If you are sailing on a Voyager, Oasis, or Quantum Class ship in the future, you will find that Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver has a brand-new menu. 

As of August 4, the new menu is available onboard Symphony, Harmony, Mariner, Navigator, and Anthem of the Seas. It will be available on Quantum and Ovation soon; however, no date was provided. 

"I can't wait for you to all start tucking into this menu. I know that you're gonna love it," says Jamie Oliver. 

Related: 5 things you will love about Jamie's Italian on Royal Caribbean

Note that the title of the dishes on the menus below may be different in the United States, as they were taken on a European sailing to Norway onboard Anthem of the Seas.  

What's different on the lunch menu

All veteran cruisers know that eating lunch in a specialty restaurant is cheaper than dinner, and usually, you will have similar offerings. On a future sailing onboard Quantum of the Seas, the current onboard pricing for dinner is advertise to be $54.99, while lunch is only $24.99.

Of course, you can often get better rates if you book in advance on the Cruise Planner.  

Starting with the lunch menu, you will no longer find the Garlicky Prawns. Similarly, the Penne Pomodoro is no longer available. Instead, there's the Penne Vodka Arrabbiata, which Oliver says is one of his family's favorites. 

(Pictured above is the Penne Vodka Arrabbiata on Anthem of the Seas)

The biggest differences are evident in the main courses, with the removal of the JI Burger, Calabrian Chicken, and Jamie's Caesar Salad.

(Pictured above is the Avocado Caesar Salad on Anthem of the Seas)

These three menu items have been replaced by the brand-new Crispy Chicken Burger and Avocado Caesar Salad, meaning that instead of six options, you will only have five. 

(Pictured above is the Crispy Chicken Burger on Anthem of the Seas)

Similarly, there are only four sides on the menu instead of five: Rocket Salad, Charred Broccoli, Skin-on Fries, and Polenta Chips.

In terms of what is returning, Oliver said that the recipe for the bruschetta has been changed.

What's different on the dinner menu

On the dinner menu, you will have seven appetizers to select from.

(Pictured above is the Truffle Burrata on Anthem of the Seas)

Like the lunch menu, the Garlicky Prawns are no longer offered. It was replaced by the Crab & Avocado dish, which is described as "freshly picked crab, whipped avocado, heritage tomatoes, and Sardinian crackers." 

(Pictured above is the Tomato Bruschetta on Anthem of the Seas)

You will also have six pasta dishes to choose from, rather than five like on the lunch menu. The singular addition is the Risotto Rosso, which was not on the old menu. If you like creamy burrata, you'll love this dish that's also served with sun-dried tomato rice, slow-cooked cherry tomatoes, veggie Parmesan, and fresh basil. 

(Pictured above is the Eggplant [Aubergine] Parmigiana on Anthem of the Seas)

Like the lunch menu, the JI Burger is no longer on the dinner menu. Instead of a Crispy Chicken Burger, though, you will find Chicken Parmigiana. The Avocado Caesar Salad is available for dinner, too. 

The sides are the same as what you can order during lunch, with the addition of a Green Salad. 

Other menu changes onboard Royal Caribbean ships

This is not the first time Royal Caribbean has changed some menus this year. In early 2023, Royal Caribbean introduced brand-new Main Dining Room menus. 

The company began testing new menus in late 2022, and after receiving positive feedback from guests, they announced that they were going to change the menus fleet wide by February 2023.

Now, there is a more cohesive theme each night that highlights different cuisines and cooking styles. You may, for instance, have a Caribbean night, Mexican night, Italian night, USA night, and more. 

With this change, the “classics” section, which offered a subset of menu options that never changed and were available each night, was removed from the menu. 

Related: I tried Royal Caribbean's new main dining room menus, and here's what I thought

Have you ever wondered what it is like for crew members to eat onboard a cruise ship?

Passengers have a seemingly endless number of dining options, especially on the newer ships. Whether you want more complimentary options or are hoping to splurge on specialty dinners, there is something that will satisfy everyone! 

In August 2023, Bryan James, who was a musician on Wonder of the Seas at the time, shared insight into what crew member life is like on social media while he performed on Wonder of the Seas. 

In the past, he has posted videos about secret crew-only areas, cabin tours, and more. Plus, he has talked about the crew buffet quite a bit!

Where and what do crew members eat?

According to James, every single crew member onboard Wonder of the Seas eats at the crew buffet, which is located below deck.

In one video, he showed what options were available for breakfast. 

"You, of course, have your staples like sausage and eggs," he says, "[but] It's an International crew so lots of rice in the mornings, as well as beans and tomatoes..."

He even showed pastries, pancakes, and a toppings bar! In other words, there's no shortage of options for crew members, either. 

In another TikTok, James showed a crêpe station at the buffet. He he explains it sometimes offers other made-to-order dishes like fried rice or pad thai. 

Regardless, quantity is not the most important thing, it helps that James claims the food is pretty good. There are even some dishes that he would say are amazing. In a separate video, he panned to bibimbap that he would rate 10 out of 10. 

All of the food is free, whether it is breakfast, lunch, dinner, or just dessert! Because of this, James says that it is really easy to overindulge or not think too much about the nutritional value of what he is eating.

What if they get hungry in between meals?

Crew members are able to pick up snacks and other day-to-day essentials at the crew store. Here, crew are able to buy toiletries, detergent, and a wide variety of snacks, ranging from chocolate to Takis, nuts, and more. 

