our five-night cruise. 

The bathroom was small and, like the rest of the cabin, somewhat dated. However, it was perfectly functional for everyday use, and I loved that there wasn't a clingy shower curtain like on some older Royal Caribbean vessels. 

Another feature I appreciated was the extra-long sink vanity, which gave us lots of space to spread out our makeup and toiletries when getting ready for our port days or freshening up for dinner. 

On the flip side, the shower wasn't my favorite. The shower pressure was pretty weak, and the finicky temperature controls meant it was difficult to find that "perfect" temperature — it was either scalding hot or freezing cold. 

Overall, I'm glad we opted for a cheaper inside cabin on this particular sailing. Because it wasn't a scenic cruise, we didn't spend much time in our room, and shelling out extra money for a balcony would have been a little pointless. 

Food on Liberty of the Seas

Liberty of the Seas offers a lot of dining choices for guests, including some new additions that were introduced during the ship's Royal Amplification in 2026. 

When sailing on Liberty of the Seas, you will find a lot of variety, with each restaurant falling into one of two categories: complimentary or specialty.

Complimentary restaurants are included in your cruise fare, while specialty restaurants cost extra. Aboard Liberty of the Seas, the specialty restaurants have a set cover charge that includes a multi-course meal. 

Here's an overview of the complimentary and specialty dining options aboard Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas ship:

Complimentary dining

• Café Promenade
• El Loco Fresh
• Main Dining Room
• Sorrento's Pizza
• Windjammer Marketplace
• Room service (continental breakfast only)

Specialty dining

• Chef's Table
• Chops Grille
• Giovanni's Table
• Izumi Sushi and Hibachi
• Johnny Rockets
• Starbucks
• Room service 

My fiancée and I primarily stuck with the included options, eating at places like the Windjammer Marketplace, Café Promenade, and Main Dining Room. However, we did splurge on one specialty meal at Izumi Hibachi, which is one of our favorite extra-charge restaurants in the fleet. 

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by the food aboard Liberty of the Seas, especially after a disappointing dining experience on Harmony of the Seas in May 2026. 

We ate in the Main Dining Room three times during our five-night sailing, and there were more hits than misses during each meal — which is something I didn't expect going into the experience. Highlights include the chicken and leek pie, goat cheese tart, and spaghetti with marinara sauce. 

Moving on, Izumi Hibachi was fantastic as always. Having dined at the specialty teppanyaki restaurant on multiple ships, ranging from Freedom of the Seas to Icon of the Seas, I can confidently say that it's hard to go wrong with Izumi. Whether you're in the mood for seafood, filet mignon, scallops, chicken, or shrimp, there's something for everyone. 

Plus, the interactive cooking experience adds a fun layer of entertainment to the meal. Royal Caribbean calls this "eatertainment," since you're paying for not only a higher-quality meal, but also a live show. 

We also skipped the dining room the next night in favor of a quick dinner in the buffet, and we were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food. The kung pao chicken was especially tasty, and my fiancée was a huge fan of the chicken patties, along with the vegan brownie. 

Finally, even the fast-casual options were better than recent sailings aboard ships like Harmony of the Seas. For starters, everything at El Loco Fresh actually tasted fresh. Generally speaking, El Loco Fresh isn't my favorite Mexican restaurant at sea, with venues like Carnival's BlueIguana Cantina and Disney's Donald's Cantina preparing more consistent, flavorful dishes. 

That said, El Loco Fresh aboard Liberty of the Seas exceeded my expectations. Perhaps it was the ingredients sourced in Europe, but everything — ranging from the cheese quesadillas to the chili beef and guacamole — was noticeably fresher and more memorable. 

In fact, El Loco Fresh was our go-to spot for sea day lunches, rather than trying to navigate the crowded Windjammer. We walked in once to see what was available, but nothing spoke to us. Instead, we headed back outside to fill up on chips and salsa, quesadillas, and burritos. 

Café Promenade was another constant for us. Not only did we stop by daily for our specialty coffee fix, but it also became our preferred spot for a light breakfast, with fresh fruit, pastries, and other grab-and-go options that were quick to eat. 

Entertainment and activities 

There is no shortage of activities, shows, and events aboard Liberty of the Seas. That said, because it is a mid-sized vessel, the overall environment is more relaxed than on ships like Utopia of the Seas, and it's relatively easy to cross everything off your must-do list on a five, six, or seven-night voyage. 

During our cruise, we made the most of our sea days and evenings, attending the brand-new Western-themed ice show, watching original productions in the theater, and listening to live music in the pub. 

Other shows and events aboard Liberty of the Seas include:

• Bring the Beat Back: A Party Through the Decades
• Latin Fiesta with Son del Rio
• Plunge Day Pool Party
• Rock Brit Street Party
• Royal Kappa Chi
• Anchors Away
• Boots and Blades
• In Concert
• Saturday Night Fever — The Musical
• The Price is Right — Everyone's a Contestant

Although Liberty is an older ship, I'd argue that the entertainment is one of the vessel's selling points. The ice skating show, in particular, was among the best I've seen on Royal Caribbean ships, and I was impressed by the dancing and singing in Saturday Night Fever — The Musical! 

That said, I found the promenade parties to be a little gimmicky. The Rock Brit Street Party was especially cringey, but it seemed to be a hit for many passengers. Perhaps this was because it was the night England played Ghana in the World Cup, though. 

If you are overwhelmed by everything available on Liberty of the Seas, the best place to start is the Cruise Compass. Every Royal Caribbean ship offers a daily Cruise Compass, conveniently available in the mobile app. This feature gives a detailed breakdown of restaurant hours, the activities schedule, and more. 

Speaking of, there are so many fun activities offered on Liberty of the Seas, including:

• Perfect Storm waterslides 
• Tidal Wave waterslide
• FlowRider surf simulator 
• Splashaway Bay 
• Baby Bay
• Rock climbing wall
• Sports court
• Adventure Ocean 
• Mini-golf course
• Social040 
• Casino Royale
• Adults-only Solarium sun deck
• Studio B ice skating rink
• Royal Escape Room

During our sea days, we mainly relaxed in the adults-only Solarium, though the first day was a little chillier than expected. It was a popular spot, and the prime lounge chairs went quickly. This was true even on port days. 

Still, it was a much quieter spot than the main pool deck, which hosted events like dance lessons, outdoor movies, and the ever-popular belly flop contest. As such, we enjoyed lounging in the Solarium pool, catching up on our latest reads, and sipping on crisp beverages — away from the hustle and bustle just a few hundred feet away. 

If you are an avid gambler, you'll love the expanded Casino Royale aboard Liberty of the Seas. Although it isn't the largest in the fleet, it is strictly non-smoking. Overall, I thought there was a good variety of slot machines and table games available. I tried my luck with my $6 FreePlay and won $60, but I lost it all minutes later. 

My Liberty of the Seas review: Is the ship worth it?

