It's not too late to start booking your future cruises with a travel agent. 

Royal Caribbean recently announced their top-performing travel agencies of the year. The list includes both newcomers and repeat winners from previous years who proved their dedication, passion, and ability to book Royal Caribbean vacations. 

• Chairman's Award for Overall Achievement: Travel Leaders Network
• President's Award for Overall Achievement: World Travel Holdings
• National Account Partner of the Year: Travel Planners International
• Southeast Partner of the Year: Travelmation
• Northeast Partner of the Year: Cruise Brothers
• Central Partner of the Year: Magical Vacation Planner

• West Partner of the Year: MEI-Travel
• Canada Partner of the Year: The Travel Agent Next Door
• Franchise Partner of the Year: Cruise Planners
• Corporate Incentive Partner of the Year: 3D Cruise Partners
• Charter Partner of the Year: Entertainment Cruise Productions
• Caribbean Partner of the Year: Travel Planners / Expedia Cruceros
• Automation Partner of the Year: Travel Planners International

“These are extremely exciting times for the entire cruise industry – cruise lines and travel partners alike. The sky’s the limit at Royal Caribbean, and the strong performance we’ve seen is thanks in large part to our valued travel professionals and their incredible knowledge when it comes to matching their clients with the right vacation experience,” said Vicki Freed, Senior Vice President of Sales, Trade Support and Service for Royal Caribbean International.

“I’m very proud to honor these experts who consistently work with us and continue to see success with their businesses. As we dive into 2024 with the exciting launch of Icon of the Seas and then Utopia of the Seas in July 2024, as well as the next Icon Class ship, Star of the Seas, in 2025, we’re excited to reach new heights for the entire travel industry. Thanks for the support, and congratulations to the winners.”

If you don't utilize a travel agent, here are 6 reasons why you should consider making the switch when booking your next cruise vacation. 

Read more: 10 secrets Royal Caribbean travel agents wish you knew

Travel agents have a strong understanding of the cruise industry

Travel agents will be able to help you understand all of the nuances of a cruise, as they're unlike traditional vacations. If you're debating between booking a suite or not, you might want expert advice on the benefits that you'd receive, especially if you're cruising on a ship with the Royal Suite Class, as some suites have perks that others do not. 

Perhaps you cannot decide between two itineraries and want a little insight into what the ports offer; a one-way cruise in Alaska, for instance, is different from a roundtrip one from Seattle. 

Travel agents can also advise you on cabin selections. If you aren't familiar with the ship, you could accidentally book a room in a location that you find undesirable, such as near the nightclub or with an obstructed view. 

In essence, an agent will help guide you through all of the decisions that you have to make. 

They will save you time

Planning a cruise can be time-consuming, so you should let a travel agent do the majority of the work! Rather than spending your own time pricing out different itineraries and cabins, you can request a quote for all the options you're considering. 

Once you're booked, they'll check to see if your rate has decreased before final payment, so you do not have to. If they notice that the price dropped, they'll contact the cruise line to get them to honor the lower rate. 

Additionally, if you don't know how you want to spend your day ashore, a good agent will give you some ideas based on your personal preferences. If there are multiple highlights that you don't want to miss, they can help arrange a private tour for you and your travel party, as cruise line shore excursions can be pretty limiting. 

Travel agents have access to better rates

The first time I booked a cruise with a travel agent, I was genuinely surprised by how much money I saved. When I booked a cruise onboard Freedom of the Seas, my agent had access to group rates, meaning that I was able to secure a balcony cabin for the same price as an interior! 

Additionally, when I was considering a cruise on the brand-new Celebrity Ascent for July 2024, Celebrity's website was advertising a Prime Edge Infinite Veranda cabin with drinks and Wi-Fi for $6,490.18. My travel agent booked the same stateroom category and perks for $5,440.32. 

While they may not always be able to offer jaw-dropping savings, they'll usually give you some onboard credit as an incentive to book with them. 

They'll provide peace of mind during emergencies 

While not super common, cruise lines will sometimes make changes to your sailing. Dry dock maintenance, for example, might require Royal Caribbean to change your ship. Once onboard the ship, the Captain might deem it unsafe to dock at a certain port of call due to weather. 

While unfortunate, a travel agent is advantageous in these instances, as they'll act as your advocate and liaison, meaning that you won't have to worry about communicating with the cruise line. Before any changes are made, they will ask how you'd like to proceed and then work with the cruise line to honor your specified wishes. 

If you book your flights when an agent, they'll also be able to assist in rebooking them in the event that your original flight was delayed or cancelled. 

Read more: The costly cruising mistake newbies make planning their first cruise

Travel agents can help you book unique staterooms or get onboard special sailings 

When Icon of the Seas' bookings opened, the inaugural cruise sold out within 24 hours. Those who worked with travel agents didn't have to worry about logging on and securing a reservation themselves, as the agent was on the ball the second itineraries were released. 

Additionally, if you're hoping to book during a sale, cruise lines will often notify travel partners in advance, so your agent can alert you of when the best time to book is. 

Read more: Start here to plan your Royal Caribbean cruise

They'll work with you to create a payment plan

One of the best aspects of a cruise is that, unless you're booking a last-minute cruise, you have time to pay off the vacation; the full amount isn't due upfront. 

After placing your deposit, you'll have until a specified date to pay the remainder off. While it's unlikely that you'll forget the date, if you book with a travel agent, they will help you create a plan and make payments on your behalf. 

They will give you other friendly reminders, too, such as helping you remember when your check-in opens. If you want an earlier arrival time, it is imperative that you make your selection as soon as possible. 

Read more: Final payment change for long cruises

Having trouble finding your desired cabin on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship? You are not alone. The demand for cruises is stronger than ever, which means that cabins are filling up in advance. 

The five highest booking weeks in the company's history were in between the third quarter earnings call and the fourth quarter call in February 2024. 

"As a result, while our capacity is up 8.5% year over year, we have less inventory available to book in 2024 than we did a year ago for 2023 and half as many staterooms left in [the first quarter]," said Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group during an earnings call on February 1.

Royal Caribbean Group is the parent company of Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises. Between the two, four new ships will have launched by the time August rolls around, including Celebrity Ascent which set sail in late 2023. 

Celebrity Ascent, Icon of the Seas, Utopia of the Seas, and Silver Ray will be able to accommodate over 18,000 passengers with every berth filled. 

"Bookings have consistently outpaced last year across all key products at much higher rates," said Liberty.  