James recalls a time in which this was important during the pandemic when they were not allowed off of the ship for eight months. 

"It was like Christmas morning every single time the store got restocked," he says. 

Crew dining on Icon of the Seas 

Royal Caribbean redesigned the crew buffet for Icon of the Seas, which debuted in January 2024 and surpassed Wonder as the world's largest cruise ship.

Related: Royal Caribbean is adding the best crew member cabins and areas on its next new cruise ship

"The crew can looking forward to in the crew Windjammer a lot of the same options that we serve to our guests," said Rebecca Burns, Senior Manager of Restaurant Operations for Royal Caribbean International, "That was something that was very important to us when developing the menus."

Like onboard older ships, the buffet will have both hot and cold food stations. She will, however, stand out in that she will be the first to feature live cooking stations in the crew buffet.

Plus, the crew will actually be able to look outside at the ocean through the porthole windows. 

I sailed onboard Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas and booked an interior cabin, which was the cheapest available option. 

Measuring 139,999 gross registered tons, Navigator of the Seas was the largest cruise ship in the world when launched in 2002.  

In early 2019, she completed a $115 amplification, adding new dining venues, water slides, activities, and more that are round on newer ships in the fleet. 

Today, Navigator is the only Royal Caribbean ship deployed out of Los Angeles, operating 3-, 4-, and 7-night cruises to Baja California and the Mexican Riviera. 

In mid-June, I went on a 7-night cruise that visited Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta and paid a little over $2,280 for two people to stay in an interior stateroom, including port fees and gratuities. This broke down to $1,140 each, or about $162 per night, per person.

To save a little extra money, I chose a guarantee rate, so I was not assigned my cabin until closer to the sail date. 

Not only was this my first time on Navigator of the Seas, it was my first-ever cruise on a Voyager Class ship! Since this was going to be the oldest Royal Caribbean ship that I had ever sailed on, I was interested to see the condition of cabins that were over twenty-years-old!

The first thing I noticed upon walking into my stateroom was that there was a small loveseat that was not pushed up against one side of the wall. Instead, it stuck out in the already tight walkway of the 160 square foot cabin. I am glad that I had the beds separated, as I feel like the floor space would've been minimal if they were pushed together!

The length of the loveseat exceeded the length of the wall, meaning that even if we wanted to try to rearrange the layout, it would have been impossible. 

Overall, I appreciated the lighter decor compared to the dark greens found in most staterooms on Freedom Class ships. It made the room feel newer than cabins I have stayed in on both Liberty and Freedom of the Seas. 

Beside of each bed was a small nightstand that had a single drawer with additional storage space underneath. 

While there were no outlets beside of the beds, there were two reading lights. Had the beds been pushed together, the nightstands would've been directly underneath them, rather than on the center of the wall.  

The only two American outlets were located on the vanity. There was one additional European plug; however, neither my travel companion nor myself had an adapter. Thankfully, she brought a cruise line approved power strip, so we had access to multiple USB ports through a single outlet. 

Since the plugs are located far away from the bed, I recommend bringing a longer cord, so you are able to use the device from bed! 

The vanity area itself had plenty of storage, with nine drawers and two cabinets "hidden" behind the mirror. Above the television was the safe and another larger cabinet.

Stateroom mini-fridges are hit or miss in that some keep your beverages colder than others. While this was not the strongest mini-fridge I have had while on a cruise, it kept a couple bottles of water cool. 

The bathroom in my inside cabin was exactly what I expected. Although it was dated, it had everything that was necessary.

There were two cups attached to the backsplash, and between the shelves behind the mirror and the large shelf underneath the sink, there was enough space to hold all of our toiletries, makeup, and hair products.

As someone who cruisers frequently, I was not surprised by the size of the shower; however, it was my travel companions first-ever cruise, and she could not get over how small showers are on ships!

In terms of closet space, there were plenty of hangers for both of us to hang everything that needed to be hung. That, coupled with the shelving, meant there was enough space to unpack a week's worth of clothes. Had the safe been in the closet like on other ships, we would have had one less shelf to use. 

My stateroom (#8447) was located on Deck 8 in the forward of the ship. We loved the location because it was not a far walk from the elevator bank.

Plus, it was only three decks above the Royal Promenade, making our morning coffee commute relatively painless! Three decks above us was the pool deck, so we did not have to rely on elevators much at all. 

While I am still a fan of the larger Royal Caribbean ships, I wouldn't hesitate to book another cruise on a Voyager Class ship, especially if the ports of call were places I had never visited before, such as those in the Mexican Riviera! 

Royal Caribbean's cruise prices are higher today than in 2019, and the company wants to raise those prices even more.

Historically, cruise vacations have, in addition to their convenience, been popular because of their value. For one price, you get unlimited food, accommodations, entertainment, and transportation between destinations across the world. 

This price gap between the cost of a cruise vacation and a land vacation grew significantly during the cruise industry shutdown. Since then, cruise fare prices on Royal Caribbean have gone up at the same time demand was also rising.

In the second quarter of 2023, the percentage of guests on Royal Caribbean who were new to the brand or new to cruising in general surpassed 2019 levels. Additionally, those considering future cruises is near an all-time high.

Over the last couple of months, airfare and hotel prices have decreased; the price of a Royal Caribbean cruise, however, has increased.  