I've been on over three dozen cruises, with my first Royal Caribbean cruise being aboard Freedom of the Seas in 2010. Although they aren't as flashy and new as they were two decades ago, there's still a lot to love about Freedom Class ships — Liberty of the Seas included. 

For starters, there are so many included activities. Whether you like relaxing by the pool, working on your surfing skills, playing a friendly game of basketball, or catching an evening show, there's something for everyone. Plus, since she's an older ship, sailing aboard Liberty is much more affordable compared to voyages on vessels like Utopia or Legend of the Seas. 

That said, not everything aboard my Liberty of the Seas cruise was perfect. My fiancée and I thought that the dining room service was slow, and the chair hogging was a bit out of control. The elevators were pretty slow, too, so we ended up taking the stairs more than usual.

Moreover, I wish Royal Caribbean had given the cabins a little more TLC during Liberty's Royal Amplification. Although the cruise line refreshed many of the public spaces, our stateroom showed noticeable signs of wear, including a large stain on the couch, chipped cabinets, and a lack of charging options. 

That said, the overall vibe of Liberty of the Seas was the perfect mix of exciting and relaxing, especially after a lengthy pre-cruise stay in London. 

I loved the new additions, including the Lime & Coconut Bar and Izumi Hibachi. Plus, the entertainment showcases some of the best offerings in the cruise line's fleet. Between the Boots and Blades ice skating show, live music, interactive game shows, and Saturday Night Fever — The Musical production, the evening lineup was always exciting. 

On the final night of the cruise, I wished I had another few days on board and was jealous of those sailing back-to-back on the nine-night voyage to Spain and Portugal!

Despite the issues with the service and outdated stateroom, my fiancée and I had a great time aboard this Freedom Class ship, and the very, very minor shortcomings were outweighed by everything done right — ranging from the new ice skating show to the condition of the vessel and overall value. 

So, all that to say, yes, I'd highly recommend a cruise aboard Liberty of the Seas, whether that's a last-minute European voyage or Caribbean getaway from Galveston, Texas. 

We know what you're thinking: Leave Royal Caribbean after years of climbing the Crown & Anchor Society ladder? Well, it could be worth it — and we'll tell you why.

Indeed, it can seem jarring to switch from Royal Caribbean's action-packed vessels to Celebrity's laid-back, upscale ships. However, you may just discover that you prefer Celebrity Cruises' refined experience since it doesn't sacrifice the things you love most about cruising; it just elevates them. 

Of course, the premium cruise line isn't for everyone. For example, you likely won't like Celebrity if you enjoy sailing on ships with water slides, ice skating rinks, zip lines, and mini-golf courses. Still, if your ideal vacation leans more toward relaxing by the pool and exploring unique destinations, Celebrity could be a better fit. 

Here are five reasons why you should consider switching to Celebrity Cruises, even if you're a diehard Royal Caribbean fan. 

The Royal Caribbean status match program makes it easy to enjoy top-tier loyalty perks on your very first cruise

Did you know that you can match your Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor Society status to other cruise lines, including Celebrity Cruises?

Royal Caribbean International obviously wants you to continue sailing with them. However, they also understand the evolving needs of today's vacationers. 

As such, Royal Caribbean's parent company, Royal Caribbean Group, created a cohesive ecosystem that offers cruisers a way to instantly earn perks and benefits across its brands, despite never having sailed with a particular line before.

This means that Crown & Anchor Society members receive reciprocal status recognition in Celebrity’s Captain’s Club and even Silversea’s Venetian Society. 

Although the perks aren't exactly identical, the Royal Caribbean loyalty match program makes it easier to branch out and try different cruise lines without feeling like you are starting from scratch.

For example, Diamond Crown & Anchor Society cruisers get four complimentary drinks per day, but Elite Captain’s Club members get access to a limited, complimentary happy hour menu from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Additionally, Celebrity offers a complimentary bag of laundry for Elite cruisers and above, but only Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members get a free laundry bag when sailing on voyages that are 5+ nights.

Read more: I sailed on Celebrity and Royal Caribbean cruises. Here are 6 things Royal Caribbean should steal

Cruises with Celebrity can be credited toward your Royal Caribbean loyalty status

Royal Caribbean's Points Choice program allows cruisers to earn loyalty points when cruising on any line within the Royal Caribbean Group family, including Celebrity and Silversea. In other words, you can continue to rack up Crown and Anchor Society points, even if you choose to sail with Celebrity Cruises.

Points are converted using brand-specific exchange rates, which will be reviewed and published annually on the respective websites.

Based on 2026 rates, if you take a seven-night Celebrity cruise in an inside cabin, you'll earn one Crown & Anchor point per night, adding up to seven additional C&A loyalty points by the end of the voyage.

Celebrity offers more worldly itineraries 

Although Royal Caribbean offers impressive itineraries to places like the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, and beyond, Celebrity's offerings are even more destination-focused. This approach gives travelers more opportunities to visit unique ports of call. 

With Celebrity, you can sail to interesting destinations like Bali, India, and the Galápagos. They also offer immersive Japan voyages during the country's spring festival season. This is an experience that's high on my bucket list, as I have always wanted to visit Japan as the famous cherry blossoms bloom across cities like Tokyo and Kyoto.

Celebrity also lets guests explore Europe year-round, rather than limiting Mediterranean itineraries to the busy summer months. As such, passengers can wander historic cities during the quieter shoulder seasons.

Celebrity Cruises is geared more toward adult cruisers

Celebrity is not an adult-only cruise line, but it is much more geared toward older travelers than families with young children. Instead of packing its ships with water slides, rock climbing walls, surfing simulators, and other family-friendly amenities, the onboard experience focuses more on world-class dining options, upscale bars and lounges, and sophisticated entertainment. 

I prefer this type of atmosphere, despite just being in my mid-20s. As someone who is childless (and has a partner who works with children all day as a teacher), I appreciate being on a ship that feels more relaxed. 

Since the vessels are less kid-centered, many families prefer other cruise lines, though plenty still sail with Celebrity. However, I've noticed that the kids on Celebrity ships tend to be better behaved, rather than causing a ruckus running up and down halls, smashing all the elevator buttons, and so on. 

Read more: 9 things I wish I knew before setting foot on a Celebrity ship

You can save money on popular add-ons with the Celebrity All Included bundle

Celebrity's All Included bundle is one of my favorite things about the cruise line because it makes budgeting for your vacation much easier from the beginning. 

The All Included package includes a Classic Beverage Package and Basic Wi-Fi Package. According to Celebrity Cruises, you can save up to $800 per person compared to onboard prices for the same amenities.

"More convenience. Greater value. It's that simple," the website states.  

For example, on an upcoming seven-night cruise aboard Celebrity Beyond in February 2027, the base fare for a standard inside cabin starts at $1,127. Guests can upgrade to the All Included package for an additional $595 per person, which breaks down to about $85 per day. 

When compared with Royal Caribbean, this price is pretty reasonable, especially since the Deluxe Beverage Package alone frequently costs at least $70 or more per day. Wi-Fi can easily add another $20 per day to that, too. 