Read more: Royal Caribbean talks record demand, Red Sea attacks, competing with land vacations, & more

Record-breaking wave season

Within the cruise industry, "wave season," which is often January through March, is when cruise lines tend to run their biggest sales and promotions of the year. 

According to Liberty, Royal Caribbean Group has had a record-breaking wave season, meaning that both rates and volume are booking significantly ahead of time compared to 2023.

Caribbean sailings, in particular, are booked further in advance. "The Caribbean represents just over 55% of our deployment this year, following a 13% increase in capacity year over year," said Naftali Holtz, Chief Financial Officer at Royal Caribbean Group. 

The growth is a result of Icon and Utopia of the Seas, Celebrity Cruises' increased summer deployment to the Caribbean, and the expansion of Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

The increase in demand is being seen throughout the cruise industry

Similar comments were made by John Weinstein, Carnival Corporation's President and CEO in September 2023 during a conference call. 

He claimed that Carnival Corporation was ahead by about ten percentage points compared to 2019 and that they, too, had less cabin inventory despite a 5% increase in capacity due to new ships entering service. 

Moreover, Holland America Line, a brand under Carnival Corporation, recently reported that their one-day booking record was broken on January 16. In a single 24-hour period, they received more new bookings than any day in the past 150 years of operation. 

Read more: 7 things I liked better about Royal Caribbean cruises than Carnival

Royal Caribbean has opened bookings for Caribbean sailings through April 2026

It's not uncommon for cruise lines to release new itineraries years in advance. 

However, with the recent price inflations seen on new ships like Icon and Utopia, the opening of these cruises gives more choice and flexibility, especially when it comes to the cost. 

A cruise onboard Icon of the Seas in April 2026 starts at $1,823 per person, whereas a sailing in April 2024 begins at $3,089 per person. 

Even with the high prices during Icon's inaugural season, cabins are still selling out months in advance. According to Royal's website, interior cabins on the April 13th sailing are already sold out. Similarly, there are only balconies and cabins within the Royal Suite Class available on the April 20th cruise out of Miami. 

Earlier this year, we asked our readers how far in advance they book their cruises. At the time, the majority said somewhere between 6-12 months in advance. 

Looking into the future, it would not be surprising to see a shift in answers, especially if cruisers have a specific cabin category in mind and/or want to secure a lower price. 

Renewed importance of booking early

Today’s news reinforces the importance of booking a cruise early, rather than waiting. With the record demand Royal Caribbean Group is seeing, inventory will be lower than usual and that means fewer cabin choices, higher prices, and less last-minute deals. 

As an example, my fiancée and I recently booked a cruise onboard Icon for June 2025. At the time of booking, which was in mid-January, we were able to secure an interior cabin for $5,125.60, including gratuities. 

Now, Royal Caribbean's website is advertising the sailing starting at $5,821.72 before tips! Within just a few weeks, the price of a sailing over one year away increased by close to $1,000. 

Another benefit to booking early is that you can reprice your cruise up to final payment. 

Let's say that I notice that the cost of my Icon cruise decreases. Right now, I feel as though I booked at the perfect time, as the price increased significantly. If it happens to decrease I'll still feel like I booked at the right time because I can take advantage of the lower price!

While Icon of the Seas was built with families in mind and features more rooms for larger groups, older ships weren't built with the same mindset. Whether you're seeking a cabin for five or two adjoining rooms, you'll have to book early to guarantee that you get your desired selections. 

Booking early also helps ensure that you get your preferred dining time. On Royal Caribbean and Celebrity ships, you can either select a flexible or set time, with the latter having early and late options. 

Families with younger children may prefer to eat earlier, whereas groups of friends might want a little more flexibility around their shore excursions and evening activities. As any given sailing fills up, so do dining preferences. 

On a more practical note, booking a cruise early gives you more time to save up, as you'll only have to place a deposit. Whether you want to splurge on a more expensive cabin or have to account for airfare, by thinking into the future, you won't have to worry about financing your trip at the last minute. 

Last-minute cruises are often accompanied by higher flight prices, which usually negate any savings received by waiting to book. 

If you are on the hunt for the best cabin availability and lowest prices, you will want to book your cruise as far in advance as possible. 

While not impossible, the likelihood of you scoring a fantastic last-minute cruise isn't as strong as it was a few years ago. By waiting until the last minute, you aren't guaranteed anything, especially a spot onboard! 

Read more: Pros and Cons of booking a cruise early vs last-minute

During a conference call on February 1, Royal Caribbean Group stated that 2024 is poised to be the best year in the company's history from both a pricing and volume standpoint. 

In addition to record demand for their products from both new and loyal guests, they're continuing to receive positive sentiments from customers and claim that cruising remains an exceptional value. 

In fact, their bookings are twice as high as they were in 2019. This is due, in part, to a record-breaking wave season. Travel partners are also beating elevated expectations. 

"We continue to attract new customers into our vacation ecosystem and deliver the best vacation experiences, so our guests are highly satisfied and continue to rebook and return to our brands and products," said Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. 

Demand for 2024 builds on 2023

Despite the company's capacity increase of 8.5% with the release of new ships like Icon of the Seas and Celebrity Ascent, there's less inventory available to book in 2024 than one year ago in 2023. Additionally, there are only half as many staterooms left in Q1. 

What does this mean? You're less likely to score a fantastic last-minute cruise deal than you were in the past. 

"We continue to see particularly healthy demand from North America, where about 80% of our guests will be sourced this year," Liberty said. 

Alaska, in particular, has been performing well. This region accounts for 6% of the full-year capacity and 15% of capacity during the summer season. They've made some exciting changes to the Alaska deployment, too, such as sending the first Edge Class vessel, Celebrity Edge, to the Last Frontier. 

Of course, we cannot forget to mention Perfect Day at CocoCay. Roughly two-thirds of Royal Caribbean International guests sailing to the Caribbean will visit their private island in The Bahamas. Icon and Utopia, as well as the island's expansion with Hideaway Beach, will allow 3 million passengers to visit CocoCay annually. 

When it comes to onboard revenue, the increase has been fueled by pre-cruise purchases. Around 70% of Royal Caribbean cruisers book at least one pre-cruise add-on before their sailing, with about 1/3 of these purchases coming through the mobile app. 

"We already have about 40% more pre-cruise revenue booked in 2024 as compared to 2023," remarked Liberty. 

Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with these land-based destinations 

Royal Caribbean is trying to shift from offering traditional cruises to being a world-class multigenerational family option. 

Icon, specifically, has been a game changer. The company really focused on its target market to create a project that people are impressed with, as they feel as though they achieved that. 