Royal Caribbean International's CEO Jason Liberty spoke with CNBC's Seema Mody about the price gap between cruise and land vacations after their Q2 earnings call on July 27. 

"In the earlier part of this year, that value gap was somewhere around 45%. And today, we've closed that value gap by about ten percentage points, so we still think there's a lot of runway that is still there to close," he said. 

This means that the value of a land-based vacation and cruise vacation are becoming more comparable, while you'll still get more bang for your buck on a Royal Caribbean cruise. 

The comment surprised one of the panelists on the CNBC show, Tyler Mathisen, who asked Mr. Liberty doesn't he want to maintain a value gap in order to attract customers and keep demand up.

Mr. Liberty responded, "We always want to be as competitive as we possibly can be, but of course, we want that gap to be much smaller."

"We were able to close that gap to about 10-15 points pre-covid, we think there's a lot of opportunity for us to close that gap even further."

Royal Caribbean is known for having dynamic pricing for their cruise add-ons, such as drink packages. This model extends to their cruise fares, too. They change their prices back and forth based on the demand. As they have continued to increase the cost of their cruise fares this year, they have seen that their customers continue to book into 2024. 

In the earnings call with investors on Thursday, he noted that it's clear that Royal Caribbean guests continue to spend more on their overall vacation experience. 

Additionally, customers continue to book cruise add-ons in advance through their online Cruise Planner, which is essentially passengers' go-to place to see what is available on their upcoming cruise.

You can make dining reservations, look at available onboard activities, and even pre-book drink and internet packages, as well as shore excursions. 

"We know that if we can get them to spend a dollar before they get on the ship," Liberty remarked, "we'll get them to spend somewhere around seventy cents on the dollar more when they get on and enjoy their vacation experience."

Royal Caribbean always wants to be as competitive as they can; however, they are striving to really close to value gap between the cost of a cruise and land-based vacation, and they believe that there is room to close it even more than they already have this year. 

"...cruising remains an exceptional value proposition," Liberty said during the Q2 earnings call, "allowing us to outperform broader leisure travel as we seek to further close the gap to land based vacations, drive better revenue and welcome even more happy customers." 

Onboard Royal Caribbean's newest ship, you will find a larger, wider, longer, and higher Royal Promenade.

The second you step foot on Icon of the Seas, you will be greeted by sweeping ocean views and the first-ever multi-sensory super structure called "The Pearl." 

"The Royal Promenade is a classic with Royal Caribbean and has evolved significantly. It's an amazing hub for the entire community onboard the ship," said Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean."

"...it always has been this place where people meet and have fun together, and that is certainly true for Icon." 

At 362 feet long, the Royal Promenade onboard Icon of the seas is longer than a football field, and for the first time, it brings ocean views into the ship's main thoroughfare through floor-to-ceiling windows and the 4100 Lobby Bar the connects the neighborhood to the outdoors. 

Related: The Ultimate Icon of the Seas Dining & Lounges Guide

"The number of the hull on every ship is unique to that ship," explained Linken D'Souza, Vice President of Food & Beverage for Royal Caribbean International. 

"On Icon of the Seas that number was 4100, and so the 4100 Lobby Bar is a tribute to all of the hardworking folks who built this amazing and iconic ship." 

During the day, you'll find delicious tropical juice-based drinks. In the evening, the menu will feature pre-prohibition cocktails in the evening, focusing on classics like Old Fashioneds and Manhattans. 

In order to fully open up the Royal Promenade, though, Royal Caribbean had to navigate numerous structural changes and come up a creative solution: The Pearl. This three-deck high sphere is a multi-sensory experience built with 3,000 kinetic tiles. 

"When guests walk onboard, they will see a massive structure that we call 'The Pearl.' They may not know what it is, but the scale of it alone is enough to take your breath away," remarked Jennifer Goswami, Director or Product Development for Royal Caribbean International.  

On Deck 6 behind The Pearl, guests will find the Pearl Cafe in place of Cafe Promenade. In addition to the familiar grab-and-go bites, the Pearl Cafe will serve up freshly toasted croissants, hot chocolate croissants, croissant sandwiches, sweets, and other specialty desserts. 

While the Royal Promenade will be full of firsts and unlike any other Promenade it in the fleet, it will be home to many fan-favorites, too, such as Giovanni's Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar.

Usually, specialty restaurants are in quieter areas onboard the ship. On Oasis Class vessels, for instance, you could find the majority of them in the Central Park neighborhood. Placing this venue in the Royal Promenade will allow guest to be in the middle of the action. If you want a quieter experience, there will be intimate seating in the back of the restaurant. 

Related: Royal Caribbean will offer swanky supper club and food hall on new Icon of the Seas when it launches

There will also be Sorrento's that will feature antipasti on a rotational basis and beer on draft. 

In addition to the restaurants, this neighborhood will be a lively hotspot thanks to the other bars and lounges that can be found here, including Boleros and Schooner Bar.

To enhance the overall experience, both of these Royal Caribbean classics will have a more open layout, so the music and energy are able to spill into the Royal Promenade. 

Similarly, Point and Feather, the onboard pub, will pull the bar into the center space of the neighborhood. 

Another first for the cruise line will be the Dueling Pianos bar on Deck 6. This is not your average piano bar. Each night, two pianists will take requests and go key-to-key in a friendly competition. 

Directly below Dueling Pianos is Spotlight Karaoke, which debuted on Oasis of the Seas after an extensive $165 million revitalization in 2019. Onboard Icon, though, you will find the best karaoke stage in the fleet! Plus, there will be private rooms for those who want a more intimate karaoke experience. 