When choosing Celebrity Cruises doesn't make sense

As much as I love Celebrity Cruises, I realize it isn't the best cruise line for everyone. If you have younger kids, then you might find that Celebrity's fleet offers less family-friendly entertainment and amenities. 

Celebrity also isn't the ideal cruise line for partiers. Although you may discover that the cruise line definitely isn't a retirement home at sea, it's definitely more tame than lines like Royal Caribbean or Carnival. 

Finally, I'd steer clear of Celebrity Cruises if you are a budget traveler since the cruise line tends to have higher fares than competitors. 

Bottom line

Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises are two of the best cruise lines at sea and are great choices for your vacation. However, one might appeal more to your current lifestyle, whether that's toting along little ones or finally taking a much-needed child-free getaway. 

Celebrity is a top pick for destination-focused travelers, as well as those who prefer a more relaxed, boutique hotel-like atmosphere, since the vessels don't have any adrenaline-pumping attractions. 

At the end of the day, there’s no "better" choice between Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean. The answer ultimately depends on your lifestyle and what you prefer to get out of your vacation. 

That said, if you haven't considered giving Celebrity a try, there are many good reasons why it might be the right time to step outside your comfort zone and see just what they have to offer. 

Read more: 50 Celebrity Cruises Tips & Tricks tips and tricks that will make your voyage better

Disney and Royal Caribbean are two of the most family-friendly cruise lines at sea. Both have devout followers, with many arguing that one is better than the other. Recently, one family finally decided to try Royal Caribbean and shared why they'd be hesitant to sail with Disney again. 

Disney Cruise Line is known for its immersive theming, unique rotational dining, and one-of-a-kind character experiences. On the flip side, Royal Caribbean is known for its innovative ships, thrilling attractions, and a wide variety of activities for all travelers. And although both cruise lines cater to families, they offer very distinct vacation experiences. 

Disney, for instance, doesn't have any mega-ships packed with roller coasters, zip lines, or ropes courses sailing out of North America or Europe. The most exciting attraction on its Wish Class ships, including Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and Disney Destiny, is the AquaMouse, and even that pales in comparison to the waterslides aboard Icon, Star, and Legend of the Seas. 

"My most recent Disney cruise was in April and we just got off Royal Independence of the Seas yesterday and honestly overall we preferred this for our almost 2 and 4 year olds. I cant even imagine how much better some of the bigger boats would’ve been since they offer even more kid friendly spaces," shared Purple_Grass_5300 on the r/royalcaribbean Reddit thread. 

Continuing on, they said, "Everybody said Disney is known for exceptional staff but the staff on Royal were much more attentive during dining and around the boat in general too. Refills came much faster, they’d even wash my youngests bottle at dinner and give us a fresh bottle of milk on our way out... Everybody was [also] super friendly from other passengers to staff. I feel like they were much more sociable on this cruise than [on] Disney."

The parents also preferred Royal Caribbean's main dining, which is less structured than Disney's formal rotational dining. For starters, Disney doesn't offer a flexible dining option for families, and the meal is usually centered around a themed show or interactive experience. 

"I think the 5pm dining also made it easier since our youngest goes to bed at 630, so being outta there by 6 was a big difference compared to our Disney cruises where dinner always took 1.5hr and one night even took 2hrs on our most recent trip," they explained.

"It was also nice that we literally were the first table in [the] dining room without asking so that made a difference [compared to] Disney where we had a longer walk and couldn’t bring strollers. I liked the option of having my stroller because then it made bringing bottles, wipes, etc much easier too." 

Others in the Reddit thread agreed, arguing that Royal Caribbean offers better value than Disney Cruise Line, with the latter rarely being worth the extra cost. 

"Prefer [Royal Caribbean] over [Disney Cruise Line (DCL)]. DCL is overhyped and overpriced. The food and entertainment [are] better on [Royal Caribbean]," said Icy_Paramedic778. 

Pusheen_The_Limit added, "For spring break we did a back to back Utopia [of the Seas] to the Disney Wish with our 5 y.o., and it was enlightening to compare the experiences so close together."

Here are three other reasons the original Redditor, Purple_Grass_5300, thought Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas was a better fit for their family than Disney Cruise Line. 

Read more: I spent two days in Disneyland Paris and it reminded me how much better a value cruises are

Their kids preferred Splashaway Bay

Splashaway Bay is a popular amenity on many Royal Caribbean ships, providing younger kids with a dedicated area to cool off with slides, water cannons, and other interactive features. 

On Independence of the Seas, Splashaway Bay is located steps from Baby Bay, which is for young children who aren't fully potty trained. Because they aren't allowed in the main pools, this area gives infants and toddlers their own place to splash and play on warm-weather sailings. 

"I preferred [the splash area on Royal Caribbean] for my 4 year old over Disney’s since she loved the 2ft pool and it was close enough to baby zone that I could stand in one spot and see both of them, Purple_Grass_5300 said. 

"Yes Disney’s splash for babies is much bigger but my 2 year old didn’t care and was happily going down the slide over and over. Again this never seemed crowded, for awhile we were the only babies but at most we’d see 4 other little ones."

There were other activities they could enjoy together

Outside of the Splashaway Bay area, Purple_Grass_5300's family spent time at the mini-golf course and the Sky Climber course. Plus, their oldest child got to do karaoke three times!

"The kids fun festival was [also] cute with free face painting and balloon animals," they added. 

They spent more time utilizing the Adventure Ocean facilities

For families with younger children, there's no denying the benefit of sailing on a ship with a top-tier kids' club. Generally speaking, Disney and Royal Caribbean are considered two of the best in the industry, offering age-appropriate programming and dedicated play spaces for no extra charge. 

Based on their experiences, Purple_Grass_5300 thought Royal Caribbean's Adventure Ocean spaces were more versatile and usable for their family. 

"The living room space was great to kill time and relax a bit with toys that changed up a little each day. The space never seemed crowded, most of the time we’d be the only ones in there and at most there were 3 of us in there. Yes Disney’s toddler room is much fancier but when you compare 1hr a day vs 9am-10pm everyday, it’s a huge difference," they explained. 

Purple_Grass_5300's family also utilized Royal Caribbean's toy-lending program, which allowed them to borrow a bag of toys from the nursery and swap them out during the sailing. 

"Both kids liked them and it helped me pack less knowing we’d have toys on board," they added. 

That said, Purple_Grass_5300 wishes that Royal Caribbean's ships had better technology when it came to the kids' clubs. For instance, Disney can send messages directly to your mobile phone when a child is ready to be picked up. On Independence of the Seas, the kids' club could only call the stateroom phone. 

"It seemed kinda useless for me to use them since they only call your room if your kid needs to be picked up, so my original plan on having the youngest nap while I swam or did slides with my oldest wouldn’t work out. But it was still fine because she loved kids club so I ended up dropping her off there while our youngest napped in the room," they said. 

