Jenna DeLaurentis

9 Things I Do Differently on Icon Class Cruise Ships

In:

06 Sep 2025

If I'm going on Royal Caribbean's Icon Class ships, I'll instantly change my approach to how I cruise.

Sailing on an Icon Class ship is far from an ordinary cruise experience. When I boarded Icon of the Seas for the first time last year, I couldn’t believe just how much there was to see, do, eat, and experience aboard the ship. I soon realized that if I wanted to experience it all, I had to totally change my cruising style.

Whether that meant skipping traditional dining venues or staying onboard for a port day, there were a few strategies I used to experience the ship to the fullest.

Then, when I cruised on Star of the Seas last month, I took my lessons learned from Icon to make my second Icon Class experience even better.

After two Icon Class cruises, my main takeaway is that you want to have the right approach before you board. If you expect your cruise to offer the same experience as any other Royal Caribbean ship, you’re going to be surprised.

So, after sailing on both Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas, these are the 9 things I do differently whenever I’m onboard.

I skip the Main Dining Room and buffet

Food is (almost literally) around every corner on Icon Class ships. These vessels feature over 20 unique restaurants, the majority of which are included in your cruise fare.

The Main Dining Room and Windjammer buffet are two classic restaurants found on every Royal Caribbean cruise ship. They’re usually a staple for me when I cruise, but I often skip these venues on Icon Class ships.

The buffet, for example, is a typical stop for cruisers on embarkation day. On Icon Class ships, however, I head to the AquaDome Market instead.

This food hall features five different stands, which serve up everything from Thai curry to arepas and brisket sandwiches. Here I can enjoy lunch with far fewer crowds and more unique options than you’ll find elsewhere onboard.

Likewise, I avoid the Main Dining Room for dinner on Icon Class ships. As an alternative, I might dine at a specialty restaurant, head back to the AquaDome Market, or grab an early dinner at El Loco Fresh.

One of my favorite dinner spots is the wine bar at Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen. Whereas the restaurant itself requires reservations and comes with a cover charge, the wine bar offers an à la carte menu on demand.

On my recent Star of the Seas cruise, I spent just $7 on a margherita pizza, and it was much tastier than the pizzas found at nearby Sorrento’s. Plus, I loved the ambiance of eating in the middle of the Royal Promenade. The wine bar provides a prime spot for people watching.

I’m not opposed to eating in the Main Dining Room or at the Windjammer on Icon Class ships, but I’m more likely to dine elsewhere.

I actually use the elevators

destination elevators on Star of the Seas

On most Royal Caribbean ships, I steer clear of the elevators.

Wait times can be long, and more often than not, it seems like the elevators stop at every single floor. So, unless I’m going up more than six or seven decks, I usually opt for the stairs instead.

On Icon Class ships, however, I always use the elevators.

The class is equipped with destination elevators, and this makes them much more efficient. With destination elevators, you select a deck number while you’re still in the elevator lobby. You’re then assigned a specific elevator number, and that elevator will bring you to your destination.

In my experience, the destination elevators on Icon Class ships are significantly quicker than regular elevators. Even on a ship with over 6,000 passengers, I rarely had to wait more than a minute for an elevator.

Once inside, it often went directly to my destination rather than stopping at every floor along the way.

I attend all of the signature shows

Production shows can be hit or miss on cruises, especially on older ships. Sometimes they lack storylines, and, after watching dozens of shows, I find they start to feel repetitive.

On new cruise ships, however, and especially on Icon Class ships, this is not the case.

While I might skip a theater show on a ship like Radiance of the Seas, I’ll never skip a signature performance on an Icon Class ship.

Both Icon Class cruise ships feature Broadway musicals, and they are of extremely high quality. I laughed so hard during Back to the Future: The Musical on Star of the Seas that I wish I could have seen it again before I disembarked.

The ice-skating shows, too, are out-of-this-world. I thought I had seen all that an ice-skating show can offer, but the shows on Icon Class ships proved me wrong. Not only is the rink larger than that on other ships, but the digital projections transport the audience directly into the story.

Royal Caribbean puts a ton of effort into its entertainment on these ships, and it’s always well worth attending the shows.

I ride the slides at Category 6 Waterpark

Category 6 Waterpark on Star of the Seas

Many Royal Caribbean cruise ships have waterslides, but few compare to those available on Icon Class ships.

Icon Class ships feature the Category 6 Waterpark, a dream for thrill seekers onboard a cruise ship. As the name implies, the waterpark has six slides, and they’re all totally unique.

There are two raft slides onboard: Storm Surge and Hurricane Hunter. These slides accommodate up to 3 and 4 guests, respectively, at one time, and Storm Surge extends off the side of the ship for an even bigger thrill.

Then you’ll find Frightening Bolt, the tallest drop slide at sea, along with Storm Chasers, which are two side-by-side mat-racing slides.

Finally, there’s Pressure Drop, where you can plummet at a 66-degree incline for a major adrenaline boost.

When I’m onboard Icon or Star of the Seas, I make sure to slide down the waterslides at least once. Although many other Royal Caribbean ships feature waterslides, I find the slides at Category 6 more intriguing. The raft slides in particular are extremely fun, and overall, I just love the variety of slides to choose from at the waterpark.

I’m more likely to skip a port day and stay onboard

On Icon Class ships, I treat my cruise ship itself as the destination rather than the places I visit.

Generally speaking, I am a destination-focused cruiser. I always search for itineraries that take me to unique ports around the world, whether a remote island in Vanuatu or a small town in Alaska.

Icon Class ships, however, don’t visit off-the-beaten-track cruise ports. Due to their size, the ships are somewhat restricted in port options. They typically visit common ports like Nassau, Perfect Day at CocoCay, Cozumel, and St. Thomas.

I can visit these ports on dozens of other ships, so I’m never hard-pressed to find things to do in port while sailing on an Icon Class ship.

Instead, I am likely to skip a port day and enjoy all of the amenities onboard instead (with far fewer guests onboard, might I add).

I watch the sunset from a pool

sunset from The Hideaway pool on Icon of the Seas

There’s nothing quite like a sunset at sea, and something I do differently on Icon Class ships is watch the sunset from one of the many pools onboard.

Icon Class ships feature seven swimming pools, and each offers a distinct atmosphere. There’s the Swim & Tonic pool for party vibes, the Water’s Edge pool for younger cruisers, and the Royal Bay pool for a more traditional pool experience.

For sunset, though, none compare to the pool found at The Hideaway, the adults-only neighborhood on Icon Class ships.

This neighborhood features an infinity pool right at the ship’s aft, providing absolutely stellar views of the ocean. Whenever the sun sets along the aft of the ship, I make sure to put on a swimsuit and watch the scenery from the Hideaway Pool. It’s truly a sight to see.

If the sun is setting in another direction, I’ll head to either the Cove Pool or Cloud 17 Pool, as these pools jet up directly to the side of the ship.

I skip classic Royal Caribbean bars for newer venues

It’s almost unfathomable how Royal Caribbean could pack Icon Class cruise ships with so many things to do.

Not only will you find Royal Caribbean's classic bars like Schooner Bar, Boleros, and the English-style pub onboard, but you’ll also find a variety of new concepts for the line.

Whenever I cruise on Icon Class ships, I find myself skipping the classic venues in favor of Icon-specific bars and lounges.

For example, I might skip live music at the pub in favor of the jazz band at Lou’s Jazz n’ Blues. Or, instead of listening to live piano music at the Schooner Bar, I’ll opt for a show at Dueling Pianos.

There’s nothing wrong with the classic Royal Caribbean entertainment venues, but I love how many more choices are available on Icon Class ships.

I enjoy my morning coffee with a view

One thing I especially like about Icon Class cruise ships is having access to ocean views. It seems like you can see the ocean from everywhere onboard, whether from the Royal Promenade, Surfside Neighborhood, or even from Central Park.

When cruising on Icon or Star of the Seas, I always start my morning with an iced coffee. There are several spots to grab specialty coffees on Icon Class ships, including Starbucks, Pearl Café, and the Rye & Bean.

Regardless of where I grab my coffee, I make sure to enjoy my coffee with an ocean view.

If I order from Pearl Café, I’ll relax in front of the café’s massive, five-deck-high windows. If I grab a shaken espresso from Starbucks, I’ll sip it outdoors on the Promenade Deck. Lastly, if I order my coffee from Rye & Bean, it’s hard to beat the spectacular views from the AquaDome.

When I cruise on other ships, I miss having these sweeping ocean views in every direction.

I end my evenings with freshly-made crêpes

I might start my mornings with a coffee on Icon Class ships, but I’ll always end the day with a crêpe.

One benefit of cruising on Icon Class ships is the selection of late-night food options. On most other Royal Caribbean ships, food after 9PM is limited to pizza from Sorrento’s or small snacks from Cafe Promenade.

Fortunately, Icon Class ships have a lot more choices.

The AquaDome Market is open until midnight, which means passengers can choose between savory bites like empanadas or sweet treats like a scrumptious, freshly-filled crêpe.

Crème de la Crêpe features four crêpes on their menu, but you can also customize your order to your liking.

For research purposes, I’ve tested all four crêpes, but my favorite is the hazelnut and bananas option. The gooey, chewy crêpe dough mixed with sweet hazelnut sauce and perfectly ripe bananas is unbeatable.

No matter how many other desserts I’ve had throughout the day, I never miss a nightly crêpe at the AquaDome Market.

I spent $2,000 for 4 nights in a 156-square-foot inside cabin on the world's largest cruise ship

In:

Star of the Seas

04 Sep 2025

I just cruised on Royal Caribbean’s newest and biggest ship, but I booked the cheapest and tiniest cabin onboard.

Star of the Seas is the latest ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, and I couldn’t wait to get onboard myself to experience the best that the cruise line has to offer. With sky-high prices, however, I chose to book the most basic cabin available.

I sailed in an interior cabin for my 4-night cruise to The Bahamas. This meant my cabin had no windows or natural light, and it was exceptionally compact.