Since Icon is meant to be the ultimate family vacation, it makes sense that Adventure Ocean can be accessed from the Royal Promenade, too.

Located in the heart of the ship, there are dedicated venues for children and teens, such as the brand-new Social 020, which offers teens an escape from parents that features state-of-the-art video game systems and movie room. 

For younger guests between the ages of 6-months and 12-years-old, Royal Caribbean is bringing back (and upgrading) their Adventure Ocean facilities.

Here, they will find age-appropriate rooms and activities, including a workshop that incorporates arts, crafts, and fun science experiences. There will even be an Adventure Ocean theater! 

In terms of entertainment, the Royal Promenade will be home to the largest ice arena at sea -- Absolute Zero -- with over 2,850 square feet of ice. It is different from other ice rinks on older Royal Caribbean ships, too, as it has been redesigned in an oval space that has two hidden entrances, allowing performers to enter the rink at high speeds and get right into the action! 

When not being used for shows, guests will have the opportunity to go skating. It can also be converted into a laser tag arena. 

Located in the forward of the ship is the Royal Theater. All of their past developments with technologies have been integrated into this space, allowing for the ultimate storytelling experiences at sea. 

"The Royal Promenade has been a staple of ours since the Voyager Class ships," said Jason Liberty, President & CEO of Royal Caribbean Group.

"Watching it grow not only in size but experience through the Freedom Class, Oasis Class, and now onto Icon Class is really remarkable. So you're going to see a larger, wider, longer, higher Promenade that's going to have a lot more experiences."

How much longer until Icon of the Seas sets sail?

In June, Icon of the Seas successfully completed her first round of sea trials.

During these tests, she traveled hundreds of miles, during which the main engines, hull, brake systems, steering, noise, and vibration levels were all tested. 

Related: 11 reasons Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas will change the cruise industry

Between preparing for the trials and the tests themselves, there were over 2,000 specialists who put in more than 350 hours of work in helping Icon of the Seas pass this important milestone. 

There's around round of sea trials scheduled for later in 2023 to make sure that Icon of the Seas is in tip-top shape before she is delivered to Royal Caribbean prior to her January 27, 2024 maiden voyage. 

Just because the peak summer travel season is winding down doesn't mean you can't squeeze another cruise vacation in this year!

The fall months bring cooler temperatures and lower prices than peak summer cruises. This means you don't have to visit the Caribbean or Mediterranean and deal with brutal heat, which can ruin a trip. 

Additionally, even if the cruise is fully booked (as is likely the case as cruise lines continue to report record-breaking demand), there are fewer land-based travelers. As such, there will be fewer crowds in the ports of call. 

When cruise lines reposition ships at the end of a region’s sailing season, you may even find a unique itinerary that's not typically offered. 

Here are the best fall cruises that you should take (no, it isn't too late to plan a last-minute cruise or start thinking ahead to 2026!). 

Alaska

Royal Caribbean's Alaska season wraps up in September and will resume next May. August happens to mark the region's transition from summer to fall, so the earlier you cruise, the better the weather you have, including more daylight. 

Cruising to Alaska during the fall is advantageous for a few reasons. First, the fares are cheaper than during June and July. School is underway, so there will likely be fewer children onboard, too. There's also a higher chance of seeing the Northern Lights in September (though it is never a guarantee). 

Unfortunately, the last-minute Alaska cruises are pretty expensive this year. The cheapest on Royal Caribbean's website starts at around $1,499 per person on Quantum of the Seas. The weeklong cruise from Seattle on September 8 visits Sitka, Skagway, Juneau, and Victoria. Ocean-view and balcony cabins are sold out. 

If you've been dying to visit The Last Frontier, it's always better to plan in advance. For example, a 7-night cruise on Serenade of the Seas in Sept. 2026 starts at around $700 per person. 

Read more: Alaska Cruises on Royal Caribbean: Everything You Need to Know

Asia

The fall is a wonderful time to cruise to Asia. The fall foliage in October can't be beat. The weather is generally mild and comfortable, too. 

Currently, most cruises onboard Spectrum of the Seas are shorter, lasting only 3-5 nights. During the fall, however, there tend to be a few longer voyages. 

This year, you can sail on an 11-night cruise aboard Ovation of the Seas from Tokyo, Japan, to Singapore. Ports of call include Nagasaki, Japan; Jeju (Seogwipo), South Korea; Hong Kong, China; and Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My), Vietnam. Pricing for this particular sailing departing on Oct. 9, 2025, starts at $2,316 per person. 

Looking ahead to next year, you can book an 11-night cruise on Navigator of the Seas (a ship new to the region). Navigator will depart on Oct. 18, 2026, from Tokyo and cruise to Nagasaki, Japan; Jeju (Seogwipo), South Korea; Hong Kong, China; Hue / Danang (Chan May), Vietnam; and Singapore, Singapore. 

Navigator is an older ship but still packed with fun amenities like a FlowRider surf simulator, ice skating rink, water slides, and a rock climbing wall. Plus, it's cheaper than this year's cruise on Ovation, starting at around $1,880 per person. 

The Bahamas and Caribbean

While fall is still part of the Atlantic hurricane season, you are less likely to be impacted by inclement weather in late October and November. 

