Purchasing travel insurance is crucial before going on a Royal Caribbean cruise, and if you travel frequently, you’ll want to consider an annual travel insurance plan.

Protecting your cruise vacation in the case of medical emergencies, travel delays, or other unforeseen mishaps should not be overlooked. Having travel insurance ensures you’ll be covered if things don’t go to plan at any point during your trip.

Instead of purchasing travel insurance for each individual trip, though, you might want to purchase an annual travel insurance plan. Let’s take a look at what these plans offer and how they can be an excellent value if you travel several times throughout the year.

What is annual travel insurance, and why should you consider it?

Annual travel insurance plans provide insurance coverage for one year of travel, therefore providing coverage for multiple trips as opposed to a trip-by-trip basis. For one set price, you’ll receive travel insurance on a full year's worth of trips (provided the destination is 100+ miles from your home).

You should consider annual travel insurance if you travel more than 2-3 times during the year. Annual travel insurance works not only for cruises, but all types of traveling and vacations. Even if you only plan to take one cruise per year, your annual travel insurance plan will work for any other trips you have booked throughout the year, whether short weekend getaways or business trips.

The cost of an annual travel insurance policy will vary depending on the specific coverage you require, your age, and where you live.

My Allianz Annual Travel Insurance plan, for example, costs $280 for the year, which I find to be extremely reasonable considering purchasing insurance on a trip-by-trip basis can easily be much more expensive in the course of a year. 

What does travel insurance cover while on a cruise, and why should I get it?

It’s never a good idea to go on a cruise without travel insurance. While you may want to save the added expense and put the money toward something fun on your cruise vacation, such as a shore excursion or dining package, don’t underestimate the importance of travel insurance.

Many passengers partake in active activities on a cruise vacation that they may not do often at home, such as jet-skiing, zip lining, kayaking, and horseback riding. Any active activity comes with a risk, and you cannot predict if you’ll need medical attention while in port or onboard.

Because regular medical insurance will not usually cover medical services onboard or in port, it’s recommended to have travel insurance.

Additionally, a cruise vacation, like any other type of travel, poses a risk for trip interruption, delays, and other unexpected issues. From a bag getting lost in transit to flight cancellations, it’s always better to be protected than to not have insurance when you need it most.

Travel insurance benefits can vary by policy, but you can expect to see the following items covered:

• Trip cancellation (you have to cancel a trip before you depart)
• Trip interruption (travel plans interrupted while on a trip)
• Travel delay coverage (with a minimum required delay)
• Baggage delays/loss (lost or delayed bag by an airline, cruise line, or other travel carrier)
• Rental car damage and theft coverage
• Emergency transportation coverage
• Emergency medical/dental coverage
• Medical expenses on a cruise
• Travel accident coverage
• Epidemic/pandemic coverage

What's the downside of an annual travel insurance plan?

One difference worth noting about an annual travel insurance plan versus purchasing individual travel insurance policies is the coverage amounts.

The total coverages can be less with an annual plan compared to an individual plan.  Certainly an annual plan will cover the essentials, but if you are looking to add the utmost coverage in terms of liabilities, individual travel insurance plans can often include higher amounts.

Our Annual Travel Insurance Plan recommendation

Here at Royal Caribbean Blog, we protect our trips with an annual travel insurance plan through Allianz. Allianz Travel offers travel insurance for individual trips, annual plans, and car rentals.

To be clear, Royal Caribbean Blog has no affiliation with Allianz. We just like what they offer.

They offer three types of annual travel insurance plans: Executive, Prime, and Basic. We recommend the Prime option for the best balance of affordability and coverage.

It’s important to note that trips longer than 45 days are excluded from coverage under these plans. Unless you’re planning six back-to-back cruises in a row, this shouldn’t be an issue for most travelers.

You can read more about the annual travel insurance plans on Allianz’s website here.

What if I have a credit card with travel benefits?

Select premium credit cards offer travel insurance perks–provided you book the trip with that credit card. However, you should weigh the benefits offered through your credit card versus a traditional travel insurance plan before relying on your credit card’s insurance.

Not all cards offer emergency medical coverage or higher limits of trip cancellation protection. Check the following details before using only your credit card’s travel insurance before a cruise:

• What is covered under your credit card’s travel protection?
• What is the limit on reimbursement for both individual trips and the maximum reimbursement per year?
• Does this card cover medical expenses on a cruise ship?
• What is the maximum amount of days covered per trip through your credit card insurance?
• Does the card cover just you or anyone on the trip reservation you booked through the card?

It’s unlikely a credit card’s travel protection will offer as much protection as a standard travel insurance plan, but you should contact your credit card policy to check.

Other cruise tips & information:

• 25 best Royal Caribbean tips, tricks & hidden secrets
• Top 20 things to do before going on a cruise
• How to prevent seasickness on a cruise
• Royal Caribbean ship classes guide & explanation
• 9 incredibly easy cruise mistakes to avoid

Royal Caribbean has revealed its Black Friday and Cyber Week sale with savings of up to $600 on cruise fares.

Royal Caribbean’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday cruise deals will run between November 18 - November 22, 2022. The sale will open a day early on November 17, 2022 for Crown and Anchor guests.

Anyone looking to book a cruise or purchase pre-cruise add-ons like drink packages and shore excursions may have to wait a bit longer.

The new offer includes instant savings on cruise fare, 30% off every guest, and a Kids Sail Free promotion. Additionally, the Cruise Planner sale includes savings up to 50% on dining, 35% on internet packages, and 50% on drink packages.

While the promotion’s name will change throughout the course of Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, the promotional offer remains the same during the sale.

Royal Caribbean Black Friday 2022 sale details

Dates:  November 17, 2022 for Crown and Anchor preview and November 18, 2022 - November 22, 2022 on sailings departing on or after December 18, 2022.

Cruise Fare deals

Instant Savings up to $600 per stateroom on sailings departing departing on or after December 18, 2022.

• Sailings 5 nights or less: $75 for Interior and Ocean View, $125 for Balconies and $200 for Suites
• Sailings 6 nights or longer: $100 for Interior and Ocean View, $150 for Balconies, $600 for Suites

30% off every guest: 30% savings off the cruise fare for all guests in the stateroom. Savings will be applied to cruise fare at checkout.

Kids Sail Free: Kids Sail Free provides free cruise fare for the 3rd guests and higher in a cabin. Guests must be 12 years or younger as of cruise departure date and booked in the same stateroom as the first two qualifying guests in a triple or quad-occupancy stateroom.

• Kids Sail Free applies to new bookings made between November 1 – 30, 2022 on sailings departing on or after December 1, 2022 – April 30, 2025, providing free cruise fare for third guests and higher who are 12 years old and younger as of departure date on sailings 3 nights or longer booked in the same stateroom as the first two qualifying guests in a triple or quad- occupancy stateroom.
• Kids Sail Free excludes Thanksgiving sailings departing November 18, 2022 – November 25, 2022; November 17, 2023 – November 24, 2023; November 22, 2024 – November 29, 2024, Holiday sailings departing December 18, 2022 – January 6, 2023; December 16, 2023 – January 5, 2024; December 20, 2024 – January 3, 2025, Spring break sailings departing March 10, 2023 – March 24, 2023; March 8, 2024 – March 22, 2024; March 7, 2025 – March 28, 2025, Holy Week/Easter sailings departing April 1, 2023 – April 11, 2023; March 22, 2024 – April 4, 2024; April 12, 2025 – April 24, 2025, Summer Sailings departing May 24, 2023 – September 1, 2023; May 22, 2024 – August 30, 2024 and Radiance Alaska Cruisetour sailings departing May 19, 2023 – September 15, 2023. 

Related: Royal Caribbean Kids Sail Free 2022-2023 Dates & Tips

Cruise Planner deals

In addition to sales on cruise fare, Royal Caribbean has also announced its Black Friday deals on Cruise Planner purchases. Drink packages, dining packages, internet, and other pre-cruise add-ons all qualify for discounts.

Related: The Ultimate Guide to the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner site

The Cyber Week sale is valid on purchases made Friday, November 18, 2022 – Friday, November 25, 2022 and applies to sailings departing between November 24, 2022 – December 31, 2023.

Here is what is included during the sale:

All Access Ship Tour: 30% Off Onboard Prices

• All Access Ship tour: 30% Off Onboard Prices

Beverage: Up to 50% off

• Classic Soda Beverage Package: 40% Off onboard prices
• Classic Soda Beverage Package + VOOM Surf & Stream 1 Device.
• Water Bottle Pacakage: 50% off onboard prices.
• San Benedetto Water Cans: 50% off onboard prices.
• Evian Water Bottles: 50% off onboard prices.
• Deluxe Beverage Package: Discount varies by ship
• Deluxe Beverage Package + VOOM Surf & Stream 1 Device: Discount varies by ship.
• Refreshment Package: Package: 40% off onboard prices. Discount varies by ship.