With a ship like that sailing to Perfect Day with options like Hideaway Beach, they want to offer a multigenerational trip that rivals what you might find elsewhere. They've never seen such demand, pricing power, or reaction over a ship, proving that it's been extremely successful. 

"When you consider Orlando, Las Vegas, and all of these other land-based options, we really believe that with ships like Icon and Perfect Day [at CocoCay], Hideaway Beach, the coming of Royal Beach Club in 2025, [and] Utopia coming straight into the short product market to Perfect Day that we are really...[starting] to attract a lot of demand from those land-based options with a better quality product, more exciting product, and great price points," said Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International CEO and President. 

Read more: 8 things I love about Icon of the Seas (and 3 I didn't)

Red Sea update

Back in October, Royal Caribbean made the decision to cancel their 2024 Israel cruise season due to the ongoing war. At the time, they estimated that the decision would negatively impact their earnings for the year by three cents a share.

During the conference call on February 1, however, they said that while booking for the impacted itineraries was softer for a few weeks, they rebounded relatively quickly. Plus, bookings are now significantly higher than the same time last year!

Read more: Royal Caribbean cancels 2024 Israel cruise season

Finally, a long-awaited update on Allure of the Seas' dry dock

The second Oasis Class vessel was scheduled to undergo a $165 dry dock in 2020; however, this was indefinitely postponed due to the pandemic. Now, her long-awaited refurbishment is right around the corner. 

"We're always modernizing," said Liberty, "...the actions we took of Oasis [and] some of the learnings on Icon [are] going to be in the modernization of Allure of the Seas." 

Right now, Allure lacks some features that were added to Oasis Class ships starting with Harmony and Symphony of the Seas, including Playmakers and the Ultimate Abyss dry slide. The company has yet to reveal what will be changed.

Can you imagine spending an entire day at Perfect Day at CocoCay by yourself?

MrBeast, YouTube's most acclaimed entertainment star, visited CocoCay with three of his friends to experience everything the $250 million island has to offer.  

Jimmy Donaldson, who is known by his alias MrBeast, has over 230 million subscribers. Since joining YouTube in 2012, he has amassed over 42 billion views! He was also the second YouTube creator to surpass 100 million subscribers. 

In a recent video, he spent the afternoon at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private island in The Bahamas, to compare it to other private islands around the world. Since published, the video has received over 62 million views. 

"Literally anything you could ever want is on this private island," he said.

MrBeast isn't just a content creator

In addition to being a popular content creator and social media star, he's also a philanthropist who has founded and co-founded different organizations and fundraisers, including Team Trees, which raised 20 million dollars before the start of 2020 to plant 20 million trees. 

He has a second YouTube channel called "Beast Philanthropy," in which he states that 100% of the profits from ads, merch sales, and sponsorships will go towards making the world a better place. 

While not as popular as his primary account, it still has over 20 million subscribers! 

A glimpse at private islands around the world

After purchasing a small island for $1, MrBeast proceeded to blow it up since "...there was nothing [there]." He and his crew then made their way to Monkey Island, a $1 million island that's swarming with literal monkeys. 

The next island on their list was pretty different from CocoCay, so they had to trade in their swim trunks and flip-flops for parkas and beanies. To reach the island, they had to ride in hovercrafts since the lake was frozen solid!

While not an adventure on one of the world's largest cruise ships, it certainly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Activities here included hanging out with sled dogs and getting some pretty amazing views of the Northern Lights! 

Necker Island, the $150 million island, was nothing short of luxurious. It took over four decades to build and is owned by Richard Branson. 

MrBeast said that for every person in your travel party, there are ten staff members to wait on your every need, even if it's just cheering you on during a solo game of pool. 

One of the buildings has a golfing range on the roof with balls made of fish food, so they're safe to be hit into the sea! 

The last (and most expensive) island that he visited was CocoCay

Located roughly 140 miles off the coast of Miami is Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private island that underwent an extensive $250 million renovation in 2019. This renovation added tons of new activities, as well as a colorful pier, so guests do not have to board a tender to get ashore. 

"This extraordinary island has an entire amusement park with over a dozen water slides," he said referring to Thrill Waterpark. 

Admission to the water park isn't included in the cost of your cruise; the price usually ranges from $89 to $169 per person. 

"In the middle of the island is a massive water slide. Even though literal 8-year-olds ride that water slide, I might still chicken out because I'm afraid of heights," joked MrBeast. 

Recently, Royal Caribbean added the Tailspain, a family flume-style ride that's located at the Splash Summit Tower. 

While MrBeast and his posse ended up trying out the new slide for themselves, they first sent all the lifeguards down! They figured that, with only four guests on the island, they didn't need 100+ lifeguards at work. 

The other tower in the park, Daredevil's Tower, is home to the tallest water slide in North America: Daredevil's Peak. 

"Daredevil's Peak, what a soothing name," said MrBeast before he began the climb up. 

After losing "nose goes," his friend Nolan was the first to ride the slide. He remarked that he felt like he was hit by a truck! MrBeast claimed that he felt as though he was drowning the entire time. 

Read more: I went to CocoCay for the first time, and here's what I'd do differently

Earlier in the day, the friends spent time trying out other activities, including the 1,600-foot zip line. Like Thrill Waterpark, the zip line costs extra. For my upcoming cruise onboard Celebrity Reflection in April, it's currently available for $92 per person. 

In addition to the obvious beaches, CocoCay has numerous offerings for those who don't want to spend any additional money, such as basketball, corn hole, ping-pong, and even an enlarged soccer ball pool.

Perfect Day at CocoCay is also home to the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean: Oasis Lagoon. 

Something that he didn't touch on was the brand-new Hideaway Beach, the extra cost adults-only retreat for guests 18+. For those who splurge on admission, they'll find a private beach, two pools, 20 cabanas, seven open-air bars, dining options, and more. 

They also didn't venture to Coco Beach Club, the island's exclusive enclave for those who value a more elevated experience. In addition to a private beach, Coco Beach Club guests have an upscale restaurant included in the cost where they can order things like filet mignon, lobster, etc. 

From Thrill Waterpark to simply enjoying each other's company over a friendly game of basketball and making new animal friends while walking from one activity to the next, it was impossible to fully experience everything in such a short period, even though they had the island to themselves. 

"This island has things that I didn't even know existed," MrBeast said. 

Read more: Video shows look around Royal Caribbean's new adults-only beach

If you read between the lines, it sounds like Royal Caribbean might have plans for an even bigger cruise ship to move to Galveston.