This year, Royal Caribbean has a whopping 23 ships sailing to The Bahamas and Caribbean in October and November. Not only does this mean you have a range of ships to choose from (from old favorites like Vision of the Seas to brand-new mega-ships like Star of the Seas), but there are also numerous embarkation ports available:

• Baltimore, Maryland
• Galveston, Texas
• Cape Liberty (New York), New Jersey
• Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida
• Miami, Florida
• Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• Tampa, Florida
• San Juan, Puerto Rico
• Cartagena, Colombia
• Colón, Panama 

If you are looking for a quick getaway, consider sailing on Wonder of the Seas, as she begins making short 3- and 4-night voyages out of Miami on August 25 to Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay. Utopia is another solid choice, as it's the newest Oasis Class vessel. 

Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's next Icon Class ship, is sailing from Port Canaveral to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. 

With 23 ships, though, you don't have to sail on some of the largest in the fleet. Some of the smallest, such as Vision of the Seas, will be sailing on unique and longer itineraries to the Southern Caribbean, visiting ports like St. Croix, St. Maarten, Martinique, Dominica, and St. Kitts & Nevis.

You will find better rates on the older ships, too. A 12-night cruise on Vision of the Seas starts at $1,068 per person, while a 7-night cruise onboard Star of the Seas starts at $1,153 per person.

Bermuda

I just visited Bermuda for the first time last year and fell in love with the pastel-colored buildings and crystal-clear turquoise waters. In fact, I loved it so much that I booked another two cruises for this fall!

September is a good month to visit Bermuda, as daily highs will still peak into the 80s. This means that you will be able to enjoy the warm summer temperatures with fewer crowds. 

Liberty of the Seas sails to Bermuda from Cape Liberty through October. Most sailings have two days at sea and an overnight stay at the Royal Naval Dockyard in Bermuda. 

While not the largest ship in the fleet, this Freedom Class ship offers plenty of activities and things to do, including water slides, a FlowRider surf simulator, an ice skating rink, and Broadway show, specialty dining venues, pools, and more. 

Vision of the Seas is also cruising to Bermuda this fall from Baltimore, Maryland. If you like sailing from this smaller port, you'll have to act fast, as Royal Caribbean is relocating Vision of the Seas in Oct. 2026. 

Canada and New England

Fall foliage cruises are popular because they allow passengers to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the changing hues of the trees of Canada and New England. 

For the best chance of seeing the best fall foliage, late September cruises are often ideal, as you are more likely to experience peak foliage through mid-October. 

Cooler temperatures, seasonal festivals, and fewer crowds also make the fall a great time to explore charming ports of call like Boston, Portland, Halifax, and Quebec City.

Like with Alaska, it's smart to book early, especially since there's such a limited timeframe to view the best foliage. This year, cruises to Canada and New England are offered on Liberty of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, and Vision of the Seas. 

Next year, Independence of the Seas and Vision of the Seas will sail to the region. 

Read more: 7 things that surprised me on my first Canada & New England cruise

Europe

Even after having taken a dozen cruises to The Bahamas and Caribbean, I wasn't prepared for how hot Europe is in the summer. It was so unbearable that I've vowed to never cruise to the Mediterranean or the Greek Isles during the summer again!

Unlike the Caribbean, you can expect to spend long days in port exploring European cities, rather than lounging on the beach. In the peak of the summer, it can be miserably hot. In the fall, you will be greeted with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds in port. 

In July, for instance, it is not unusual for the daily high to reach the high 80s and 90s in places like Rome, while in October, the daily temperatures range from the high-60s to mid-70s. 

Plus, the fares during the fall are more reasonable than in the summer, especially if you book in advance. One of the most affordable last-minute voyages for this year is aboard Voyager of the Seas on Sept. 22, 2025.  

The 7-night cruise starts at $1,160 per person and will call at Valencia, Spain; Nice (Villefranche), France; Ajaccio, Corsica; Florence / Pisa (La Spezia), Italy; Santa Margherita, Italy; and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy.

Another smart reason to consider a fall cruise to Europe in 2026 is that you'll have more time to plan airfare, which can be pricey at the last minute. 

Read more: A week in Europe proved things are better on a cruise

Mexico

October and November are two of the best months to visit the Mexican Riviera, as you will find pleasant weather compared to the summer months.

Moreover, October marks the end of the region's rainy season — August and September have higher rainfall averages. Temperatures will still be in the 80s, so you can sunbathe and enjoy other water activities in port. 

This fall, consider a 7-night cruise to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta onboard Ovation of the Seas, the first Quantum Class ship to be deployed out of California, and visit beautiful beaches, try the local cuisine, and see world-famous landmarks, including the El Arco rock formation in Cabo.

Due to less overall demand, you will find some great deals, too. All dates in October begin under $700 per person for an inside stateroom. 

Read more: Mexican Riviera cruise guide

Panama Canal

The fall is one of two times throughout the year that Royal Caribbean offers sailings through the Panama Canal. 

One thing to note about Panama Canal cruises is that they're always on older ships that meet the specific size requirements to sail through the canal. In other words, you won't find Panama Canal cruises on ships like Wonder or Icon of the Seas. 

Moreover, they're longer than the average Caribbean cruise, as they often double as repositioning cruises. So, most will be at least 12 nights long to accommodate the full transit through the canal and visit ports on the Atlantic and Pacific sides. 

After the fall, there aren't any other cruises that transit the entire canal until the spring. 