In the end, they still plan on sailing with Disney for special themed cruises but will likely move solely to Royal Caribbean in the future 

There were some aspects of a Disney cruise that Purple_Grass_5300 missed during their sailing on Independence of the Seas, including the "magic moments, the shows, [and] fireworks." 

However, with children so young, they didn't know what they were missing and were just happy to be on a cruise. Plus, it was easier to get them into bed by 7:00 or 8:00 p.m. each day, which was a huge advantage compared to Disney. 

"Overall, I still plan on doing DCL for Merrytime, Halloween and a Pixar day but afterwards I probably will just stick to Royal for all other cruises," they concluded. 

Liberty of the Seas isn’t Royal Caribbean’s newest vessel, but she did just get a big upgrade.

Recently, I sailed on a five-night voyage aboard the amplified ship, sailing to Hamburg, Germany, and Zeebrugge, Belgium.

Wanting to keep costs low after a pricey pre-cruise stay in London, England, my fiancée and I booked the cheapest available cabin: a standard interior stateroom.

We knew this wasn’t the most scenic itinerary, so staying in a windowless cabin didn’t bother us like it might have on a cruise to Norway or Alaska.

The Category 4V Interior Stateroom came to $1,497.84, or $748.92 per person, including gratuities, when booked around eight months in advance through my MEI travel agent, Christina. 

Between the long port days and jam-packed schedule, we didn't spend much time in our cabin, reinforcing that we didn't need an expensive balcony to enjoy our time onboard. 

In the end, the 162-square-foot cabin was a comfortable — albeit outdated — retreat after long days exploring Germany and Belgium, and enjoying everything the newly amplified Freedom Class ship had to offer.

Liberty of the Seas Interior Room Review + Photos

My fiancée and I stayed in cabin 7459, a standard interior stateroom located toward the aft (or back) of the vessel. 

It was pretty close to the aft elevator bank, which made it easy to run down to Café Promenade for specialty coffees in the morning or hop up to the Windjammer on Deck 11. 

We also appreciated that it was tucked away from the louder public areas, so we didn't have to deal with the thumping of the nightclub's music or late-night promenade parties. 

Moving on, the layout of the 162-square-foot cruise room wasn't anything over the top, and the dated color scheme of yellow-toned wood and dark green accents made it feel like it was from a different era. That said, we found it to be extremely functional and spacious. 

There was one Royal King bed (that could be split into two twin beds), a vanity, built-in dresser drawers, a closet, a safe, a mini-fridge, a flat-screen television, two nightstands, a full-length mirror, a kettle with two mugs, and a spacious loveseat. 

The couch was a major plus, as I love having more seating options in my cruise rooms aside from the beds and vanity chair. Typically, the couch also becomes a catch-all place for miscellaneous items. 

In this case, though, we still had plenty of space to sit down and put on shoes or relax after returning to the cabin. 

Another surprise was the generous storage space. Between the closet with the built-in wire shelves and dresser drawers, there was more than enough room to keep clothing, shoes, and other items organized during the five-night cruise. 

There were also hidden shelves behind the bathroom mirror and the small mirror on the left-hand side of the vanity. This allowed us to keep everything from sunscreen to facial moisturizer and perfume out of sight, making the cabin feel less cluttered. 

Although they were a little beat up, the nightstands were functional and provided convenient bedside storage, including deep drawers and shelves. There was plenty of space to store my medications, current read, water bottle, and more. 

On to the negatives. We tried using the mini-fridge to keep our water bottles and soda cool, though it didn't work as well as we hoped. The beverages were definitely cooler than room temperature, but they were a far cry from ice-cold. 

Moreover, as an older cruise ship, Liberty of the Seas' staterooms aren't outfitted with many charging options. In our stateroom, there were just two standard American outlets, along with a single European plug, all located around the vanity area. 

Unlike newer ships, such as Harmony of the Seas, the older staterooms on Liberty of the Seas don’t have convenient bedside charging options. This means you should come prepared with an extra-long charging cord or portable charger if you like using your phone at night. 

Finally, the cabin's bathroom was small and somewhat dated, but it was perfectly functional for everyday use — there wasn't a clingy shower curtain, hooray!

The shower wasn't my favorite I've ever had, with lackluster shower pressure and finicky temperature controls. That said, one detail I appreciated was the ample shower storage. The two built-in shelves gave us plenty of space for our shampoo, conditioner, face wash, shaving cream, and razors. 

The extra-long sink vanity was nice, too. Rather than leaning into a modern "less is more" approach, the deep countertop was far more practical than stylish. However, it gave us lots of room to spread out our makeup and toiletries without feeling cramped. 

Like other Royal Caribbean cabins, the bathroom on Liberty of the Seas wasn't stocked with toiletries — just the basic Salt + Breeze hair and body wash, along with a single bar of hand soap.

Is an inside cabin on Liberty of the Seas worth it?

Recently, I've started prioritizing comfort over budget on vacation, and splurging on balcony cabins isn't something I'm usually willing to give up. 

However, I'm glad we didn't shell out more money on a balcony cabin on this particular sailing. Because it wasn't a scenic itinerary, we didn't think we'd spend much time in our stateroom — and we were right. 

Beyond sleeping, showering, and getting ready, we weren't in our cabin much at all. I quickly settled into somewhat of a routine, waking up early to grab a specialty coffee before the promenade came to life. 

After that, our days were spent enjoying everything else the ship had to offer, especially the adult-only Solarium, or going ashore. 

The evenings were jam-packed with live music, ice shows, Broadway-style musicals, and more, and by the time 9:00 p.m. rolled around, we were more than ready to hit the hay and recharge.

I'd definitely consider staying in another inside cabin aboard Liberty of the Seas, especially if sailing somewhere less scenic, like the Western Caribbean. 

For instance, with Liberty calling Galveston home through at least April 2028, you could easily get away with booking a cheaper stateroom while still making full use of the ship's colorful pool deck, world-class entertainment, and Caribbean destinations.

The Gulf offers beautiful deep blue ocean hues, but the scenery is fairly consistent compared with itineraries to destinations like Norway or Alaska. As such, opting for a budget-friendly cruise room is a great way to ensure you have a nice allowance for worthwhile add-ons, including specialty restaurants and shore excursions. 

That said, the biggest drawback is that Royal Caribbean didn't update existing cabins during the ship's Royal Amplification in 2026. As such, many details in my inside cabin felt dated and worn. There was a large stain on the couch, and the lack of bedside charging options was frustrating. 

Still, those drawbacks were easy to overlook considering how little time we actually spent inside the cabin — and the value you get by choosing an older cruise ship versus vessels like Utopia of the Seas or Icon of the Seas. 

Would you give up a private balcony for an extra-spacious cruise room with floor-to-ceiling windows?

(Credit: Julie Collier / Facebook)

Recently, Julie Collier did just that on a cruise aboard Ovation of the Seas out of Vancouver, Canada, to Alaska. 

"We were able to snag room 16138 on Ovation for June 12-19 when it opened up a few days before sailing and WOW. With floor-to-ceiling windows at the front of the ship, tons of space, a full bathtub, a separate half bath, and incredible views, it’s an unbelievable cabin. We’d book it again in a heartbeat!" she shared on Facebook. 