Shore Excursions: Up to 50% off

• Shore Excursions: Discount varies by ship

Internet: Up to 35% off

• The Key: Discount varies by ship
• VOOM Surf + Stream Voyage Package 1, 2, 3, 4 Device(s): Discount varies by ship
• VOOM Surf Voyage Package 1, 2, 3, 4 Device(s): Discount varies by ship

Dining: Up to 50% off

• Unlimited Dining Package on 3N – 9N sailings: Discount varies by ship.
• Lunch at Chops Grille: 30% off onboard prices
• Lunch at Jamie's Italian Restaurant: 30% off onboard prices
• Dinner at Jamie's Italian Restaurant: 25% off onboard prices
• Dinner at Giovanni's Table: 25% off onboard prices
• Giovanni's Italian Kitchen: 25% off onboard prices
• Giovanni's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar: 25% off onboard prices

Activities: 30% off

• All Access Ship tour: 30% Off Onboard Prices

Gifts & Gear: Up to 20% off

• Anniversary Decorations with Champagne
• Happy Birthday Decorations with Chocolate Cake & Strawberries: 35 % off onboard prices
• Happy Birthday Decorations with Vanilla Cake & Strawberries: 35 % off onboard prices
• Inky Beach Set: 30% off onboard prices
• Inky Beach Towel (TicTacToe): 35% off onboard prices
• Inky Octopus Family Travel Set: 30% off onboard prices
• Red Wine and Cheese : 30% off onboard prices
• Royal Caribbean Beach Towel: 45% off onboard prices
• Strawberries with Champagne: 30% off onboard prices
• White Wine and Cheese: 30% off onboard prices
• Happy Anniversary Decorations: 40% off onboard prices
• Happy Birthday Bright Style: 40% Off onboard Prices
• Winter Blanket: 30% off onboard prices

Photo Packages: Up to 65% off

• Photo Packages: From 5 - 100 Print and/or Digital Options: Discount varies by ship.
• Photo Package: Private Photo Session: Discount varies by ship.
• Photo Package: All Digital: Discount varies by ship.

Spa: Up to 30% off

• Spa Packages: Discount varies by ship

What to do now to prepare for Black Friday

Book a cruise now

If you have your eye on a Royal Caribbean cruise, it’s best to book it now regardless of which sale is currently available. One of the best ways to save money on your cruise is to book a cruise now and re-price the cruise fare up until the final payment date.

If you book a cruise during the Black Friday sale for $1500, for example, and see that the price later lowers to $1200, you will pay the lower fare provided you have not yet made final payment on the cruise. You must contact your travel agent or Royal Caribbean to take advantage of the new cruise fare.

Therefore, there’s no harm in booking a cruise you’re interested in during the Black Friday sale. Although there's no guarantee Black Friday will bring the best sales during the year, it’s better to book early and re-price than wait to book and see that the cruise fare has increased.

Check if the price is lower on your booked cruises

If you already have a cruise booked, have not made final payment, and want to check if the cruise fare has lowered with the Black Friday sale, your best bet is to make a mock booking.

To make a mock booking, go to Royal Caribbean’s website, find your cruise, and go through as much of the checkout process as you can. By doing this, you’ll see the current cruise fare with gratuities, taxes, and fees added.

You can compare Royal Caribbean’s current price for this sailing with what you originally paid. If the price is lower, contact your travel agent or Royal Caribbean directly to re-price your cruise and save money.

Another option is to contact your travel agent and ask them to check if the price of your booked cruise is lower under the new sale.

Cancel and rebook Cruise Planner add-ons if the price is lower

If you’ve already purchased add-ons like an internet package or spa service for your upcoming cruise, be sure to check the price of the add-on under the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale.

If the price is lower, you can cancel and rebook the add-on with no penalty up to 48 hours before your cruise date.

More helpful information:

• Should you buy pre-cruise purchases now or wait to buy it onboard?
• 45 ways to save money on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• How much should I budget for a cruise?

Every cruise is bound to come with aspects you enjoyed, but you may also encounter certain parts of the cruise you disliked or wish you did differently.

I recently returned from a 4-night cruise on Liberty of the Seas. This was my first time sailing on this ship, but because I had sailed on other Freedom Class ships before, I thought I had a pretty good idea of what to expect.

Every cruise comes with surprises, though, and I encountered both positive and negative surprises onboard Liberty of the Seas. From the waterslides to entertainment and food, here is what I liked and disliked about my Liberty of the Seas cruise.

What I liked

Washy Washy ladies

Walking into the Windjammer buffet on any Royal Caribbean ship is sure to be met with the words "Washy Washy” as the Windjammer staff encourage guests to wash their hands before entering.

While Liberty of the Seas does not yet have hand washing facilities in the Windjammer, there’s 0% chance any guest will enter the buffet without clean hands.

The reason? The “Washy Washy” ladies, also known as the happiest, most colorful, and funniest crew members you’ll find onboard.

Related: Guide to Royal Caribbean's Windjammer Cafe buffet

As soon as you arrive at the Windjammer, you’ll find one of these crew members dressed in a costume (which changed each day) and holding a bottle of hand sanitizer. While this may sound like a boring job, these women danced, sang, laughed, and had huge smiles when everyone passed through the Windjammer’s doors.

They had the most energy I've ever seen from any crew member (or maybe any person ever). We looked forward to our meals in the Windjammer every day not only for the food, but for the guaranteed entertainment we would encounter when needing to sanitize our hands.

Tidal Wave waterslide

I don’t usually use the waterslides on a Royal Caribbean cruise, especially the ones that are fully enclosed, as they make me feel a little too claustrophobic. Liberty of the Seas, however, has one of the fleet’s most unique waterslides: the Tidal Wave.

The Tidal Wave waterslide is a raft slide, and two guests can slide down together before “boomeranging” off a large wall. While the ride is really short, it was way more fun than I initially anticipated.

We went on the slide over and over again and couldn’t get enough!

Saturday Night Fever

Something that makes Liberty of the Seas unique is that she has a Broadway show available onboard: Saturday Night Fever. I knew nothing about this show before I entered the theater, but was beyond impressed by the acting and dancing of the cast members.

This show follows the story of a Brooklynite, Tony Manero, who spends his weekends at a local disco dancing and finding love while also distracting himself from life’s struggles. The show features dancing with songs from the Bees Gees, KC and the Sunshine Band, and Tavares.

Related: Broadway shows on Royal Caribbean: Everything you need to know

My favorite part of Saturday Night Fever were the performances from the crew members playing the Puerto Rican dancers in the story. If I could give one reason to see this show, it would be to watch this dance couple cha cha, merengue, and salsa their way around the stage.

While I wouldn’t say it was my favorite Broadway show on a Royal Caribbean ship (that goes to We Will Rock You on Anthem of the Seas), I would definitely see the show again next time I’m onboard.

Freedom Class features

Freedom Class cruise ships are some of my favorite ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet. Just like on Independence and Freedom of the Seas, I enjoyed the features of a Freedom Class ship on my Liberty of the Seas cruise.

Read more: Freedom of the Seas vs. Liberty of the Seas

I love having access to the ship’s helicopter pad, taking walks on the scenic outdoor Promenade deck, and hanging out at the outdoor Diamond lounge deck.

Related: All about Freedom Class cruise ships

I find the size of a Freedom Class ship to be ideal, too, as it isn’t too big nor too small. Plus, the shorter Caribbean itineraries offered on Freedom Class ships means they always have a higher “party” atmosphere compared to longer cruises or itineraries visiting places like Alaska.

I spent a lot of time outdoors on Liberty of the Seas, whether relaxing on the helicopter pad or suntanning at the outdoor Solarium, and I have no complaints about the Freedom Class-specific features and amenities.

Classical guitar at Vintages

During my Liberty of the Seas cruise, a classical guitar player performed outside of Vintages wine bar each evening.

I don’t usually spend too much time at Vintages while on a Royal Caribbean cruise, but sipping a glass of wine with live guitar music created the perfect atmosphere that I kept coming back to every day.

What I disliked

No Izumi

I found it quite odd that there was no Izumi restaurant on Liberty of the Seas, as Royal Caribbean’s Japanese specialty restaurant can be found on nearly every ship in the fleet. Even 3 out of the 4 smallest ships, the Vision Class, have an Izumi location!

Instead of Izumi, Liberty of the Seas offers specialty dining at Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Table, Sabor, and Chef’s Table. While I love all of these options, I felt something was missing without Izumi onboard.

Part of the Windjammer buffet is named “Jade” and supposedly this used to be a specialty sushi counter where guests could purchase sushi at an extra cost. This did not appear to be offered on my Liberty of the Seas cruise.

Perfect Storm waterslides

Speaking of how much I loved the Tidal Wave slide on Liberty of the Seas, the opposite can be said for the Perfect Storm waterslides.

Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Storm waterslides are found on several ships in the fleet. These racing slides twist and turn several times as guests make their way downhill.

Related: Which Royal Caribbean ships have waterslides?

I’ve gone on these slides on other ships and found them exciting, but I was disappointed with the slides on Liberty of the Seas. The water pressure was extremely light and the slides had such a low slope that I had to push myself down.

The water pressure might be strong enough to get kids down the slide quickly, but it took us adults a while to reach the bottom!

Long lines

I'm not sure if this is something specific to Liberty of the Seas, but I encountered worse lines on this ship than any other in the fleet so far.

Whether grabbing an ice cream cone on the pool deck, a slice of pizza at Sorrento's, or boarding the ship after our port day, the lines seemed to be longer and slower than usual.

The Italian-themed dinner in the Windjammer, in fact, had lines so long we didn't even dare wait for pasta. 

I may have just gotten to these places at the wrong time, and an extra five minutes of waiting here and there was fine, but this was one thing I didn’t enjoy about my Liberty of the Seas cruise.

Game show

My cousin and I were looking for a way to pass the time one evening and came across an activity I had never seen before: Game Show: Rock the Room.

This show appeared to be a dancing competition between different sides of the room where both the game show’s participants and audience stood up and danced.

If I ever wanted to show a new cruiser that cruising can be modern and trendy, this would absolutely not be the way to do it. This show was like a stereotypical cruise ship activity you’d see on a comedy skit poking fun at cruises, and I couldn’t think of a better way to describe the show than “cringeworthy”.

We dipped out almost immediately after the show began. Two minutes later, I saw a huge hoard of other guests leaving the Star Lounge. One guest mentioned it was a “mass exodus”, so I wasn't the only one that didn’t like this activity!

Final thoughts

While there were some aspects of my Liberty of the Seas cruise I didn't enjoy as much as others, I still had a wonderful experience onboard. As a matter of fact, my cruise on Liberty of the Seas was one of the most fun cruises I've experienced yet. From the positive vibes of the crew members to party atmosphere onboard this short sailing, there was never a dull moment.

I'm already looking forward to returning to Liberty of the Seas this January to discover more of what this ship has to offer!

Planning a cruise? Star here:

• 8 cruise tips for first-time Royal Caribbean cruisers
• What’s included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare
• 5 quick and easy tips for finding a great shore excursion on your own
• Food on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• Which is the best Royal Caribbean cruise ship?
• What is the best time to go on a Caribbean cruise?

Cruises and cocktails go together like peanut butter and jelly. Trying new cocktails is a must on any Royal Caribbean cruise, but it can be tough to know what to order.

I engaged in some strenuous “research” on my recent cruises to taste some of the best cocktails Royal Caribbean has to offer. It’s tough work here at Royal Caribbean Blog, that’s for sure!

From a fruity daiquiri to a bitter old fashioned, here’s our list of the top 10 cocktails to try on your next Royal Caribbean cruise.

Cucumber Martini at 150 Central Park

My experience with Royal Caribbean’s signature Cucumber Martini started with skepticism and ended with pure bliss. I was (slightly) nervous it would feel like I was eating a salad as opposed to drinking a cocktail with my dinner, and I didn’t want the cucumber flavor to be too overwhelming.

When my waiter rolled a cocktail-making cart over to our table, however, I realized this would be a beverage experience unlike any other onboard!

Cucumber Martinis at 150 Central Park—arguably Royal Caribbean’s most elegant specialty restaurant—are prepared tableside. Our waiter mixed Grey Goose Vodka with lemongrass syrup, sweet and sour, cucumber wheels, and basil leaves to create a drink unlike any I’ve tried before.

Related: 38 Royal Caribbean drink recipes perfect for any party

The Cucumber Martini is, to date, the most refreshing drink I’ve had yet on a Royal Caribbean cruise. The citrusy hint of lemongrass mixed with the cool, refreshing taste of cucumber was a unique, fresh flavor that impressed me like no other cocktail onboard.

I had heard excellent things about the Cucumber Martini before my cruise, and I can attest that it lived up to the hype. Outside of 150 Central Park, you can also find the Cucumber Martini at select bars in the fleet, most notably the champagne bars.

Espresso Martini

I’m not a night owl whatsoever. I always struggle to stay up late enough to take advantage of all the entertainment and activities offered in the evenings on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Enter the Espresso Martini, my favorite “hack” to endless energy on a cruise. Made with vodka, coffee liqueur, and espresso, this cocktail is every bit classy as it is delicious.

Related: Royal Caribbean Drink Package Info, Tips, Pros & Cons

If you’re sailing on an Oasis Class ship, be sure to order an Espresso Martini at Trellis Bar in Central Park. An evening spent sipping an Espresso Martini in the park with live music in the background? It doesn’t get much more perfect than that!

Margaritas from Sabor

What goes better with chips and guacamole than a margarita? You can find margaritas on any Royal Caribbean cruise ship, but the biggest variety of flavors can be found on ships with Sabor or Cantina Fresca, two of Royal Caribbean’s Mexican-themed bars.

Sabor, for example, highlights the following 3 margaritas on their menu:

• Handcrafted Margarita: Patron Silver tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, agave syrup, muddled limes and oranges with a salt rim
• Avocado Margarita: Patron Silver tequila, orange liqueur, avocado and lime juices, rimmed with Aleppo pepper and lime salt
• Jalapeño-Cucumber Margarita: Patron Silver tequila, Cointreau liqueur, cucumber, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice

It’s hard to go wrong with a margarita, and don’t miss the opportunity to taste as many flavors as you can on your next Royal Caribbean cruise.

Mojito from Boleros

If you love Latin music, you’ll love spending time at Boleros on a Royal Caribbean cruise. This Latin-themed bar is found on most Royal Caribbean cruise ships, and they make the best mojito found anywhere onboard.

This traditional Cuban cocktail is made with white rum, sugar, lime juice, soda water, and fresh mint leaves. It hits the spot every time, and you can even try different variations like strawberry mojitos or frozen mojitos. 

Related: Royal Caribbean drink package - your top questions answered

One of my favorite things to do onboard is sip a mojito while listening to the live salsa, merengue, and bossa nova performed at Boleros. And you’ll have excellent people watching opportunities, too, as this venue almost always turns into a dance party.

Caribbean Mule

If you like Moscow Mules, you’ll love the Caribbean Mule found on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Made with Absolut vodka, coconut syrup, lime juice, and Gosling’s ginger beer, I find this drink to have the perfect balance of flavors.

I was originally nervous to order the Caribbean Mule because I thought the ginger flavor might be too strong, but it was just right. The ginger cuts down on some of the sweetness, so I much prefer this drink to an ultra-sweet drink like sangria.

Related: 8 mocktails to try on your next Royal Caribbean cruise

This cocktail is available at most bars and lounges onboard as it is on Royal Caribbean's standard fleetwide drink menu.

Lavender Daiquiri

Lavender in a cocktail? It might sound a bit weird, but you should give the Lavender Daiquiri a shot on your next Royal Caribbean cruise.

Available at Schooner Bar, this cocktail is made with Bacardi Superior rum and lavender syrup. It’s not overly sweet yet offers a unique lavender flavor that doesn’t overpower the drink.

This is one of my go-to cocktails on any cruise, especially during a round of trivia at Schooner Bar.

Love Connection

Perhaps the prettiest drink on this list is the Love Connection. This drink has three layers of frozen, fruity flavors that are sure to be refreshing on a sunny pool day.

This drink combines layers of strawberry daiquiri, mango daiquiri, and piña colada for the ultimate tropical cocktail. You can order the Love Connection from any bar with a blender onboard a Royal Caribbean ship.

Related: Recipe: Love Connection frozen drink

We ordered the Love Connection from Trellis Bar and it made for a fun drink to enjoy while relaxing in Central Park. While sweet, it’s certainly tasty, and is easily converted into a mocktail by omitting the rum!

The Lime & Coconut

Available on Royal Caribbean ships with The Lime and Coconut Bar is the bar’s namesake, the Lime & Coconut cocktail. Made with Malibu Coconut rum, coconut milk, coconut syrup, guava syrup, and lime juice, the Lime & Coconut will transport you directly to the tropics.

The Lime & Coconut is served over ice, although the coconut milk makes it slightly creamy. With the combination of guava and lime, the drink has a citrusy yet sweet flavor. The flavor profile of the drink, especially when adding coconut milk, is unlike any cocktail I’ve had before.

The Lime & Coconut is often served in a Malibu bucket, making for a fun way to enjoy the cocktail while on the pool deck. It’s a vacation cocktail at its finest, so be sure to order The Lime & Coconut if you’re sailing on a ship with The Lime and Coconut bar.