Transatlantic and transpacific cruises

The fall is also a common time for transatlantic and transpacific cruises, as ships are being redeployed after cruises in seasonal regions, such as Europe and Alaska. 

The larger the vessel, the more you will have to do onboard during the long stretch of sea days. Ships like Allure and Odyssey of the Seas will offer the most to do, with the latter visiting more ports of call. 

Transatlantic and transpacific cruises often have a lower price per day, making them great options for those who want to sail on a budget and maximize their time on the ship. 

In 2025, for example, a last-minute transatlantic aboard Allure of the Seas starts at $1,224 per person for an interior stateroom. 

If you wait until 2026, you can score a 13-night cruise on Explorer of the Seas for just $803 per guest. The sailing, which departs on Oct. 31, 2026, visits Barcelona, Spain; Palma De Mallorca, Spain; Cartagena, Spain; Ponta Delgada, Azores; and the Royal Naval Dockyard in Bermuda before arriving in Florida. 

Given how close it is to the major cruise ports, The Bahamas is a very popular cruise year-round destination. Ships visit tropical ports as well as cruise line private islands.

Deciding the best month to cruise to the Bahamas is dependent on a few factors, such as weather, price, and crowds. You might also want to know will it be too crowded in the summer or rainy in the winter? When is the cheapest time to sail to the Bahamas?

Even if you are not taking a cruise specifically to The Bahamas, there is a good chance that you spend at least one day of your 7-night Caribbean cruise here. Often, Royal Caribbean will include a stop at their private island Perfect Day at CocoCay on their longer Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries that sail to ports like Cozumel, Roatán, St. Maarten, and St. Thomas.  

Best time to cruise based on weather

Since The Bahamas is located further north than most Caribbean ports (think Jamaica and St. Maarten), the islands are more prone to temperature fluctuation. In fact, The Bahamas is not even located within the Caribbean. 

The driest weather can be expected between November and April, with the wettest months being June through September, which is also Atlantic hurricane season. 

While hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30, you are most likely to encounter storms in August and September. Do not let this stop you from booking a cruise during this time, though. If a storm does pop up, the cruise ship captain will do everything they can to ensure smooth sailing, meaning that it is more common for itineraries to be changed instead of being flat out cancelled. 

If cruising in the winter -- think December and January -- you might be subject to colder temperatures due to the possibility of a cold front. When this occurs, the seas will get a little rougher than usual, and temperatures will be in the 60s and 70s. 

In January, for instance, the average high in Nassau is in the high 70s, while the average low drops to the mid 60s. 

Earlier this year, I sailed to CocoCay twice in January. Both times, the weather was not as warm as I would have preferred. Once I got in the water, I had to stay submerged, otherwise the wind chill made it uncomfortably chilly!

When I returned mid-February, though, it was pleasant, and I did not mind sitting in my swimsuit, rather than feeling like I had to bundle up in a towel to hang out on the beach. 

The weather is subject to change; however, the months of March, April, May and November are the most likely to see comfortable temperatures with the least chance of rain. 

Best time to cruise based on crowds 

The Bahamas is a popular cruise port and tourist destination year-round. On February 27, 2023, Nassau set a new single-day record with 28,554 cruise ship passengers in port in a single day!

Regardless of when you choose to sail, you are likely going to be in port with more than one ship. In fact, thanks to Nassau's recent port expansion, they are now able to accommodate 30,000 cruise passengers per day. By the end of 2024, it is estimated that Nassau will see four million cruise visitors.

The busiest times of year coincide with American school holidays. Not only will ships be sailing close to maximum capacity, but the island's themselves (excluding CocoCay) will also see more tourists. These holidays include spring and summer break, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. Three day weekends, such as Memorial Day and Labor Day, are subject to seeing more crowds, too.

Best time to cruise based on price

While you should never book the cheapest cruise you can find without doing additional research, you can find great deals on cruises to The Bahamas, especially those that are only 3- and 4-nights. The price per night will be more expensive than longer cruises, but the overall cost will be lower.

At the time of writing, a 3-night sailing on Allure of the Seas is advertised at $282 per person for The Bahamas cruise that leaves on November 1, 2024. In comparison, a 7-night Bahamas & Perfect Day cruise onboard Radiance of the Seas starts at $565 per person. This amounts to a difference of roughly $15 per day, before taxes, port fees, and gratuities are even added, for the shorter cruise. 

You are more likely to find a cheaper sailing if you cruise during the following times: 

• January (with the exception of New Years' week and Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend)
• February (with the exception of Presidents' Day Weekend)
• May 
• September

• October
• First two weeks of November
• First two weeks of December 

March and April see an increase in pricing due to spring break, while three day weekends (i.e., Presidents' Day) are popular since they require one less day off of work.

A 4-night cruise onboard Allure of the Seas that departs on February 19, 2024 (Presidents' Day) is currently priced at $543 per person for two guests staying in an interior cabin. If you sailed two weeks earlier on February 5, you could book a balcony cabin for roughly the same price!

Other factors that will impact your price include the stateroom category you choose, as well as the age of the ship. Sailings on the brand-new Utopia of the Seas, for instance, will be more expensive than those on Allure of the Seas. 

Of course, the best way to ensure that you are getting the best price on your cruise vacation is to book it as soon in advance as possible. If you notice that the fare does drop, you can either consult your travel agent or call Royal Caribbean, and they will honor the lower price. If you book after a price increase, however, there is no way for you to get price that you missed out on. 