Nonetheless, I was willing to sail in the cheapest room if it meant I could sail on a ship as exciting as Star of the Seas. And while my cabin wasn’t perfect, it offered everything I needed for my time onboard.

Let’s take a look inside my interior cabin on Star of the Seas.

My interior cabin cost $2,210 for two adults, or $552 per night on my 4-night cruise

Star of the Seas is shiny and new, and prices certainly reflect that.

For my 4-night cruise, I reserved an interior guarantee cabin for $2,210 total. The guarantee rate meant I could not choose my cabin location within the ship, and it would be assigned to me at a later date.

The price included my cruise fare, taxes, port fees, and gratuities for two adults.

At $552 per night (or $276 per person, per night), it was far from the cheapest cruise offered by Royal Caribbean. Yet despite the high price, I was excited to sail on the newest and biggest cruise ship in the world.

A 4-night cruise is not a typical length for sailings on Star of the Seas. Although the ship offered a few short sailings immediately following her launch, she currently sails 7-night cruises.

So, if you’re booking a 7-night cruise on the vessel, you should expect to spend around $4,000 or more for an interior cabin.

At 156 square feet, the cabin was small, but it still had modern features

I booked the smallest, most basic cabin on Star of the Seas, so I wasn’t expecting anything close to luxurious. At just over 150 square feet, my cabin was anything but spacious, but it still provided all the essentials.

The cabin featured a bed, a vanity, a small armchair, a wardrobe, and a private bathroom.

The majority of the room was taken up by the bed. In general, interior cabins are meant for sleeping, showering, and changing. With so much to do elsewhere onboard, most guests staying in these basic rooms will spend little time in their cabin.

There were nightstands on each side of the bed, but a USB charging port was only available on one side.

The cabin’s TV was on the wall near the foot of the bed, along with four small shelves. These shelves are tiny, but they’re ideal for storing items like sunscreen, sunglasses, and other pocket-sized items.

A USB charging port is also located on one of the shelves.

USB charging port in Star of the Seas interior cabin

In the “living room” of the cabin, you’ll find a desk/vanity, armchair, and the wardrobe. The desk had several outlets and USB options for charging electronics.

Vanity in Star of the Seas interior cabin

Overall, the cabin was nothing fancy, but it included everything I needed for my time onboard Star of the Seas. The modern color scheme and decor exuded a calm, relaxing atmosphere, which made the cabin an ideal place to rest on an otherwise busy cruise ship.

I didn’t love the storage options, but it wasn’t a dealbreaker

closet on Star of the Seas interior cabin

If my cabin had a fault, it was in its storage options.

I’ve stayed in over a dozen interior cabins, and storage options vary significantly from ship to ship. As a general rule of thumb, cabins on older ships have fewer storage options than those on newer ships.

This was not the case on Star of the Seas, though. I was disappointed in the amount of storage in my interior cabin, and I found it challenging to properly unpack my belongings.

Typically, cruise cabin wardrobes feature both shelves and space for hanging clothes. My cabin on Star only had hanging space, but I would have found shelving more useful.

In addition, the closet featured pull-out baskets instead of drawers.

I actually grew to like this feature, as it allowed me to completely pull out the basket when necessary. Even so, I think that traditional drawers are more practical.

My vanity, too, lacked storage. Most new ships provide significant storage space in the vanity. On Utopia of the Seas, for example, the vanities feature five drawers in addition to a mini fridge. My cabin on Star of the Seas had just two narrow drawers with an awkward, diagonal configuration.

Drawer in Star of the Seas interior cabin

Compared to a ship like Odyssey of the Seas, which has cabins with an overabundance of storage options, I felt like my Star of the Seas cabin fell flat in this regard.

Ultimately, the storage wasn’t a dealbreaker, and it wouldn’t keep me from sailing on the ship again. Next time, though, I’d pack items like magnetic hooks and an over-the-door shoe organizer to keep my belongings better organized.

I appreciated the bathroom’s layout and spacious shower

One area where my Star of the Seas interior cabin shined was in the bathroom.

I was impressed with the layout of the bathroom, which featured a larger-than-average shower. The shower had a small seat, and it was rectangular in shape, providing extra room in comparison to showers on older ships.

Storage was impressive as well, with shelves behind the toilet, inside the vanity, and above the vanity near the mirror.

It’s clear Royal Caribbean put a lot of thought into the bathroom design for Icon Class ships, and they’re a major upgrade from those found on other vessels.

On a future cruise, I would choose a different cabin location

I booked a guarantee rate for this cruise, so I couldn’t choose my exact stateroom location. Although this saved me money, I ended up regretting my decision during the cruise.

I was assigned cabin 14345, and there were two issues with its location.

First, it was at the very aft of the ship. On a cruise ship as big as Star of the Seas, distances from place to place can be substantial. After a while, walking all the way down the hallway felt cumbersome. I much prefer staying in a midship cabin for quicker access to all of the amenities around the ship.

Second, my cabin was located directly below the bar at The Hideaway, the adults-only pool neighborhood on Star of the Seas.

Throughout the evening and into the night, live music blasted right above my cabin, and I had trouble sleeping with heavy bass vibrating through the ceiling.

Booking a guarantee cabin is always a risk, as you’re essentially given whichever cabins are left over from the booking process.

Until this point, I’ve had good luck with guarantee rooms, but in this case, I wish I had spent a little more money to pick a better location.

With so much to do onboard, I barely spent any time in my cabin

Despite a few faults with my interior cabin on Star of the Seas, I would book it again. It wasn’t the most spacious interior cabin I’ve stayed in on a Royal Caribbean ship, but it was cozy enough for my time onboard.

Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class ships have a hefty price tag, and realistically, I’ll always try to save money by cruising in the cheapest room possible. At the end of the day, I’d rather sail in an inside cabin on an Icon Class ship than in a balcony cabin on an older and smaller ship.

It’s hard to put into words just how much you can see, do, eat, and experience on Star of the Seas. Throughout my four days onboard, I spent little time in my cabin aside from sleeping.

Instead of lounging around my tiny stateroom, I spent my time attending shows, riding the waterslides, and hopping from pool to pool during sunset. One day during my cruise, in fact, I left my cabin for breakfast and didn’t return until it was time to get ready for dinner!

In the end, there’s nothing wrong with booking the smallest, cheapest room on a cruise ship as long as you have the right expectations.

Icon of the Seas vs. Star of the Seas: Which ship should you choose?

In:

Icon class

27 Aug 2025

Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas are the biggest ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, but which one should you choose?

If you’re planning a Royal Caribbean cruise, it’s hard to go wrong with an Icon Class ship. These megaships are the largest in the world and offer unbeatable amenities and attractions. Whether it's the Category 6 Waterpark or the indoor ice-skating rink, there are endless ways to have fun onboard.

Currently, there are two ships in the Icon Class: Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas. For the most part, the two vessels are identical. You’ll find many of the same restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, and cabins onboard.

Even still, there are a few differences between the two ships that may make you choose one over the other.

Here’s everything you should consider when choosing between Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas.

First, where do you want to embark on your cruise?

Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas depart from different cruise ports in Florida, so it’s important to consider where you’d like to sail from before you book.

Icon of the Seas calls Miami home, whereas Star of the Seas sails from Port Canaveral.

As far as transportation logistics, both ports offer pros and cons.

Port Canaveral is located somewhat far from Orlando International Airport. Driving from the airport to the port takes just under an hour, and rideshare prices can be as high as $80 each way. Shuttles are available, too, which start around $25 per person.

The Port of Miami, on the other hand, is closer to Miami International Airport. You can expect to spend around $30 for the 20-minute ride. You also have the option of flying into Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, which is a 40-minute drive from the Port of Miami.

It’s always recommended to arrive in your embarkation city the day before your cruise departs. Both Orlando and Miami offer plenty to do before you embark.

If you’re cruising on Star of the Seas from Port Canaveral, you might consider spending a few days at Universal Studios or Disney World before your cruise. This can be a great way to extend your trip and experience Orlando’s top attractions.

Those cruising from Miami on Icon of the Seas can enjoy the city’s highlights before embarking. You might choose to spend the night in South Beach, explore nightlife in Brickell, or take a street food tour in Little Havana.

Either embarkation port is an excellent choice. Ultimately, I recommend searching flight options from your home airport to Orlando and Miami. If flight itineraries and prices are significantly better at one airport, you might want to consider cruising from that port instead of the other.

Is one ship less expensive than the other?

Icon Class cruise ships may offer an unbelievable number of things to do onboard, but they aren’t cheap. For most 7-night itineraries, you can expect to pay between $1,300 and $2,000 per person for an interior cabin.

Star of the Seas launched a year after Icon of the Seas, but prices are similar between the two vessels. You’ll find little difference in cruise fare, and prices may vary drastically depending on the month you sail, as well as how far in advance you book the cruise.

Sometimes Icon of the Seas might be priced higher than Star of the Seas, and vice versa.

Let’s take a look at a few itineraries to gauge how prices might vary:

7-night Western Caribbean itinerary during hurricane season
Interior cabin, taxes and fees included:

Icon of the Seas: $1,205 per person
Star of the Seas: $1,483 per person

7-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary in November
Interior cabin, taxes and fees included:

Icon of the Seas: $1,628 per person
Star of the Seas: $1,607 per person

7-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary in June
Interior cabin, taxes and fees included:

Icon of the Seas: $2,048 per person
Star of the Seas: $2,096 per person

For the most part, price differences between the two ships are negligible. As always, you’ll want to book your cruise further in advance to snag the lowest deal. Plus, you can always reprice the sailing up until the final payment date to save money if the price drops.

Entertainment is similar, but Broadway shows differ

Like all of Royal Caribbean’s new ships, both Icon and Star of the Seas offer stellar entertainment options.

Even an entire week isn’t long enough to experience the vast array of entertainment choices. Whether live jazz music in Central Park or a high-energy piano performance at Dueling Pianos, every evening offers a wide selection of things to experience.