Sandwiched between two Grand Suites on Deck 16, #16138 is classified as a Category 3M Spacious Ocean View cabin and is anything but your average ocean view cruise room. 

(Credit: Julie Collier / Facebook)

In reality, its generous layout, forward-facing floor-to-ceiling windows, and extra amenities make it feel much more like a suite than a standard cabin. 

16138 is a hidden gem among cookie-cutter cruise cabins

(Credit: Julie Collier / Facebook)

When you walk into the unique stateroom, you're immediately greeted by an abundance of natural light — more so than most standard balcony cabins. 

The wall of floor-to-ceiling windows stretches across the cabin, ensuring you have a view regardless of whether you're lying in bed or getting ready at the vanity. 

These panoramic ocean views are highly sought after on Caribbean cruises. They are even more special on Alaska sailings, though, giving passengers a front-row view of the mountains and glaciers. 

(Credit: Julie Collier / Facebook)

In terms of basic amenities, Collier shows that the cabin is equipped similarly to other staterooms aboard Ovation of the Seas, with a built-in vanity, closet space, a Royal King bed, flat-screen television, and multiple outlets. 

However, in addition to the unique layout and windows, the bathroom further sets this special room apart. Rather than the standard single bathroom with a tiny capsule shower, this stateroom has a large bathroom with a bathtub, along with a separate half bath.

The kind of split bathroom is a huge benefit. Having two separate areas for getting ready helps make mornings and evenings feel less rushed and ensures that everyone has privacy. 

(Credit: Julie Collier / Facebook)

That said, one thing to be wary about is the cabin's location. 

"It’s all the way forward on Deck 16, so we feel more motion with the wind today, but honestly, we felt the motion midship today, too," Collier said. Those who suffer from serious motion sickness may want to consider a standard cabin on a lower mid-ship deck. 

It's also rather close to the Vitality at Sea Fitness Center, which could be another drawback for light sleepers or anyone sensitive to noise.

(Credit: Julie Collier / Facebook)

Still, for many cruisers, the trade-offs are easy to justify when weighed against the cabin's highlights that make this room feel more like a suite — for a fraction of the price. 

About Ovation of the Seas

Ovation of the Seas is a Quantum Class ship that launched in 2016. She measures 168,666 gross tons, 1,141 feet long, and can accommodate 4,234 passengers at double occupancy, according to the cruise line. Ovation is also home to over 1,500 international crew members. 

Throughout summer 2026, Ovation will offer one-way cruises from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Seward, Alaska (and vice versa). In September, she'll return to Long Beach, California, where she'll embark on a series of voyages to Baja California and the Mexican Riviera. 

Ovation of the Seas will continue to sail from California on three- to eight-night cruises through at least April 2028.

Highlights include the North Star observation capsule, indoor SeaPlex, RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator, FlowRider surf simulator, rock climbing wall, and more. 

Plus, the vessel just underwent a major dry dock and returned to service with a new lineup of amenities, including the Pesky Parrot tiki bar, Giovanni's Italian Kitchen specialty restaurant, full-service Starbucks, Izumi Teppanyaki, an expanded casino, and a new suite lounge on Deck 14. 

During her Royal Amplification, Ovation of the Seas also got over three dozen new cabins, including 16138 on Deck 16. 

Last month, Royal Caribbean completed a massive upgrade that added much-needed changes to Liberty of the Seas. I was lucky enough to sail on this Freedom Class ship to get a first look at what's new on a recent five-night cruise out of Southampton, England. 

Liberty of the Seas was supposed to receive her Royal Amplification in 2021. However, it was indefinitely postponed during the cruise industry shutdown. 

As such, a lot of cruisers ranked Liberty at the bottom of the three-ship class because she lacked many of the modern venues, attractions, and design updates that had already been added to her sister ships.

During her dry dock, Liberty received changes that ensured there were new ways to drink, dine, and relax aboard the 154,407 gross-ton Freedom Class ship.

One of my favorite upgrades has to be the new Boots and Blades ice skating show, and the addition of Izumi Hibachi & Sushi is another welcome upgrade since I love teppanyaki!

Here's a look at the all-new Liberty of the Seas, sailing from Southampton, England, and Galveston, Texas, in 2026. 

A new resort-style pool deck

One of the most noticeable changes aboard Liberty of the Seas was the pool deck. During her Royal Amplification, the outdoor space was transformed into a colorful, resort-style escape.

The vessel already had the Perfect Storm waterslide duo and kid-friendly Splashaway Bay. However, the space was brightened up with Caribbean-themed decor and two Lime & Coconut bars.

The Lime & Coconut quickly became a favorite for its selection of fruity, tropical drinks. As such, it has been added to many ships in the fleet, including Navigator of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, and now Liberty of the Seas. 

Even though the weather sailing from England to Germany was a bit chilly, the Lime & Coconut still proved to be one of the most popular spots on the pool deck.

Poolside tacos, burritos, and more at El Loco Fresh

Sabor Modern Mexican was removed from Liberty and replaced with a different specialty restaurant. That said, cruisers can still find simple Mexican fare at El Loco Fresh, Royal Caribbean’s complimentary Mexican restaurant, on the pool deck. 

Located on Deck 11 near the Splashaway Bay area, this convenient grab-and-go dining option has something for everyone, ranging from build-your-own nachos to burritos, quesadillas, and tacos. 

There's also a great salsa station where you can customize your meal with a variety of toppings like tomatoes, guacamole, onions, hot salsas, sour cream, and more. 

Cantina Fresca is located right beside El Loco Fresh. The colorful bar specializes in Mexican-themed beverages, offering a menu filled with margaritas, palomas, micheladas, and more. 

A new Japanese and sushi restaurant was added

According to Royal Caribbean's Vice President of Food & Beverage, Linken D'Souza, the most popular restaurant in the fleet is Izumi — hence why this sushi and teppanyaki specialty venue was added to Liberty of the Seas. 

Izumi took the place of Sabor Modern Mexican on Deck 4 near the Schooner Bar. Although Izumi is an upcharge, it is consistently worth the extra cost for many guests because of its high-quality food and interactive dining experience.

"Izumi is actually the most popular restaurant by volume in the fleet," D'Souza said during a travel agent conference call. 

"Especially teppanyaki. It's a really wonderful experience. I think it's a perfect experience while you're on vacation."

Handwashing station at the Windjammer entrance

During her Royal Amplification, Royal Caribbean added a spacious handwashing station at the entrance of the Windjammer buffet. This means that it's easy for guests to "washy washy" before grabbing their breakfast, lunch, or dinner. 

It's encouraged to wash your hands even if you are just heading inside to grab a drink at the Plaza Bar or dine at one of the specialty restaurants (Chops Grille or Giovanni's Italian Kitchen), since it helps maintain a clean environment for everyone on board.