Royal Caribbean first deployed Allure of the Seas to Galveston in November 2022. Shortly thereafter, the second Oasis Class ship was replaced by Harmony of the Seas, and recently, Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International's President and CEO, hinted that the former largest cruise ship in the world, Wonder of the Seas, might be next. 

During a Q&A session with travel agents on Icon of the Seas, Bayley was asked if Royal would ever consider deploying an Icon Class ship to Galveston, as they've done "very well" with Allure and Harmony and want to show the company what they could do with an Icon Class vessel. 

To be clear, he did not announce or confirm anything.  However, he did allude to a possible future ship deployment. 

"It wasn't an accident that we built that 100 and whatever it was million dollar terminal in Galveston, Texas, which, by the way, is our highest-rated terminal experience in the world," he said. 

"And if you just, you know, if you just think forward a few more years, I WONDER what we're going to do next. I'm not giving away our strategy here because it's pretty simple, but if you can just use your imagination, you know, big things are coming." 

It was clear that when he said "Wonder," he was emphasizing the word to the audience, to which they responded in cheer!

As of now, Harmony of the Seas is available to book from Galveston through March 2026. No other deployments have been announced beyond that date.

Wonder of the Seas is unlike any of the previous five Oasis Class ships

While you'll still find Oasis Class favorites onboard, such as Central Park, the Boardwalk, a Flowrider, AquaTheater, and Riding Tide Bar, the ship is slightly different than her younger sisters. 

Truthfully, she — and Utopia of the Seas — can be thought of as "Oasis Plus" ships. While Wonder shares many of the same bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues as Oasis, Allure, Harmony, and Symphony of the Seas, significant enhancements were made to her design and layout.

First, the cruise line added a brand-new neighborhood, the Suite Neighborhood, which is only accessible to those staying in suites. It's where they will find the Coastal Kitchen restaurant and suite concierge, as well as the Suite Sun Deck that's complete with a private bar, plunge pool with in-pool lounges, and a variety of comfy seating options. 

Additionally, whereas on other Oasis Class ships, many Loft Suites face the Sports Court, this isn't the case on Wonder, as this area is occupied by the Suite Sun Deck. Instead, the majority of suites have an ocean view. 

Royal Caribbean also significantly increased the size of the Windjammer Marketplace onboard. It can be found on Deck 15 and is situated around the entire Boardwalk Neighborhood. 

Adults will also appreciate how the Solarium is completely closed and climate-controlled. However, it is important to note that, while most Oasis Class ships have two cantilevered hot tubs near the Solarium, there's only one on Wonder, as the space for the second was used for The Vue Bar. 

When it comes to the pool deck, it's much more colorful than those found onboard Allure, Harmony, and Symphony of the Seas. Wonder has a Caribbean-style pool deck, which means that you will find a Lime and Coconut Bar, private casitas, and even a brand-new large television that hangs over the Central Park Neighborhood. 

At the aft of the ship, guests will notice that there's only one FlowRider. The second one was replaced with the Wonder Playscape area, which is essentially an underwater-themed climbing playground for children. Moreover, the mini-golf course was moved and rethemed. 

Read more: Wonder of the Seas vs other Oasis Class ships

Galveston's brand-new terminal opened in late 2022

Terminal 3 cost Royal Caribbean $125 million and is the cruise line's dedication to the Galveston cruise market. 

In total, the building measures 161,300 and has numerous high-tech features, including mobile check-in and facial recognition to help expedite guest arrival. 

Moreover, it's a LEED-certified terminal (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), meaning that it is environmentally responsible and uses resources efficiently.

Read more: I cruised Royal Caribbean from Galveston for the first time. Here's what a cruise from Texas is like

While you can cruise from the popular port cities of Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Tampa, Galveston helps make cruising to those living in Texas, as well as nearby states, more accessible

Before this terminal opened, you couldn't find some of the world's largest ships in Texas. Now, however, cruising on Oasis (and, potentially, even Icon) Class ships is easier than ever, especially if you aren't located near Florida. 

There are some limitations. First, newer ships usually are not sent here. Allure, for instance, while a jam-packed Oasis Class ship, isn't brand-new and never underwent any sort of Royal Amplification. 

Harmony of the Seas, which replaced Allure in 2023, is the newest ship to sail from Galveston for Royal Caribbean to date. 

Second, since Galveston is located on the Gulf of Mexico, you won't find any Eastern Caribbean itineraries. Western Caribbean cruises tend to be more port-intensive, too. 

While Bayley didn't give any specifics regarding when we could see Wonder move to Texas, it's exciting to think one of the largest Oasis Class vessels could call Texas home! 

Over 7 years in the making, the world's largest cruise ship is only one day away from making its formal debut. 

Icon of the Seas is part of Royal Caribbean's first new class of ship since Quantum of the Seas launched in 2014. 

Onboard, guests will find the largest waterpark and ice rink at sea, new neighborhoods to explore, the cruise line's first-ever food hall, and so much more. 

Whether you're counting down the days until your Icon cruise or cannot fathom stepping foot on a ship that size, there's no denying that the launch of Icon of the Seas is a major milestone in the cruising industry. 

Read more: First Look Inside the World's Biggest Cruise Marvel, Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas

The debut of Icon of the Seas marks the first time that an Oasis Class ship hasn't held the title of "world's largest cruise ship" in over a decade 

Icon of the Seas measures an astonishing 250,800 gross registered tons and can carry a maximum of 7,600 passengers, making Icon roughly 6% larger than Wonder of the Seas. 

While Royal Caribbean carried Oasis Class' neighborhood concept to Icon, that's about all that is the same. 

Yes, some neighborhoods might be familiar (i.e., Central Park and Royal Promenade), but they were both redesigned and feature Icon Class exclusives, such as the cruise line's first-ever walk-up champagne bar, indulgent Empire Supper Club specialty restaurant, and the jaw-dropping Pearl, which will have you saying, "WOW," the second you walk onboard. 

Read more: Icon of the Seas Royal Promenade: What to expect

The AquaDome Neighborhood is home to an enclosed AquaTheater, as well as a food hall featuring five different food vendors where you can choose from options ranging from mac and cheese to handcrafted Mediterranean bowls. 

Whether you want to watch the ship pull into port or want clear views of the horizon while sipping on a cocktail, you will also find some of the best ocean views onboard here. 

Surfside was designed for families. It's where they can stay and play all day, especially since there's no need to head to the Windjammer for lunch. 