Related: How to get the best cruise deals: 15 easy tips

What is the best time to take a cruise to the Bahamas?

When taking into consideration the weather, crowds, and cost of the cruise fare, the most ideal time to sail to The Bahamas is either May or early November. 

In regard to the weather, the average high and low in Nassau during the month May are in the mid-80s and mid-70s. November tends to be similar, with the average being a few degrees colder than in the spring. Either way, you will avoid the peak humidity and high temperatures that accompany sailing in the summer months. 

Similarly, both May and early November fall outside of the peak season for crowds. While neither the cruise nor port of Nassau will be empty, there will be fewer travelers than in the summer since the majority of American families will be preoccupied with school and other obligations. 

Fewer crowds means that there is less demand, too. Less demand means a decrease in cruise fares, which is great for those looking to sail on a budget or stretch their vacation fund as far as possible. 

You cannot go wrong with a cruise to The Bahamas, though, regardless of when you are able to sail! Just make sure you do your research in advance, so you know what to expect. 

Royal Caribbean announced they will go to Europe for their next President's Cruise.

While onboard the 2023 President's Cruise, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley announced the dates and location for the 2024 President's Cruise.

Last year, he asked for a vote between a Caribbean cruise on Allure from Galveston or a European cruise, in which the crowd responded Allure. This year, they had a video prepared during the announcement. 

Prior to the video, though, he asked the crowd their guess on which ship the cruise would be on. He gave a hint stating that they had already had President's Cruises onboard 60% of the fleet. 

Photo credit to Jon Evans

"We go there every several years because we have a lot of Crown & Anchor from there, and they always said, 'You always do your cruises in America. Why don't do you do one in the Mediterranean,'" said Bayley. 

"This is when we really go to town on that European thing." 

The 2024 President's Cruise will take place on Oasis of the Seas on the June 23, 2024. The 7-night Western Mediterranean cruise will depart from Barcelona, Spain and visit Palma De Mallorca, Spain; Florence/Pisa (La Spezia), Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; and Naples / Capri, Italy. 

What is a President's Cruise?

A Royal Caribbean President's Cruise is a regular sailing that anyone is eligible to book, but it is a great opportunity for Royal Caribbean fans who want to go on a sailing together. 

The cruise is hotel by Michael Bayley, the President and CEO of Royal Caribbean. Essentially, it is a fun celebration of the cruise line for all loyal guests.

In the past, there have been special events, such as celebrity musicians, who have made appearances onboard. This year's cruise included an unforgettable live performance by the ten-time Grammy winner Chaka Khan. 

Additionally, there are tons of surprises and commemorative opportunities for those onboard. 

Some of the most loyal Royal Caribbean fans can be found onboard President's Cruises, making them a kind of reunion amongst fans. 

What to expect onboard Oasis of the Seas

Oasis of the Seas is the namesake ship of the Oasis Class, which has held the world record for the largest cruise ships in the world since her inaugural cruise in December 2009. The title for largest cruise ship class in the world will be taken by the highly-anticipated Icon of the Seas in January 2024. 

Oasis Class ships are some of the best for large family vacations, as they offer an extensive amount of amenities and activities to appeal to travelers of all ages. 

She was the first ship in the world to feature interior facing balconies, as well as the beloved neighborhood concept. For the first time, guests could book balconies that overlooked the ship's Boardwalk and Central Park neighborhoods for less than a traditional oceanfront balcony. 

Additionally, she was the first to introduce the one-of-a-kind AquaTheater. Located in the aft of the ship in the Boardwalk neighborhood, this entrainment venue is home to high diving spectaculars the feature dancers, acrobats, and, of course, divers who take the plunge into the deepest pool at sea. 

In 2019, she underwent the cruise line's Royal Amplification program, receiving $165 million in enhancements, including the Ultimate Abyss, Perfect Storm waterslides, upgraded Caribbean-style pool deck, and new dining venues, one of which -- Portside BBQ -- is exclusive to Oasis of the Seas. This specialty restaurant serves a variety of barbecued meats and comfort food. 

Purchasing a European power adapter for your next cruise should be on your to-do list. 

While newer cruise ships are equipped with more outlets and USB ports, older ships tend to have fewer plugs. This can be frustrating to learn when you board the ship and are unprepared. 

I recently cruised onboard Navigator of the Seas, a Voyager Class ship that was launched in 2002, and my interior stateroom only had two American outlets. Had I packed a European power adapter, I could have made use of the European plug to increase the total number of outlets in the room to three. 

In comparison, I sailed onboard Symphony of the Seas earlier this year, and my cabin came with one American outlet beside of the bed, as well as three on the vanity. There were also two USB ports and a European plug. 

Related: I stayed in a $1,400 stateroom on Symphony of the Seas — see what my room on this cruise ship looked like

Moving forward, I am always going to make sure that I have a European power adapter on any cruise ship I sail on just to make sure that I am prepared for any charging situation. 

Please note that we have linked Amazon items in this post through an affiliate link. The affiliate link costs you nothing extra, but Royal Caribbean Blog will make a small commission if you purchase the item through the link. 

They are inexpensive to purchase

For less than $10, you can purchase a six-pack of European adapters. So long as you do not lose them, they can be reused on future vacations, too. 

While you might not need all six on your cruise, they are good to have on hand in the event you do take a European vacation, as you will need adapters for all plugs, rather than just a single one. By already having them tucked in a drawer at home, that is one less thing you will have to worry about getting!