Guests can splurge on premium coffee at Starbucks

Initially, the deck plans seemed to suggest that Royal Caribbean was replacing Boleros with a Starbucks. Fortunately, I can confirm that isn't the case, and the popular Latin-themed lounge remains exactly where cruise fans would expect to find it. 

That said, Liberty of the Seas did gain a new Starbucks during her amplification. Located on the opposite side of Deck 4, the specialty coffee shop gives guests a convenient place to grab specialty coffees, teas, and pastries during their sailing. 

Note, though, that Starbucks is not included in any of Royal Caribbean's drink packages. 

There's an expanded casino

Royal Caribbean has been focused on adding more casino space to its fleet. Consequently, Casino Royale on Deck 4 was expanded to feature more table games and slot machines than before. 

This means that you won't find the photo gallery near Boleros anymore. Instead, the shore excursions and Focus gallery were moved and combined on Deck 3, right outside Studio B. 

Unfortunately, these changes mean that the On Air Lounge no longer exists. Moreover, since there is more casino space attached to the main Casino Royale area, rather than in the Royal Promenade, there was no room to add Playmakers, which has been a major disappointment. 

Still, I'm glad Royal Caribbean chose to reshuffle these spaces rather than replace Vintages with a non-smoking casino like on Freedom of the Seas.

Liberty has a new country-themed ice skating show

If I'm honest, Royal Caribbean's ice skating shows aren't always my favorite. Sometimes, the themes are gimmicky, confusing, and underwhelming. 

However, Boots and Blades was a pleasant surprise — and that's coming from someone who usually can't stand country music. 

The production felt more polished and energetic than other shows, with impressive skating, strong choreography, and fun costumes. 

The stunt work was another highlight, especially the skating duo led by the ice captain. Some of the lifts and spins had the audience (myself included) holding their breath! 

Considering that Liberty is going to be based in Texas through at least April 2028, the country theme feels like a fitting choice and should definitely be on future cruisers' must-see lists. 

More cabins were added

Royal Caribbean added over 35 new cabins to Liberty of the Seas, removing some public spaces to make room for the additional passenger accommodations.

For example, the Conference Center on Deck 2 was replaced with new inside cabins. Additionally, the Card Room on Deck 10 was axed and replaced with multiple new staterooms, including cabins 1343, 1345, 1347, and 1349.

Another major change is that the complimentary steam rooms and saunas in the fitness center were removed. The new locker rooms are much smaller to make way for new accommodations. 

Unfortunately, not much work was done on the existing cabins. 

Enhanced Adventure Ocean youth spaces

Royal Caribbean updated its popular Adventure Ocean kids' club to reflect the programming on newer ships, complete with brighter designs and a more modern aesthetic. 

AO Juniors is separated from the AO Babies area, ensuring that younger children have spaces designed for their age groups. 

The Fuel teen area also became Social040. 

There's a new escape room

Finally, Liberty of the Seas got an upgraded escape room during her Royal Amplification. 

Now, passengers can test their wits at "Escape U: Art Studio" to solve puzzles and clues to "escape" before time runs out. The entrance is within the Star Lounge on Deck 5 and replaced the Connoisseur Club. 

"Gogh beyond the canvas and ace your test to unlock a vibrant surprise and colorful masterpiece," Royal Caribbean says about the escape room.  

Normally, I'm one to argue that your pre-cruise hotel doesn't matter so long as it is safe and clean. However, a recent stay at an upscale beachfront hotel in Fort Lauderdale might have changed my mind about future vacations.

Not long ago, I stayed at the Conrad Fort Lauderdale Hotel before a short four-night cruise out of Port Everglades. My fiancée and I decided to forgo our usual basic airport hotel and opted for something more luxurious and relaxing since we were celebrating my 27th birthday. 

Our partial ocean-view junior suite came to $503.69 after taxes. However, we booked the stay using my American Express Platinum credit card, so we took advantage of the card's semiannual hotel credit and only paid $203.69 out-of-pocket.

Other benefits included complimentary breakfast, a $100 hotel credit, and, upon arrival, a complimentary upgrade to a massive two-bedroom suite. 

After just one night, I'm convinced this is one of the best hotels near the Fort Lauderdale cruise port — if you're in the mood to splurge. 

Although I still think basic airport hotels work fine for most pre-cruise stays, our experience at the Conrad Fort Lauderdale definitely made a strong case for why starting your vacation on a high note before embarkation isn't always a bad thing. 

Conrad Hotel Fort Lauderdale Amenities

To start, the property feels more like a resort than your average airport hotel. The lobby is spacious and elegant, while the large pool deck is arguably one of the hotel's best-selling points. 

It stretches out toward the ocean with an open layout that features a bar and grill, lawn games, umbrellas, and plenty of plush seating. I got lost in my current read soon after settling in — though the unpredictable Florida weather soon caused us to scramble inside. 

Other amenities include:

• Fitness center
• Complimentary two-hour daily bike rental
• Free beach setup (two chairs and one umbrella included)
• Morning yoga on the beach
• Complimentary basic Wi-Fi
• Open-air electric Moke rentals ($)
• Conrad Spa ($)
• Cabana and daybed rentals ($)
• In-room child care ($)
• Valet parking ($60/day)

Dining options

The Conrad Fort Lauderdale has both grab-and-go and full-service dining options available on the property. Whether you want to pick up a quick sandwich to eat by the pool or fuel up with an Italian feast, you are guaranteed to find something that satisfies your cravings. 

During our one-night stay, we grabbed a quick bite to eat at the Spinnaker Pool Grill while we waited for housekeeping to finish preparing our suite. It wasn't anything fancy, but our chicken quesadilla and turkey BLT wrap hit the spot after an early travel morning. 

We also had dinner at Vitolo, the hotel's Italian restaurant, sharing a standard margherita pizza. The service was prompt, and we thought the pizza was pretty solid. 

Finally, we took advantage of the complimentary breakfast and loved the sit-down experience, instead of a crowded buffet with powdered eggs, canned fruit, and nearly stale toast. In fact, we both agreed it was one of the more lavish breakfasts we'd had in a while, complete with a beautiful, chilled fruit platter, crispy potatoes, and a croissant waffle. 

Here's a full list of the on-site dining options at the Conrad Fort Lauderdale: 

• Vitolo
• Takato
• Spinnaker Pool Grill
• The Beach Hut
• Cornucopia Gourmet Market
• In-room dining

Conrad Hilton Fort Lauderdale Room Overview

Our two-bedroom suite was nothing short of impressive — though we certainly wouldn't have paid for it for a one-night stay. Complete with a fully-stocked kitchen, two and a half bathrooms, two bedrooms, a living room, and a large balcony, it was more space than we needed. 

In fact, we ended up turning the second bedroom into our suitcase's designated area. This kept the living room and our bedroom free of clutter. 

Perhaps the most impressive part of the Conrad suite was the primary bathroom. It featured a large walk-in shower, a separate soaking tub, robes, a dual-sink vanity with lots of counter space, and premium toiletries. 