Instead, families can enjoy the complimentary Surfside Eatery buffet, grab some snacks at Surfside Bites, or splurge on an all-day brunch at Pier 7. Additionally, there's an aft pool, carousel, arcade, and kids splash zone. 

Adults looking for some alone time won't find a Solarium onboard. Instead, there's The Hideaway, which was designed to have a Las Vegas pool party vibe and features the first suspended infinity pool at sea, an expansive bar area, day beds, whirlpools, and lounge chairs. 

From the cruise line's first-ever swim-up bar to the largest pool at sea, infinity-edge Cove and Cloud 17 Pools, Chill Island is, undoubtedly, going to be the best pool deck at sea.

If relaxing isn't on your agenda, head to Thrill Island, where you will find the Category 6 water park, FlowRider surf simulator, and part skywalk, part ropes course, and part thrill ride Crown's Edge, which will take you 154 feet above the ocean. 

After the adrenaline rush, guests can order a snack at Basecamp or cool down with an over-the-top milkshake from Desserted. Adults, you can even order one that's spiked!

In short, there's so much to see and do on Icon that 7 nights likely will not be enough! 

Icon of the Seas will sail from Miami through at least April 2026

Icon of the Seas will offer 7-night cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from Miami, Florida. 

Nearly every sailing will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private island in The Bahamas. The May 5, 2025 cruise will sail to Labadee, Haiti instead of CocoCay. 

Prior to arriving in Miami on January 10, the ship sailed to Cádiz, Spain and Ponce, Puerto Rico for some finishing touches. The crew also enjoyed a massive celebratory party at CocoCay. 

The inaugural cruise will depart on Saturday, January 27 and sail to Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis' Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; and Perfect Day At Cococay. This voyage will signify the ship's completion, as the ship will officially be ready for regular service.

At the time of writing, the lowest advertised fare on Royal Caribbean's website for a cruise onboard Icon in 2024 starts at $3,005 per person for an interior room for the March 23 sailing. 

Icon of the Seas offers 28 different stateroom categories to choose from, 14 of which are brand-new

Whether you're trying to pinch pennies and want to cruise in the most affordable cabin onboard or want to splurge on one of Icon's luxurious suites, you will surely find the perfect accommodation option for you and your travel party. 

In addition to the new stateroom designs, Royal Caribbean built Icon to cater to families, meaning that more than 82% of all cabins will accommodate three or more passengers. Plus, more than 70% of all staterooms onboard will feature balconies.

New rooms include the Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony, Infinite Ocean View Balcony, Infinite Central Park View Balcony, Surfside Family View Balcony, Surfside Family View Interior, Interior Plus, Sunset Junior Suite, Surfside Family Suite, Sky Junior Suite, Infinite Grand Suite, Sunset Suite, Sunset Corner Suite, Icon Loft, and Ultimate Family Townhouse. 

All new suites, excluding the Sunset Junior Suite, are part of the Royal Suite Class' Sky or Star Tier, meaning that they come with all-day access to Coastal Kitchen and The Grove Suite Sun Deck. 

The Ultimate Family Townhouse is Royal Caribbean's most expensive cruise ship suite. It's not uncommon to find rates around $80,000 to $100,000 for a family of four. The 1,772-square-foot suite is comprised of three stories and has a private "backyard" that leads directly to Surfside. 

Read more: Guide to Icon of the Seas cabins and suites

There are more dining venues onboard Icon of the Seas than any other ship in the fleet

There's no shortage of both complimentary and specialty dining options for guests to enjoy onboard Icon. To avoid any surprises when you get on the ship, however, it is important that you understand what is and isn't included. 

It is fully possible to cruise on Icon without spending anything extra on food. You will have plenty of diversity, which is something older Royal Caribbean ships usually struggle with. 

Of course, there are some specialty restaurants that you might have your heart on splurging on, as food is one of the most important aspects of any cruise vacation!

Read more: What's included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare

Complimentary restaurants

You'll find 14 complimentary dining venues onboard Icon of the Seas, including Sprinkles and the two suite-only restaurants:

• Surfside Bites 
• Surfside Eatery 
• AquaDome Market 
• Main Dining Room 
• Coastal Kitchen (for those staying in suites) 
• The Grove (for those staying in suites)
• Basecamp (with a few exceptions)
• Sorrento's
• El Loco Fresh
• Vitality Cafe (with a few exceptions)
• Sprinkles
• Pearl Café (with a few exceptions)
• Park Cafe
• Windjammer Marketplace

Read more: Icon of the Seas restaurant and dining guide

Specialty restaurants

12 venues onboard Icon of the Seas come with an additional charge, excluding standard bars:

• Hooked Seafood
• Empire Supper Club
• Celebration Table
• Chops Grille
• Izumi Hibachi & Sushi
• Izumi in the Park
• Desserted
• Playmaker's
• Pier 7
• Starbucks
• Giovanni's Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar
• Trellis Bar (bar bites)

The world's largest cruise ship was delivered to Royal Caribbean on November 27, 2023

Construction of the brand-new vessel took over 900 days, and the delivery was met with a celebration with cruise line executives, crew members, and shipyard employees present. 

Even though Meyer Turku's time with Icon has come to an end, they're hard at work building Star of the Seas. Plus, the first steel for the third Icon Class ship was cut in mid-January. 

Star of the Seas will sail out of Port Canaveral; however, the home port for the third ship is currently unknown. 

The ship is the cruise line's first-ever LNG-powered vessel

Cruise ships have traditionally been powered by diesel; however, many new builds have begun to run on alternative sources of energy that are more environmentally friendly, including Icon of the Seas, which will be fueled by liquid natural gas (LNG). 

Moreover, Icon will have a long lineup of other energy efficiency initiatives onboard, all of which help to contribute to Royal Caribbean Group's goal of introducing a net-zero ship by 2035. 

Do you have a cruise onboard Icon booked? If so, let us know what you're looking forward to the most in the comments! 

If you are planning a Royal Caribbean cruise with older children, you might be stuck wondering which ship is best. 

From the brand-new Icon of the Seas to smaller, revitalized ships like Navigator of the Seas, there are plenty of options for you to choose from. Activities like ice skating rinks, rock climbing walls, surfing simulators, and more will keep even the most active teens busy. 

Plus, Royal Caribbean ships have a variety of different accommodation options, so whether you want a family-friendly suite or adjoining interior rooms, you will be able to select the perfect stateroom to appease everyone in your party, even the teens who are desperate for their own space. 