When it comes to live music and activities, Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas are on an even playing field. You’ll find the same bars and lounges on both ships, including fan favorites like the Schooner Bar and English-style pub.

The signature shows, however, differ between the two vessels. There are three main entertainment venues: the Royal Theater, the AquaTheater, and the Absolute Zero ice rink.

Related: Royal Caribbean shows by ship

Shows in the AquaTheater and Absolute Zero are similar on both ships. Despite having different themes and soundtracks, you’ll see many of the same stunts, dives, and jumps during any show.

The main difference in entertainment is in the Broadway shows in the Royal Theater.

On Icon of the Seas, the Broadway show is Wizard of Oz, whereas Star of the Seas showcases Back to the Future: The Musical.

Both shows are equally entertaining, but some guests may prefer seeing one show over the other. If Broadway shows are an important part of the cruising experience for you, you may want to take the two shows into consideration before picking a ship.

Dining options are almost the same, but come with two major differences

Food is an important aspect of any cruise vacation, and there’s no shortage of places to eat on Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas.

Most dining venues are exactly the same between the two vessels. You’ll find classic restaurants like the Windjammer buffet and Main Dining Room, but also Icon Class-specific eateries like Pearl Café and Surfside Bites.

Still, there are two differences in dining to note between Icon and Star of the Seas.

First are the food stalls in the AquaDome market. The AquaDome market is a staple of the Icon Class ships, and it offers quick-service bites from a variety of cuisines around the world.

There are five food stalls on each ship. Two—Crème de la Crêpe and Feta Mediterranean—are offered on both vessels. The other three differ from ship to ship.

On Icon, you can enjoy mac n’ cheese at Mac’s, sandwiches at Toast & Garden, and Chinese classics at GNGR. Star of the Seas, however, features BBQ favorites at Pig Out BBQ, spicy Thai food at Mai Thai, and Latin American street food at La Cocinita.

Likewise, the supper club varies from ship to ship, too. This elegant, fine dining restaurant combines curated cocktails with a regionally-inspired menu.

The concept is similar between the two ships, but they differ in their theming.

On Icon of the Seas, the Empire Supper Club features a 1920s New York theme, whereas Star of the Seas’ Lincoln Park Supper Club transports guests to 1930s Chicago.

Lincoln Park Supper Club on Star of the Seas

For the most part, though, subtle variations between the AquaDome market food stalls and the supper club make little difference in the overall experience onboard Icon or Star of the Seas.

I wouldn’t necessarily recommend picking one ship over the other just because of these minor differences. Rather, if you’ve already sailed on Icon of the Seas, consider sailing on Star to try out the new dining options.

Overall, the ships are nearly identical, and either option is a fantastic choice

Both Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas offer, for the most part, the exact same experience.

There are small differences between the ships, but they’re much more alike than they are different. They have the same layout, neighborhoods, pools, activities, and onboard thrills.

Differences in artwork, dining venues, and entertainment productions are minor in the big picture of your vacation.

In addition, despite having different homeports, the two ships offer the same itineraries. Both sail 7-night cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, which include a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

When choosing between the two ships, I’d argue there are only two things to really consider:

Where you’d prefer to embark on your cruise
The price difference between the ships for a particular week

If you’re hoping to sail in mid-March and Star of the Seas is $500 more expensive than Icon, you’re better off choosing the latter. Likewise, if cruise fares are similar but a flight to Orlando is $300 cheaper than to Miami, Star of the Seas would be a better choice.

Regardless of which ship you choose, you’re guaranteed to have a one-of-a-kind cruise experience on an Icon Class ship.

Perfect Day at CocoCay vs. Celebration Key: I tried both to see how they compare

In:

Perfect Day at CocoCay

23 Aug 2025

I visited both Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay and Carnival’s Celebration Key in The Bahamas. Either private destination is an excellent addition to any cruise itinerary, but each comes with pros and cons.

CocoCay vs Celebration Key side by side image

Perfect Day at CocoCay opened in 2019 and offers a blend of thrill and chill experiences. The private island features crystal-clear beaches, exclusive beach clubs, a stunning lagoon, and the massive Thrill Waterpark.

Celebration Key, on the other hand, just launched in July of 2025. Unlike CocoCay, the destination is not on its own island. Rather, it’s on a private area of Grand Bahama Island.

Ashore, you’ll find beaches, a sprawling lagoon, waterslides, swim-up bars, an adults-only beach club, and dreamy cabana rentals.

I’ve been to Perfect Day at CocoCay 10 times, but visited Celebration Key for the first time last month. After spending eight hours ashore, I couldn’t help but compare the two private destinations.

From the pools to beaches, food, bars, and atmosphere, here’s how Perfect Day at CocoCay and Celebration Key compared.

For pools, Celebration Key is the clear winner

side by side image of pools at Celebration Key and CocoCay

Without a doubt, Celebration Key has the most impressive pool of any cruise line private destination.

Oasis Lagoon at Perfect Day at CocoCay is a major highlight of Royal Caribbean’s island, measuring 33,175 square feet. Yet it pales in comparison to the lagoon at Celebration Key, which measures a whopping 275,000 square feet.

You read that right—Celebration Key’s lagoon is over eight times larger than CocoCay’s Oasis Lagoon.

The lagoon is split into two sides: Starfish Lagoon and Calypso Lagoon.

Starfish Lagoon focuses on families. It’s where you’ll find Guppy Grotto, Celebration Key’s splash pad, which also features a two-foot wading pool perfect for younger cruisers. Of course, there is more than enough space for adults to unwind at Starfish Lagoon, too.

Calypso Lagoon, however, is more adult-focused. Here’s where you’ll find Long Necks Swim Up Bar, home to the biggest pool parties on all of Celebration Key.

Long Necks Swim Up Bar at Celebration Key

Although CocoCay’s Oasis Lagoon is no stranger to parties, it’s hard to beat the live DJ set and 166 in-water seats at Calypso Lagoon’s premier swim up bar.

Plus, the sheer size of Celebration Key’s lagoons make it easy to escape the crowds. I often struggle to find peace and quiet at Oasis Lagoon, but I could always find a relaxing spot to swim at Calypso Lagoon and Starfish Lagoon.

However, I prefer the beaches at Perfect Day at CocoCay

Celebration Key may have Perfect Day at CocoCay beat when it comes to pools, but I prefer beaches at CocoCay.

Because CocoCay is an island, there are beaches in every direction. Celebration Key only has beaches on one side.

There are two beaches at Celebration Key: Starfish Beach and Calypso Beach. They are effectively a single beach (they’re on the same 1-mile strip of sand), but are split in half by the pier.

Don’t get me wrong—the beaches at Celebration Key were gorgeous. Despite the cloudy weather on my day ashore, the water was still a stunning shade of turquoise.

Yet I missed the variety of beaches at Perfect Day at CocoCay. Each beach offers different scenery, atmospheres, and things to do.

Chill Beach, for instance, is popular with snorkelers, kayakers, and swimmers alike. South Beach, on the other hand, is famous for its floating tiki bar, making it a popular spot for partygoers.

The main focus of Celebration Key seems to be on the lagoon, whereas Perfect Day at CocoCay has a more balanced blend of both beaches and pools.

CocoCay wins for food and drinks, offering plenty of included options

Both Perfect Day at CocoCay and Celebration Key offer a wide selection of restaurants and bars, but CocoCay provides a more inclusive experience.

My main complaint at Celebration Key was the stingy dining and beverage rules. For starters, Carnival doesn’t honor drink packages ashore, so all drinks come with an extra charge.

I didn’t cruise with a drink package on my visit, but this rule makes me even less likely to purchase one on future Carnival cruises. Why buy a drink package when I can’t use it at Celebration Key?

Dining rules were ungenerous, too. Carnival limits passengers to one free meal during the day, and any additional food comes with an extra cost.

There is no buffet at Celebration Key. Instead, passengers can order complimentary food at food trucks and at Captain’s Galley Food Hall, the destination’s main dining venue. For an extra charge, guests can dine at a variety of full-service sit-down restaurants, too.

I was impressed by the variety of complimentary food options, such as Bahamian fish tacos and lamb shawarmas, but felt limited by the strict dining rules.

For lunch, I grabbed a personal pizza from Celebration Key’s main food hall. It was tasty, but I can’t imagine it would keep all passengers full for an entire day ashore.

Fortunately, at Perfect Day at CocoCay, there are no strict dining or beverage rules.

Drink packages work ashore, along with loyalty drinks for guests in Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society. Likewise, meals are not tracked at CocoCay. Passengers are able to enjoy unlimited meals and snacks throughout the day.

Sometimes, for example, I might grab mozzarella sticks at Snack Shack for a mid-morning snack, create build-your-own tacos at the buffet for lunch, and enjoy a creamy cone of soft serve later in the afternoon.

At Celebration Key, I could never have such flexibility without spending extra.

Both destinations offer equally impressive cabana rentals

over the water cabana at Celebration Key

What I love most about cruise line private destinations is how much is included in your cruise fare.

Whether at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Celebration Key, MSC’s Ocean Cay or Disney’s Castaway Cay, you can have an amazing day ashore without shelling out even a dime.

Still, some passengers enjoy purchasing add-ons to enhance their port day, and one of the most popular add-ons are cabana rentals.

Related: Guide to CocoCay Cabanas

Both CocoCay and Celebration Key rent cabanas, and I’d argue that these rentals are on even playing fields.

CocoCay’s Overwater Cabana at the Coco Beach Club is undoubtedly majestic. Yet the Over-The-Lagoon Super Villa at Celebration Key is just as unforgettable. It includes a sectional sofa, bar, dining table, hammock, in-water loungers, and a private water slide.

There are also cabanas on the beach at both private destinations, but Celebration Key might have a slight edge due to the number of cabanas available with direct lagoon access.

At the end of the day, though, you can’t go wrong with a cabana rental at either destination.

CocoCay provides more thrills, whether at Thrill Waterpark or on the zip line

When comparing Perfect Day at CocoCay and Celebration Key, the former definitely offers more for adrenaline seekers.

You’ll find Thrill Waterpark ashore, which is home to a wave pool, adventure pool, and over a dozen waterslides. The 135-foot Daredevil’s Peak slide is the tallest in the entire Caribbean!

The waterpark comes with an extra cost. Prices vary by sailing, but typically range between $80 and $160 per person.

Other thrills at CocoCay include kayak rentals, snorkel rentals, jet ski tours, a zip line, and a helium balloon ride, all of which also cost extra.

There are a few complimentary thrills included, too, which cater to children. First is Splashaway Bay, which features splash buckets, small slides, and water sprayers. There’s also Captain Jill’s Galleon, a splash and water play area in the shape of a pirate ship.

At Celebration Key, you’ll still find some thrills, but the destination caters more toward relaxation.

There are two waterslides, called the Suncastle Racing Slides, which cost $15 total for unlimited rides throughout the day.

Celebration Key does not offer a zip line. Instead, you can book excursions to nearby Pirate’s Zipline and Water Park. This is outside of Celebration Key, though, so you'll have to leave the private destination.

Rentals inside Celebration Key include paddle boards, kayaks, and snorkel gear.

Between the two, CocoCay wins for thrills based on the sheer size of Thrill Waterpark. Even though Celebration Key offers waterslides, it simply can’t compare to the amount of things to do at Thrill Waterpark.

Both feature adults-only retreats, but with totally different vibes

side by side image of Pearl Cove Beach Club and Hideaway Beach

If you’re in search of a kid-free getaway, you’ll find adults-only areas at both private destinations.

I tried the adults-only retreats at both CocoCay and Celebration Key, but they were more different than alike.

Hideaway Beach is Royal Caribbean’s adults-only area at CocoCay, and it’s known for its party vibe. The exclusive area of the island can accommodate around 1,800 passengers.

Here, you’ll find an 18,000-square-foot infinity pool, private beach, two complimentary restaurants, a bar with live music, and a variety of cabana rentals.

Cabanas include the Hideaway Cabanas, located near the main pool, and the Hideout Cabanas, which feature direct access to a VIP infinity pool.

Admission to Hideaway Beach varies greatly depending on the sailing, but you can expect to pay between $40 and $90 per person. The cost includes food and basic drinks like water, but does not include alcoholic beverages, soda, and mocktails.

At Celebration Key, the adults-only area is called Pearl Cove Beach Club. While capacity numbers have not been announced, it's smaller than Hideaway Beach.

In general, the atmosphere of Pearl Cove Beach Club reminds me more of CocoCay’s Coco Beach Club compared to Hideaway Beach.

Pearl Cove Beach Club features an 11,000-square-foot infinity pool, private beach, full-service restaurant, cabana rentals, and a variety of bars, including a swim-up bar.

The main difference between Pearl Cove Beach Club and Hideaway Beach is the pricing model.

Pearl Cove Beach Club offers three admission options. The first costs $100 and includes your entry and a welcome drink. The second, which costs $140, includes 10 drinks from a limited menu. Finally, the third costs $180 and includes 10 drinks in addition to an exclusive lunch at the Pearl Cove Beach Club restaurant.

Drinks are not included in the admission to Hideaway Beach, although Royal Caribbean’s drink packages and loyalty drink vouchers work ashore.

After visiting both, I wouldn’t say one is better than the other. Hideaway Beach definitely offers more of a party vibe whereas Pearl Cove Beach Club is more akin to the tranquil atmosphere offered at the Coco Beach Club.

Both Perfect Day at CocoCay and Celebration Key have pros and cons, but you can’t go wrong with either

After visiting both private destinations, I wouldn't say that one is better than the other.

There were definitely some things I liked more at Celebration Key than CocoCay, such as the giant lagoon and Long Necks Swim Up Bar. However, CocoCay offers more inclusivity by honoring guests’ drink packages and not limiting guests to just one meal.

You really can’t go wrong with a day at either private destination. Each offers the ability to fully unwind without the need to plan shore excursions or research the port in advance.

Whether at CocoCay or Celebration, you can simply disembark your cruise ship and spend the entire day soaking up the tropical Bahamian sun.

I booked a 7-day cruise to Alaska for $1,500 per person, but spent nearly $2,400 with extras. Take a closer look at how much my cruise cost

In:

Alaska

16 Aug 2025

How much does an Alaska cruise really cost?

side by side image of Jenna in Alaska and Mendenhall Glacier

If you’re considering a cruise to Alaska, there are a lot of expenses to consider that are not included in your base cruise fare. From airfare to a pre-cruise hotel, shore excursions, and spending money in port, you might be surprised by the true price of sailing to Alaska.

I recently returned from a 7-night cruise to the region, and I spent around $900 extra on top of my $1,500 cruise fare.

Here’s how much my cruise really cost, and how I spent my money when visiting the Last Frontier.

I booked an interior room for $2,936, or $1,468 per person

I sailed to Alaska with my brother, and we booked an interior guarantee cabin for $2,936. This price included taxes, fees, and gratuities, and came out to $1,468 per person.

Nearly $3,000 for an interior cabin is pretty expensive, but we were sailing on Anthem of the Seas, one of the most modern vessels in Royal Caribbean’s fleet.

Plus, our cruise departed in late June, right in the peak of Alaska's summer season.

Round-trip airfare to Seattle set me back another $277, and a pre-cruise hotel cost $240

A few months before my cruise, I reserved airfare to Seattle. I booked my round-trip flight through Royal Caribbean’s Air2Sea program, which offered discounted rates for Alaska cruises.

With the discounts, I spent just $277 on a round-trip flight in first class. Although the flight was only 90 minutes, it was still a great deal.

Next, I booked a hotel in Seattle for the night before my cruise. I paid $240 for a room at Hotel Sorrento. It was within walking distance of sights like Pike Place Market and the Space Needle.

Staying by the airport would have been cheaper, but it’s always nice to spend time exploring Seattle before heading to the port on embarkation day.

Ground transportation to and from my ship cost $126

After landing in Seattle, I had a few options to get to my hotel.

I usually take the light rail, which travels from the airport to downtown in around 40 minutes. For only $3 per person, it’s not only cheap, but also convenient.

However, my flight arrived in the evening, and I didn’t feel comfortable taking transit so late at night. Instead, I paid $58 for a Lyft to my hotel.

The next morning, I spent $36 for another Lyft to Seattle's cruise terminal at Pier 91.

At the end of my cruise, I spent $29 for a Lyft from the cruise terminal to downtown Seattle. My flight wasn’t until the evening, so I walked around for a few hours before spending $3 on a light rail ticket to the airport.

Before my cruise, I spent $225 on add-ons, but had $75 onboard credit

Prior to my cruise, I browsed Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner for add-ons like specialty dining, internet, spa treatments, and drink packages.

I received $75 onboard credit when I booked my cruise, so I used this credit to offset my expenses.

Ultimately, I decided against pricier add-ons like drink packages and spa treatments. I tried to stretch my onboard credit as much as possible.

I looked for specialty restaurant options for lunch on embarkation day. The first day of a cruise can be chaotic, so I always prefer a leisurely meal at a specialty restaurant as opposed to the busy buffet.

To my surprise, lunch at Jamie’s Italian was only $18 per person, so my brother and I booked the meal.

I also booked lunch at Chops Grille for the following day, which cost $21 per person.

Finally, I purchased a VOOM internet package for one device. This set me back $147.

In total, two lunches and an internet package cost $225. After applying my $75 onboard credit, I paid $150 out of pocket.

While onboard, I spent just $31

Although it’s easy to spend a lot of extra money onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise, it’s just as easy to stick to a budget.

Throughout my week on Anthem of the Seas, I spent just $31 on extra purchases. For the most part, I stuck to complimentary dining, entertainment, and activities.

First, I spent $3 on popcorn at the theater before a show. The buttery smell was hard to pass up, and it was worth the small splurge.

Later, I spent (wasted?) $10 at the casino. I typically avoid the casino, but it can be fun to test your luck from time to time.

Finally, after a great experience on embarkation day, my brother and I booked a second lunch at Jamie’s Italian. For just $18 per person, we couldn’t resist the truffle arancini, homemade pastas, and decadent chocolate brownie topped with salted caramel ice cream.

One way I was able to save so much money onboard was by utilizing my Crown & Anchor Society benefits.

As a Diamond Plus member, I receive five free drink vouchers per day. Throughout the sailing, I used these vouchers around the ship, whether for a coconut mojito at Boleros or Aperol spritz at the Solarium bar.

Additionally, on sailings five nights or longer, Diamond Plus members receive complimentary wash and fold laundry service. I utilized this benefit, helping me save over $30 and return home with clean clothes.

I only spent $85 in port. Instead of booking excursions, I explored Alaska on my own

Alaska cruise excursions can easily blow even the biggest budget. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on excursions, I decided to explore without organized tours.

My itinerary had three ports of call: Juneau, Skagway, and Victoria. Here’s what I did in each.

Juneau

After disembarking Anthem of the Seas in Juneau, I started my day with an $8 latte from Heritage Coffee Roasting Co.

Now adequately caffeinated, my brother and I wanted to visit Mendenhall Glacier, but organized tours and shuttles cost more than we wanted to spend.

Royal Caribbean’s tours to the glacier can run over $150, and round-trip shuttle transportation from downtown Juneau costs around $80.

Instead, we took a local city bus for just $2 per person each way. The bus station was just a few minutes’ walk from the pier. Instructions were easy to follow on Juneau’s public transportation website here.

The closest bus stop to the glacier is a 30-minute walk from the entrance. We decided to walk the rest of the way, but there were bike rentals available at the bus stop, too.

Before getting back onboard, I spent $17 on salmon tacos from Deckhand Dave’s. Finally, I ended the day with a $10 block of fudge from Alaskan Fudge Company.

Skagway

In our next port of call, Skagway, we spent a leisurely day walking around downtown.

We disembarked the ship in the morning and headed to Glacial Coffeehouse, where we each spent around $10 on iced lattes. Prices of food and drinks in Alaska’s cruise ports are shockingly high, so prepare for some sticker shock.

Next door to the coffee shop is Klondike Doughboy, home to the famous Alaska fry bread. I spent $8 on a generously-sized fried dough, which came topped with cinnamon and brown sugar.

After visiting downtown, we took a brief hike to Yakutania Point for a stunning view of the Lynn Canal.

Victoria

Our last port of call was Victoria, British Columbia, and we had a low-key day exploring the city.

Like always, we started the day with coffee, this time from Milano Coffee Roasters, which cost $7. We then explored Chinatown and took a stroll through peaceful Beacon Hill Park, which led to some beautiful views of the ocean.

For lunch, we spent $14 each on noodle bowls from Ox King Noodles, which kept us warm on a rainy day.

Despite spending only $85 in all three ports of call, I still felt like I saw the highlights of each destination.

In total, I spent $909 extra

On top of my $1,468 cruise fare, I spent $909 extra on my Alaska cruise.

Given that this price includes my airfare, pre-cruise hotel, three specialty restaurants, and my expenses in port, the cruise actually wasn’t as expensive as I thought it would be.

Other expenses to consider on an Alaska cruise, though, are extra tips for crew members. I never include extra tips in my roundups, as appropriate tips can vary greatly from passenger to passenger.

Nonetheless, you’ll want to budget for tips for your stateroom attendant, dining room waiters, bartenders, and other crew members as you see fit. Because you already pay gratuity in your cruise fare, these extra tips are optional, but many passengers like to give extra thanks.

All in all, if you’re planning an Alaska cruise, it’s important to budget for these additional expenses. I stuck to a budget, but other passengers could spend significantly more on shore excursions and upgraded cabins.

Regardless of how you spend your money on an Alaska cruise, you’re sure to have a fantastic time exploring this magical, unforgettable region of the world.

What a Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise is like in 2025

In:

Alaska

30 Jul 2025

What is it like to take a Royal Caribbean cruise to Alaska in 2025?

Anthem of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas docked in Skagway

If you’re planning an Alaska cruise this year or in the coming years, it’s helpful to know what to expect. Whether budgeting for shore excursions or planning travel logistics, you’ll want to be as prepared as possible for your Alaska vacation.

I recently returned from a 7-night cruise to Alaska aboard Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas. During my cruise, I learned firsthand what it’s like to visit the state in 2025.

Prices were substantially higher than on Alaska cruises I’ve taken previously, but the core experience remained the same. The fjords were just as majestic as in the past, and cruise ports offered dozens of ways to experience Alaska’s highlights to the fullest.

watching Dawes glacier from Alaska cruise

These days, however, it’s not as easy to “wing it” on an Alaska cruise. With so much demand, failing to prepare in advance could hinder your trip’s success. You’ll want to plan your trip’s logistics far in advance, and it’s also helpful to get a taste of what life is like onboard before you set sail.

This is what it’s really like to take a Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise in 2025.

Prices are higher for nearly everything, but there are still ways to save money

bed in interior cabin on Anthem of the Seas

I’ve been cruising to Alaska almost every year since 2021, and I’m shocked at the rising prices.

Every summer, it seems like cruise fares and shore excursions rise substantially, even if you’re booking independent tours outside of the cruise line.

When I booked my Alaska cruise in 2025, I paid almost $3,000 for an interior cabin on Anthem of the Seas. Just two years prior, I cruised to Alaska on sister ship Quantum of the Seas, but paid only $1,850 for the same cabin category.

I noticed another substantial price increase while my cruise was docked in Juneau. In 2022, I paid $45 for a roundtrip shuttle to Mendenhall Glacier aboard M&M Tours’ Glacier Express bus.

This year, the round-trip shuttle was priced at $79 per person—an increase of over 75%.

Rising prices of cruise fares and excursions far surpass standard inflation rates. Unfortunately, this makes it harder to cruise to Alaska on a budget, especially if you want to travel during peak season.

Fortunately, though, there are still ways you can save money on an Alaska cruise.

Instead of opting for that $79 shuttle bus, for instance, you can take a local bus instead for just $4 roundtrip per person. Or, instead of cruising to Alaska in mid-July, consider a cruise in May or September for lower prices.

Even still, there’s no getting around the fact that prices are drastically higher than just a few years ago.

Your sailing could have Alaska locals as special guests

While sailing through Alaska, you might notice a change in programming aboard your Royal Caribbean ship. In addition to standard activities like trivia and game shows, there could also be scheduled lectures by Alaska locals.

Royal Caribbean has a partnership with Voyij, an Alaska marketplace that represents local businesses and artists from around the state. Through their partnership, Royal Caribbean brings Alaska artists onboard to offer insightful lectures about life in the Last Frontier.

On my cruise, artist Donna Catotti, who hails from the small town of Haines, spoke about what it's like to live in rural southeast Alaska.

Donna Catotti speaking on an Alaska cruise

I attended all three of Donna’s lectures during my cruise, and loved learning about local life and culture in such a remote community. Donna was available to chat while out and about the ship, too, and I saw plenty of guests asking her more questions about life in Alaska.

It can be challenging to engage in local culture when your ship is docked in port for just a few hours. Through partnerships like Royal Caribbean’s with Voyij, however, it’s easier to learn more about the itinerary's destinations.

Glacier viewing days might include commentary from naturalists

In addition to local Alaskans, your Alaska cruise may also have a naturalist onboard.

On my visit to Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, I headed to the pool deck to catch some views of this stunning, narrow channel. To my surprise, the visit was narrated by a naturalist in the ship’s bridge.

On previous cruises to Alaska, I never noticed onboard commentary during glacier visits, so this was a welcome surprise. The naturalist provided information on Dawes Glacier, the geology of fjords, and local wildlife.

When seals were spotted lounging on an iceberg nearby, for example, he announced it over the ship’s loudspeaker. I was grateful for the commentary, as it helped provide a broader overview of what I was looking at during our short visit.

Drink menus offer Alaska-inspired favorites, from craft beers to cocktails

There are countless drinks and cocktails to try on a Royal Caribbean cruise, but Alaska cruises put a local twist on the menu.

Aboard your Royal Caribbean cruise to Alaska, you might see small placards placed atop bar tables around the ship.

These menus, entitled “Flavors of the Alaskan Spirit,” feature Alaska-inspired drinks. These include an IPA from Alaskan Brewing Co. and vodkas from Anchorage Distillery.

As for cocktails, the Anchorage Mule combines Anchorage Distillery blueberry vodka with blueberry mix, lime juice, and ginger beer. Likewise, the Anchorage Glacier Martini mixes Anchorage Distillery Glacier vodka with vermouth and olives for an Alaskan twist on the classic drink.

The menu also includes a selection of warm beverages perfect for chilly days in Alaska, including Irish coffee, hot toddies, and spiked hot chocolate.

Crowds are in full force, but it’s still easy enough to avoid them

You should expect crowds on an Alaska cruise in 2025, 2026, and further into the future. Alaska cruises are extremely popular, and there are no signs of the region’s popularity slowing down anytime soon.

My 2025 Alaska cruise aboard Anthem of the Seas was completely sold out, and I was concerned the crowds would negatively impact my experience.

Yet even with nearly 5,000 passengers onboard, it was easy to escape the crowds. A ship like Anthem of the Seas has plenty of quiet, hidden gems perfect for relaxation, whether it's the climate-controlled Solarium or the outdoor seating in the Windjammer buffet.

Before your cruise, I recommend watching a tour of the ship on YouTube. Not only does this help you visualize your ship, but it may provide commentary on places to escape crowds and enjoy the best views of Alaska’s scenery.

Even in port, I found it relatively easy to escape the crowds. On my visit to Skagway, Broadway Street was packed with thousands of passengers, but nearby hiking trails were far less crowded.

As usual, Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau was packed with guests, too, but there are plenty of viewpoints just off the main trail to enjoy views of the glacier with fewer crowds.

The best way to avoid crowds in port, though, is to disembark your ship early or stay in port until closer to all aboard time. If your ship is docked from 8AM to 7PM, most crowds will peak in the middle of the day.

So, whether onboard your ship or in port, there are still ways to experience Alaska without fighting the crowds.

Finally, you can take advantage of Alaska specials, like discounted flights and complimentary luggage valet

Lastly, you’ll want to research any Alaska-specific deals and specials while planning your cruise.

On my cruise, I purchased flights to Seattle through Air2Sea, Royal Caribbean’s flight booking program. Occasionally, the cruise line offers deals on flights to Seattle and Vancouver, and this can lead to substantial savings.

When I searched for flights to Seattle, I was surprised to see a first class flight for just $276 round trip. It was cheaper than economy! The same deals may not be available when booking directly with an airline, so it’s worth checking Air2Sea for discounts.

You should also take advantage of Port Valet, Seattle’s complimentary luggage transfer service.

On disembarkation day, this service transports your luggage from your ship directly to Seattle’s airport and onto your flight. Aside from airline baggage fees, Port Valet costs nothing extra, but offers unparalleled convenience on the last morning of your cruise.

Both of these programs greatly enhanced my Alaska cruise in 2025.

I tried Royal Caribbean’s secret disembarkation hack and it made my cruise so much better — best of all, it was free

In:

Secrets, Tips and Tricks

28 Jul 2025

I tried a little-known hack on my cruise ship’s disembarkation day, and it made the last day of my trip so much better.

Like most passengers, I don’t love the final morning of the cruise. Not only is my vacation coming to an end, but I need to make my way from the cruise terminal to the airport with my luggage.

With thousands of other (grumpy) passengers doing the same thing, too, disembarkation day is anything but enjoyable.

So, on my recent Alaska cruise, I tried Royal Caribbean’s Luggage Valet service—also known as Port Valet—and it greatly improved my experience traveling home.

It’s something I’ll use again and again when I cruise. Best of all, the service was completely free.

Royal Caribbean’s Luggage Valet service brings your suitcase to the airport for you

Royal Caribbean offers a service called Luggage Valet, which puts the easy button on disembarkation day.

Passengers who sign up for this service place their luggage outside their cabin door the evening before disembarkation. The next morning, their luggage is transferred directly from the cruise terminal to the airport and onto their flight.

This means that once passengers place their suitcase in the hallway, they won’t see it again until they arrive at their home airport.

Currently, the program is offered at three airports: Seattle (SEA), Miami (MIA), and Fort Lauderdale (FLL).

In Seattle, the program is called Port Valet, and it’s a partnership with Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The service in Seattle is offered free of charge aside from any applicable baggage fees from the airline.

In Fort Lauderdale and Miami, Luggage Valet costs $29 per person in addition to airline baggage fees.

I signed up for Seattle’s Port Valet program during my cruise

On the second day of my cruise, I received a sign-up form for Port Valet in my cabin.

The form had general information about baggage fees and logistics about which flights are eligible for the program. Not all flight departure times qualify, and while most US airlines participate, international airlines are not included on the list.

You can register for Port Valet ahead of time on the Port of Seattle’s website here, but it was just as easy to register onboard my ship.

My Alaska Airlines flight departed from Seattle at 9:30PM on disembarkation day. I filled out the form with my flight information and brought it to Guest Services to be registered.

Because I was flying First Class, my checked bag fee was waived by Alaska Airlines. If I were in economy, I would have paid $35 for the bag, but the Port Valet service itself remains free regardless of your flight class.

Registering took just a few minutes, and I was hopeful that Port Valet would take the stress out of traveling to the airport with my big suitcase.

I received my luggage tags and boarding pass on the last evening of my cruise

After I finished dinner on the last evening of my cruise, I headed back to my stateroom to pack my belongings.

On my bed were my Port Valet luggage tags, which I placed on the handle of my suitcase. In addition, my boarding pass for my flight was also delivered at this time.

I was already checked in for my flight and I hadn’t even left the ship yet!

I placed my suitcase outside my cabin door — I wouldn’t see it until I landed in my home airport

Passengers participating in Port Valet must place their suitcase outside their cabin door by 10PM on the evening before disembarkation.

On most cruises, I do self-disembarkation, which is when you bring your own suitcase off the ship with you on disembarkation day. Therefore, it was a bit of an adjustment to pack everything the night before.

I had to make sure I had enough toiletries for the morning, and, of course, a change of clothes so I didn’t walk around the next day in my pajamas.

However, I also had to ensure I packed my carry-on backpack appropriately, too. Because I wouldn’t see my suitcase until I got home the following night, I needed to make sure I had everything necessary for my day in Seattle and trip to the airport.

If I forgot anything important, my suitcase would not be accessible on disembarkation day.

After carefully packing my carry-on and checked bag, I placed the checked bag outside my cabin door with the appropriate luggage tags.

I waved goodbye to my suitcase hoping that everything would go to plan. If so, I would see my trusty purple suitcase when I landed at home.

On disembarkation day, it felt strange to leave the cruise terminal without my suitcase

As your vacation comes to an end, disembarkation day is anything but fun. Nonetheless, getting off the ship and through the cruise terminal was a breeze without carrying my heavy luggage.

When I walked out of the cruise terminal, I felt like I was missing something. All I had was a small backpack, and my suitcase was headed off to the airport in Seattle.

With twelve hours until my flight departed, I felt free to explore the city without worrying about where to store my luggage. I walked around downtown, grabbed coffee at a quaint cafe, and enjoyed lunch at a delicious dim sum restaurant in the city.

When it was time to head to the airport, I hopped on the light rail, which conveniently travels from downtown to the terminal in just under 40 minutes. For only $3 per person, it was cheaper than ordering an Uber or Lyft to the airport.

With luggage, I would have opted for the private ride, but having just a small backpack made it easy to take the cheaper public transportation option.

Once at the airport, I breezed past the baggage kiosks

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the US, with over 52 million passengers transiting through the airport each year.

Crowds can be expected virtually anywhere, but especially at check-in desks and security lines.

Luckily, because I already sent my luggage off with Port Valet, I could go straight to security once I entered the airport.

I noticed long lines and crowds near the terminal’s luggage drop off desks and kiosks, and I was so grateful I didn’t need to worry about dropping off my bag.

After a relatively quick security line, I headed to the lounge to relax before my flight. It felt odd to have not seen my luggage for nearly an entire day, but I trusted that it would be placed safely onto my flight home.

I picked up my suitcase from the luggage carousel at my home airport

My 90-minute flight home was short and effortless. Once I landed, I walked to the luggage carousel hoping that my bag had made it all the way from outside my cabin door to my home airport.

Like clockwork, my bag was one of the first on the carousel. I was pleased everything went as planned, and I promptly grabbed my bag and ordered an Uber home.

I couldn’t believe how convenient my disembarkation day was because I used Port Valet. I also couldn’t believe the service, aside from any airline baggage fees, was complimentary.

It seemed crazy that such a useful travel hack was offered free of charge by Seattle’s airport, but I’ll take any opportunity I get to make my travel days less stressful.

Because the service is complimentary, I really can’t see a reason to not use Port Valet for an Alaska cruise. If you’re paying the fee to check a bag anyway, why deal with the hassle of bringing your bags to the airport yourself?

Instead, you can simply place your luggage outside your cabin door and pick it up once you return home.

The convenience is simply unmatched, and it’s a hack I’ll use on every Alaska cruise I take.

I did these 5 small things before my Alaska cruise that made a huge difference

In:

Alaska

22 Jul 2025

I just returned from an Alaska cruise, and there were five small things I did that made a huge impact on my vacation.

side by side image of Jenna smiling and Anthem of the Seas pool deck

There’s a lot to consider when planning a cruise to Alaska. From booking flights to reserving shore excursions, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the process.

Yet even the smallest decisions can make a big difference. Before my recent Alaska cruise aboard Anthem of the Seas, I spent just a few hours researching ways to improve my experience.

I found unexpected flight deals, booked a cruise add-on for embarkation day, and packed appropriate attire for my summer itinerary.

In the end, these five seemingly small actions made my cruise so much better.

First, I booked my flights with Air2Sea to save money

One small, quick thing I did before my Alaska cruise was check flight prices on Air2Sea.

Air2Sea is Royal Caribbean’s flight booking system, which allows passengers to purchase flights alongside their cruise reservation. Not only is the program convenient, but it provides protection in the case of unforeseen issues, like delays and cancellations, that prevent passengers from getting to their ship on time.

I usually book my flights directly through the airlines, but decided to check prices on Air2Sea to see how they compared. Royal Caribbean frequently offers lucrative discounts on airfare through Air2Sea—usually for Alaska and European sailings.

To my surprise, I found a first class flight to Seattle for only $276 round trip. Oddly enough, the economy fare was more expensive!

The deal seemed too good to be true, but my travel agent confirmed the pricing, and we booked my first class flight directly through Air2Sea.

Because I spent just a few short minutes checking Air2Sea’s website for flights, I enjoyed a far more comfortable travel day to Seattle.

Of course, you’ll want to read the fine print before booking flights through Air2Sea. Cancellation and change policies are different from booking directly through the airline, so it may not be best for those who want extra flexibility.

Even still, it’s worth checking the website for flights before your cruise. The savings could be substantial.

Next, I booked a specialty restaurant on embarkation day to beat the crowds

food at Jamie's Italian on Anthem of the Seas

One of my most utilized embarkation day “hacks” is to book a specialty restaurant for lunch.

As thousands of passengers board the ship within just a few hours, embarkation day is typically chaotic. Because cabins aren’t ready until later in the afternoon, crowds quickly grow in common areas like the Windjammer buffet, Royal Esplanade, and pool deck.

When I first started cruising, I would head to the Windjammer for a quick, casual lunch. Yet the crowds, loud atmosphere, and general chaos of the venue was far from relaxing. Sometimes, I couldn't even find a seat.

I didn’t want to start my Alaska cruise off on the wrong foot. So, instead of eating lunch at the Windjammer on embarkation day, I booked a meal at Jamie’s Italian instead.

Jamie’s Italian is one of my favorite specialty restaurants on Royal Caribbean. In between the cheesy, pull-apart garlic knots and spicy penne arrabbiata, it’s hard to go wrong with any item on the menu.

The restaurant costs extra, but you can usually snag great deals prior to your cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner. On my Anthem of the Seas cruise, I booked lunch for just $18 per person including gratuity.

The extra expense was totally worth it. The restaurant was quiet and calm—a stark contrast to the buffet a few decks above. My meal took around an hour and a half, and by the time I finished, my cabin was cleaned and ready to enter.

After a busy travel day to Seattle and a hectic morning getting ready to board the ship, I definitely made the right decision by booking a specialty restaurant on embarkation day.

I also packed clothing for warm weather, and just a few items for the cold

When most people picture an Alaska cruise, they imagine chilly weather, icy glaciers, and snow-capped mountains. Before packing your heavy parka, though, you’ll want to research the weather averages for the month you sail.

For my June departure, I avoided bringing my heavy coats, gloves, and hats. During the summer, temperatures average over 60 degrees in Juneau. On my visit to the port, it was a sweltering 75 degrees!

I packed a few cold-weather items, like a light jacket and a few pairs of jeans. However, I also packed t-shirts, shorts, and lightweight long-sleeved shirts.

Alaska’s weather can be unpredictable, but our mid-summer cruise had excellent weather. Most of my sweaters went unworn, and I regretted wasting the packing space in my suitcase on these bulkier items.

Nonetheless, I’m glad I had the forethought to pack lightweight clothes so I didn’t feel uncomfortably warm in port.

I researched budget-friendly things to do in each port of call

Exploring Alaska’s ports of call can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be.

My Alaska itinerary visited three ports: Juneau, Skagway, and Victoria. I was cruising to the Last Frontier with my brother, and we wanted to keep our costs down in each port of call. Both of us have busy travel schedules this summer, so spending hundreds of dollars on excursions was simply not in the cards.

We didn’t want to miss out on each port’s highlights, however. Instead of booking guided tours, I found ways to explore ports on our own.

In Juneau, we wanted to visit Mendenhall Glacier, but found the $79 shuttle bus extremely overpriced. I paid $45 for the same shuttle just a few years ago!

As an alternative, we took a local city bus to a stop near the glacier instead. At $2 each way, the price was hard to beat. And although the bus doesn’t stop directly at the glacier—it’s a 30-minute walk away—the walking path is scenic and safe.

There were also bikes to rent at the bus stop, too, for those who don’t want to walk the rest of the way.

In Skagway and Victoria, I researched self-guided walking tours of the cities. My brother and I spent our days wandering around each port to try local coffee shops and restaurants, and we also enjoyed peaceful walks through quiet parks.

Spending just a couple of hours researching the ports on my itinerary helped me plan exciting days that didn’t break the bank.

Lastly, I learned about Luggage Valet, and this helped me plan my disembarkation day

At the end of my cruise, I utilized Royal Caribbean’s Luggage Valet service to make my travel day so much smoother.

Seattle is one of my favorite cities to visit, and I wanted to explore the city with my brother at the end of our cruise. So, instead of booking flights home early in the day, we booked flights for the late evening.

Yet as the cruise approached, I began to wonder if I had made a mistake. I was traveling to Seattle with a large suitcase, and lugging the bag around the city (and to the airport) seemed cumbersome. I wondered if I should have booked an earlier flight so I could Uber directly from the port to the airport with my luggage.

Yet once I learned about Luggage Valet, I could plan my sightseeing day in Seattle without worry.

The Port of Seattle offers a complimentary luggage transfer from your ship to the airport at the end of your cruise. Through this service, I left my suitcase outside my cabin door the evening before disembarkation, and I didn’t pick it up until I arrived at my home airport the following night!

The process was extremely convenient and, aside from airline luggage fees, was complimentary.

Learning about this service before my cruise helped ease my stress of traveling through the city with luggage. You can register ahead of time on the Port of Seattle’s website here, or wait until you get onboard.

6 reasons I always skip formal night on a cruise (and what to do instead)

In:

Main Dining Room

19 Jul 2025

I almost always skip formal night on a cruise, and it’s the best choice I make on every vacation.

side by side image of MDR and lobster tail

Many cruise passengers look forward to formal night in the Main Dining Room. It’s a great opportunity to dress up and enjoy a multi-course, sit-down meal with friends and family.

In the past, formal night was true to its name. Passengers dressed in ball gowns and tuxedos, and the event was akin to an elegant gala.

Nowadays, formal night is far less formal. Dress codes are rarely enforced, and unlimited lobster is a thing of the past.

Even still, there are six reasons I opt out of formal night on a cruise, and doing so makes my experience a whole lot better.

I don’t need to pack as many clothes

As someone who doesn't live within driving distance of a cruise port, I fly to every cruise I take. While I don’t mind flying, I absolutely hate paying for checked bags.

These days, most airlines charge between $35 and $45 each way for a checked bag. Flights are expensive enough, so I try to avoid checking a bag whenever I can.

Instead, I pack lightly for my cruises. My carry-on suitcase provides adequate space for a week’s worth of clothes, especially when I utilize packing cubes to compress clothing items.

Packing a carry-on means I have to pack thoughtfully. Sometimes, it’s challenging to fit daytime outfits, evening outfits, bathing suits, shoes, toiletries, and formal night clothing into my carry-on.

I simply don’t have the packing space to bring a long, formal dress and nicer pair of shoes.

Even though formal night is far less formal than it used to be, I don’t see the need to pack extra outfits just to sit in the dining room.

Other venues onboard, such as the buffet or even some casual specialty restaurants like Playmakers, have a more relaxed dress code. These restaurants can be a great alternative.

Lobster isn’t unlimited anymore — plus, there is better lobster elsewhere onboard

One of the main reasons passengers love formal night is for the free lobster tails. However, I’d argue that this dish alone is not worth planning your entire dinner over.

First, Royal Caribbean has cut down on lobster tail service in the Main Dining Room. In the past, passengers could order unlimited lobster tails on formal night. For lobster-lovers, this was a huge benefit of attending.

In 2023, though, Royal Caribbean reversed their unlimited lobster policy. Now, passengers can only order one lobster tail at no cost. Any additional lobster tails incur a fee of $16.99 per dish.

Even if you’re attending formal night just for lobster, I’d say you’re better off ordering the dish at a specialty restaurant instead.

150 Central Park, a specialty restaurant on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class ships, has perhaps the most delicious lobster dish the cruise line offers—Lobster Thermidor.

This French dish involves cooking lobster meat in a creamy, cognac-based sauce seasoned with tarragon. It’s then stuffed into a lobster tail and topped with parmesan cheese.

This is one of my all-time favorite dishes on Royal Caribbean. It's perfectly tender, flavorful, and rich. Despite the restaurant’s cover charge, which hovers around $60, I find that this dish alone justifies the cost.

So, if you’re planning to attend formal night for one small lobster tail, I wouldn't say it’s totally worth it. Instead, consider dining at a specialty restaurant instead for a higher-quality dish.

Specialty restaurants offering lobster include Chops Grille, 150 Central Park, Hooked Seafood, and Izumi Sushi.

Meals in the dining room aren’t as private as I’d like

Main Dining Room on Royal Caribbean cruise ship

I don’t mind eating in the Main Dining Room on a cruise, but it’s never my first choice.

My problem with the dining room doesn’t have anything to do with the food itself, but the placement of dining tables.

With thousands of guests onboard a cruise ship, tables are typically close together, but sometimes they’re way too close together.

In particular, the tables of two and four can be just inches away from each other. This leads to a lack of privacy, as you can usually hear conversations from the tables next to your own.

I like mingling with other passengers here and there during a cruise, but prefer to enjoy a more private ambiance when dining. On formal nights, the dining room is even busier than normal, so my chances of snagging a private table location are slim to none.

Therefore, I prefer dining elsewhere on the ship to encounter fewer crowds. The buffet, for instance, has a ton of tables available at dinner, so there’s no need to sit inches away from another party.

Likewise, specialty restaurants have a more intimate atmosphere than the Main Dining Room. Tables are further apart from each other at specialty restaurants, and I greatly prefer this type of dining environment.

The buffet offers some of the same food

Asian food station in the Windjammer buffet

If a dish on the formal night menu catches your eye but you don’t want to dress up for a sit-down meal, consider eating at the buffet instead.

More often than not, you’ll find similar food items at the Windjammer buffet as in the Main Dining Room. While you won’t find lobster tails, you’re likely to see some of the same appetizers, main courses, and desserts at the buffet stations.

Sure, you won’t get that same sit-down service that you would have in the dining room, but there are benefits to the buffet, too.

First, there are a lot more choices available. Whether you’re craving made-to-order pasta, stir fry, Indian curry, or a classic hamburger, you’re likely to find what you’re looking for in the Windjammer.

Not only that, but you can try more dishes, too. Even though you can order multiple entrées in the Main Dining Room, you’ll have to wait for each dish to come to your table. At the buffet, you can try a variety of items with no additional wait time.

Finally, there are virtually no crowds in the buffet on formal night. Because so many passengers head to the dining room, you might just have the venue (almost) all to yourself.

Ironically, the atmosphere in the quiet buffet could be more suitable for a relaxing dinner than that in the busy dining room.

Service is slower due to higher demand

One of my favorite things about eating in the Main Dining Room is the wonderful service from Royal Caribbean’s dining team.

Without fail, my waiters have always been exceptional. Whether they suggest a dish I might enjoy or bring extra ice cream for my chocolate cake, I love the personalized service and attention I receive in the dining room.

That being said, meals can sometimes take longer on formal night. Due to higher demand, the kitchen and wait staff are working more diligently than ever.

A meal that might usually take around 75 minutes could take longer than 90 minutes on formal night.

Longer meals don't always bother me, but sometimes I just want to get in and out of the dining room, especially if I plan to attend a show later in the evening.

The rest of the ship has fewer crowds

Speaking of crowds, formal night can be the best time to enjoy the ship’s public amenities like pools, sports activities, and lounges.

On my recent cruise, I visited the ship’s Solarium on formal night instead of eating in the dining room. This venue was completely packed most days of the cruise, but was nearly empty on formal night.

I enjoyed the pools and hot tubs with no crowds—a rarity on a ship with 5,000 guests!

If you’re hoping to try out the ship’s waterslides, FlowRider surf simulator, rock climbing wall, or ice-skating rink, formal night could be the best time to do these activities with fewer lines.

Even if you’re just planning to chill with a drink on the pool deck, it might feel like you have the ship to yourself.

Everyone’s cruising style is different, and some passengers love attending formal night

I almost never attend formal night on a cruise, but that doesn’t mean you should skip it.

For some cruisers, formal night is a classic cruise activity they like to participate in on every vacation. It’s a chance to dress up, take formal photos, and enjoy an elegant meal.

These passengers may find it perplexing to skip free lobster tails in the dining room in favor of the buffet, but it’s what works for me.

Every cruiser has a different style. Some may love spending their days at the pool while others might prefer engaging in activities like trivia and sushi-making classes.

There’s no right or wrong way to cruise. Whether you want to attend formal night or skip it, you’re free to cater your cruise vacation to your personal style.

I’ve been on 6 Alaska cruises, and I can't wait to go again. The beauty is unmatched.

In:

Alaska

15 Jul 2025

When I took my first cruise to Alaska four years ago, I never expected the trip to be my first of six to the state. Yet every summer, I find myself cruising back to Alaska to experience more of the region’s stunning natural beauty.

side by side image of Jenna in Alaska and Anthem of the Seas cruise ship

Alaska is wild, rugged, and magical, and a cruise is arguably the best way to visit the Last Frontier.

In between spotting whales, visiting glaciers, and tasting local cuisine, I fell in love with Alaska almost immediately on my first cruise to the region.

For me, the beauty of Alaska is simply unmatched amongst other cruise itineraries. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit some truly spectacular destinations, such as Antarctica and Patagonia, but I still find Alaska’s beauty among the most beautiful on Earth.

Here’s why I love visiting Alaska again and again, and why I’m already looking forward to planning another cruise to the state.

You can view Alaska’s scenery not only in port, but also from onboard the ship

After taking over thirty cruises, my favorite itineraries have been those that offer beautiful views as you sail from port to port.

When cruising to places like Alaska or Norway, you’ll have views of land for the majority of your itinerary. Whether passing through fjords or islands, cruising from place to place is impressively scenic.

Although I enjoy disembarking in Alaska’s cruise ports, my favorite moments of any Alaska cruise are when I’m watching the scenery from onboard my ship. There’s nothing more relaxing than lounging in the Solarium as the ship sails through remote, untouched landscapes.

Most Alaska itineraries even include a viewing day of a glacier, such as Hubbard Glacier, the twin Sawyer Glaciers, or Dawes Glacier.

After cruising to somewhere as gorgeous as Alaska, I find myself missing the mountain scenery when I’m on other cruise itineraries.

I also love the variety of outdoor activities available in Alaska

I love exploring the great outdoors, and Alaska cruises provide the perfect opportunity to get my adrenaline pumping. If you’re outdoorsy, it’s hard to go wrong with an Alaska cruise.

Without bear protection, I typically steer clear of secluded hikes, but fortunately, there are a lot of other ways to stay active.

Ports like Sitka and Skagway offer easy (and relatively flat) hiking trails accessible right from downtown. A 1-mile loop at the Sitka National Historic Park, for instance, provides a peaceful escape from the crowds amongst thousands of spruce trees and eighteen Native totem poles.

Whenever I visit Juneau, I’ll never miss a hike to Nugget Falls. Located near Mendenhall Glacier, the 0.7-mile trail is busy, but I find the magnificent waterfall views totally worth it.

If hiking isn’t your thing, Alaska also offers opportunities to cycle, kayak, and canoe, among other outdoor pursuits.

One cruise, I even brought my own bicycle onboard to enjoy rides in every port of call. I cycled around Juneau’s nearby Auke Bay, rode to the ghost town of Dyea near Skagway, and explored off-the-beaten-path gravel roads in Sitka.

Even though you can find active excursions on other cruises around the world, Alaska offers adventure at an even grander scale.

The food is unbeatable, whether fresh salmon tacos or cinnamon-sugar fried dough

Let’s be real—a huge part of why I travel is to taste local cuisine. From spicy curries in Thailand to cheesy empanadas in Argentina, trying local food is a major highlight on any trip.

As such, one of the things I look forward to most when visiting Alaska is the state’s cuisine. The freshly-caught seafood is incredible, and it’s completely ruined me for eating fish—like salmon and halibut—anywhere else.

Whenever my ship docks in Juneau, I make my way to Deckhand Dave’s, a fish taco truck at a trendy food truck park right downtown. On my recent cruise, I enjoyed a plate of panko-crusted salmon tacos, and they were delightful.

Likewise, in Skagway, I never miss a stop to Klondike Doughboy, home to the famously-fattening Alaska fry bread.

The dough is fried to order and topped with a generous coating of cinnamon and sugar.

Other ports offer delicious cuisine, too, including the eclectic Sea Daddy fish shack in Sitka and Ketchikan’s scrumptious Jellyfish Donuts.

If nature isn’t enough, Alaska’s food scene is something that will have me booking cruises to the state again and again.

Wildlife is abundant, from sea otters to bears and whales

You’re almost guaranteed to spot at least some wildlife on an Alaska cruise, even if you don’t book a wildlife-viewing excursion.

Aside from exploring the outdoors, another reason I love Alaska cruises are for the wildlife encounters. Although I (fortunately) have not had any close encounters with bears, I’ve spotted a variety of other animals around the state.

On my recent cruise, I watched dozens of adorable sea otters swimming along a channel, a group of seals resting on an iceberg, and pods of humpback whales near the ship. In Juneau, I even caught a glimpse of a mama bear and her cubs crossing the street near Mendenhall Glacier!

There’s something so beautiful about watching these animals in their natural habitat. During my cruises, I try to spend as much time on the outer decks of my ship to spot wildlife. It’s almost addictive.

Finally, I love the opportunity to sail both one-way and roundtrip itineraries

Even after six Alaska cruises, there’s still so much of the region I haven’t seen.

Most Alaska cruise itineraries are round trip sailings, meaning they start and end in the same cruise port—either Seattle or Vancouver. Yet some are one-way itineraries. These sailings start in Vancouver, Canada and end in Seward, Alaska (or vice versa).

I love having the flexibility to choose either a round trip or one-way sailing. The round trip itineraries are convenient for flight logistics, but one-way cruises allow you to experience even more of Alaska.

Out of my six sailings, I tried a one-way itinerary just once, but it was, by far, my most immersive visit to the state.

carving a totem pole in Icy Strait Point

The one-way cruise brought me to four ports in Alaska, including to Icy Strait Point, which isn’t always visited on round trip itineraries. Additionally, one-way cruises often include a glacier viewing day at Hubbard Glacier. You won’t always find this glacier visit on round trip sailings.

However, the best benefit to booking a one-way Alaska cruise is the chance to explore Alaska’s interior before or after the sailings. Regardless of whether you start or end your cruise in Seward, you should take the opportunity to visit nearby Denali National Park and Preserve.

Here, you can spot wildlife like eagles and moose, and you'll also see the tallest mountain in all of North America.

The beauty on an Alaska cruise is unmatched, and you should definitely give it a try

mountain scenery in Alaska with an iceberg

I’ve tried Royal Caribbean’s cruise itineraries all over the world. I’ve loved the crystal clear beaches in the Caribbean, enjoyed life-changing pizza in Italy, and sailed on a catamaran in the South Pacific.

Even after experiencing so many amazing trips, no cruises have been quite like those to Alaska.

Unless you see Alaska’s grandeur for yourself, it’s hard to put into words just how awe-inspiring the state’s landscapes truly are.

Some cruisers may gawk at the idea of trading swimsuits for jackets and the beach for a chilly mountain town, but don’t knock it until you try it.

I thought I would grow tired of Alaska after so many cruises to the region, but the pristine beauty just keeps calling me back.

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I skip the Main Dining Room and buffet

I actually use the elevators

I attend all of the signature shows

I ride the slides at Category 6 Waterpark

I’m more likely to skip a port day and stay onboard

I watch the sunset from a pool

I skip classic Royal Caribbean bars for newer venues

I enjoy my morning coffee with a view

I end my evenings with freshly-made crêpes

My interior cabin cost $2,210 for two adults, or $552 per night on my 4-night cruise

At 156 square feet, the cabin was small, but it still had modern features

I didn’t love the storage options, but it wasn’t a dealbreaker

I appreciated the bathroom’s layout and spacious shower

On a future cruise, I would choose a different cabin location

With so much to do onboard, I barely spent any time in my cabin

First, where do you want to embark on your cruise?

Is one ship less expensive than the other?

Entertainment is similar, but Broadway shows differ

Dining options are almost the same, but come with two major differences

Overall, the ships are nearly identical, and either option is a fantastic choice

For pools, Celebration Key is the clear winner

However, I prefer the beaches at Perfect Day at CocoCay

CocoCay wins for food and drinks, offering plenty of included options

Both destinations offer equally impressive cabana rentals

CocoCay provides more thrills, whether at Thrill Waterpark or on the zip line

Both feature adults-only retreats, but with totally different vibes

Both Perfect Day at CocoCay and Celebration Key have pros and cons, but you can’t go wrong with either

I booked an interior room for $2,936, or $1,468 per person

Round-trip airfare to Seattle set me back another $277, and a pre-cruise hotel cost $240

Ground transportation to and from my ship cost $126

Before my cruise, I spent $225 on add-ons, but had $75 onboard credit

While onboard, I spent just $31

I only spent $85 in port. Instead of booking excursions, I explored Alaska on my own

Juneau

Skagway

Victoria

In total, I spent $909 extra

Prices are higher for nearly everything, but there are still ways to save money

Your sailing could have Alaska locals as special guests

Glacier viewing days might include commentary from naturalists

Drink menus offer Alaska-inspired favorites, from craft beers to cocktails

Crowds are in full force, but it’s still easy enough to avoid them

Finally, you can take advantage of Alaska specials, like discounted flights and complimentary luggage valet

Royal Caribbean’s Luggage Valet service brings your suitcase to the airport for you

I signed up for Seattle’s Port Valet program during my cruise

I received my luggage tags and boarding pass on the last evening of my cruise

I placed my suitcase outside my cabin door — I wouldn’t see it until I landed in my home airport

On disembarkation day, it felt strange to leave the cruise terminal without my suitcase

Once at the airport, I breezed past the baggage kiosks

I picked up my suitcase from the luggage carousel at my home airport

First, I booked my flights with Air2Sea to save money

Next, I booked a specialty restaurant on embarkation day to beat the crowds

I also packed clothing for warm weather, and just a few items for the cold

I researched budget-friendly things to do in each port of call

Lastly, I learned about Luggage Valet, and this helped me plan my disembarkation day

I don’t need to pack as many clothes

Lobster isn’t unlimited anymore — plus, there is better lobster elsewhere onboard

Meals in the dining room aren’t as private as I’d like

The buffet offers some of the same food

Service is slower due to higher demand

The rest of the ship has fewer crowds

Everyone’s cruising style is different, and some passengers love attending formal night

You can view Alaska’s scenery not only in port, but also from onboard the ship

I also love the variety of outdoor activities available in Alaska

The food is unbeatable, whether fresh salmon tacos or cinnamon-sugar fried dough

Wildlife is abundant, from sea otters to bears and whales

Finally, I love the opportunity to sail both one-way and roundtrip itineraries

The beauty on an Alaska cruise is unmatched, and you should definitely give it a try

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