PB&J Old Fashioned

When Royal Caribbean debuted its first southern restaurant and bar, The Mason Jar, on Wonder of the Seas, they also debuted a cocktail menu with flavors and drinks not found elsewhere onboard. Everything from the Mississippi Moonlight—made with blackberry moonshine—to boozy milkshakes are available at The Mason Jar Bar.

Related: The Mason Jar Southern food restaurant review on Wonder of the Seas

The bar’s most popular cocktail quickly became the PB&J Old Fashioned. This cocktail is made with Skrewball peanut butter whiskey and bourbon, strawberry jelly, and walnut bitters. To top it off, the drink is garnished with a mini PB&J sandwich.

I heard nothing but raves from this drink onboard Wonder of the Seas. While I’ll admit that the PB&J Old Fashioned was a bit too strong for my preference, if you love whiskey, you’ll love this inventive rendition of a classic old fashioned.

Banana Colada

My all-time favorite cocktail onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise is also the first drink I ever ordered on my very first cruise: the Banana Colada. I have fond memories of boarding my first cruise on Mariner of the Seas and immediately kicking off the cruise with a drink. Little did I know the Banana Colada would remain, to this day, my favorite Royal Caribbean cocktail!

The Banana Colada combines rum with the flavors of banana, coconut milk, and cinnamon into a frozen drink served, fittingly, with a mini umbrella. This drink screams vacation and a classic piña colada pales drastically in comparison to the Banana Colada.

Related: Check out the signature cocktails at The Bamboo Room

My favorite Banana Colada can be found at The Bamboo Room, available only on Mariner and Navigator of the Seas. However, you can also find a rendition of this cocktail at bars on other Royal Caribbean ships.

Planning a Royal Caribbean cruise? Start here:

• 8 cruise tips for first-time Royal Caribbean cruisers
• What’s included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare
• 5 quick and easy tips for finding a great shore excursion on your own
• Food on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• Which is the best Royal Caribbean cruise ship?
• What is the best time to go on a Caribbean cruise?

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You’ll almost always find me in an interior cabin on a Royal Caribbean cruise. While the opposite of luxurious, I never mind my small, windowless rooms, especially if it means I can save money on cruise fare.

Nonetheless, I just disembarked a 4-night cruise in a Spacious Ocean View cabin on Liberty of the Seas. Wanting to “treat myself” but also try something new, I upgraded my cabin for $248 extra on top of the $779 I originally paid for an interior cabin. This brought my total cruise cost to $1027.

I always love trying new ways to cruise with Royal Caribbean, so when I realized I could upgrade to a Spacious Ocean View cabin for a reasonable price, I figured I would give it a try.

I had never sailed in an ocean view room before, so I was curious to see how my cabin experience would differ from an interior or balcony cabin. The price of an ocean view cabin is usually between interior and balcony cabins, but I had two main questions:

• Would an ocean view cabin be that different from an interior to justify the extra cost?
• If I’m upgrading to an ocean view, is it better to spend a little more to upgrade to a balcony?

With extra room and scenic views out the porthole window, was this upgrade worth it? Let’s find out.

Royal Up vs standard upgrade

Many cruisers look to Royal Caribbean's stateroom bidding program, RoyalUp, when hoping to upgrade their cruise ship cabin. I have used RoyalUp once before (without any luck), but I’ve since realized it’s better to first contact your travel agent about the cost to upgrade without bidding.

Related: Royal Caribbean’s RoyalUp guide, tips, and tricks

RoyalUp allows guests to bid on higher stateroom categories with the hope of winning the bid and upgrading at a lower cost.

What I’ve realized, however, is that the minimum bids on RoyalUp are not always cheaper than upgrading your stateroom directly through Royal Caribbean or a travel agent.

When I asked my travel agent how much it would cost to upgrade from my interior cabin, for example, I was surprised to see such reasonable prices. The Promenade View Interior and Guarantee Ocean View cabins were actually cheaper than the original price I paid for my interior stateroom.

Meanwhile, if I had placed a bid on a Guarantee Ocean View through RoyalUp, I would have had to bid a minimum of $30 per person for the weakest bid possible.

Initial impressions

As soon as I walked into our cabin, I was pleased to see it was quite spacious, although I was a bit surprised that the room was the same size as a balcony cabin.

For some reason I expected this cabin to be even more spacious than a balcony room, but this is probably reserved for the Ultra Spacious Ocean View cabins.

Regardless, compared to the tiny interior rooms I usually stay in, our ocean view cabin felt huge! The interior cabins on Freedom Class ships are tiny, and while I’ve stayed in this size stateroom with guests before, it’s definitely a tight squeeze.

Related: I tried the best inside cruise ship cabin hacks to see how well they worked

Our cabin was equipped with many amenities, including:

• King bed (that we later separated to two twin beds)
• Desk and vanity area
• Wardrobe
• Couch and side table
• Television
• Mini fridge

There was ample storage in the room, from drawers on both sides of the vanity to our nightstand and a spacious wardrobe. There were also shelves on the side of the vanity near our bed which I found useful throughout the cruise.

There was also storage located behind the mirrors in the vanity and bathroom which could easily be overlooked, so we took advantage of this, too.

The best part of our cabin, of course, was the porthole window. This window was larger than I expected, although I was surprised that we had a “balcony” outside the window.

Because this room is on deck 7 as opposed to the majority of ocean view cabins on decks 2 and 3, the porthole overlooked a non-usable balcony before reaching the ocean.

Pros of our cabin upgrade

More space

An obvious benefit of staying in our Spacious Ocean View cabin was having more space. We never ran into each other in the cabin and had no shortage of storage space.

We didn’t even utilize most of the storage, in fact, because there was more than enough room to keep our suitcases on the floor of the cabin without having to unpack for a short cruise.

I spent more time than usual in my cabin

On a short 4-night cruise, I never expect to spend much time in my room. Between attending onboard events and filming videos around the ship for the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube channel, I usually spend little time relaxing in my cabin.

This week, however, I spent more time than usual in my cabin. I have a few hours of computer work to do each day, for example, which I usually do from a public area onboard when staying in an interior room. Unsurprisingly, I don’t love working in a room without windows.

Related: Can you work remotely from a cruise ship in 2022? I put it to the test.

With an ocean view room, I spent these hours working next to my private porthole window instead. 

Our itinerary also changed due to weather and we ended up with two sea days instead of just one. This meant we had extra time to enjoy our stateroom (take naps) during the cruise.

Great option for a first-time cruiser

I sailed on Liberty of the Seas with my cousin Keli, and she had never been on a cruise before. I thought having an ocean view cabin as opposed to an interior was nice for my cousin's first cruise. 

While I’ve brought many first-time cruisers onboard in interior rooms and we’ve had a great experience, I thought Keli would appreciate being in a more comfortable room with a window.

And it worked, because she’s already looking forward to sailing again in the future!

Cons of our cabin upgrade

Stateroom location

One drawback of our upgraded stateroom compared to the interior room we originally booked was the location.

Our ocean view cabin was located in the very aft of the ship, so this location wasn't as convenient as somewhere closer to the elevators and stairwells. We spent a lot of time walking back and forth to our cabin down a long hallway.

Plus, because it was at the ship's aft, I felt a little more movement than I normally would as we sailed through the Caribbean. Our upgraded cabin location wasn't a dealbreaker, but I would probably take the location more into consideration next time I upgrade my stateroom.

The one plus of our stateroom was that it was located on deck 7, so we rarely had to take the elevators as we were located only a few decks from all the main attractions onboard.

Spending money on a cabin upgrade instead of other activities

Looking back, we probably could have stayed in our interior cabin and used the $248 we spent on a cabin upgrade for other cruise add-ons.

For around $120 per person, for example, we could have booked an Unlimited Dining Package for our 4-night cruise. Dining at specialty restaurants once (or more) every day could have enhanced our cruise experience more than a little more space in our cabin.

We also could have put this cost toward shore excursions, drinks, internet, and other onboard spending.

Only a 4-night cruise

Spending $248 on a cabin upgrade would have spread out further on a 7-night cruise compared to just 4 days. This brought the nightly cost of the upgrade to $62, whereas it would only be $35 per night on a weeklong cruise.

Next time I upgrade my cabin, I’ll calculate the nightly price of the upgrade to help justify whether or not it’s worth it.

Obstructed view

This con didn’t bother me too much, but our “ocean view” actually looked out toward a balcony not in use, so we didn’t have the panoramic view of the ocean we would have gotten in a smaller, cheaper ocean view cabin.

Was the upgrade worth the cost?

I am still torn whether our cabin upgrade was worth the extra cost or not. While $248 isn't a lot of money in the grand scheme of our cruise vacation, we could have put the money toward other onboard experiences.

That being said, I truly enjoyed having a larger stateroom with gorgeous ocean views from the porthole. There's no doubt this room was better than an interior cabin, and I could have spent my entire day reading in bed next to our cabin's window.