Whether you're looking for a ship that's packed with WOW factors or simply a family vacation that won't leave your pockets empty, here are the 5 best cruises to take with teens. 

Icon of the Seas

Icon of the Seas is the namesake ship of Royal Caribbean's brand-new Icon Class. Surpassing the six Oasis Class ships, including the upcoming Utopia of the Seas, in terms of size, there's no shortage of activities that teens will enjoy onboard. 

From the record-breaking Category 6 water park to Crown's Edge, the largest ice rink at sea, thrilling AquaDome shows, a revamped mini-golf course, and more, your teens will surely have some brag-worthy stories to tell their friends about!

While the children are off exploring the ship, adults will love the one-of-a-kind experiences curated for them, too, including a walk-up champagne bar, swanky supper club, and Cloud 17 adults-only oasis with private pools, bars, and more. 

The only downside to a family vacation on Icon of the Seas is that it comes with a premium price tag. During July 2024, families can expect to pay around $2,900 per person for an interior room, while balconies are going for as much as $3,400 per person. 

Looking into 2025, prices don't drop much. The cheapest sailing in January 2025 currently starts at $2,400 per person for an inside stateroom. Prices increase again around spring break. 

Read more: Things you'll notice when cruising on the newest cruise ship

Utopia of the Seas

Utopia of the Seas, the newest Oasis Class ship, launches in July 2024, sailing 3- and 4-night cruises from Port Canaveral to The Bahamas. While these are shorter cruises, your teens won't be denied the best that the cruise line has to offer, as this ship is unlike any other in the class.

You can expect to find fan favorites like Central Park, the Boardwalk, Sorrento's Pizza, the Lime and Coconut Bar, and more. Utopia of the Seas, however, has many new experiences that you will not find on even Wonder of the Seas, including the cruise line's first-ever immersive train car dining experience and the longest incarnation of the Ultimate Abyss dry slide. 

Advertised as the world's biggest weekend, a cruise onboard Utopia of the Seas is sure to appease your teens, as they'll be able to enjoy five pools, three water slides, eight hot tubs, and 21 dining venues, among other thrills. 

However, it is worth noting that any of the Oasis Class ships are great for adrenaline-loving teens. Regardless of which you select, you'll find a zip line, surf simulator, ice skating rink, mini-golf, and sports court. 

The other Oasis Class ships in Royal Caribbean's fleet are Wonder of the Seas (2022), Symphony of the Seas (2018), Harmony of the Seas (2016), Allure of the Seas (2010), and Oasis of the Seas (2009). 

Read more: 6 things to know before you book Wonder of the Seas

Odyssey of the Seas 

Odyssey of the Seas is the last Quantum Ultra Class ship constructed by the cruise line. Having only set sail in 2021, she's one of the newest ships in the fleet, too. 

While she's full of fun activities, what sets her apart from other ships is her summer itineraries in Europe. While enjoying everything that the ship has to offer, families can cruise around the Greek Isles and explore bucket-list destinations including Santorini, Mykonos, Naples, and more.  

Icon Class ships, including Star of the Seas launching in 2025, exclusively sail to the Caribbean, so you won't find much variety in itineraries. This can get repetitive, and if you want to explore ports outside of St. Maarten, Mexico, etc., you'll have to consider sailings on smaller ships. 

Onboard, you'll find an indoor SeaPlex where you can ride bumper cars, play glow-in-the-dark laser tag, or partake in a virtual reality game. 

There's also a skydiving simulator, FlowRider surf simulator, rock climbing wall, and North Star observation capsule, where your family can soar nearly 300 feet above sea level for breathtaking views of the sea and ports of call. 

While still a newer ship by today's standards, prices are not quite as high as sailings onboard Icon of the Seas. A 7-night cruise onboard Odyssey of the Seas in July 2024 starts at $1,145 per person, which breaks down to about $163 per night, making it a more affordable choice. 

Other Quantum Class ships should be considered if you want to take your teens to Alaska, Northern Europe, Asia, or beyond. 

Read more: The forgotten new Royal Caribbean cruise ship: Why Odyssey of the Seas is worth your attention

Freedom of the Seas 

Freedom of the Seas is an older ship; however, she underwent a $116 million revitalization in early 2020 to update its pool deck and bring newer amenities onboard, meaning that you'll find plenty to do onboard without the price tag of newer vessels. 

You can, for instance, find a 6-night cruise onboard Freedom of the Seas starting at $445 per person in March 2025. 

Activities onboard include a surf simulator, pool deck, aqua park for younger children, water slides, rock climbing wall, ice skating rink, and much more. 

When upgraded, Freedom of the Seas received new dining options including Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, El Loco Fresh for quick bites by the pool, Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, and Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade. 

Plus, Freedom has a redesigned teen area called Social 033, where teens can enjoy their own dedicated hangout space and play games, listen to music, watch movies, etc. 

Read more: 7 Best Royal Caribbean cruise ships for kids

Navigator of the Seas 

Finally, Navigator of the Seas based out of Los Angeles, California is a great choice for families with teens who want to have plenty to do onboard and cruise elsewhere than the Bahamas or Caribbean. 

The 139,999 gross registered ton vessel sails out of California to the Mexican Riveria year-round. While certainly not as large as Oasis or Icon Class ships, there's still a lot to do and see onboard. 

Like Freedom of the Seas, Navigator underwent some major upgrades in 2018, totaling roughly $115 million. This means that she has some activities and venues that other Voyager Class ships, such as Voyager and Explorer of the Seas, do not, including the Rip Tide and Blaster water slides. 

Parents will love the Bamboo Room, too. Navigator is one of only two ships in the fleet with this unique tiki-inspired bar onboard! Plus, Playmakers Sports Bar is centrally located in the Royal Promenade, and Hooked Seafood is ideal for families who want to treat their teens to a delicious seafood dinner consisting of crab cakes, chowders, oysters, and more. 

Read more: 50 best cruising with kids tips & secrets

Royal Caribbean's Discovery Class is officially confirmed, with the first cruise ship expected to be delivered in 2029.

According to Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO, the cruise line acknowledges that the majority of its smallest ships are aging. 

For a while before anything was announced, he alluded to the fact that the Royal Caribbean team had been working on a new ship class. 

Ships, like Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas, have become the norm in the cruise industry. The downside, however, is that they cannot visit some ports due to size restrictions. 

While they undoubtedly offer the largest and most impressive selection of dining venues, amenities, and upgraded staterooms, some travelers feel they can be overwhelming, crowded, and a bit too focused on WOW factors compared to personalization, intimacy, and service. 