Once the weather cleared up, I returned to the pool for a little more sunshine, while my fiancée opted to stay behind and nap. By the time 4:00 p.m. rolled around, I was surprised that I hadn't gotten an "I'm awake!" text yet, so I went back to the suite to check in and quickly realized that the blackout curtains did their job a little too well. 

Then, we quickly got ready for dinner at the hotel's Italian restaurant before returning to the suite to have a relaxing evening in the living room and watch the soft orange and pink hues in the sky as the sun set. 

Regarding the room's cleanliness and upkeep, some of the furniture felt a little dated, but overall, the suite was very well-maintained for a beach hotel that's been open for nearly a decade. 

We did not notice any stains on the carpet or lingering signs of heavy wear-and-tear, aside from the outdoor balcony, which had been exposed to the elements and needed a good clean. 

Final Thoughts: Is The Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach A Good Pre-Cruise Hotel?

Overall, my stay at the Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach completely changed how I think about pre-cruise hotels. Although it isn't practical to splurge before every voyage, it was a nice reminder that the actual trip can begin before you set foot on board the ship on embarkation day. 

The great resort-style amenities, spacious accommodations, and solid lineup of dining options on-site made it easy to unwind and transition into vacation mode. Whether you want a low-key afternoon by the pool or a relaxing morning on the beach, there are plenty of ways to take advantage of everything the hotel has to offer!

Plus, I loved staying so close to the beach. It made my morning walk so much more enjoyable (before the midday heat set in, of course). 

That said, the hotel isn't the best fit for all cruise travelers. The property, for example, is expensive compared to nearby airport hotels, and there is no dedicated shuttle service to the cruise port or airport, so you will have to rely on rideshares or taxis both to the hotel and the cruise port.

Thankfully, both rides are short. Our Uber from the Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL) took seventeen minutes, while our ride from the hotel to Port Everglades was just fifteen minutes. They weren't expensive, either, with both totaling $38.87, including tips. 

Moving on, the on-site dining options were expensive. For instance, we spent $60 for a chicken quesadilla and a turkey wrap at the pool grill — no drinks included! As such, it would be easy for a larger family to rack up a hefty bill before beginning their cruise. 

Still, if you are willing to pay more for comfort, location, and convenience to start your vacation in style, you can't go wrong with a pre-cruise stay at the Conrad Fort Lauderdale. 

Cruise balconies are the most popular type of accommodation on the ship. However, they aren't all created equal, and some are definitely worse than others.

Certain balcony cabins, for example, have obstructed views. This means rather than looking out over the open ocean, your view may be partially blocked by lifeboats or bulky support structures. 

One time, I booked a Junior Suite on a cruise without doing much research, assuming that because it was a "suite," it would be located in a prime spot with a spacious balcony — I couldn't have been more wrong. 

The Junior Suite was located all the way forward and next to a public observation deck. This meant that if any other cruisers walked out over the bridge wings, they could peer directly at my balcony.

There are other kinds of balconies that you might not enjoy, either, such as interior-facing rooms on Oasis and Icon Class ships, along with the controversial infinite verandas that lack private outdoor space. 

Knowing that not all Royal Caribbean cruise balconies are created equally, here's how to avoid the wrong ones when booking your next vacation. 

Be wary of booking top-deck balcony cabins.

I try to avoid cabins underneath the pool deck, especially when sailing somewhere tropical and warm, because they're just so dang noisy. No, you likely won't hear people thumping above you or crew members dragging lounge chairs early in the morning. However, if you want to actually enjoy your balcony, the nearby pool deck can be frustrating. 

On one cruise, I was staying in a balcony on Deck 18, and the main pool deck was on the same level. There was one afternoon when I wanted to lounge on the veranda (it wasn't cheap, after all!) but realized that the sound of the nearby music and passengers made it seem like I was just steps from the action. 

Now, I automatically rule out balcony staterooms on higher floors, as I don't want to suffer from the loud noise levels that come with being so close to one of the ship's busiest areas. 

Interior-facing balcony rooms lack privacy.

Neighborhood balconies are cabins that face inwards towards the ship, rather than out to the ocean. These include Boardwalk, Central Park, and Surfside balcony staterooms. 

Although they might be a little bit cheaper than ocean-facing balconies, passengers in cabins opposite yours can see directly into your room if the curtains aren't drawn. Other guests can also glance up and easily see onto your balcony while walking in the public neighborhood areas below. 

Sometimes, these cabins are loud, too. For instance, when I stayed in a Central Park balcony on Icon of the Seas, I didn't realize how easily the sound of live jazz performances would carry up through the open-air neighborhood. 

Watch for obstructed view balconies.  

Obstructed balconies can result in major letdowns, especially if you're sailing somewhere scenic like Alaska or Norway. Instead of picture-perfect ocean views from the comfort of your private veranda, you may arrive on embarkation day to discover that a gaudy orange lifeboat, large beam, or other structure is directly in your line of sight. 

Generally speaking, Royal Caribbean's deck plans should indicate if a balcony is obstructed, and at what percentage. As such, you should always check the ship's deck plan before booking a cabin just to ensure you don't end up with a bad cruise room. 

I'd also recommend working with a trusted travel agent, as they can often identify problematic, obstructed-view cabins and help find better options in the same price range.

Infinite balconies aren't "real" balconies. 

Exclusive to Icon Class ships, you might wonder whether an infinite balcony is worth it or not for your sailing on Icon, Star, Legend, or Hero of the Seas. Although I've sailed in infinite balconies before, I can't say they're my favorite type of cruise room, though others love them for their spaciousness and added privacy (in certain situations). 

In short, these unique cabins are designed to bring passengers closer to the ocean by turning the entire stateroom into a balcony. There's no outdoor veranda. Instead, infinite balconies have a floor-to-ceiling window that opens with the push of a button.

I found that my Central Park infinite balcony was more like an extra-large room with a window. Since there were cabins directly across from mine, I never felt like I had the same sense of privacy that comes with a traditional balcony.

When I did have an ocean-facing infinite balcony, I hated that the air-conditioning shut off as soon as the window was lowered. This is something to be wary of since it won't take long for the cabin to become humid and stuffy in warm climates.

Guarantee balcony cabins are a huge gamble.

An easy way to end up with a disappointing balcony cabin is to indirectly book it. What does that mean? Well, Royal Caribbean offers customers a money-saving option, letting the cruise line pick their cabin assignment in exchange for a lower base fare. 

Although this is an easy way to potentially save hundreds of dollars, it's a gamble as to which kind of room you'll get. Oftentimes, those who booked a guaranteed rate will end up in a "leftover room" that other passengers didn't pick. This could be for a ton of different reasons, such as an obstructed view, a location near noisy public venues, or the proximity to the elevators. 

The same premise applies to RoyalUp bids. While bidding on a higher-category cabin might sound appealing, you could end up with a room in a bad location since you can't select the exact cabin. 

Let me be very, very clear in saying that there's nothing wrong with saving money or scoring a great deal on a better cruise room. It's just important to understand the pros and cons and whether you're okay risking the possibility of ending up in a less-than-ideal location.

What are the best Royal Caribbean balcony cabins to book?

There are two types of balcony cabins I try to book — if possible. First, I love any centrally located, mid-ship veranda. These make it easy to navigate the ship, which is especially important on massive vessels like Utopia of the Seas or Icon of the Seas. However, they also tend to be the most stable, making them ideal for guests who are prone to motion sickness. 

In my opinion, aft balconies are worth every extra penny, too! Not only do they usually stray from the standard cookie-cutter design of other cabins, but they also overlook the ship's wake. This is the trail of white, frothy water the vessel churns up as it sails in the open water, and is often considered one of the most picturesque views at sea.

Finally, if you have a larger family, you may want to look into Royal Caribbean's family balcony cabins. These highly sought-after cabins are designed for larger families and groups, accommodating up to six guests with a separate bunk bed area for kids. 

Are inside cabins better than balconies?

Having been on over three dozen cruises, I've stayed in tons of different types of cabins, ranging from tiny windowless staterooms to suites with butlers! 

Although I prefer balconies because I think they provide a good value between comfort and overall experience, there are times when you might be okay with saving money by booking an interior cabin. 

For instance, if you book a cruise on one of the biggest ships in the world (i.e., Icon or Oasis Class vessels) or a port-intensive itinerary, there's a good chance you won't spend much time in your room because you're going to be busy exploring the ship and different destinations. 

Recently, my sister and I sailed on our first European cruise together aboard Harmony of the Seas. Though neither of us is a stranger to cruising, it was her first time staying in an inside stateroom. I was worried she might feel cramped or complain about not having natural light, but she ended up saying she might consider an inside cabin again if the price was right. 

In the end, spending extra money on cabin amenities you won't really use can be a compelling reason to book a cheaper inside room instead.

To err is human, to lose your cruise card is, well, common.

Cruises are unlike standard vacations, and if it is your first one, you'll find there is a learning curve in figuring certain things out. That said, there are a few mistakes you'll want to avoid so your trip goes smoothly from embarkation to debarkation. 

Steering clear of common pitfalls makes enjoying your cruise a lot easier. That way, you don't have to worry about losing money or wasting valuable time dealing with confusion over onboard charges. 

Having been on over 30 cruises, I've had plenty of chances to make mistakes and learn things the hard way. I've also seen countless other cruisers run into the same issues.

For example, I've spent far more on shore excursions, drink packages, and Wi-Fi by leaving those add-ons for the last minute. By planning ahead, I could have saved hundreds of dollars and had a better overall cruise experience. 

Although you won't get everything right the first time, knowing about the most common mistakes that most cruisers instantly regret can save you a lot of headaches.

Forgetting to cash out casino vouchers 

Forgetting to cash out casino vouchers is one of the easiest ways to waste money on your cruise. Royal Caribbean casino issues winnings in the form of printed vouchers that can be re-entered into machines for future play on the same voyage or redeemed before disembarkation. 

It is easier than you think to stash your casino voucher into a cabin drawer or pocket and completely forget about it. Unfortunately, once the casino closes, there's no way to get that money back — and the voucher cannot be used on future Royal Caribbean cruises. 

If your voucher is for a few cents, it is not worth worrying about. In fact, cruise casino vouchers can make for fun scrapbooking keepsakes. However, if you accumulated a $10 voucher on the first night, $35 on the second, and $100 on the third, you'll want to cash out before that money is gone for good. 

Not returning pool towels

One of my biggest quarrels with Royal Caribbean is that they track pool towels checked out to guests. Although I love that I don't have to worry about packing towels, forgetting to return them can result in unexpected charges on your SeaPass account.

The charge for an unreturned towel isn't enough to ruin your vacation, but it's an unnecessary expense that can be easily avoided. As such, when heading back to your cabin after a pool day or returning from a beachy excursion, make sure everyone in your group has their towel and immediately drop them off.

That way, you won't have to spend the final night trying to track down missing towels and waiting in line on disembarkation day to have the $25-per-towel charge removed from your onboard account. 

Leaving balcony doors open slightly

As implied by its name, Royal Caribbean is one of the leading cruise lines operating in the Caribbean. However, they sail to other warm-weather destinations, including the Mediterranean and the South Pacific. 

Although cruise ships have great air conditioning systems, there's one important caveat that many first-time passengers aren't aware of: leaving your balcony door ajar will shut off your stateroom's AC system. 

Consequently, make sure that you fully close and latch your balcony door whenever you're done using it. This will ensure you return to a cool cabin, rather than a humid box. 

Saving add-ons for the last minute

Never, ever save add-ons for the cruise ship. Popular extras like drink packages, specialty dining, and Wi-Fi will cost far more than if you pre-booked through the Cruise Planner. 

For example, it's not uncommon for the Deluxe Beverage Package to cost over $100 per person, per day on the ship. Online, however, you could save anywhere from 25% to 40%, depending on promotions and timing. In fact, I've seen drink packages discounted as low as $65 or $70 per day! 

The other issue with waiting to secure add-ons is availability. Onboard, you may have fewer specialty reservation options. This is especially true for smaller, popular venues like the Icon Class supper clubs, Izumi Hibachi, and Royal Railway. 

Using flushable wipes

On land, using flushable wipes may seem harmless, but they are one of the leading causes of plumbing issues on cruise ships.

Because ships have smaller, highly specialized sewage pipes, everything that's flushed must quickly break down to prevent clogs, which is why they use thin, rapidly dissolving toilet paper. 

If you flush other products, even those marketed as "flushable" or "biodegradable," you could cause major plumbing issues on the vessel. And just so you know, when a clog happens, it's not just your cabin that's impacted. Multiple staterooms will suffer the consequences of your actions because of the shared plumbing system. 

Assuming the buffet is open

Finally, one of the most common cruise mistakes is assuming the buffet is open 24/7. While ships do a great job of offering constant dining options, the Windjammer Marketplace has set operating hours and closes between meals for cleaning and resetting.

To avoid showing up when the buffet is closed, I'd recommend checking the daily schedule in the cruise app. That way, you'll know exactly when breakfast, lunch, and dinner service ends, as well as when it reopens. 

There's no shame in running to the Windjammer for a last-minute dessert, but you definitely don't want to show up half an hour after closing time and expect to find an array of options on display. At that point, you'll be limited to what's available at venues like Café Promenade and Café Latte-tudes. 

Forgetting their SeaPass card

Your Royal Caribbean SeaPass is arguably one of the most important items to carry around during your cruise. Not only does it function as your room key and onboard charge card, but it also serves as your identification for getting on and off the ship in port. 

If you go to disembark the ship without it, you will be turned away and forced to get it from your cabin before being allowed ashore. This is especially frustrating when you're with a shore excursion group and don't want to be left behind.

To avoid the hassle, make a habit of bringing your SeaPass card with you whenever you leave your stateroom. Many cruisers use a lanyard since it's easy to throw around your neck and harder to misplace than a lone card.