European power adapters are less bulky than cruise line approved power strips

Most cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, prohibit passengers from bringing surge protected power strips onboard. If you are caught with one, it will be confiscated and returned after you disembark. What a disappointment that would be if you were banking on using your power strip during your cruise!

If you do not have an option that will work, you will have to purchase one, and they are more expensive than European power adapters. 

European power adapters are also small and lightweight, making them a better option for travel, especially when thinking about putting items in your cruise carry-on. The lighter the bag, the better! 

You are unlikely to find American ports located throughout the ship

Sometimes, the last place you want to be on a cruise is your stateroom! If, however, you find that your phone or laptop has died, you might have to camp out there for awhile while it recharges. 

Throughout the ship, you are going to find more European plugs than American, meaning that you can still experience the overall atmosphere of the cruise while charging your device. 

On a recent cruise, I sat in the Solarium to do some work until my laptop died, which happened quicker than usual due to the heat.

Since I did not have a power adapter, I was forced to sit in my cabin while it recharged. If I had brought a European adapter, I could have found somewhere to continue working in the public areas of the ship. 

It is a necessity if you have more than two people staying in your stateroom

Many cruise ship cabins are able to accommodate three and four guests. With only two American outlets, though, this could pose an issue when it comes to charging phones at night. 

In this case, you need to be able to access a third plug. Debating who is able to use the plugs is not how you want to spend your time together. 

Even if you only have two people in your cabin, between phones, smart watches, laptops, ear buds, and more, you never know when you will have to decide between changing one device over another, especially on the last night of your cruise when you have to travel the next day! 

Here are a few more really helpful things I always bring on a cruise

Since streamers are prohibited onboard, a must-have for me on any cruise is wrinkle release spray. I have some dresses that, no matter how I try and pack them, are prone to wrinkling while in my suitcase.

A small travel-sized bottle is perfect for traveling, as it does not take up much space in bag. It helps to get out the bigger wrinkles, so I do not feel like I am wearing something I pulled out of my hamper! 

And speaking of charging devices, I like to pack a portable charger. While I might not need to use it on sea days, it is reassuring to be able to throw a charger in my day bag before disembarking in port. 

The one I have been obsessed with is on the larger and more expensive side, but I love that I do not have to recharge it after every use! It is great to leave plugged in on a sea while I am not using the cabin's outlets or need the charger handy. Plus, you are also able to charge more than one device at once, which is helpful if you are traveling with friends or family.

Since older ships do not have outlets beside of the bed, it is helpful to bring longer cables if you are someone who likes to use their phone at night or keep it close by to use as an alarm in the morning. I recommend a braided one, as they tend to last longer than standard Apple-issued cords because they are more durable. 

Related: 40 essential things to bring on a cruise

For the first time ever, you can combine the Comic-Con experience with a cruise vacation onboard Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas. 

San Diego Comic Convention, the parent company of the international comic convention, and Entertainment Cruise Productions, who have previously worked on other cruise ship experiences like Star Trek: The Cruise, are working together to launch a full-ship charter Comic-Con convention at sea. 

Comic-Con: The Cruise will take place February 5-9, 2025 and sail from Tampa, Florida to Cozumel, Mexico. 

This is a one-of-a-kind experience, as the talent will be sailing, dining, and partying amongst passengers. Fans will be able to attend various panels and Q&A sessions, tabletop and video game competitions, karaoke, trivia, cosplay parties, and more.

There will be a different theme each night, with multiple different parties and events offered to cater to everyone. You can expect dance parties with DJs, concerts, shows, and more. 

Currently, staterooms start at $990 per person for an interior cabin based on double occupancy. A Royal Suite costs as much as $5,620 per person. 

If you are traveling solo, pricing starts at $1,240. This does not include an extra $200 that will be applied to cover port fees, taxes, and gratuities. 

Some cabins are able to accommodate three or four guests. They will not be subject to paying the same fare as the first two passengers. The rate for 3rd and 4th guest(s) in an interior room is $600, ocean view $740 for three and $1,000 for four, balcony $900, and $1,200 for suites.

The price includes all performances, parties, and events presented on the cruise. There will be some special Artist Hosted Events that require you to sign up and possibly pay an extra fee. 

Note that since this is a full-ship charter, standard Crown and Anchor benefits are not able to be redeemed. Points for each night sailed will still be earned, though.

In order to cruise, guests must be 18 years of age or older on embarkation day. Anyone who is between the ages of 13 and 18 must be accompanied by an adult 21 years of age in the same or connecting cabin. No passengers 12 and under will be allowed onboard. 

What is the ship like?

Serenade of the Seas is a Radiance Class ship that was originally launched in August 2003. She measures 90,090 gross registered tons and had a capacity of 2,476 guests. 

Onboard, you will find eight dining options to choose from, including the complimentary two-level Reflections Main Dining Room, Park Café, and Windjammer buffet. 

Additionally, there are five are specialty venues that have an additional cost: Chops Grille, Giovanni's Table, Izumi, Chef's Table, and Café Latte-tudes. 

Guests will also be able to enjoy the ten different bars and lounges. 

Prior to Comic-Con: The Cruise, Serenade of the Seas will be going on Royal Caribbean's first-ever world cruise. Beginning in December 2023, the voyage will last 274 nights and visit more than 150 destinations in 65 countries.