There are still a lot of unknowns regarding Royal Caribbean's Discovery Class cruise ships, but we will do our best to update this page as more information is revealed. 

Confirmed Discovery Class facts

Executives have confirmed the project is happening, and this is what we know so far.

• The name of the class is "Discovery Class"
• It will be smaller than the Icon and Oasis Class ships
• It has an estimated double occupancy of 4,300
• The first ship is expected to be delivered in 2029, followed by a second in 2032
• It's meant to sail to destinations such as the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Asia, Alaska, and the South Pacific
• It will be small enough to sail through the Panama Canal
• It's in the design process currently

Royal Caribbean's CEO has been hinting about the new ship class since July 2023

While aboard Allure of the Seas, Bayley was asked if Royal was going to build smaller ships, to which he responded, “It is something that's certainly deeply in our consideration and our planning at the moment that we have a lot of conceptual work going on."

"I think when we're ready we can we can announce steps that will take to to do just that.”

The idea of a new ship class was confirmed again via Facebook when Bayley responded to a comment posted by Thomas Budzyn: 

"Mr Bayley, you said years ago that Royal Caribbean was going to come out with smaller ships to get to smaller ports that people want, but the ships get larger and larger - and it’s repetitive for CocoCay."

"It’s time to listen to guests who have stayed loyal for over 30 years. People want different ports”

Bayley responded that the team had begun working on a new class and "...if all the needed hurdles are tackled, [they] can announce something this year. It is a journey."

While speaking to the press on Icon of the Seas in January 2024, Mr. Bayley once again confirmed there's work being done on a new class, "from a brand perspective, we recognize we've got two classes of ships, Radiance and Vision, that are doing phenomenal. They're beautiful ships, beautifully constructed. "

"But... they're getting older. So we're obviously concepting thoughts and ideas on how we would ultimately replace those ships with a new class of ships."

How big could the new ships be?

In May 2023, Radiance of the Seas' Captain commented that Royal Caribbean was planning on building a new ship around the size of Radiance Class vessels. 

While not the smallest ships in the fleet, they're certainly not the largest either, measuring around 90,000 gross tons (GT). On the other hand, Icon of the Seas comes in at a whopping 248,000 GT.

These ships can visit more unique destinations, as was proved by the cruise line's first-ever world cruise onboard Serenade of the Seas, a Radiance Class vessel that launched in 2003. 

Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer Jay Schneider alluded to the fact that this new ship would be relatively smaller, saying, "I'm careful to say small, but a less than large size class of ship."

Although the actual gross tonnage has not been confirmed, the cruise line quietly revealed the passenger capacity at double occupancy. 

According to Royal Caribbean Group's 10-Q filing with the SEC, two unnamed Discovery Class ships on the order books at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard have an approximate passenger count (berths) of 4,300.

Based on the approximate passenger count of 4,300, this means that Discovery Class ships will be around the same size — in terms of capacity — as Quantum Class ships.

For example, Odyssey of the Seas' passenger capacity, based on double occupancy, is 4,198, while Ovation of the Seas' approximate passenger count is around 4,230.

The addition of a smaller ship could mean new itineraries 

In recent years, Royal Caribbean has been focusing on Perfect Day at CocoCay, its private island in The Bahamas. About 3.5 million guests will visit CocoCay in 2025, which is right near the maximum annual capacity. 

In fact, they reduced the number of ships that deployed to Europe in 2025, to double down on their North America offerings, sailing to The Bahamas and Caribbean. 

Only six ships were in Europe during the summer of 2025, which is roughly a 33% decrease in the number of ships in Europe compared to 2023. Looking into 2026, the same deployment level is held, with the cruise line deploying just six ships to Europe. 

Moreover, they've also begun sending larger ships to Europe, including Oasis and Icon Class ships, which results in repetitive itineraries since they are limited in where they can visit.

Not only would a brand-new ship class appeal to many, but since it's going to be on the smaller end, there is a chance that it could offer sailings outside of North America. 

Mr. Schneider described the need for ships that can get into certain ports in January 2024, saying, "The reality is families want to go on vacation, not just in the Western and Eastern Caribbean or in the classic Mediterranean where a ship like Icon can get into. They want to continue to stay with our brand and journey to different destinations that require more versatility and the ship size."

There is an AI-based chatbot that is available onboard Icon of the Seas. 

Before launching it on Icon, the Royal Caribbean team tested it onboard Wonder of the Seas. 

"One of our strategies is to not introduce new technologies onto a new ship, so we try to test it on a ship that's already up and running," remarked Jay Schneider, Chief Product Innovation Officer for Royal Caribbean. 

This is rather common. Before launching anything new, it'll often be tested on a single ship. Not only does this help the company receive feedback, but it is easier for them to make any tweaks. 

For instance, Royal Caribbean tested out their new menus onboard Symphony of the Seas before implementing them fleetwide in early 2023. 

With a maximum passenger capacity of 7,600, the AI bot is meant to help reduce the lengthy Guest Services line. Instead, you can ask the bot simple questions or even be connected to an actual agent from anywhere onboard. 

According to Schneider, the new chat system "works beautifully." 

Read more: First look Inside the World's Biggest Cruise Marvel, Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas

How does it work?

Rather than having to wait in line at Guest Services, passengers onboard the world's largest cruise ship can ask an AI bot in the Royal Caribbean app certain questions like "What can my SeaPass do?" and "How do I access Wi-Fi?" 

It will also tell you how much the drink package costs, as well as help you add a registered user to your account and opt out of gratuities.

Read more: Royal Caribbean has a $100,000 cup on its new cruise ship that includes a lifetime drink package

There's also something called "Human in the Loop," which helps connect you to an actual agent, without having to physically visit Guest Services. 

"Being able to text someone from your pool deck chair or your swim-up bar seat is where we'd much rather you be [on vacation]," said Schneider. 

Both functions can be accessed through the Royal Caribbean app's chat function. Note that guests must be 13 years of age or older to gain access to this feature. 

Of course, if there's an emergency, you should not waste time on the app waiting to chat with someone. Instead, you should call the ship's emergency number immediately. 

AI has been beneficial for Royal Caribbean in numerous ways

There's no denying that ship development is fascinating; however, that's not the only facet of the company that AI has been helpful in. AI has helped Royal in the revenue space, pricing space, and revenue tracking space.

"The other area...for us is food waste," said Schneider.

"We have a very specific...waste program that is all about using a combination of really great hard work from our [food and beverage] staff, as well as AI and technology to reduce the amount of waste from a food perspective." 

Read more: Icon of the Seas restaurant and dining guide

With this new program, Royal can see what's been produced, consumed, wasted, and even repurposed. It helps give better data to the chefs, so they can understand how to make adjustments for the next production. 

They even created a new food & beverage position to help lead the project of control. 

All the food produced for the Windjammer will be weighed and then measured by the user-friendly app. It's also weighed after any given service to see how much of each item was consumed. 

There were certain apps already on the market, but nothing that Royal Caribbean needed, so they produced the app in-house. 

This is a step in the company's goal of reducing food waste across the fleet by 50% by 2025. 

Read more: Guide to Royal Caribbean's Windjammer Cafe buffet

At night, any given cruise ship's atmosphere will drastically change. While activities are going on throughout the day, such as belly flop competitions on the pool deck or general trivia in one of the lounges, the ship truly comes alive at night. 

Everyone has different vacation preferences. Perhaps you are someone who enjoys peaceful mornings onboard before the majority of passengers have awoken from their slumbers. On the other hand, maybe you're the kind of person who would rather stay up late and make your way to the Windjammer for breakfast's last call. 

Here are 9 reasons you should consider staying up late instead of waking up early on your next cruise. 

You can see the many shows onboard

Royal Caribbean is known for its entertainment, especially on newer ships. 

From jaw-dropping high-diving spectaculars to Broadway-style musicals and even original production shows, you might find yourself struggling to fit everything in, especially on a shorter cruise! 

Shows aren’t offered during the day, so you will have to plan them around dinner. You’ll either have to attend the early show and have a later dinner or vice versa. Either way, you won't be in bed by 9:30 or 10:00pm if you hope to catch one of the onboard shows. 

Theme parties typically happen later at night

Longer cruises have theme nights, such as White Night, 80s Night, etc. These themes are accompanied by fun events, including parties!

Whether they’re on the top deck or within the ship’s Centrum or Royal Promenade, you surely won’t want to miss all the fun that happens during them.

To figure out your cruise's theme nights, you will want to refer to a past Cruise Compass. Not only will this help you figure out the themes, but it will also give you a look at everything that was offered, from the onboard shows to live music, dining times, Adventure Ocean operating hours, and more. 

You can try your luck for a late-night win at the casino

Casino Royale comes alive at night. What better time to try your luck than after a post-dinner cocktail (or two) from the Schooner Bar? 

You don't have to be an experienced gambler to put $20 into a random slot machine and hope for the best! In fact, this is one of my favorite evening activities while on a cruise. Gambling during the day just isn't the same!

Even if you just walk away with just $100, that's money that you didn't have when you started! Perhaps it'll convince you to splurge on a last-minute shore excursion or place a deposit for a future cruise. 

Read more: I gambled enough in Royal Caribbean's casino to get free drinks and a cruise

The following day is a sea day

There's no harm in staying up a little bit later than usual when you don't have a schedule the next day. Even though you should check out the Cruise Compass to see what activities are being offered, you should not feel pressured to do any. 

Sea days are meant to be relaxing. After a few long days ashore, there's nothing wrong with spending your day sleeping in and/or napping by the pool, especially if you attended some late-night programming the night before. 

Even if sleeping in isn't the most exciting activity, there's no better feeling than waking up well-rested. 

Read more: 10 mistakes to avoid making on a cruise ship sea day

You should stay up later if you took an afternoon nap

Early mornings on cruise ships are rather peaceful. 

Whether you're seeking a quiet coffee break or simply want to walk around before the majority of passengers have rolled out of bed, there are lots of pros to being one of the first awake. This, however, can make it rather difficult to stay awake later. 

When I cruised onboard Freedom of the Seas, my partner and I ended up almost sleeping through dinner after we woke up early to make the most out of our time at Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

If you're someone who wants to enjoy both peaceful mornings and late nights, consider taking an afternoon nap. 

This will give you the energy to catch that late comedy show or fully enjoy an AquaTheater spectacular without having to fight to keep your eyes open. 

Hot tubs aren't as busy at night

When dinnertime rolls around, the majority of passengers will begin to flock from the pool deck back to their staterooms to freshen up. If you're someone who loves avoiding crowds, then this is the ideal time to hang out on the top decks. 

Of course, staying out later isn't an option if you have an early dining time, especially if you are excited about that night's menu offerings. 

Even after dinner when the pools are closed, there's usually a hot tub or two still open, making it a great time for a late-night dip! 

You can dance the night away at the ship's nightclub

Unlike on land, cruise ship nightclubs don't have a cover. This means that you can dance to your heart's extent every night of the cruise without racking up some hefty entrance fees, as is the case in some cities like Las Vegas or New York. 

Even if nightclubs aren't your usual scene, you should check your ship's out at least once! I have found the vibe to be pretty different than those on land. In fact, I think they're more fun and welcoming than high-profile clubs. 

Sometimes, there will be 18+ events in these spaces, too, such as a silent disco. When I cruised onboard Allure of the Seas with friends, this was one of our favorite aspects of the 8-night cruise! 

Some nightlife venues aren't centered around dancing, either, such as Icon of the Seas' Dueling Pianos bar. 

If you haven't had time to catch up with friends and family yet, there's no better time than an after-dinner cocktail at one of the ship's many bars and lounges

Perhaps you're traveling with a large group and people broke off into groups to spend their day ashore in different ways. Some, for instance, might want to relax on the beach, whereas others will want to do something a little bit more exciting, such as an ATV tour or zip lining through the tree's canopies. 

On the other hand, it's easy to spend an entire day onboard and not see anyone in your travel party, as everyone has different interests. 

Regardless of the reason you haven't seen your crew as much as you would have liked throughout the day, there's no reason you cannot catch up over some after-dinner drinks while listening to live music. 

You'll have to stay up later to cram in as much fun as you can on shorter sailings

Some cruises are as short as 3 or 4 nights. If you want to make the most of your time onboard, you'll have to be willing to sacrifice sleep to a certain extent. 

If, for instance, your cruise is only 3 nights, likely, you will not have a day at sea. Instead, you will have two days in port, followed by evenings onboard. 

On ships like Allure of the Seas or Utopia of the Seas, this can make it difficult to cross everything off of your list. In fact, you will have to be strategic with your time and utilize embarkation day for some activities, such as the Flowrider, rock climbing wall, zip line, or mini-golf. 

Doing those things right off the bat will free your evenings for other events like shows and pre-planned programming (i.e., game shows, trivia, karaoke, etc.).