Overall I would lean toward the upgrade being worth it rather than a waste of money. While I’ll probably continue to sail in interior staterooms for the lowest cruise fare possible, it’s nice to treat yourself every once in a while!

Whether dipping your toes in crystal-clear water or tasting local street food, there’s no doubt that visiting new ports on a cruise ship is exciting. Many cruisers, though, find themselves in one of two situations: satisfied with the activities of their port day or wishing they had done something else.

I recently spent a cruise ship port day in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, a place I had never been to before. I knew little about the port prior to my arrival, but I was determined to make the most of my port day by experiencing the country’s culture, cuisine, and historical sites in just 7 hours.

From marveling at the port’s mountainous scenery to observing local lifestyle at the city’s public square, I was satisfied with my day in port when I returned back to the ship later in the day.

No matter how much research you do ahead of time, however, you’re bound to make a few mistakes along the way, and I definitely did.

Here are the top 7 things I did right (and 3 mistakes I made!) on my recent cruise ship port day.

Staying flexible

The first thing I did right was staying flexible.

“No refunds!” was what I heard as I entered Port Everglades on embarkation day. A worker was handing out a sheet of paper to every guest, and I’ll admit I was a bit nervous about what it might say.

Tropical storm Nicole was approaching the Bahamas, and I had doubts our Bahamas & Perfect Day cruise would go ahead as scheduled. I was bringing my cousin Keli on her very first cruise, and I wanted her to have the best experience possible. I was nervous the paper might say we had all our stops canceled.

That wasn’t the case at all, though, and we learned our ship would be sailing to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic instead of the Bahamas! While I could have been upset that our itinerary wouldn’t go as planned, I was excited.

I had never been to the Dominican Republic before, and it was such an unexpected change that I couldn’t wait to see what Puerto Plata had to offer.

After talking to a few other guests, I realized some passengers were upset their plans did not go forward as planned. It’s always important to remain flexible when traveling, but especially on a cruise, so be sure to make the most of whatever unexpected changes may arise.

Not booking a shore excursion

While I’ve booked Royal Caribbean shore excursions in the past, I much prefer exploring independently. Even though organized tours can bring you to a port’s highlights without worrying about any logistics yourself, I find that the cons outweigh the pros.

Whether waiting for guests on the tour who are running late, being forced into sales pitches at tourist shops, or traveling in a group of 30+ people, I’ve almost always regretted when I’ve booked organized shore excursions over exploring independently.

Instead of a guided tour, we traveled around Puerto Plata with a taxi driver for the day for the same price a group tour would have cost. We were privately escorted to some of the port’s top sites, including Puerto Plata’s cable car and the Centro Histórico district.

Exploring without the hassle of traveling with a large group enhanced our port experience immensely.

Researching the port in advance

Because our cruise itinerary was not originally supposed to visit Puerto Plata, I knew very little about the Puerto Plata cruise port when I boarded Liberty of the Seas. I had two days to become acquainted with everything the port has to offer.

I watched YouTube videos, read articles, and spoke to a few friends who had visited Puerto Plata in the past. This was beyond useful for giving me a better idea of what to expect, deciding what I should do and not do, and creating a general plan for my port day.

One of the most important details I learned, for example, was that taxis are expensive in Puerto Plata. If I hadn’t read this, I probably would have experienced stronger sticker shock when I was quoted $70-100 for a taxi for the day.

It’s always helpful to research a port before arriving to become acquainted with the port’s offerings and the local area. I’m 100% certain that one of the reasons we had such a wonderful day in port was due to the research I did ahead of time.

Leaving the immediate port area

The Taino Bay cruise port in Puerto Plata is one of, if not the best, port area I’ve experienced thus far. It’s nearly brand new, immaculately clean, and has more than enough to keep you busy for a whole day.

Some of the port’s highlights include a large swimming pool, chic bars, and restaurants.

Don’t get me wrong; I enjoyed the port’s facilities and we even spent the last hour of our day hanging out in the port’s large pool.

However, I came to the Dominican Republic to discover the country outside of a gated port area, so I’m glad we ventured off into a more authentic part of the city.

Hiring a local guide

We ended up spending the majority of our port day with a guide and he was fantastic—although we didn’t expect to have a guide in the first place.

In order to get to many of the city’s top attractions, I had to take a taxi. In Puerto Plata, however, taxis don’t just drop you off at one location. Your taxi driver stays with you the entire day, waiting for you at each location to take you to the next.

For $100 a day (plus a tip), we were escorted around Puerto Plata by Ramon, a local man who was determined to show us the best that the port had to offer. He has been working as a guide in his country for over ten years and already had a tentative itinerary set which we could customize to our liking.

Although I usually prefer exploring on my own, it was a nice change to not have to worry about a single thing while in port. Ramon knew where to bring us, what to show us at each location, and he shared insights to his country and city along the way. 

Considering Royal Caribbean was offering shore excursions for $50+ per person in a large tour group, spending $50 per person on a private guide for five hours seemed like a pretty good deal.

Trying local cuisine

I am always shocked to hear that some cruisers won’t spend a single penny on local cuisine while in port, instead opting to head back to their cruise ship every day for lunch.

While I understand that there is food you already paid for onboard the ship, I believe tasting local cuisine is an important part of traveling to new locations. Whether conch fritters in Nassau or tacos in Mexico, trying local cuisine is a must for me in any cruise port.

Our guide brought us to Cosita Rica, a waterfront restaurant serving local cuisine for lunch. Trying Dominican food was high on my list, and we enjoyed a meal of fish, chicken, rice, habichuela (beans), empanadas, and tostones (plantains).

I love the included food on a Royal Caribbean cruise, but how many times do I have the opportunity to eat traditional Dominican food near the beach in the Dominican Republic?

Planning a variety of activities

I could have easily spent my entire day in Puerto Plata lounging on a beach chair and sipping cocktails, but I’m sure glad I didn’t. I love the beach, but there were so many activities available in Puerto Plata that I couldn’t pass them all up in favor of a beach day.

There’s nothing wrong with spending 8 hours on a beach chair, but I knew I wanted to experience culture, food, scenery, and the beach in just one day.

We planned our day as follows:

• Part One: cable car ride to Isabel de Torres National Park for scenic views and nature walks
• Part Two: walking and shopping in Puerto Plata’s historical district
• Part Three: lunch at a waterfront restaurant followed by a walk on the beach
• Part Four: exploring the Fortaleza de San Felipe

The combination of these activities made for a busy yet insightful day in port, and I’m glad we chose to experience multiple types of activities in one day as opposed to choosing one thing over another.

Now that we’ve learned about the 7 things I did right on my recent port day, let’s take a look at our biggest mistakes of the day.

Leaving a cellphone in a taxi

At the end of our port day, our driver Ramon dropped us back off at the Taino Bay cruise port and we said farewell.

Two minutes later, my cousin Keli realized she left her cellphone in the back seat of his car. While I had no doubt that our friendly guide Ramon would return her phone, I was nervous he wouldn’t realize it was in his car until we had already left Puerto Plata.

Luckily I had gotten Ramon’s phone number earlier in the day, so myself and a few workers in port tried calling his phone, but it appeared to be off. We kept trying to call until a few minutes later when Ramon appeared on his motorbike to return Keli’s phone. Phew!

While this may seem like a rookie move, it’s easy to get distracted when exploring a new place for the first time. Be sure to always check to make sure you didn’t leave anything behind.

Not trying more variety of local foods

Looking back at our day in Puerto Plata, one other change we would have made would be to try more local cuisine. 

While we had a fantastic lunch by the beach, it was undoubtedly a restaurant catered almost exclusively to tourists. I’ll admit I didn’t let our guide know I would rather eat at a hole-in-the-wall local joint, but I found myself wishing I tried food from a variety of spots in Puerto Plata.

Whether a street food stall or pastry shop, it would have been nice to see what local food can be found in the city outside of tourist-centric restaurants.

Plus, we certainly paid more for our lunch than food we could have found at a non-touristy restaurant. Although I don’t necessarily regret eating at the tourist restaurant because the food was delicious, I wish I could have eaten where local Dominicans eat as opposed to just tourists.

Not staying more hydrated

Our day in Puerto Plata was gorgeous with sunny skies and warm temperatures, but we did not drink nearly as much water as we should have.

Staying hydrated is always important, but especially so when exploring a tropical destination where you will, most likely, be constantly sweating!

With all the excitement of discovering Puerto Plata, we forgot to stay hydrated and found ourselves parched later in the day. Luckily, a fresh coconut water saved the day.

Be sure to always keep a water bottle in your daypack to stay refreshed throughout the day to avoid any problems down the line.

More shore excursion tips & tricks:

• Top 10 cruise ship shore excursion mistakes to avoid
• 5 quick and easy tips for finding a great shore excursion on your own
• 5 cruise ship shore excursions I tried and instantly regretted
• What to do if Royal Caribbean’s shore excursions are sold out
• 7 ways to have a great time in port without a cruise ship shore excursion

A Royal Caribbean cruise may be synonymous with endless piña coladas on the pool deck… but what about laptops?

Cruise ships, despite being designed for vacations, can make for an excellent work environment. Working on a cruise means working without worrying about cooking, cleaning, or travel logistics. 

Just ask Super Mario, Royal Caribbean’s top cruiser, who has been working remotely on the cruise line’s ships for the better part of the past two decades!

Related: Life at sea - An interview with Royal Caribbean’s top cruiser, Super Mario

But even though "workationing" on a Royal Caribbean cruise may seem appealing to the most adventurous of remote workers, there's always been one major setback: the onboard Internet speeds (or lack thereof).

As Royal Caribbean begins implementing SpaceX Starlink internet on its cruise ships, though, will working remotely become a more feasible option for cruisers?

To see for myself, I boarded Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas earlier this week to put the ship’s new internet service to the test. Is it really possible to successfully work remotely on a cruise ship in 2022?

Let's find out.

Why in the world would you work from a cruise ship?

We must first address the elephant in the room: why would anyone ever work from a cruise ship instead of taking a vacation?

Throughout the past few years, remote work has become increasingly common. More and more people are able to work from home—or from anywhere. Remote work means many workers have the freedom to travel and work at the same time without worrying about limited PTO.

So while we don't recommend working on a vacation, remote workers are on workation. Working during the day and enjoying the ship’s fantastic dining options and entertainment at night? Cruising while working remotely can be an attractive option for those who want to travel more than they otherwise could have.

Improving internet on cruise ships

In the past, cruise ship internet was notoriously slow and connection issues were rampant. Facetiming friends and family back home, for example, would, more often than not, encounter delays and video freezes.

And if you had to upload any type of large file to the internet? Good luck. You would most likely end up finding yourself running to the nearest spot for wifi once in port.

Earlier this year, however, Royal Caribbean announced they would add SpaceX Starlink internet to every ship in the fleet. Their goal is to implement Starlink on all 26 ships in the fleet by the end of the first quarter of 2023.

Related: Spotted: Starlink being installed across multiple Royal Caribbean cruise ships

As someone who commonly works from a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, working with the ships’ internet speeds has been a constant struggle. I was curious to see how much Starlink internet would improve my working experience.

Putting it to the test: working remotely from Liberty of the Seas

I’ve been onboard Liberty of the Seas for the past three days now and have been blown away by how much easier working remotely (or even just browsing the internet) from the ship has been with Starlink internet speeds.

As soon as I got onboard, I tested the ship’s new internet, which was implemented just a few weeks ago. I was shocked to see a speed of nearly 70 mbps download and 8 mbps upload. For those unfamiliar with internet speeds, this is, as Google tells me, “very fast”.

Royal Caribbean’s previous internet service, VOOM internet, would typically have speeds of only 4 mbps download and 2 mbps upload. This is a huge difference not only for remote workers, but for anyone trying to use the internet onboard a cruise ship.

During my first day onboard, I was ecstatic to be able to send a few photos over to the Royal Caribbean Blog team and video chat family back home with no hassle, but how would the speeds hold up when sailing through the middle of the Caribbean?

Day 2 of our sailing was a sea day en route to the Dominican Republic. Being nowhere near land, I assumed the speed would be slower, but I still saw speeds of 18mbps download and 10 mbps upload.

Uploading a video on Starlink internet

To put these speeds into perspective, I’ll give an example of one way Royal Caribbean’s new Starlink internet can improve working conditions for remote workers.

Because we upload three videos weekly to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube channel, I need a solid internet connection while onboard. Previously, it might take 4+ hours to upload a 2GB video file to YouTube. I would usually leave the video to upload overnight and pray it successfully uploaded by the time I woke up the next morning!

When I tested it out this week on Liberty of the Seas, however, I was able to upload a 2GB video (a large file size) in just 45 minutes…while in the middle of the Caribbean Sea!

While the upload and download speeds still aren't the fastest internet speeds in the world, they are 1000x better than the non-Starlink internet onboard. Unsurprisingly, internet speeds seem to be a bit faster when near land compared to at sea.

Today, for example, I checked the speed as we are nearing the coastline of the Dominican Republic and was impressed to see a speed of 76 mbps download and 15.8 mbps upload!

In addition to working remotely, I’ve had absolutely zero connection issues when using the internet to stream videos on YouTube or video chat family back home. Compared to the past when Royal Caribbean’s VOOM internet would randomly shut on and off, my experience with Starlink onboard has been nothing but incredible!

The biggest issues with working remotely on a cruise

While Starlink Internet has made working remotely on a cruise ship infinitely better than in the past, it still comes with a few struggles that can make or break your ability to work remotely onboard.

Lack of public outlets

My biggest struggle whenever I work remotely on a cruise ship is that it’s difficult to find places to charge electronics outside of your cabin.

For obvious reasons, Royal Caribbean does not want its guests to sit on their computers and phones when they could be exploring the ship, participating in activities, shopping, and ordering drinks. There’s no real benefit in offering public outlets around the ship from a revenue perspective.

With a little exploration, however, you can usually find a few outlets in most public venues onboard. These outlets are almost always European-style (Type C) outlets, as these are the outlets used for the ship’s vacuums, so be sure to pack an outlet adapter.

If you’re able to work for several hours on one computer charge, you’ll find it easier to work remotely from a cruise ship compared to someone who must keep their electronics constantly plugged in.

I must say, however, that Liberty of the Seas has had the best remote work setup I've seen on any of the cruise line's ships yet. The internet cafe onboard has tables and chairs with several sets of both European and US-style outlets.

Ambient sound

If your work involves back-to-back calls throughout the day, you’ll find it difficult to find a quiet space to work from outside of your cabin.

From background music to ship announcements and conversations from fellow passengers, you’ll encounter noise in most public areas. While not always loud, it can be distracting if you’re hoping for a quiet “office” space.

Working from an international location

One other potential problem you may run into when trying to work remotely from a cruise ship is that you are technically working outside of the United States.

It’s important to review your company’s protocols and applicable tax laws before clocking in from the beach in Mexico or when sailing near the Cuban coastline.

My conclusion: it's totally possible to work from a cruise ship

As a remote worker, I constantly found myself wasting hours onboard waiting for photos and videos to upload to the Royal Caribbean Blog website or YouTube channel and it was insanely frustrating.

My recent cruise on Liberty of the Seas gave me the confidence that I can successfully work from a Royal Caribbean ship without any unnecessary stress or headaches.

Due to the fleet’s new Starlink internet and the increase in digital nomads—remote workers who travel the world with their laptops—I believe we will see more and more passengers taking a “workation” on Royal Caribbean’s ships in the future.

While working remotely on Royal Caribbean’s ships has always been possible, it’s certainly easier and more enjoyable now than ever before.

Liberty of the Seas, one of Royal Caribbean’s Freedom Class cruise ships, is packed with onboard activities, dining options, and impressive entertainment. Everything from waterslides and ice skating to a Broadway show can be found onboard, but with all the excitement of a Royal Caribbean cruise, it’s easy to miss out on some of the ship’s best features.

To make sure you are as prepared as possible for a cruise on Liberty of the Seas, we’re sharing our top 10 hidden secrets that you shouldn’t overlook.

Tidal Wave waterslide

Waterslides have become more and more common on cruise ships, and Liberty of the Seas has one of the most unique waterslides in Royal Caribbean’s fleet: The Tidal Wave.

The Tidal Wave waterslide is a boomerang-style slide, which allows guests to slide on a raft downhill before “boomeranging” up a nearly vertical wall. This boomerang motion brings a feeling of weightlessness to passengers before they slide back down for a big splash.

Related: Which Royal Caribbean ships have water slides?

Because this type of waterslide is only found on Liberty of the Seas, don’t miss the opportunity to try it once onboard!

Other than the Tidal Wave, you can also find the Perfect Storm waterslides on Liberty of the Seas.

In-pool seating at the Solarium

There’s no swim-up bar available on Liberty of the Seas (the fleet’s first is on Icon of the Seas). You can, however, order a drink at the Solarium Bar and enjoy it from the ship’s in-pool table and chairs.

Located directly under the bridge above the Solarium pool is a small table with chairs located underwater. If you’re looking for the most refreshing place to enjoy a tropical cocktail or beer onboard, this is undoubtedly the best spot.

Because this area is located in the Solarium, it’s reserved for guests aged 16 and above.

Related: Everything about Royal Caribbean’s Solarium

Free saunas and steam rooms

One perk of sailing on Liberty of the Seas is having access to complimentary saunas and steam rooms in the Shipshape Fitness Center.

These saunas and steam rooms are gender-segregated. They can be found in both the men's and women’s changing rooms in the gym on Liberty of the Seas. Each changing room has one sauna and one steam room.

On newer or recently amplified Royal Caribbean ships, these complimentary spa areas have been removed. On some ships, this area has been removed altogether whereas on others they have built a thermal spa in its place.

The thermal spa on those ships, though, comes at an extra cost. This makes the complimentary saunas and steam rooms a huge benefit of sailing on Liberty of the Seas.

There’s a Broadway show

Most Broadway shows are found only on Oasis or Quantum Class ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, but did you know Liberty of the Seas also has a Broadway show?

Saturday Night Fever can be found on Liberty of the Seas. This show transports guests straight to the 1970s to follow the story of Tony Manero, a Brooklynite who spends his weeknights dancing at a local nightclub.

The 90-minute show features music from the Bee Gees, Sunshine Band, and Tavares.

Sabor

Liberty of the Seas is one of the only ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet without Izumi Sushi, but another top-notch restaurant can be found in its place: Sabor.

Sabor is Royal Caribbean’s Mexican specialty restaurant which focuses on combining traditional flavors with a modern twist. The restaurant is most well-known for offering endless guacamole customized to your spice preference.

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

Don’t miss the opportunity to build your own tacos with a choice of barbacoa, spicy chicken, fish tempura, or shrimp. If you’d prefer something different, consider a burrito, quesadilla, ceviche, calamari, or chicken-stuffed jalapeños.

You can also pair your meal with one of Sabor’s specialty margaritas, such as the Sweet & Spicy Margarita. Combining Patrón Reposado tequila with fresh juices from pineapple, carrot, lime, and red chili pepper, this drink is sure to pair perfectly with endless Mexican food.

Helicopter Pad

All Radiance, Voyager, and Freedom Class cruise ships provide guests access to the helicopter pad. Located in the front of the ship, this spot is one of the best places to watch the sailaway on Liberty of the Seas.

Related: The best spot for sailaway on every Royal Caribbean cruise ship

To access the helicopter pad on Liberty of the Seas, go to the outdoor Promenade Deck on deck 4. Walk all the way forward until you reach a set of stairs. Go up the stairs to deck 5, walk all the way forward, and you will reach the helicopter pad.

Easily missed quiet areas

While most people spend a Royal Caribbean cruise enjoying activities, entertainment, and lounging by the pool, some guests are looking for a quiet space to relax.

Liberty of the Seas has quite a few hidden places to take a break from the hustle and bustle found elsewhere onboard. Most of these locations can easily be overlooked, however, especially if you don’t stumble upon them by chance.

Here are our favorite tranquil spots on Liberty of the Seas:

• Internet Cafe/Loyalty Ambassador space (deck 8 between aft elevators)
• Library (deck 9 between aft elevators)
• Card Room (deck 10 between aft elevators)
• Seating space near Liberty Dunes (deck 13 forward)

On Air Karaoke Club

Karaoke is a popular nighttime activity onboard any Royal Caribbean cruise ship, but Liberty of the Seas has a separate karaoke venue, the On Air Club. Located on deck 3 by the Studio B ice-skating rink, this area of the ship is often overlooked due to areas like the theater and Royal Promenade.

If you’re looking to watch your fellow passengers put their vocal skills to the test (or bust out your own favorite tune) be sure to spend time at On Air while on Liberty of the Seas.

Most karaoke-specific venues are only found on Oasis Class ships, with others opting to have karaoke in other onboard entertainment spaces instead. This makes the On Air club on Liberty of the Seas unique—and the best place to watch karaoke onboard.

Red dog statue

If you’re searching for a fun photo opportunity, head to the port side aft elevators on Liberty of the Seas. Here you’ll find a cute statue of a red dog overlooking the Royal Promenade.

This fun statue may not bark or play fetch, but it’s a fun piece of art in addition to all the other unique artwork found on Liberty of the Seas.

For the best photo opportunity with the big red dog, have the photo-taker stand directly across from the dog at the starboard side elevators.

More hidden secrets on our ship tour video!

Cruising soon? Check out more hidden secrets on Royal Caribbean cruise ships:

• Top 10 Oasis of the Seas hidden secrets
• Top 10 Mariner of the Seas hidden secrets
• Top 10 Wonder of the Seas hidden secrets
• Top 10 Odyssey of the Seas hidden secrets

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Choosing the perfect destination to visit on a Royal Caribbean cruise can feel overwhelming, and the “perfect” cruise itinerary can vary greatly from cruiser to cruiser.

Whereas some travelers may prefer spending every day at the beach, others would prefer busy days of sightseeing at ancient monuments or strenuous hikes into the mountains.

Thankfully, Royal Caribbean offers cruise itineraries to destinations both close to home and across the world, meaning you’ll find an itinerary to meet any travel style.

Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, bachelorette party, or a once-in-a-lifetime cruise around the world, here are our top Royal Caribbean cruise itineraries for every type of traveler.

The stressed-out traveler

Our recommendation: any cruise to Perfect Day at CocoCay

A cruise is one of the best ways to forget about any stress at home. When you set sail, you’ll forget all about any project deadlines, schoolwork, or chores at home. Nothing but adventure lies ahead, and the best place to enjoy a stress-free getaway is at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

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

Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas, lives up to its name. This island is perfect, and it offers the best way to unwind. Most activities on the island are complimentary, including white-sand beaches and the Oasis Lagoon pool.

If you’d like to upgrade your day at the island, however, feel free to treat yourself to a day at the Coco Beach Club or Thrill Waterpark for more fun in the sun.

Related: Coco Beach Club: cost, tips & review

Regardless of what you do at Perfect Day at CocoCay, you’re guaranteed to leave the island much less stressed than when you arrived!

The island hopper

Our recommendation: Greek Isles cruise

Island hopping and cruising go hand in hand, but our top choice for the world’s best island hopping destination is Greece. From the world-renowned sunsets in Santorini to the ancient citadel of the Acropolis and charming Venetian harbor of Chania, there’s a wide range of sights to discover in every Greek cruise port.

Related: Ultimate Greek Isles cruise guide

What’s great about a Greek Isles cruise is that you can find activities for every type of cruiser. You’ll find everything from boat tours visiting secluded beaches, walking tours of famous archaeological sites, and beach clubs to kick back and relax with a cocktail.

Another benefit of a Greek Isles cruise is that it’s easy to explore without an excursion. If you’re the type of traveler who doesn’t like to plan organized tours, you’ll find cruise ports in Greece are an excellent place for spontaneous exploration.

The engineer

Our recommendation: Panama Canal cruise

If you find yourself fascinated by great marvels in engineering, whether the Pyramids of Giza or Hoover Dam, book a cruise traversing the Panama Canal.

The Panama Canal was built in 1914 and was, undoubtedly, an impressive feat of engineering at the time. Prior to the canal, a ship traveling from New York to San Francisco had to travel over 13,000 miles around South America. The 50 mile canal, however, cut this distance to around 5,000 miles, marking a turning point for trading and commerce opportunities around the world.

Related: 15 countries you didn’t know you could cruise to on Royal Caribbean

It takes around 8-10 hours for ships to traverse the canal as they pass through a series of locks which lift ships 85 feet above sea level and back down again. This is a highlight of all Panama Canal itineraries, and you’ll find hoards of passengers on the outside decks watching this process take place.

Previously, most Royal Caribbean cruises to the Panama Canal were only offered on long repositioning itineraries. However, Royal Caribbean will be deploying Rhapsody of the Seas on several 7-night Costa Rica & Panama Canal cruises in 2024. This gives passengers the opportunity to traverse the canal without requiring a multi-week sailing.

The foodie

Our recommendation: Mediterranean cruise

If you’re a foodie, look no further than a Mediterranean cruise. You’ll visit ports with some of the world’s most famous cuisines, from savory crepes in France to refreshing gelato in Italy. And did we mention the paella?

Related: Must-eat foods on a cruise to Italy

While Mediterranean cruises tend to involve busy port days exploring historic sites like the Colosseum and Pompeii, be sure to make time for a nice lunch each day in port. While you can find fantastic food onboard your cruise ship, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to taste authentic Mediterranean cuisine.

If you have more time, you can select a longer Mediterranean cruise to give you more ways to taste cuisines in a diverse array of countries. 12-night Holy Land cruises, for example, visit everywhere from Italy to Israel, Turkey, and Greece. Who can resist authentic falafel, pizza, and gyros?

Related: Western Mediterranean cruise guide

The exotic vacationer

Our recommendation: South Pacific cruise

Most cruisers are familiar with ports like Nassau and Cozumel, but did you know Royal Caribbean offers cruises to some of the world’s most remote islands?

South Pacific cruises from Australia visit ports in Vanuatu, Fiji, and the French territory of New Caledonia. You’ve likely never heard of islands like Lifou, Mare, and Aneityum, but these are all gorgeous destinations available on South Pacific cruise itineraries.

Related: 10 Royal Caribbean cruise destinations not to be missed

If you have the time, consider a transpacific cruise from Hawaii to Australia for the opportunity to visit French Polynesia. Picture yourself snorkeling coral reefs in Mo’orea or sunbathing on the black sand beaches of Tahiti. It really doesn’t get more exotic than that!

The bachelor(ette) party

Our recommendation: 3-night weekend cruise

Planning the perfect bachelor/bachelorette party is all about fun, and the best cruises for these getaways are quick 3-night weekend sailings.

3-night weekend cruises tend to have a higher party atmosphere onboard than longer sailings. This means your bachelor/bachelorette party will fit right in with the ship’s vibe, and you’ll find that the bars and clubs onboard are busy late into the night.

Related: Guide to weekend cruises: Tips for taking a 3-night Royal Caribbean cruise

In addition, most 3-night cruises from Florida include a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay. With a swim-up bar and pool party every day, there’s no better place to celebrate!

There are several ships offering regularly scheduled 3-night weekend cruises. Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas both sail from South Florida, Independence of the Seas from Port Canaveral, and Navigator of the Seas from Los Angeles.

The honeymooners

Our recommendation: Caribbean cruise

After months of meticulous planning for your special day, it’s time for a honeymoon to kick off marriage with your new spouse. And what better way to do that than a Caribbean cruise?

The Caribbean is a destination for endless relaxation. Whether you’re swimming in the crystal clear waters of Antigua or sailing on a catamaran in Mexico, there are plenty of ways to make lifelong memories together.

Related: 20 tips for a Royal Caribbean honeymoon cruise

We recommend finding an itinerary with an adequate balance of port and sea days. While some 7-night cruises may stop at 5 or 6 ports, try to find an itinerary with at least 2 or 3 days at sea. Visiting ports each day can be exhausting, and having more sea days ensures you’ll find plenty of time to relax with your spouse.

The culture-focused traveler

Our recommendation: Asia cruise

If you’re looking for an adventurous itinerary that will bring you far out of your comfort zone, book a Royal Caribbean cruise in Asia. Spectrum of the Seas currently offers cruises from Singapore visiting destinations in Southeast and East Asia, including Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and the Philippines.

Royal Caribbean calls these cruises “Culturally Enriching Cruises'' because they immerse guests into the local culture of a specific country or region. Whereas the majority of guests on a cruise from Florida tend to be from the United States or Canada, for example, the majority of guests on a cruise from Singapore or China are from those regions.

This means you will experience local flavors and culture while onboard, such as cuisine in the Main Dining Room and Windjammer inspired by local cuisine and production shows focusing on music and dancing as opposed to language.

In addition, once off the ship in port, you will continue to be immersed in a culture quite different from what you’re used to at home. From tasting spicy street food in Vietnam to exploring temples in Thailand, a whole world of adventure awaits you on a cruise to Asia!

The active traveler

Our recommendation: Alaska cruise

If the idea of your perfect vacation involves hiking, biking, and kayaking, look no further than a cruise to Alaska.

Those new to cruising may associate a cruise vacation with lounging on a pool chair and filling up plate after plate at the buffet. However, cruising offers so much more than that, and active travelers will find they have plenty of options when it comes to breaking a sweat in port.

Related: Best things to do on an Alaska cruise

An Alaska cruise is the perfect itinerary for those looking to explore the state’s breathtaking scenery. If you’re up for a challenge, put on your hiking boots for a summit hike of Mt. Roberts in Juneau. Or, if you'd prefer an adventure on water, kayak amongst the state's scenic fjords and glacial lakes.

Planning a cruise? Start here:

• 8 cruise tips for first-time Royal Caribbean cruisers
• What’s included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare
• 5 quick and easy tips for finding a great shore excursion on your own
• Food on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• Which is the best Royal Caribbean cruise ship?
• What is the best time to go on a Caribbean cruise?

We’re only a few weeks away from countless plates of turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie, and that also means Royal Caribbean will soon be announcing their 2022 Black Friday sale.

While Royal Caribbean’s Black Friday sale changes year to year, you can expect to see savings on both base cruise fare and add-ons purchased through Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner. 

Let’s take a look at what you should expect for Royal Caribbean’s 2022 Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals.

Does Royal Caribbean offer a Black Friday sale?

Black Friday–a major sales event on the day after Thanksgiving in the United States–is the unofficial start to the holiday shopping season. Retailers typically offer their most elusive deals during this time of the year. These sales continue on Cyber Monday, the online equivalent of Black Friday.

Because of this, you’ll find Royal Caribbean combining Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales into a weeklong “Cyber Week Sale”. 

While Black Friday sales are standard within the cruise industry, the best offers typically come during Wave Season (the first three months of the calendar year). That being said, you can expect to see some savings during the cruise line’s Cyber Week Sale.

When will Royal Caribbean's Black Friday sale be announced?

Royal Caribbean typically releases its Cyber Week Sale information a few days before Thanksgiving. Last year, the sale for pre-cruise add-ons began Tuesday, November 23 and the sale on cruise fares began Wednesday, November 24.

We can expect to see Royal Caribbean’s 2022 Black Friday and Cyber Monday cruise deals announced around November 20, 21, or 22 (Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday) this year. The sale will likely run for one week, from around Wednesday, November 23 to Tuesday, November 29.

What types of deals are offered on Black Friday?

The exact deal offered on Black Friday can change by year, but you can expect to see both savings on cruise fares and savings on pre-cruise purchases like shore excursions and dining packages.

Last year’s Black Friday sale on cruise fare allowed guests to save up to $550 in instant savings + 30% off every guest. The promotion ran from the Wednesday before Thanksgiving to the Tuesday after Thanksgiving.

It also had many discounts offered on pre-cruise add-ons, including the following:

• Soda or Refreshment Package: up to 50% off onboard prices
• Deluxe Beverage Package: 30% off onboard prices
• Shore excursions: up to 50% off
• Internet: up to 60% off
• Discounts on Unlimited Dining Package (discount varies by ship)
• Dinner at Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen: 25% off onboard prices
• 30% off spa treatments (discount varies by ship)

If you’re interested to see what types of Black Friday deals have been offered in recent years, check out our article on Royal Caribbean’s past Black Friday deals.

NOTE: Royal Caribbean will change the name of the promotion on the website depending on which day you visit the site (Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, etc.), but the promotion remains the same.

Should I book my cruise now or wait until Black Friday?

Royal Caribbean allows you to reprice your cruise until final payment date, meaning you can take advantage of a lower price even after booking*. Final payment is due 75 days prior to the sale date for 1-4 night cruises and 90 days prior to the sale date for cruises 5 nights or longer.

If you book a cruise in early November for $1,500 and later find the same sailing offered for $1,200 during the Black Friday sale, you can reprice the cruise and save $300 (provided the cruise is not within final payment).

Why is this important? Despite Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales offering the potential for savings, this isn’t always the case. Let’s look at an example of how waiting to book a cruise during Black Friday can sometimes be more expensive than booking beforehand.

Sample scenario

It’s early November and you are interested in booking a 7-night cruise on Symphony of the Seas. Royal Caribbean is offering a standard promotion, and the cruise fare for 2 adults in a balcony stateroom is $2,200.

However, you decide to wait to book the cruise. Black Friday is coming up in only two weeks, so you assume the deal will be better then.

Unfortunately, when you go to book the cruise on Black Friday, the price of that same balcony room is now $2,500! In the two weeks since you last checked, more staterooms sold on that sailing, and Royal Caribbean increased prices for the remaining staterooms.

There’s no guarantee a Black Friday deal will be better than any other promotion offered by Royal Caribbean during the year. Because of this, it’s best to book as soon as possible to lock in the best price for your sailing.

Related: Did Black Friday sales save you money on your cruise?

*NOTE: While Royal Caribbean’s website states that “Our Best Price Guarantee lets you take advantage of a better price within 48 hours from the time you booked,” we’ve confirmed with a travel agent that you can still reprice a cruise up until final payment.

What about booking cruise add-ons like drink packages and internet?

Just like your cruise fare, it’s always better to book cruise add-ons as soon as possible rather than waiting for the chance of a better deal.

You can cancel and rebook any add-ons on Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner up to 48 hours before sailing. If you book a drink package at $75/day and later see the price drop to $65/day, you can cancel and rebook at the lower price with no penalty.

Related: The Ultimate Guide to the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner site

Therefore, it’s best to book cruise add-ons now and check the Cruise Planner on Black Friday to see if the add-ons you purchased are being offered at a lower price. There’s no guarantee that you’ll find a better price on Black Friday, but if you do, you can easily cancel and rebook to save money.

Planning a cruise? Check out our best money saving tips:

• 45 ways to save money on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• How to cruise on the cheap
• Top 14 best free things to do on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• How to have the best experience for cheap on Royal Caribbean
• What’s included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare