Perfect Day at CocoCay is Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas, and it’s a favorite port among cruisers. With white sand beaches, crystal clear water, and thrilling activities like a waterpark and zip line, visiting the island is truly a perfect way to spend the day.

Around two million passengers visit CocoCay each year, many of whom are visiting for the first time. Unsurprisingly, these first-timers have plenty of questions about the island, from questions about what’s included to how they should spend their day.

We hear many of the same questions over and over again here at Royal Caribbean Blog—we wanted to answer them in one place. While not "dumb" questions, knowing the answers to these commonly asked questions should better help you plan your day on the island.

Let's jump in to answer your really "dumb" Perfect Day at CocoCay questions.

Where is Perfect Day at CocoCay?

Perfect Day at CocoCay is an island located in the Berry Islands chain of the Bahamas. The island is 140 miles east of Miami and 64 miles north of Nassau.

CocoCay’s location makes it a quick hop away from Florida, which is why it’s such a popular port visit on 3 and 4-night cruise itineraries.

Because CocoCay is located further north than most other cruise ports in the Caribbean, the weather can be chillier than some cruisers expect in the winter months. Water temperatures in the ocean and pools may be cold from November to February, although weather conditions can change from day to day, with some days sunny and warm and others windy and cold.

For the majority of the year, however, weather at Perfect Day at CocoCay is pleasantly warm with a gentle breeze.

How do you pronounce CocoCay?

If there’s one topic that’s controversial among Royal Caribbean cruisers, it’s how to pronounce Perfect Day at CocoCay.

With Bahamian pronunciation, CocoCay is pronounced Coco-KEY. A cay is a low elevation landmass formed on top of a coral reef, and CocoCay is a cay.

Nonetheless, many cruisers refer to the island as Coco-CAY, as it rhymes with Perfect Day. Making matters more confusing is that Royal Caribbean’s signature CocoCay song, which plays as guests arrive at the island, pronounces the island Coco-CAY as well.

Technically, there’s no wrong way to pronounce the island, but the correct Bahamian pronunciation is Coco-KEY.

Do you have to pay to go to Perfect Day at CocoCay?

Admission to Perfect Day at CocoCay is included in your cruise fare. While some activities cost extra on the island, such as the waterpark and Coco Beach Club, the majority of the island is accessible to all guests at no extra cost.

Related: Coco Beach Club: cost, tips & review

You can easily spend a whole day on the island without spending anything extra. Most visitors spend their day at one of the island’s white sand beaches or at the spacious Oasis Lagoon pool. Families with kids may enjoy spending time at Splashaway Bay, an aqua park with slides, water sprayers, and splash pads.

Participating in extra-cost activities can be fun, but it's not necessary in order to have an enjoyable day.

Is there food at Perfect Day at CocoCay?

There are several food venues at Perfect Day at CocoCay, most of which are included in your cruise fare.

Snack Shack is a popular grab and go spot on the island, and there are three locations. Snack Shack is best known for their crispy chicken sandwich, and other items include mozzarella sticks, burgers, hot dogs, and salads.

In addition to Snack Shack are two large buffets: Chill Grill and Skipper’s Grill. Both buffets serve the same food, which includes tacos, sandwiches, salads, french fries, and dessert.

Guests who purchased a day pass to the Coco Beach Club have access to the Coco Beach Club Restaurant. More refined than the island’s grab and go venues, this sit-down restaurant has a Mediterranean flare, serving items like lobster, grouper, filet mignon, and ceviche.

An additional dining venue, Captain Jack’s, serves steak fries and chicken wings, but these come at an extra cost and are priced à la carte.

How much does Thrill Waterpark cost at Perfect Day at CocoCay?

Of all the excursions you can purchase at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Thrill Waterpark is among the most popular. This large waterpark has over a dozen waterslides, including the tallest slide in North America at 135 feet.

Related: Guide to Thrill Waterpark at Perfect Day at CocoCay

In addition to slides is a wave pool and an adventure pool with floating obstacles and a rock climbing wall.

There is no set price of admission to Thrill Waterpark, and the price changes from ship to ship and sailing to sailing. The price can also change from day to day, so it’s challenging to predict the cost of Thrill Waterpark.

A good estimate for admission to Thrill Waterpark is around $100 to $150 per person. If you’re interested in visiting the waterpark, we recommend making a reservation as soon as possible. If the price lowers, you can always cancel and rebook the excursion with no penalty, thus taking advantage of the lower price.

The same repricing strategy works for any add-on or excursion you purchase at Perfect Day at CocoCay. If you book the Coco Beach Club for $199 per person and later see the price drop to $150, cancel and rebook the reservation for the lower price on Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner website.

Does my drink package work at Perfect Day at CocoCay?

If you purchased a drink package for your Royal Caribbean cruise, it will work at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

One major advantage of purchasing a drink package for an itinerary that visits CocoCay is that your drink package works on the island in the same way it works onboard. Regardless of whether you purchased the alcoholic, nonalcoholic, or soda package, you can enjoy unlimited drinks while on the island.

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

Nothing screams vacation quite like a frozen fruity cocktail on the beach, so be sure to take advantage of your drink package perks while ashore.

Do you need cash at Perfect Day at CocoCay?

You do not need to bring cash to Perfect Day at CocoCay. All purchases including drinks, souvenirs, and extra-cost food items can be purchased using your cruise ship SeaPass card. Purchases will then be charged to your onboard account, which will charge to your credit card at the end of the cruise.

Related: How much cash should you bring on a cruise?

Even the artisan market, where you can purchase souvenirs from Bahamian vendors, accepts payments via your SeaPass card until 2:30PM. If shopping after 2:30PM, you can make payment in cash.

Is there an adults-only beach at Perfect Day at CocoCay?

Yes, Hideaway Beach is an adults-only enclave on the north side of the island, located near Thrill Waterpark.

You'll need to be at least 18 years old to go into Hideaway Beach, and there is an admission cost to go there. The cost ranges between $20 - $75 per person, depending on the sailing.

Admission gets you access to a beach, heated pool with swim-up bar, lounge chairs, umbrellas, and food for lunch and snacks.

Related: Guide to Hideaway Beach at Perfect Day at CocoCay

How do you get around the island?

Perfect Day at CocoCay is a small island, and only one side of the island is developed for guests. Because of this, it’s easy to walk around the entire destination in one day on foot.

If you want quick access from one area to another, however, you can utilize the island’s free tram system. CocoCay has trams available that run in loops around the island, taking guests from beach to beach and back and forth from the ship.

You will find tram stations around the island, which are marked with signage and benches. Trams come frequently throughout the day, so it’s unlikely you’ll have to wait more than a few minutes for a tram.

Do chairs and umbrellas cost extra at Perfect Day at CocoCay?

There are thousands of beach chairs and umbrellas at Perfect Day at CocoCay and they are completely free to use. Chairs are on a first come, first serve basis. There are more than enough chairs for all guests, but the chairs closest to the water are snagged up quickly.

Most chairs also have a beach umbrella to provide shade, although some chairs do not. We recommend getting to the beach early in the day to find the best-located chairs.

In addition to beach chairs and umbrellas, there are hammocks, bean bags chairs, and other seating available on the island that is free to use.

If you want to rent a daybed or cabana, you will have to reserve a spot in advance. Prices can vary greatly depending on the type of cabana you book, so check the Cruise Planner for your particular sailing to see current pricing.

Related: Guide to CocoCay Cabanas

Does Royal Caribbean offer overnight visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay?

While some cruise lines may offer late night or overnight stays at their private destinations, Royal Caribbean does not.

The cruise line initially planned to offer overnight stays at Perfect Day at CocoCay but later decided against it. In fact, Royal Caribbean heard from guests that they preferred spending their evenings onboard after spending all day on the island.

In addition, Royal Caribbean makes more money when the ship is not docked overnight. The casino and retail stores cannot be open while a ship is docked, so those venues only make money while the ship sails.

Although the ship could theoretically sail away from the island and return the following morning, this isn’t something being offered at this time.

Where can I put my belongings while on the island?

If you’re worried about keeping your belongings and valuables safe while on the island, you can place them in a locker.

Perfect Day at CocoCay has lockers scattered around the island that are free to use. To use a locker, you’ll set a pin that will allow you to open and close the locker as you wish.

Related: Where to keep SeaPass Card, phone, and cash when on a shore excursion?

Inside the locker you can place items like your phone, wallet, camera, and other valuables. This comes in handy when you’re at the waterpark or going swimming as you won’t have to worry about whether or not your personal belongings are safe.

Check out more of your dumb cruise questions answered:

• Your really dumb cruise ship cabin questions answered
• Your really dumb cruise ship dining questions answered
• Your really dumb cruise ship shore excursions questions answered

What to pack for an Alaska cruise is not as difficult as it may seem. While packing for a cold-weather cruise may require more preparation than a cruise to the Caribbean, a few key layers should suffice in nearly all weather conditions.

Packing for an Alaska cruise is not necessarily problematic, but it does require some careful planning and consideration. The weather in Alaska can be unpredictable given the range of temperatures.

When looking at a map, you may be surprised to see just how far south Alaska cruise ports are located. While Alaska cruise marketing tends to show images of snow and glaciers, it’s not necessary to pack for Arctic-level temperatures. In fact, you probably already have most clothing items you’ll need for an Alaska cruise at home!

While packing for an Alaska cruise may require a bit more thought than packing for a trip to a warmer destination, with some careful planning and consideration, you can ensure that you have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable voyage.

Alaska cruise: The basics

Before starting to pack, it’s important to understand the basics of an Alaska cruise so you know what to expect both onboard and in port.

Royal Caribbean’s Alaska cruises are generally 7-night sailings, offering 3 or 4 days in port with 2 or 3 days at sea. Cruises visit towns along Southeast Alaska, the panhandle of the state, which borders British Columbia, Canada.

Southeast Alaska is quite a ways away from the Arctic Circle and polar bears, so you may be surprised to encounter nice weather while visiting the state. Alaska cruises are offered during the warmest months of the year, from April to September, so it’s not uncommon to experience warm, sunny days.

Related: What is the best time to cruise to Alaska?

The month you sail can have a huge impact on what you need to pack as well. For cruises in June, July, and August, you may want to pack more short sleeve shirts than in May or September. And while wool socks and warm hats are recommended at any time of the year, it’s especially important to pack warm layers in the very beginning or end of the Alaska cruise season.

Related: What it’s like to go on an Alaska cruise at the end of the season

The main thing to remember when packing for an Alaska cruise is to plan for any and all types of weather conditions.

What to pack for an Alaska cruise

Layers

Packing layers is necessary on an Alaska cruise. Morning and evening can be much colder than what you may experience in mid-afternoon, so having the flexibility to put on or take off clothing will be well appreciated.

Your base layer will be a short or long sleeved t-shirt and a pair of jeans, leggings, or other lightweight pants. On the warmest of days, shorts may be preferred whereas the coldest days may have you layering both leggings and jeans.

Over your base layer you’ll want to pack a warm layer. Sweaters, sweatshirts, and fleece or down jackets will help keep you warm no matter the weather, and they’re easy to take off if it gets too hot.

In addition, don’t forget to pack a waterproof layer. Due to strong winds and ease of use in crowded areas, we don’t recommend packing an umbrella. Therefore, it’s important to pack a waterproof jacket with a hood. This should keep you dry in the wettest of conditions.

Footwear

An Alaska cruise calls for a wide range of footwear, as you’ll need a sturdy pair of shoes to wear in port and shoes to wear onboard. A pair of water-resistant sneakers or lightweight hiking shoes is recommended, as they tend to keep your feet comfortable and warm while providing enough support for a range of outdoor activities. Active sandals, such as Chacos, can be nice in the summer months as well.

Packing a pair of comfortable lounge shoes for the ship is a good idea, too. Slippers, flip flops, or comfy sneakers can be nice to have when walking around the ship and your stateroom.

Whichever type of shoes you decide to bring, make sure the soles of your shoes have plenty of grip. You may encounter slippery or rocky surfaces on shore excursions or while exploring on your own, so you want to make sure your shoes have enough friction.

Accessories

Outside of your main clothes and footwear, don’t forget to pack accessories for an Alaska cruise. From hats to wool socks, scarves, gloves, sunscreen, and sunglasses, there are many accessories that you’ll want to bring with you to Alaska.

Related: What to bring on a cruise to Alaska?

A water-resistant daypack is one of our top Alaska cruise packing tips. You’ll need somewhere to put your valuables during the day, so making sure the pack is water-resistant or waterproof is crucial. A backpack will be the most comfortable option and can fit everything you’ll need for a busy day in port.

Binoculars may be of interest to you as well, especially if you plan to do any wildlife viewing excursions. Being able to see the state’s wildlife and nature up close is well worth the cost of an entry-level pair of binoculars.

I'd also recommend bringing a camera with a zoom lens or a cellphone that takes high quality photos. You should also bring enough chargers and enough memory cards for the hundreds of photos that you will likely take.

A portable charger is useful for full-day trips where you might burn through your cellphone battery. This portable charger is the one I recommend using (link contains affiliate link that costs you nothing extra).

Cruise clothes

Outside of what you’ll wear in port, remember to pack for your time onboard the ship! Don’t forget to pack clothes for formal night, your swimsuit to wear in the pool, and comfy clothes for lounging in your stateroom.

While it’s not necessary to pack an entirely new outfit for dinner each night, rotating 2-4 outfits can be a nice way to ensure you have dressier clothes to wear while still keeping your packing relatively light.

Related: What to wear on a cruise formal night

Alaska cruise packing list

Clothes

• Waterproof jacket with a hood
• Fleece or down jacket
• Sweaters and sweatshirts (to wear onboard and in port)
• T-shirts and long sleeve shirts
• 2-3 pairs long pants (jeans and slacks for dinner)
• 1-2 pairs leggings
• 1-2 pairs shorts
• Formal wear for dinner (2-4 dresses, collared shirts, etc.)
• Swimsuit
• Pajamas
• Casual loungewear for onboard
• Underwear and socks
• Clothes for the onboard fitness center

Footwear and accessories

• Water-resistant shoes with a sturdy, non-slippery sole (hiking boots, sneakers)
• Dress shoes for dinner
• Comfy shoes for walking around your stateroom/ship (sandals or sneakers)
• Water-resistant daypack
• Hat (baseball cap, beanie, etc.)
• Gloves
• Binoculars
• Sunglasses
• Scarf
• Camera
• Waterproof case for cellphone
• Portable cellphone charger
• Things to do onboard (books, card games, etc.)
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray

How to avoid overpacking on an Alaskan cruise?

It's really easy to find yourself overpacking for an Alaska cruise because of the wide temperature swings involved in a typical sailing.

One area of the cruise you can probably ease up on in terms of packing is what to wear for dinner.

In general, the dress code tends to be more casual at dinner.  While there are still formal nights on Alaska cruises, you'll see far more guests opting for just jeans and a collared shirt rather than a suit or tuxedo.

I've also noticed most women not wearing dresses to dinner on an Alaska cruise and instead nice jeans, pants, and sweaters.

You can also reduce the amount of clothes you bring to Alaska by relying on laundry services.

Royal Caribbean offers laundry on its ships that you pay for, but if that means packing half the clothes you might otherwise pack, that could save a lot of space (and perhaps baggage fees from the airlines).

More Alaska cruise tips:

• 50 tips for planning your Alaska cruise
• How to choose the right Alaska cruise itinerary
• Best time to cruise to Alaska
• Best things to do on an Alaska cruise

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What's it like to take a Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise in 2023?

Whether you’re planning an Alaska cruise this season or are hoping to visit Alaska in the coming years, it’s helpful to know what to expect.

After my recent Royal Caribbean cruise to Alaska on Quantum of the Seas, I gained a few important insights that I wanted to share with those visiting Alaska this summer.

Knowing what to expect when it comes to the check-in process, dining, ports, cabins, and activities will prepare you for everything you may encounter on your vacation.

Alaska cruises are becoming increasingly popular—it’s estimated nearly 1.6 million cruise passengers will visit the state in 2023.

Indeed, the 49th state is one of the most picturesque destinations in the world. From its towering mountains to magnificent glaciers and historic towns, it’s hard not to be in awe of the sights around you as your ship sails through the state’s chilly waters.

Here’s what a Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise is like in 2023.

Before your Alaska cruise, you will need to spend a night in Seattle or Vancouver.

One of the most important pieces of cruise advice we share is to arrive in your embarkation city, whether it’s Seattle or Vancouver, the day before your cruise begins. For my Alaska cruise, I flew to Seattle the day before my cruise, arriving in the city around 2PM.

While arriving a day early means you have to pay for a hotel and request an extra day off work, it’s well worth the peace of mind knowing you have enough time to make it to the cruise terminal. Flying to Seattle or Vancouver the same day as your Alaska cruise is risky, as any delays or cancellations could cause you to miss your flight altogether.

After taking the light rail from the airport to downtown, I checked into my hotel, and I had the rest of the evening to sightsee around the city.

I booked a stay at the Grand Hyatt Seattle, which was conveniently located in the heart of downtown. I paid only $220 for the 4-star hotel via Priceline’s Express Deals, a blind booking feature offering discount fares on hotel rooms.

Related: I’m a budget traveler, and here are 10 ways I saved money on my Alaska cruise

During the evening and the following morning, I explored downtown Seattle, visiting popular attractions like Pike Place Market and the Olympic Sculpture Park. I also ate dinner and breakfast in the city; my favorite restaurant in Seattle is Din Tai Fung, a Chinese dim sum restaurant serving freshly made dumplings and noodles.

If you’re cruising to Alaska this year, I recommend turning your pre-cruise stay in Seattle (or Vancouver) into a mini vacation, as it’s a nice way to kick off your cruise vacation a little earlier.

Embarkation day for my Alaska cruise was straightforward, and I was on the ship within 20 minutes of arrival at the cruise terminal.

I had a check-in time of 12PM for my Quantum of the Seas cruise, which timed out perfectly with check-out of my hotel in downtown Seattle.

Royal Caribbean ships depart from Pier 91, which is located around three miles from downtown Seattle. I recommend taking a Lyft or Uber to the cruise port as opposed to a hotel shuttle service, as it’s easier to leave on your schedule rather than wait for a shuttle to arrive.

Related: Guide to Seattle cruise port for Alaska cruises

If you’re cruising from Vancouver, however, it’s possible to walk to the cruise terminal from downtown hotels. If you have a lot of luggage, though, you can always take a Lyft or Uber there as well.

Upon reaching Pier 91 in Seattle, I quickly dropped off my luggage with the porters and entered the cruise terminal. I was pleased to see minimal lines at the terminal’s entrance, although I noticed check-in times were not being enforced, so we probably could have arrived earlier than our scheduled check-in time.

We breezed past check-in and security and were able to immediately board the ship.

Once onboard, most guests immediately headed to the Windjammer buffet for embarkation day lunch. We also decided to eat lunch at the Windjammer, but upon arriving we had to wait in a line for tables to open.

I had never experienced a line to enter the Windjammer before, but we were told the space was at capacity. Luckily the line only took a few minutes, but if you’re looking to avoid crowds, I’d recommend eating lunch at a quieter venue like Cafe @ Two 70 or a specialty restaurant instead.

Cruise cabins to Alaska offer everything you need for a comfortable stay during your week onboard.

Whether you book a small inside room or spacious suite for an Alaska cruise, it will quickly become your home away from home.

I booked an interior cabin for my Quantum of the Seas cruise, and I found the room to have much more walking and storage space than I thought it would.

Related: Take a look inside my interior cabin on Quantum of the Seas

If you’re cruising on Ovation of the Seas or Quantum of the Seas to Alaska, you will find modern cabins with ample storage space and plenty of outlets to charge electronics. In addition, all interior cabins on these ships have a virtual balcony, a floor-to-ceiling television screen depicting a live feed from a camera outside the ship.

If you’re cruising from Vancouver on Radiance of the Seas or Brilliance of the Seas, expect more outdated cabins. You may notice more wear and tear in your cabin on an older ship and there won’t be as much storage space or outlets available.

Nonetheless, cabins on older ships will still offer everything you need during your stay, including a king-sized bed, private bathroom, desk, television, and closet.

Cruise ports are busy, so you should disembark the ship early.

My Quantum of the Seas cruise called upon Ketchikan, Juneau, Sitka, and Victoria, and we also enjoyed a glacier viewing day at Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier. If there’s one thing I learned during my time in port, it was to disembark the ship early to avoid crowds.

If your cruise visits Alaska in the peak season, there could be four or more ships in port at the same time. This means over 15,000 passengers could visit the port on the same day, leading to intense crowding in busy areas.

I noticed places like Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau were extra busy this year—at times it was too busy to be enjoyable. Mentally preparing for crowds at popular spots is important to ensure you are not too overwhelmed with the amount of people present.

In most scenarios, however, the earlier you disembark the ship, the more empty a cruise port will be. When our ship docked in Ketchikan, for example, we disembarked immediately and enjoyed pleasant, crowd-free walking around the quaint town.

As we were heading back to the ship a few hours later, more cruise ships had since docked, and the crowds increased exponentially. At that moment, I was grateful to have done the majority of my exploring before the crowds arrived.

Shore excursions are expensive in 2023, but there are more than enough low cost activities to enjoy.

If you were shocked upon seeing the prices for Alaska shore excursions, you’re not alone.

Shore excursions in Alaska are notoriously expensive. Expect to pay at least $150 for a whale watching tour, $500-700 for a glacier helicopter ride, and over $100 for a cycling tour to Mendenhall Glacier.

Alaska excursions can quickly break your budget, but the good news is that there is a plethora of free or low cost activities to do in port instead.

During my Quantum of the Seas cruise, I chose to explore ports on my own instead of booking shore excursions. Doing so allowed me to not only have more freedom in what I wanted to do, but save money, too.

Related: Tips for taking an Alaska cruise on a budget

In Ketchikan, I walked to the historic red-light district, Creek Street, hiked up the Married Man’s Trail, and visited two museums on Alaska’s history and Native culture.

In my second port of call, Sitka, I booked a shuttle bus for $20 that took me to Fortress of the Bear, a bear rehabilitation center outside of downtown. With a $15 entrance fee, I was able to watch brown and black bears up close, a fascinating experience with a relatively low cost.

While in Juneau, I spent $50 to rent a bicycle for the day, which enabled me to visit Mendenhall Glacier at a lower cost than cruise ship excursions.

Finally, my last port of call took me to Victoria, British Columbia. With only five hours in port, I decided against an excursion in favor of walking around the city, which proved to be a lovely experience. Victoria’s downtown is the most charming of any cruise ports I visited on the sailing, and admiring the views costs nothing extra.

If you have an Alaska cruise planned for 2023, I recommend reading the following guides to get an idea of what free or low cost activities are available in each port:

• Top 10 things to do in Ketchikan
• Top 10 things to do in Sitka
• Top 10 things to do in Juneau
• Top 10 things to do in Skagway

If your ship visits Skagway, be prepared for extra lines.

Landslides recently occurred right next to one of Skagway’s cruise docks, and it has disrupted scheduled visits to Skagway this summer. In fact, Royal Caribbean canceled Quantum of the Seas visits to Skagway in 2023, but Ovation of the Seas is still making her scheduled visits.

Due to the risk of additional landslides, passengers are not permitted to walk the length of the pier. Therefore, passengers must board shuttle buses outside the ship that will drive down the pier.

The ride only lasts a minute, but you might encounter long lines waiting to board a shuttle bus. Some cruise lines have been using tender boats instead of shuttle buses, but neither method is convenient.

To avoid waiting in line, I recommend disembarking the ship as early as possible. As soon as you hear an announcement that the gangway has opened, leave the ship immediately to be one of the first in line.

Radiance Class ships usually dock at a separate pier in Skagway, so you may not be affected by the landslide if sailing on one of these vessels.

Alaska cruises in 2023 feature Royal Caribbean’s new Main Dining Room menu and a range of other eateries.

One difference with Alaska cruises this year is that they feature Royal Caribbean’s new Main Dining Room menu, which was launched fleetwide in early 2023.

The dinner menu has a different theme each evening, such as Italian night and French night. I noticed a few theme differences compared to what I’ve seen on Caribbean cruises, as an Asian theme night was offered in lieu of Mexican night.

There are three options for dinner in the Main Dining Room: early, late, and My Time Dining. On my cruise, early dinner was at 5PM with late seating at 8PM. With My Time Dining, you can reserve a different dining time for each evening, but if you forget to make a reservation, you’ll have to wait in a line for an available table.

Related: Dinner on Royal Caribbean: Early Dinner vs. Late Dinner

On my Alaska cruise, I ate in the Main Dining Room just two out of seven nights. Unfortunately, our early dining time coincided with the sailaway time from most Alaska cruise ports. If I wanted to watch the breathtaking scenery outside, I had to forgo dinner in the dining room, as most tables were not by a window.

Instead, I dined most evenings in the Windjammer. The buffet’s large windows offered the perfect spot to watch Alaska’s scenery, and I preferred the quick service and wider range of cuisines at the restaurant.

Depending on which ship you book for an Alaska cruise, dining options can vary. All ships will feature the Main Dining Room along with the Windjammer buffet, Chops Grill steakhouse, and an Italian specialty restaurant.

Other venues vary from ship to ship, but you’ll find a mix of included and extra cost food on any cruise ship visiting Alaska.

Booking popular activities like RipCord by iFLY and The North Star can be confusing—here’s how to book a complimentary slot.

If you’re cruising to Alaska on a Quantum Class ship, then you’ll surely want to try the ships’ signature activities.

One of the most popular things to do on both Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas is RipCord by iFLY, an indoor skydiving simulator. For this activity, passengers enter a skydiving chamber that blows strong wind upwards, allowing them to “skydive” in the chamber.

Another sought-after activity is the North Star, an observational pod that rises from the ship’s pool deck to 300 feet above sea level. Views from the North Star are unparalleled—they offer a 360 degree view of Alaska’s scenery from a high vantage point.

The catch with these two activities is that there are both free and paid options. For RipCord by iFLY, 1-minute flights are complimentary, but 2-minute flights cost around $50. As for the North Star, you’ll find complimentary rides when your ship is in port, but the activity costs extra while your ship is at sea.

Related: 15 free things to try on your next cruise

As you might expect, most passengers hope to book a coveted complimentary spot for these activities. In the past, Royal Caribbean opened the full week’s worth of reservations on embarkation day, meaning the slots filled up quickly. Once they were gone, you were out of luck.

In 2023, I noticed a more staggered approach. Instead of opening all slots for the week on embarkation day, the app would open a few slots each day instead. By checking the daily list of activities regularly on the app, you could often find an open slot for the North Star or RipCord by iFLY.

Slots usually opened up the day before the activity, so a 5PM ride on the North Star on Thursday could be booked starting on Wednesday.

Some shows require reservations, so be sure to reserve these productions early.

In addition to reserving select onboard activities, you might also need to reserve entertainment on an Alaska cruise.

Luckily, most entertainment on Royal Caribbean ships does not require reserving a seat in advance. You can enjoy live music at lounges, participate in game shows, and attend the majority of production shows with no prior reservation.

Reservations are only required for the signature shows in Two70, one of the main entertainment spaces on Quantum Class ships. On Quantum of the Seas this show is titled Starwater, whereas the Two70 production on Ovation of the Seas is Pixel’s Cabaret.

In Two70 you will catch productions augmented with technology. The venue was designed to wow guests through its massive screen projections and moving television screens, and it's certainly an impressive entertainment space.

You can make reservations for shows on the Royal Caribbean app once you get onboard, or you can reserve a seat prior to your cruise on Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner website. If there are no seats available, I still advise showing up to the entertainment venue. If there are empty seats in the theater ~10 minutes prior to the show, they will open the theater to those without a reservation.

When it came time to disembark the ship, I was glad I booked a flight after 12PM

No one likes the end of a cruise, but unfortunately all Alaska cruises must come to an end.

I booked my flight home from Seattle’s airport at 12:30PM, and I’m glad I booked a flight after noon. Seattle’s airport is around a half hour drive from the cruise terminal, but during morning rush hour the drive can take even longer.

On the last day of the cruise, I disembarked the ship around 8:30AM. By the time I got through the cruise terminal, walked to the rideshare pickup area, and got inside a Lyft, it was nearing 9 o’clock.

After driving to the airport and going through security, another hour had passed. I was happy I booked a flight a little later so I didn’t have to worry about making my flight on time. Flights before 11AM would be risky, as you never know what kind of delays (both in the cruise terminal and in traffic) you might encounter on the way.

If you’re planning an Alaska cruise, I always recommend booking a flight no earlier than ~11:30AM to ensure you have enough time to make your flight.

Planning an Alaska cruise? Check out more of our tips and tricks:

• 50 Best Alaska cruise tips
• Alaska cruise packing list: What to pack for your sailing
• Alaska cruise mistakes to avoid

Among the cruising community, Princess Cruises is supposedly the “best” cruise line for Alaska cruises, so I wanted to see how it compared to Royal Caribbean.

It’s no secret that I love cruising to Alaska—I’ve cruised to the Last Frontier five times in the past two years. After four cruises on Royal Caribbean, however, I figured it was time to try something new, so I booked a cruise on the Royal Princess, a Princess ship launched in 2013.

Prior to booking my cruise, I heard that Princess Cruises was a market leader for Alaska cruises. Not only do they have a permit to visit Glacier Bay National Park, but they offer special enrichment activities throughout the sailing, designed to immerse passengers in the state’s cultural and natural wonders.

Because I’ve enjoyed my Royal Caribbean cruises to Alaska so much, I was curious as to how Princess would compare to Royal Caribbean’s Alaska offerings.

During my 7-night cruise, I compared the food, cabins, entertainment, service, and ship design of each cruise line to see how they stood apart from each other. Would it be worth sailing on Princess, a line that puts a large focus on Alaska, or would I regret not cruising on Royal Caribbean?

Here’s what I found out.

I paid $2,494 for an interior cabin on the Royal Princess during the peak season. It was slightly more expensive than my Royal Caribbean Alaska cruises.

I always thought a cruise on Princess would be much more expensive than a Royal Caribbean cruise, but that was not the case.

My 7-night Alaska cruise on the Royal Princess came out to $2,494, or $1,247 per guest, as my sister joined me on this sailing. The cruise fare reflected the price of 2 adults in an interior cabin, and it included taxes, fees, and gratuities.

To put this price into perspective, here’s what I paid for an interior cabin on my previous Alaska cruises:

• Ovation of the Seas (October 2021): $727 total (end of season and solo guest)
• Radiance of the Seas (August 2022): $1,118 (2 guests and last-minute deal)
• Quantum of the Seas (May 2023): $1,856 (2 guests)
• Ovation of the Seas (June 2023): $2,182 (2 guests)

Related: What is the cheapest month for an Alaska cruise?

My cruise departed on June 17, so it was right at the start of Alaska’s peak summer season. So while it was the most expensive of all my Alaska cruises, the price may have been cheaper if I sailed in the shoulder season or found a last-minute deal.

I was shocked at how poorly my Princess cruise ship was designed for an Alaska itinerary compared to Royal Caribbean’s ships.

Because Princess is revered for their Alaska cruises, I was flabbergasted at the design and layout of the Royal Princess. It was, to be blunt, terribly designed for cold weather.

I’ve sailed on three Royal Caribbean ships to Alaska: Radiance of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, and Ovation of the Seas. All three of these ships were designed for cold weather, with indoor pools, lounges with large windows, and indoor activities like a sports court and movie theater.

When I boarded the Royal Princess, I was shocked to find out there were no indoor pool spaces on the ship. Furthermore, there were hardly any indoor lounges with windows looking toward the outside—most windows in lounges looked toward the promenade deck with views blocked by lifeboats.

Thankfully we had excellent weather for most of the cruise, so it was possible to sit on the outdoor decks to watch Alaska’s scenery. If we hadn’t, though, it would have been challenging to enjoy the views without freezing or getting soaked in the rain.

Related: The best time to visit Alaska

On my Royal Caribbean cruises to Alaska, I spend most of my time lounging in the adults-only Solarium, a climate-controlled space with massive floor-to-ceiling windows in all directions.

Other venues, like the Two70 lounge with its 270 degree window views, are much better designed for Alaska compared to the Royal Princess’ dark, enclosed venues.

I couldn’t believe the Royal Princess was built just a year before Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas. Although the Royal Princess had some pretty spaces, it seemed years older than the innovative design and layout of Quantum of the Seas.

My cabin on the Royal Princess was better than the cabins I’ve had on other Alaska cruises.

Like most cruises, I booked an interior cabin on the Royal Princess, and it was the best cabin I’ve had on any Alaska cruise thus far. While I usually expect inside cabins to be extremely small, I was impressed with not only my cabin’s size, but its layout.

Most interior cabins on Royal Caribbean cruises are small and compact. On most of my Alaska cruises, my interior room has consisted of a bed, a small chair or couch, and a desk. All furniture was placed in the same area and there was little walking space around the room.

On my recent Quantum of the Seas cruise, I was lucky enough to stay in an interior room built for four guests. These interior rooms are bigger than a standard interior cabin, but it still appeared small compared to the room I had on the Royal Princess.

Related: I always stay in an inside cabin on a cruise ship. Here's why I actually like these rooms

My Royal Princess cabin had two separate spaces in the room: a sleeping area and a closet/bathroom space. The sleeping area had two twin beds, a big desk and vanity area, drawers, nightstands, and a full-length mirror. It also had a large TV, and I was pleased to find out that on-demand movies came at no extra charge.

Behind this part of the cabin was a “walk-in closet” space that connected to the bathroom. It was nice to have this separate closet space as it allowed for easy changing when sharing a room, and it helped to separate the cabin into two areas.

The only thing missing in the room was a plush chair or couch—we had to sit on either our beds or the small desk chair. Nonetheless, the room’s spacious layout made up for the lack of an additional seating area.

I loved spending time in my interior cabin, something I almost never feel about other inside rooms.

While food is subjective, I preferred most of the food on Royal Caribbean compared to Princess.

When reading online reviews about Princess before my sailing, I heard fantastic things about the cruise line’s food. I was expecting the food to wow me, but that was not the case.

Food is, of course, subjective, but I found that overall, I preferred the food on Royal Caribbean over Princess. I enjoy the themed cuisine menus each night on Royal Caribbean’s Main Dining Room menu, and their buffet is the best I’ve tried on any cruise line thus far.

The Main Dining Room on Princess tended to offer more upscale dishes—oxtail soup and five-spice duck breast, to name a few. Although the dishes we did try were tasty, my sister and I rarely found the menus appealing, so we ended up at the buffet more nights than not.

The buffet on Princess offered both standard American and international options, and while there was a lot of variety, I found the overall quality of food to be higher at Royal Caribbean’s Windjammer buffet. The desserts, in particular, were extremely subpar at the buffet, a disappointment for my sweet tooth!

That being said, the ramen noodle station at the buffet was on par with what I would expect from a specialty restaurant on Royal Caribbean. In fact, it was probably the best food I’ve ever had from a buffet on both land and sea.

It was easy to see where Princess allocated extra funds compared to Royal Caribbean.

Although I found the food to be overall better on Royal Caribbean, I noticed a few ways where Princess spent extra on dining compared to the latter.

The buffet had a far wider range of condiments and toppings, whether sriracha for Asian dishes or nutella for French toast.

The soft serve ice cream machine, as another example, had a new flavor each day in addition to vanilla. During the week we enjoyed banana, strawberry, pineapple, vanilla, and chocolate ice cream, and they even had a toppings bar with sprinkles and chocolate sauce.

Royal Caribbean, on the other hand, tends to only offer chocolate and vanilla, and the ice cream station is only open for a short portion of the day. On Princess, we could enjoy ice cream anytime from 11AM to 10PM.

Another plus was that Princess offered complimentary room service, which was a nice perk compared to Royal Caribbean’s $7.95 room service charge.

Related: Royal Caribbean room service guide & tips

Although we were disappointed with the cruise line’s supposed deliver-to-anywhere feature in the app (the food almost never came), we managed to have a few orders delivered throughout the cruise.

It was evident that Princess spent a little more on these small touches, and it definitely enhanced my dining experience.

My Princess cruise shined in its Alaska-themed activities, although Royal Caribbean still offers more to do overall.

Princess runs a program called North to Alaska during their Alaska itineraries, which is an enrichment program designed to immerse passengers in the Alaska experience. This is a huge selling point for their Alaska cruises, and I was interested to see how it compared to Royal Caribbean’s programming.

Unsurprisingly, Princess shined in its Alaska offerings. Although Royal Caribbean may occasionally host Alaska-themed events on its itineraries, it’s nothing like what is offered on Princess.

During our cruise, I attended a “Meet the Sled Dogs” program, during which an Iditarod trainer boarded the ship with sled dog puppies. After a brief presentation about these active pups, passengers were able to meet the puppies in the ship’s atrium.

Related: Best things to do on an Alaska cruise

In addition to the sled dog programming were lectures on Alaska’s glaciers and wildlife along with kid-friendly activities like storytime with the ship’s mascot, Stanley the Bear. As far as food goes, the buffet and Main Dining Room put a focus on Alaskan cuisine during the sailing, which was another nice touch.

I was impressed by the North to Alaska programming, but I still found the activity offerings onboard limited compared to what is offered on Royal Caribbean. It’s hard to beat the activities offered on a Royal Caribbean cruise, from surfing simulators to bumper cars, sushi classes, trivia, and game shows.

While the Royal Princess still offered daily activities, they were not as frequent or varied compared to what I’ve experienced on Royal Caribbean.

I found the service on Princess to be adequate, but it lacked the family feel of a Royal Caribbean cruise.

I was neither impressed nor unimpressed with the service on my Princess cruise. Don’t get me wrong, I met some incredibly friendly crew workers, but at times the service was definitely lacking.

Aside from our favorite ice cream attendants, who exclaimed “My ladies are back!” whenever my sister and I would get in line for a cone, and our welcoming stateroom attendant, I was disappointed with the level of service onboard.

Many crew members did not appear happy to help us with problems when they arose. And, after witnessing a few inpatient crew members in the buffet nearly yell at passengers, I was too intimidated to ask questions about a particular dish if I didn’t know what it was.

Additionally, I missed hearing “Welcome Back!” after getting onboard after a port day, and I found myself missing the service I’ve experienced on other cruises. Perhaps I’m just used to the over-the-top friendly service on Royal Caribbean, but I was genuinely surprised with the more stand-offish service on Princess.

Like food, service is subjective, and one passenger’s experience could be different from another. It’s entirely possible we just encountered some crew members at a stressful time, and my experience should not be a reflection of the hard-working crew as a whole.

Visiting Glacier Bay National Park was a highlight of my Princess cruise, and this experience is not possible on Royal Caribbean.

One major difference between cruising to Alaska on Princess vs Royal Caribbean is visiting Glacier Bay National Park.

The primary reason I booked a cruise on the Royal Princess was to visit Glacier Bay National Park. Royal Caribbean does not have the permit to enter the park, so unfortunately you cannot visit Glacier Bay on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Although you can visit destinations like Hubbard Glacier and Dawes Glacier with Royal Caribbean, I heard great things about Glacier Bay and was determined to check it out.

Related: Hubbard Glacier vs Glacier Bay: which glacier is better to see on a cruise?

The national park certainly lived up to the hype. I was awestruck by the glaciers in the park, especially the 200 foot high Margerie Glacier, which spans nearly a mile wide. We spent the entire morning sailing around the park, visiting several glaciers right after each other.

Because it was a national park, park rangers came onboard during the day to provide information about the park and answer questions. I thought this was a special touch as it allowed visitors to learn more about the destination they were visiting.

Visiting Glacier Bay was the highlight of our time on the Royal Princess, although I wouldn’t necessarily suggest booking a Princess cruise over Royal Caribbean only to visit Glacier Bay. 

Royal Caribbean’s itineraries still visit impressive destinations, and the advantages of a Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise still outweighed a visit to Glacier Bay.

I found entertainment on Princess and Royal Caribbean to be comparable, and I wouldn’t choose one line over the other for entertainment.

I do not place much importance on entertainment when I cruise, and truthfully, I almost never attend production shows. Instead, I tend to favor live music and other programming like game shows.

For the purposes of this review, I dragged myself to a few entertainment shows, and boy am I glad I did!

I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of entertainment shows on the Royal Princess. I saw two production shows while there, each of which focused on singing and dancing instead of a traditional play.

The singers were so talented I couldn’t believe they weren’t a part of an opera on land. Even though I didn’t understand the storyline of the productions (if there even was one), I would have watched the shows multiple times just to hear the casts’ impressive voices.

Live music was abundant around the ship as well, and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to a live band play relaxing music during our ship’s sailaway from Skagway. I hadn’t seen this type of classy entertainment during sailaway on a Royal Caribbean cruise, and it created a truly magical atmosphere while sailing through breathtaking scenery.

Related: 50 best Alaska cruise tips

Royal Caribbean’s entertainment, on the other hand, is more technologically-focused than the traditional shows on the Royal Princess. On Royal Caribbean cruises you’ll find ice-skating shows, high diving performances, drone shows, and technology-focused productions.

Although not all of these performances are found on ships sailing Alaska cruises, I still find the entertainment on Royal Caribbean’s Alaska itineraries to be more forward-thinking than traditional.

Overall I enjoyed my cruise on the Royal Princess, but I don’t think I would book another Princess cruise over Royal Caribbean.

Despite the complaints listed above (this is a review, after all!), I enjoyed my time on the Royal Princess. While I did not love the ship’s design as a whole, I still liked certain aspects of the ship, including the Outrigger’s Bar in the ship’s aft and the elegant, multi-story atrium.

Other than the dozen ice cream cones I enjoyed throughout the week and the buffet’s delightfully spicy ramen station, I haven't been daydreaming about any of the food I had onboard. It’s not that anything was inherently bad, but nothing blew my mind, either.

The main reason I wouldn’t book a cruise on this ship again over Royal Caribbean, though, lies in the lack of indoor viewing spaces around the ship. Sure, I’m visiting Alaska, but that doesn’t mean I want to stand in the cold for a week!

I appreciate the varied amount of indoor spaces on Royal Caribbean’s ships to Alaska, whether the indoor pool or Viking Crown Lounge. There is a clear connection to Alaska’s scenery on a Royal Caribbean cruise, but you had to intentionally seek this out on my Princess cruise.

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

Perhaps I would have enjoyed cruising on the Majestic Princess more than the Royal Princess, as that ship has an indoor pool, but I still think it’s hard to beat the design of one of Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class ships when it comes to Alaska.

I’m happy to have spent another fun-filled week in Alaska, and to have experienced the state’s majesty with my sister. Visiting Glacier Bay was nothing short of a wonderful experience and it's something that is unattainable on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

If there’s anything I learned last week on the Royal Princess, it’s that there is a cruise line for every type of traveler. While I wouldn’t consider myself a Princess cruiser, I’ll still admit they put out a great product with their Alaska itineraries, even if it didn’t entirely match my cruising style.

I’ve cruised on four of Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class cruise ships, and they are by far my favorite ships in the fleet.

Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class, which debuted in 2014, is famous for its technologically advanced design and modern amenities. There are five ships in the class, all of which fit around 5,000 passengers. They sail around the world, offering some of the cruise line’s most extraordinary itineraries.

While there’s no right or wrong ship to book for a cruise vacation, I find myself returning to Quantum Class ships more than other ships in the fleet. The atmosphere, amenities, and layout of these ships match everything I’m looking for in a cruise vacation.

Here are 7 things Royal Caribbean got right with Quantum Class cruise ships that keep me booking these ships again and again.

Modern design

Quantum Class ships were built to be technologically advanced, modern vessels, and Royal Caribbean certainly succeeded with this goal.

I find Quantum Class ships to be the classiest, most elegant ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet. The design and decor of Quantum Class ships is more akin to what I would expect to see on a more premium line like Celebrity Cruises.

From the bright, art-covered walkway of The Via to the panoramic Two70 lounge, every space on Quantum Class ships has been thoughtfully designed.

I also appreciate how family-friendly activities, including the indoor SeaPlex and FlowRider surf simulator, are all centered at the aft of the ship. Having kid-focused activities in one place makes the rest of the ship feel like an adult-focused getaway.

Related: 50 best cruising with kids tips & secrets

Compared to Royal Caribbean’s oldest ships, which have outdated decor and poorly implemented layouts, Quantum Class ships are a breath of fresh air.

Indoor pool

All Quantum Class ships, with the exception of Odyssey of the Seas, have an indoor pool for guests of all ages.

Because most Quantum Class ships sail to both cold and warm destinations, Royal Caribbean wanted to design the ship so that pools could be enjoyed in any type of weather. One of the ways they did this was to make a portion of the pool deck indoors and climate-controlled.

While you’ll still find an outdoor pool on Quantum Class ships, the indoor pool is perfect when cruising to destinations like Alaska or Norway. Although the roof is technically retractable and can be opened in warm weather, the ships almost always keep the area enclosed.

Related: Everything you wanted to know about Royal Caribbean's pools

Other Royal Caribbean ships sailing in cold climates, such as the Radiance Class ships, only have an indoor pool in the adults-only Solarium. Even though the ships usually open the adults-only area for kids to swim during certain hours, there’s much more flexibility on Quantum Class ships because the indoor pool is for all ages.

Climate-controlled Solarium

While all Royal Caribbean ships have an adults-only Solarium onboard, the Solarium on Quantum Class ships is the best designed in the fleet.

Royal Caribbean’s Solarium is a pool space for guests sixteen and older and features pools, hot tubs, a bar, and pool chairs. On many ships, the Solarium is located outside, meaning guests cannot enjoy the space in unfavorable weather conditions.

On all Quantum Class ships, however, the Solarium is climate-controlled. Regardless of the weather outside, guests can enjoy the Solarium’s amenities, which include two large jacuzzis, a cascading pool, and in-pool lounge chairs.

Related: Everything about Royal Caribbean's Solarium

Even if they are not swimming, many guests use the Solarium as a hangout space on Quantum Class ships. Its large, floor-to-ceiling windows and comfortable seating make the Solarium a popular spot to watch the scenery outside, play a game of cards, or catch up with friends and family.

Hungry passengers will also enjoy dining at the Solarium Bistro, a complimentary venue located in the Solarium. Guests of all ages can dine at the bistro, which features standard buffet fare for breakfast and lunch and Mediterranean cuisine for dinner. The venue is typically far less crowded than the Windjammer buffet, making it a quieter meal option.

2-story Royal Esplanade

Many Royal Caribbean ships have a Royal Promenade, but Quantum Class ships have a Royal Esplanade.

The two concepts are more similar than different. Both the Promenade and Esplanade are indoor thoroughfares that run through the middle of the ship. Inside you’ll find bars, lounges, shops, restaurants, and service-based areas like Guest Services and the shore excursions desk.

Unsurprisingly, these areas can become uncomfortably busy during the cruise as thousands of passengers attend activities around the ship.

Therefore, one of the things Royal Caribbean got right with the Quantum Class ships was a 2-story Royal Esplanade. Instead of having everything on one floor, they split the Esplanade into two stories.

Not only did this enable Royal Caribbean to add more venues to the Esplanade, but it helped spread out crowds. To get from one side of the ship to the other, you can choose to cross through the Esplanade on either deck 4 or deck 5.

This is far more effective than all passengers walking through the same area, and it helps to cut down on crowds within the space.

Virtual balconies

Virtual balconies debuted with the Quantum Class, which are floor-to-ceiling television screens acting as a “balcony” in an interior cabin. These balconies provide a live feed from outside the ship, allowing guests to "see" outdoors.

Before my recent cruise on Quantum of the Seas, I wasn’t sold on Royal Caribbean’s virtual balcony idea. I had tried a virtual balcony twice previously—once on Ovation of the Seas and once on Anthem of the Seas—but I wasn’t entirely impressed.

On Ovation of the Seas, my virtual balcony had a broken screen, rendering it useless for the sailing. And on Anthem of the Seas, I found I was hardly in my room, and the scenery was not particularly interesting outside while in the open ocean.

Related: Royal Caribbean Virtual Balcony: Everything you wanted to know

Nonetheless, I kept an open mind when I boarded Quantum of the Seas, and I found myself enjoying the virtual balcony much more than my previous cruises.

While sailing through Alaska, I appreciated being able to see outside not only to check the weather, but to see whether or not we were sailing through a scenic area. I don’t like to miss out on any of the scenery while cruising to Alaska, so the virtual balcony helped me prepare for the weather conditions and know when I should leave my cabin to head outdoors.

Although a virtual balcony will never be equal to a real balcony, it’s definitely something Royal Caribbean got right with Quantum Class ships.

Large Windjammer

Dining at the Windjammer buffet is a must on any Royal Caribbean cruise, and the Windjammer location on Quantum Class ships is an impressive, well-designed space.

The Windjammer on these vessels is large and spacious. The buffet stations are designed with significant space between each cabin, which helps to cut down on crowding while filling your plate.

Related: Guide to Royal Caribbean's Windjammer Cafe buffet

Aside from the buffet stations, there is ample seating around the Windjammer, so it’s never too hard to find a table. The seating extends all the way to the ship’s aft and even includes outdoor seating. If it’s too cold to dine outdoors, you can enjoy the scenery from the Windjammer’s expansive windows.

On some Royal Caribbean ships, the buffet design leads to the space feeling exceptionally crowded, but it never feels that way on Quantum Class ships. 

Dreamy itineraries

As a destination-focused traveler, I love the diverse itineraries offered on Quantum Class ships. 

Many of Royal Caribbean’s ships—especially the Oasis Class—stay in the Caribbean year round. While there’s nothing wrong with a Caribbean cruise, the itineraries on Quantum Class ships are far more exciting.

Quantum Class cruise ships were built to sail in a wide range of weather conditions, making them suitable for itineraries around the world.

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

Quantum and Ovation of the Seas split their year between Alaska and Australia, whereas Odyssey of the Seas sails both the Caribbean and Mediterranean. Spectrum of the Seas offers cruises in Asia year round, and Anthem of the Seas will soon transfer to Singapore.

Whether you’re interested in visiting Tahiti, New Zealand, Japan, Norway, or Israel, a Quantum Class ship can take you there.

Booking a drink package on a Royal Caribbean cruise allows you to order unlimited drinks throughout your sailing. Whether a frozen margarita or spiked milkshake, there is a huge variety of drinks to enjoy while onboard.

If you’re daydreaming about the drinks on your upcoming cruise, it’s helpful to have an idea of which drinks are available. While you can always find classic cocktails like piña coladas and daiquiris, you can also try some seriously unique concoctions around the ship.

The advantage of a Royal Caribbean drink package is that you can order as many drinks as you like with no extra cost. Therefore, there’s no harm in trying a drink you might not otherwise order at home. If you don’t like a certain cocktail, you can always order something else!

Our team has tried dozens of cocktails on Royal Caribbean, and we wanted to share our favorite drinks with you. Here are 21 drinks to order if you have a cruise drink package.

Lime and Coconut

One of Royal Caribbean’s newer cocktails is The Lime and Coconut, a creamy guava-flavored drink served at The Lime and Coconut bar. The cocktail combines Malibu Coconut rum with coconut milk, coconut syrup, Monin guava syrup, and lime juice.

If you’ve never tried a cocktail with guava before, you might be surprised with the sweet, tangy flavor of the fruit, which many people describe as a cross between a strawberry and a pear. The fruity flavor combined with the coconut milk and syrup brings a truly unique taste to the beverage.

Where to find the Lime and Coconut: The Lime and Coconut cocktail can only be ordered from The Lime and Coconut bar, found on Navigator of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, Icon of the Seas, and Utopia of the Seas.

Margarita

A margarita may be a classic cocktail, but that doesn’t make it boring.

Margaritas are popular for a reason: they combine sweet, salty, and sour flavors together into one refreshing drink. Whether you order a margarita on the rocks or frozen, there’s hardly a better choice for a drink while onboard.

You can order a margarita in plenty of flavors on a Royal Caribbean cruise, including traditional lime, mango, passion fruit, guava, pineapple, and even jalapeño!

Where to find a margarita: Unsurprisingly, it’s not difficult to find a margarita onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise. Every bar on your ship should be able to craft a margarita, although the most innovative flavors can be found at Sabor or Cantina Fresca, two Mexican-themed bars available on select ships.

Aperol Spritz

An Aperol spritz is a classic Italian wine-based cocktail that has gained popularity on cruises in recent years. If you see passengers sipping on a bright orange drink, it’s most likely made with Aperol, an apéritif known for its distinct color.

This cocktail combines Aperol with prosecco, club soda, and fresh orange. It’s both classy and refreshing, making it a nice drink to enjoy whether on the pool deck or watching a show.

An Aperol spritz is often quite bitter, which leads some people to dislike the drink. In our experience, the drink is not overly bitter on Royal Caribbean ships, making it more universally enjoyed while onboard.

Where to find an Aperol spritz: If a bar has Aperol stocked, they can make an Aperol spritz. We haven’t had any problem ordering this drink from any bar onboard.

Frozen Mojito

Mojitos are incredibly refreshing. Made with rum, lime juice, fresh mint, and simple syrup, a mojito will quench your thirst unlike any other drink onboard.

Traditionally, mojitos are served over ice, but we recommend ordering a frozen mojito instead. Frozen mojitos take all traditional ingredients and are blended with ice, and it makes the drink even more satisfying.

Where to find a frozen mojito: Most bars can make a frozen mojito provided they have a blender and mojito syrup.

Piña Colada

If there’s one cocktail that immediately screams vacation, it’s the piña colada. The drink originated in Puerto Rico in 1954 and combines pineapple, coconut cream, and rum into a frozen beverage.

This drink is among the most popular to order on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Not only is it the perfect drink to accompany your pool deck selfie, but it will keep you cool on the hottest of sea days.

Where to find a piña colada: A piña colada can be made at any bar onboard with access to a blender.

Lavender Daiquiri

Attending a trivia session at the Schooner Bar? If so, there’s no better drink to try than the lavender daiquiri, one of the bar’s signature drinks.

At first glance, putting lavender in a cocktail may seem a bit strange, but trust us when we say it’s delicious! The drink combines Bacardi Superior rum with lavender syrup, giving a floral twist to the traditional daiquiri.

Not only does the lavender drink taste wonderful, but its purple color makes it one of the prettiest drinks you can order on any Royal Caribbean ship.

Where to find the lavender daiquiri: The lavender daiquiri can be found at the Schooner Bar.

Rum Old Fashioned

Another favorite at the Schooner Bar is the rum old fashioned, a sweeter and more tropical version of the traditional drink.

The rum old fashioned combines Bacardi Reserve Ocho rum with coconut syrup and Angostura bitters. The coconut syrup provides the ideal amount of sweetness to counteract the drink’s bitters, and its coconut flavor gives the cocktail a more tropical vibe.

If you aren’t someone who typically likes an old fashioned, don’t be afraid to try the rum old fashioned. Because it’s made with rum and coconut instead of bourbon or rye whiskey, it feels like a different type of drink entirely.

Where to find the rum old fashioned: The rum old fashioned is a signature drink at the Schooner Bar.

Hot Toddy

If you’re cruising to a cold destination like Alaska or Norway, ditch the frozen drinks in favor of a warm alcoholic beverage like a hot toddy.

A hot toddy is made with hot water, whiskey, lemon, and honey, making it light and refreshing without being too sweet.

You’ll often see a hot toddy as a drink of the day on Alaska cruises, which means you can enjoy this cocktail at a lower cost if you do not have a drink package.

Where to find a hot toddy: You can order a hot toddy from any bar capable of making hot drinks.

Mudslide

If you’re in the mood for a chocolate drink, a mudslide is the perfect cocktail to try with your drink package. Mudslides are creamy drinks made with vodka, coffee liqueur, irish cream, and heavy cream.

Chocolate syrup is drizzled around the inside of the glass before pouring the drink, making it extra decadent.

The mudslide is not the lightest cocktail on our list, but if you’re in search of a liquid dessert, it’s a delicious drink option.

Where to find a mudslide: Most bars onboard should be able to make a mudslide, including those on the pool deck and in indoor lounges.

Cucumber Martini

The cucumber martini is one of Royal Caribbean’s most famous drinks, and you'll be hard pressed to find another drink so cool, crisp, and refreshing.

The drink is made with cucumber wheels, Grey Goose vodka, lemongrass syrup, sweet and sour, and basil leaves. Although the individual ingredients may seem like odd items to add to a cocktail, it’s way more delicious than it appears on the menu.

Where to find the cucumber martini: You can find a Cucumber Martini on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class cruise ships. The drink is most frequently enjoyed in 150 Central Park, but you can find it at the Champagne Bar as well.

Caribbean Mule

One of Royal Caribbean’s signature drinks on the cruise line’s pool deck menu is the Caribbean Mule. The cocktail is made with Absolut Vodka, Gosling’s ginger beer, coconut syrup, and a twist of lime, and it’s one of the most refreshing drinks on the menu.

Sailing through rocky seas? Well, ginger is a natural remedy for seasickness. Theoretically speaking, the more Caribbean Mules you drink, the less chance you’ll have at feeling seasick onboard.

Related: Royal Caribbean drink package rules overview

You should, of course, take this advice loosely. Drinking ten Caribbean mules on a day with rough seas could make you feel more ill than you would have been without them!

Where to find the Caribbean mule: You can find a Caribbean Mule at any bars on the pool deck on your cruise ship, although other bars onboard can usually craft this ginger drink as well.

Espresso Martini

Espresso martinis are wildly popular on a Royal Caribbean cruise, particularly during the evenings. This cocktail, perfect for coffee lovers, combines espresso, vodka, and coffee liquor for a boozy, rich beverage.

An espresso martini is unquestionably sophisticated, and there’s nothing quite like sipping a martini while listening to live music or a production show. As another plus, the caffeine will keep you awake into the night, allowing you to take advantage of everything your ship has to offer.

Where to find an espresso martini: Many bars, but not all, can make an espresso martini on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Your best bet for finding this caffeinated cocktail is in a bar in the ship’s interior—think the R Bar in the Royal Promenade or Trellis Bar in Central Park. More casual bars, such as those on the pool deck, may not stock the espresso needed to craft the drink.

Whiskey Sour

A whiskey sour provides a satisfying blend of alcoholic and sour flavors. The drink combines bourbon with lemon juice and simple syrup, and it is traditionally garnished with an orange wheel.

Whiskey can be a strong choice of liquor, so the sour flavors in the drink help cover the strong alcohol taste. If you’re not a huge fan of sweet drinks but would prefer something with more flavor than just liquor, a whiskey sour is a good choice.

Where to find a whiskey sour: You can order a whiskey sour from any bar on Royal Caribbean ships.

Banana Colada

Combining Smith & Cross rum, Bacardi Superior rum, coconut milk, banana, and cinnamon syrup, the banana colada is a must-try drink on Royal Caribbean.

This frozen cocktail is found at the cruise line’s tiki-themed bar, The Bamboo Room, and the bar’s tropical vibe perfectly matches this frozen delight. The drink is more like a milkshake or smoothie than most frozen cocktails, and it immediately transports you to the tropics.

Where to find the banana colada: You can find Royal Caribbean’s official banana colada at The Bamboo Room on Mariner of the Seas and Navigator of the Seas. However, you can order a similar drink from bars on other ships if the bar has any bananas stocked.

On The Run

In need of a quick cocktail before hitting a show or activity? Head to The Bamboo Room and order the On The Run cocktail.

Unlike regular cocktails served in a glass, the On The Run is, essentially, an adult version of Capri Sun. Served in a juice box, the drink combines Bacardi Superior rum, watermelon juice, lime juice, guava syrup, St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram, and mint.

Drinking a cocktail from a juice box is undeniably fun, and there’s no easier drink to carry with you around the ship.

Where to find the On The Run: You can order an On The Run cocktail from The Bamboo Room on Mariner of the Seas and Navigator of the Seas.

Miami Vice

If you’re a fan of sweet, frozen cocktails, you’ll love a Miami Vice. This fruity concoction places a piña colada side-by-side with a strawberry daiquiri, creating a perfect blend of berry, coconut, and pineapple.

The best time to enjoy this drink is on a hot, sunny sea day, as the frozen cocktail will surely cool you off as you lounge by the pool.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you could also combine other frozen flavors together, such as a mango daiquiri with a piña colada.

Related: Royal Caribbean drink package - your top questions answered

Where to find a Miami vice: This popular cocktail can be found at all bars onboard, provided they have access to a blender. As both piña coladas and strawberry daiquiris are frequently ordered onboard, most bars are able to combine the two with little fuss.

PB&J Old Fashioned

Peanut butter and jelly and… a cocktail?

Sure, it may seem a bit weird, but the PB&J Old Fashioned takes this kid-favorite sandwich to the next level. It combines Skrewball peanut butter whiskey with Kentucky bourbon, walnut bitters, and strawberry jelly, and a mini sandwich is placed atop the drink as garnish.

The PB&J Old Fashioned has quickly gained popularity with Royal Caribbean fans, but be warned: the drink is strong! Nonetheless, it’s an excellent cocktail choice to enjoy at The Mason Jar bar while listening to live country music.

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

Where to find the PB&J Old Fashioned: The PB&J Old Fashioned is only found at The Mason Jar, Royal Caribbean’s southern-inspired bar and restaurant. Currently, this bar is only on Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas.

Blueberry Nojito

Trying to make the most of a drink package usually means you’re drinking a lot more than you would at home. At some point during your cruise, you’ll likely be tired of drinking alcohol, so why not order a mocktail?

Our favorite mocktail on Royal Caribbean is the blueberry nojito, which is a mojito without alcohol. This berry-flavored drink combines blueberry purée with lime juice, simply syrup, and fresh mint.

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

You won’t even miss the alcohol while drinking this sweet cocktail!

Where to find the blueberry nojito: The blueberry nojito is on Royal Caribbean’s standard mocktail menu and is available at any bar.

Coco Loco

If your cruise visits Perfect Day at CocoCay, your drink package will work on the island, meaning you can enjoy your favorite drinks not only onboard, but also ashore.

Perfect Day at CocoCay’s signature drink is the Coco Loco, a frozen concoction mixing an abundance of tropical flavors. The drink can be made with or without alcohol, and sipping the drink is a perfect way to enjoy your time on the island.

The Coco Loco combines:

• ½ oz orange juice concentrate
• ½ oz pineapple juice concentrate
• ½ oz papaya juice concentrate
• ½ oz coconut cream
• ¾ oz dark rum
• ¾ oz coconut rum
• ¼ oz grenadine
• Crushed ice

Whether you make this signature drink at home or wait to try it while at CocoCay, it’s sure to be a favorite drink you try during your cruise.

Where to find the Coco Loco: The Coco Loco can be ordered at Royal Caribbean’s private destination of Perfect Day at CocoCay. If your cruise visits Labadee, the drink is also served there, but it’s called the Labadoozie.

Cheshire Cat Cosmo

The Cheshire Cat Cosmo is a signature drink at Wonderland, Royal Caribbean’s whimsical specialty restaurant.

If you order the Cheshire Cat Cosmo, you might be confused when your waiter brings it to the table. Instead of a liquid drink, your cocktail glass will be filled with cotton candy! To turn the cotton candy into a cocktail, your waiter will pour the cocktail mixture over the candy, immediately turning it into a liquid.

While a sweet drink, it’s undoubtedly a fun cocktail to try while on a cruise.

Where to find the Cheshire Cat Cosmo: This cotton candy drink can only be ordered at Wonderland, available on Quantum and Oasis Class ships.

If you’re sailing on an Oasis Class ship, you don’t need to dine at Wonderland in order to try the restaurant’s cocktails. The top floor of the restaurant has a standalone bar that any guest can access, and it has one of the most dreamy atmospheres anywhere on the ship.

Long Island Iced Tea

One of the strongest drinks you can order on a Royal Caribbean cruise is a Long Island iced tea. If you’re looking for one of the quickest ways to feel buzzed onboard, this is sure to do the trick.

Long Island iced teas are made with vodka, gin, white rum, white tequila, triple sec, lemon juice, and cola.  With five liquors in the drink, it’s a fun (yet dangerous) cocktail to order on a cruise.

Where to find a Long Island iced tea: A classic cocktail, a Long Island iced tea is available at all bars onboard. 

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Many people share the same questions about cruising to Alaska, and today we’re answering the most pressing questions about cruises to the Last Frontier.

Planning a cruise to Alaska can lead to plenty of questions. Whether you’re wondering about the best Alaska cruise itinerary, trying to pick a ship, or aren’t sure which cabin to book for the sailing, it’s natural to have questions during the planning process.

Recently, our readers submitted their top Alaska cruise questions to our Facebook page. They wanted to know the top tips and tricks about Alaska cruises from Royal Caribbean Blog’s staff members, some of whom travel to the state each year.

We love sharing our favorite cruising tips with you, and these are our answers to your biggest Alaska cruise questions.

When is the best time to find deals on Alaska cruises?

More often than not, the best Alaska cruise deals are found when booking far in advance.

Royal Caribbean typically releases new itineraries around 18-24 months before the sail date. Booking a cruise as soon as the itinerary is released will often bring the lowest prices as well as the most selection of available cabins.

Related: How much does an Alaska cruise cost?

Despite this, you can sometimes find unbeatable Alaska cruise deals at the last minute, but you might have to be flexible.

For the past few years, we’ve noticed a trend on last-minute Alaska cruise pricing. One-way itineraries on Radiance of the Seas, for instance, have offered cheap cruise deals a few months before the sailing.

How many days is an Alaska cruise, and how many ports of call are there?

The vast majority of Royal Caribbean Alaska cruises are 7 nights, although you may occasionally find a 6 or 8-night itinerary.

7-night Alaska cruises usually visit three or four ports of call from the following list:

• Juneau
• Skagway
• Sitka
• Ketchikan
• Haines
• Icy Strait Point
• Victoria
• Prince Rupert

All roundtrip sailings from Seattle must include a port stop in either Victoria or Prince Rupert, British Columbia, thus visiting three ports in Alaska. One-way cruises, on the other hand, are not required to stop in Canada and have four port stops in Alaska.

Related: Alaska cruise ports guide

In addition to port stops—where guests disembark the ship—most itineraries include a scenic viewing day of a glacier. During these visits, your cruise ship will sail into a fjord and stop within sight of one of Alaska’s magnificent glaciers, such as Hubbard Glacier or Dawes Glacier.

How do I choose which itinerary is best for me?

There’s no right or wrong itinerary to book for Alaska, but it’s important to know what to expect in each port before booking one cruise over the other.

Almost all itineraries stop in Juneau, Alaska, but other ports vary from itinerary to itinerary. Some cruises may visit Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan whereas others may call upon Juneau, Icy Strait Point, and Sitka.

Related: How to choose the right Alaska cruise itinerary

Before booking an Alaska cruise, take time to research the activities and shore excursions offered in each port. Some cruisers may prefer booking a train ride in Skagway whereas others will love the opportunity to learn more about Alaska’s Russian influence in Sitka.

Truthfully, your experience in Alaska will not vary drastically from itinerary to itinerary. All itineraries give passengers the chance to explore the state’s wildlife, history, and cuisine regardless of the town.

Where is the best embarkation location for an Alaska cruise?

There are three ports you can embark from on an Alaska cruise: Seattle, Vancouver, and Seward.

In most cases, Seattle is the best embarkation port for American passengers, as it’s usually easier to travel to Seattle compared to Vancouver or Seward. There are ample direct flights to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, making traveling to the city easier and more affordable.

Vancouver, though, is an excellent embarkation port for the itinerary options. All Alaska cruises departing Seattle must include a port stop in Victoria, British Columbia to meet the requirements of the Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA).

Related: Guide to Seattle cruise port for Alaska cruises

Cruises leaving Vancouver do not need to stop in Victoria, meaning your cruise itinerary will visit more ports in Alaska compared to those leaving Seattle.

The third option for embarkation is in Seward, Alaska, a small town located a few hours' drive from Anchorage. This option is not as convenient as Seattle or Vancouver, but is a good choice for those hoping to spend time in Alaska’s interior before starting the cruise.

Simply put, there’s not one “best” embarkation port for an Alaska cruise—each has its own pros and cons.

What are typical ship amenities on an Alaska cruise?

Currently there are two classes of Royal Caribbean ships sailing to Alaska: Radiance Class and Quantum Class. Both classes of ships have several indoor features perfect for cold weather cruising.

Radiance Class ships have an indoor Solarium for adults, an indoor movie theater, and lounges with floor-to-ceiling windows looking toward the ocean. Quantum Class ships also have plenty of indoor areas, including an indoor pool for all ages, adults-only indoor Solarium, and indoor sports court.

Both classes of ships also have a thermal suite available at an extra cost, which includes hot stone loungers, saunas, and steam rooms—all of which are perfect for Alaska’s chilly weather.

Related: Comparing the Royal Caribbean ships sailing to Alaska

The plethora of indoor spaces and amenities on Radiance and Quantum Class ships means guests can enjoy Alaska’s scenery regardless of the weather conditions outside.

What do we pack?

Packing for an Alaska cruise is not as difficult as it might seem. The key to packing for Alaska is to pack layers, as you never know what type of weather conditions you will encounter on your cruise.

We recommend packing:

• Base layers: t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, etc.
• Warm layers: pullovers, crew necks, sweatshirts, fleece jackets, etc.
• Waterproof layer: rainjacket and water-resistant daypack
• Bottoms: jeans and leggings
• Dinner outfits: dresses, slacks, blouses, collared shirts, etc.

For more information on what to pack for an Alaska cruise, check out these helpful guides:

• Alaska cruise packing list: What to pack for your sailing
• What should you bring on cruise to Alaska? 8 things you'll want to take with you

What are good excursions to do that are not booked with the cruise line?

There’s no need to book a shore excursion on an Alaska cruise in order to have a good time. A little research goes a long way, and here are our best tips for ways to enjoy Alaska’s ports without a cruise ship shore excursion:

Look for local tour operators

Instead of booking directly through Royal Caribbean, search shore excursions on websites like Tripadvisor, Viator, and Shore Excursions Group. By going through these websites, you can find tours that may be priced lower compared to those offered by the cruise line.

Reserve tours once you disembark in port

In most Alaska cruise ports, you will find stands selling tours as soon as you disembark the cruise ship. These tours can be booked day-of and may be priced significantly lower than those booked onboard.

It’s easy to find shore excursions upon arriving in most ports. If you’re visiting smaller ports like Icy Strait Point and Haines, however, we advise researching and booking tours ahead of time.

Explore port on your own

Instead of booking a tour, there’s always the option of exploring a cruise port without a tour. To find the best things to do in each port, we recommend reading the following:

• Local’s guide of what to do in Skagway, Alaska
• Local’s guide of what to do in Juneau, Alaska
• Local guide of places to visit in Ketchikan, Alaska
• Top 10 things to do in Sitka, Alaska

If you could, would you do a one-way sailing over a roundtrip cruise? It seems to give much more time exploring Alaska.

When planning an Alaska cruise, you will have to choose between either a roundtrip or one-way itinerary. Each of these itineraries comes with advantages and disadvantages, so you should weigh the pros and cons of each before booking an itinerary.

Northbound one-way cruises start in Vancouver, British Columbia and end in Seward, Alaska whereas southbound sailings travel in the opposite direction.

Advantages of a one-way Alaska cruise

There are two main advantages of a one-way itinerary. First is that these itineraries allow you to start or end your trip in Alaska’s interior, meaning you can visit sites like Denali National Park and Preserve and Kenai Fjords National Park, both of which are inaccessible on a roundtrip voyage.

Related: 50 Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise tips

Additionally, the 7-night cruise includes more port stops compared to a roundtrip itinerary. Because the cruise starts or ends in Canada, it is not required to call upon Victoria, British Columbia as a port of call.

Disadvantages of a one-way Alaska cruise

Of course, there are disadvantages, too. Roundtrip sailings depart and return to Seattle, Washington, and this is often more affordable and logistically easier than starting and ending in different ports.

In addition to convenience, roundtrip sailings also provide an excellent Alaska cruise experience. On a roundtrip cruise, you’ll still visit Alaska’s most popular ports, such as Juneau and Skagway, and most itineraries include a scenic glacier viewing as well.

Related: How far in advance to book an Alaska cruise

Plus, Royal Caribbean’s roundtrip Alaska cruises are offered on Quantum Class ships, which are significantly larger and more modern than the Radiance Class ships sailing one-way voyages.

If there is no pool/tan time, what is there to do all day when at sea?

Most Alaska cruises have two sea days—one on the way to Alaska and the other when returning. Despite traveling through a cold climate, there’s no lack of pool time on an Alaska cruise.

All Royal Caribbean ships sailing to Alaska have an indoor pool for guests to enjoy. Quantum Class ships have two indoor pool areas—one for all ages and the other for guests 16 and older. Each area has a pool and several hot tubs, meaning you can enjoy a pool day in Alaska just as easily as in the Caribbean!

Related: 17 mistakes you can avoid making on cruise ship sea days

Outside of hanging out by the pool, guests can enjoy a variety of other activities on a sea day, including sports activities, surfing simulators, rock climbing, trivia, live music, and entertainment shows.

In short, a sea day on an Alaska cruise isn’t drastically different from a sea day in the Caribbean.

How do I get my beach and warm weather wife to want to go to Alaska?

It can be challenging to convince someone to go on an Alaska cruise if their idea of vacation includes suntanning by the pool under a palm tree.

While we can’t say for sure whether or not you’ll be able to convince someone to go on an Alaska cruise, it might not be as challenging as you think. During the peak summer months, Alaska is not nearly as cold as most people think, and you might even find yourself warm when walking around ports on sunny days.

Related: Best things to do on an Alaska cruise

Show your spouse, friend, or another family member who needs convincing a few images and videos of Alaska’s scenery. Maybe find a vlog on YouTube from an Alaska cruise, as seeing a first-hand experience could get someone more excited about the possibility of cruising to Alaska themselves.

If you really can’t convince your wife to cruise to Alaska, you can always book a solo cruise (although she may not be too happy about that!).

Are the seas calm in the Pacific?

While it’s impossible to predict the exact weather conditions you may encounter on an Alaska cruise, it’s possible your ship will sail through choppy waters.

While on an Alaska cruise, your ship will sail through both the open ocean and the calm waters of the Inside Passage. When in the open ocean, you may encounter rough seas and high winds, leading to more movement onboard than you may be used to while visiting other destinations.

Related: How to prevent seasickness on a cruise

Luckily, the Inside Passage tends to be extremely calm, as these waters are protected and sheltered from the higher waves in the open Pacific waters.

If on a one-way itinerary, you may also encounter rougher seas while crossing the Gulf of Alaska to and from Seward.

Most passengers will not feel seasick on an Alaska cruise, but packing seasickness remedies is still recommended.

What is the best time to cruise to Alaska?

There’s no “best” time to cruise to Alaska, as each month offers pros and cons.

Here is an overview of each month of the season and what you should expect. Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each month may help you find the best month for your travel style and needs.

• Late April/May: less chance of rain, fewer crowds, colder temperatures, lower prices
• June and July: highest crowds, long hours of daylight, higher prices, warmest weather
• August: higher crowds in the first half of the month, more chance of rain, lower prices around the end of the month
• September: lower crowds, high chance of rain, lower temperatures, less daylight, lower prices

Related: The best month to visit Alaska on a Royal Caribbean cruise

What’s it like sailing to Alaska in the early season?

The end of April and early May mark the beginning of Alaska’s summer cruise season. Visiting Alaska in the early season will come with several differences compared to visiting in the peak season.

In April and early May, you can expect lower chances of rain and temperatures with lows in the 40s and highs in the mid-50s There are around 15 hours of daylight in southeast Alaska during this time of year.

As far as wildlife, you’re less likely to see bears and salmon in the early season compared to later months, but you may see humpback whales, orcas, and sea lions, although wildlife sightings are never guaranteed

Related: What it’s like to go on an Alaska cruise in the early season

What’s it like sailing to Alaska in the late season?

Royal Caribbean’s Alaska cruise season ends in late September each year. This shoulder season will see some of the lowest prices offered all year, and you can occasionally snag a great last-minute cruise deal as fall approaches.

In September, you can expect to see more rainfall compared to other months and temperatures will be chillier compared to peak summer. Nonetheless, the fewer crowds and lower prices make visiting at this time of year appealing for many guests.

Related: An Alaska cruise in September: What it's like at the end of the season

As far as wildlife, you may catch a glimpse of Alaska’s annual salmon run as well as bears, and it’s possible to see whales in Alaska’s waters, too.

What type of cabin should you book for an Alaska cruise and why?

There’s no right or wrong cabin to book for an Alaska cruise, and the type of room you book ultimately comes down to your budget and cabin availability.

A balcony is the most wished-for choice on an Alaska cruise, as it allows you to enjoy the state’s scenery from the comfort and privacy of your own cabin. Even if it’s too cold to stay on the balcony all day, you can still enjoy views of the outside from the warmth of your couch or bed in the stateroom.

Those on a budget, however, should opt for an interior or oceanview room. While nothing fancy, these small, budget-friendly cabins allow you to allocate your vacation funds elsewhere. Instead of spending $1000 extra for a balcony, why not book a once-in-a-lifetime shore excursion?

Related: Best cabins to book for an Alaska cruise

If you’re on the opposite end of the budget spectrum, there’s nothing wrong with booking a suite. Staying in a suite on a Royal Caribbean cruise can make your Alaska experience even more enjoyable by providing extra space and amenities like private restaurants and priority embarkation.

What is the minimum number of days for an Alaska cruise and land trip?

If you’re hoping to combine a one-way Alaska cruise with a land trip in Alaska’s interior, you should allocate at least 9 days for the trip.

The shortest cruise and land tour combinations offered by Royal Caribbean are 9 nights, and they include a 7-night cruise and 2 nights in Alaska’s interior, during which you will visit Denali.

If traveling all the way to Alaska, though, we advise planning more days for a cruise and land trip. Many guests prefer spending an additional week in Alaska’s interior, giving them extra time to visit other areas like Anchorage and Fairbanks.

Whether you book a tour through Royal Caribbean or rent a car and explore Alaska on your own, having extra time gives you more opportunities for adventure.

Best places to eat in port?

Alaska has delightful cuisine, from freshly caught fish to reindeer meat. While traveling to any destination, one of the best ways to learn more about a region’s culture is to taste local cuisine, and that is true in Alaska as well.

Our local Alaska expert Mollie wrote a great piece about where to eat like a local on your Alaska cruise. From local breweries to diners and food trucks, we recommend reading through her guide before your Alaska cruise to ensure you don’t miss out on the state’s best eats.

Inside or outside passage and why?

All Alaska cruises sail through the Inside Passage, but there is one difference between cruising from Seattle versus Vancouver.

Cruises from Vancouver sail through Canada’s Inside Passage en route to Alaska. This narrow passage is between Vancouver Island and British Columbia and offers scenic mountain views.

Ships departing Seattle first travel along the west coast of Vancouver Island in the open ocean instead of through the Inside Passage. Upon reaching Alaska, the ships then enter the Inside Passage.

There is little difference between the two routes, and it isn’t worth booking one itinerary over another just for a few extra views on the way to and from Alaska. Instead, book the itinerary that works best with your interests and schedule, whether that means sailing from Seattle or from Vancouver.

Can you see the northern lights on an Alaska cruise?

Many cruisers to Alaska dream of seeing the northern lights while visiting the state, but the northern lights viewing season does not coordinate well with the summer cruise season.

The most common time to see the northern lights is during the winter and early spring. Because of the long hours of daylight in the summer, it’s not common to see northern lights on an Alaska cruise.

That being said, they do appear from time to time in the later part of the cruise season, usually around September. Because of their unpredictability, we wouldn’t recommend getting your hopes up about seeing the northern lights.

Even so, if they do make an appearance, it will surely be spectacular.

What is the best way to see the ports on a budget?

The best way to see Alaska’s cruise ports on a budget is to explore on your own instead of booking a tour.

Fortunately, Alaska’s cruise ports are all small and walkable, meaning you can see many attractions without booking expensive excursions. A variety of museums, restaurants, and bars are located just a few minutes away from where cruise ships dock in each port.

Related: 7 ways to have a great time in port without a cruise ship shore excursion

Day hikes are free and accessible from cruise ports as well. If visiting Skagway, take a short, 30-minute walk to Yakutania Point, which provides a stunning view of the Taiya Inlet. Or, if in Ketchikan, put on your hiking points and summit Deer Mountain for unbeatable views of the nearby islands.

If you would prefer a tour, book through an outside tour company instead of a Royal Caribbean shore excursion. Many guests enjoy visiting Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, but instead of booking a $150 excursion, you can book a $45 roundtrip ticket on a shuttle bus to and from the glacier!

For more ideas of what to do in Alaska cruise ports, check out these guides:

• Top 10 things to do in Ketchikan, Alaska
• Top 10 things to do in Sitka, Alaska
• Top 10 things to do in Skagway, Alaska
• Top 10 things to do in Juneau, Alaska

Are Alaska cruises kid-friendly?

Alaska cruises often have a reputation of being for adults, but they can be a wonderful vacation for families with kids, too.

While on shore in Alaska’s cruise ports, kids will love the outdoor adventures offered in the state, from looking for wildlife to running around Alaska’s hiking trails.

And, while onboard, kids will enjoy the activities and programming offered by Royal Caribbean. Whether in the Caribbean or Alaska, Royal Caribbean offers the same family-friendly activities and programs for its guests.

Related: 50 tips for cruising with kids

If cruising with kids, we recommend booking an Alaska cruise on a Quantum Class ship over a Radiance Class ship. Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas both sail roundtrip cruises from Seattle, and they offer family-friendly activities for guests of all ages.

These ships feature amenities like an indoor sports arena, rock climbing wall, indoor skydiving simulator, and FlowRider surf simulator. In addition, they have a larger Adventure Ocean kids programming space and an indoor pool for all ages.

Kids will still enjoy an Alaska cruise on a Radiance Class ship, but there is a far greater amount of kid-friendly activities on Quantum Class vessels.

Do I really need gloves and a hat?

Predicting the weather in Alaska is nearly impossible, and you may encounter all four seasons in just one day while visiting the state.

If you’re wondering whether you really need to pack accessories like gloves and a hat, we’d recommend putting them into your suitcase. These items are small and you may be thankful to have them in your cabin during the sailing.

Even if a port day reaches 70 degrees, the next day could see lows in the 40s. If you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors viewing scenery, it’s always better to be prepared with more layers and accessories than you think you’ll need.

Is the casino open on an Alaska cruise?

The casino is open on an Alaska cruise when your cruise ship is sailing through international waters. This means that when your ship is docked in port, the casino will be closed.

As soon as your ship leaves port and enters international waters, the casino will open.

Which port has the train excursion? Is it handicap accessible?

The popular “train excursion” on an Alaska cruise is the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, and it’s located in Skagway, Alaska.

The White Pass & Yukon Route Railway is a historic railroad built in 1898 that links Skagway to Whitehourse, Yukon Territory. Cruise line excursions take guests to the summit of the White Pass and back to Skagway, and the trip takes around three hours.

The excursion is handicap accessible, although guests traveling with a wheelchair should notify the excursion team or tour operator while booking.

What are land tours, and does Royal Caribbean offer them?

Land tours are offered on one-way Alaska cruise itineraries, and these are multi-day tours you can add before or after an Alaska cruise.

Land tours range from 2 to 6 extra nights before or after a 7-night sailing. The tours are guided and include accommodation at charming lodges and hotels, a scenic train ride, and visits to destinations including Denali and Fairbanks.

Royal Caribbean offers these tours during the summer cruise season, and they can be booked directly through the cruise line as part of your overall cruise fare.

Should you do the land portion at the beginning or end of your cruise?

If you’re booking a one-way Alaska itinerary, you have two options: northbound or southbound.

Northbound itineraries travel from Vancouver to Seward, which means guests enjoy a 7-night cruise before starting the land portion of their trip.

Southbound itineraries travel from Seward to Vancouver, meaning you can spend time in Alaska’s interior before the cruise begins.

While there’s no right or wrong direction to book for a one-way cruise, a southbound itinerary may be more relaxing.

You can spend several busy days sightseeing in Alaska’s interior before the cruise begins, which will likely leave you tired and in need of relaxation. Once you board your cruise, you’ll have 7 days to relax and unwind while traveling to Vancouver.

What are the must sees and dos on an Alaska cruise?

Here are some of our favorite activities of must sees and dos in Alaska’s main cruise ports:

• Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls waterfall
• Skagway: White Pass & Yukon Railroad
• Sitka: Fortress of the Bear, the Raptor Center, and Sitka National Historical Park
• Ketchikan: Creek Street (in town) or Misty Fjords National Park (excursion necessary)

Is the Hubbard Glacier excursion worth $450?

During scenic glacier viewing days, Royal Caribbean offers excursions that allow guests to disembark their large cruise ship and board a small expedition vessel.

These small vessels allow passengers to get up close and personal with Alaska’s wildlife and scenery in a way that is impossible to experience on a large ship.

Unsurprisingly, these excursions are not cheap, and it’s not uncommon to pay hundreds of dollars for a spot on a smaller boat. But because what is “worth it” for one guest may seem like a waste of money to another, we cannot say for sure whether or not a glacier excursion will be worth the cost.

If you value being able to see scenery more up close and have the budget to spend on an extra excursion, there’s no harm in booking the tour. If you are choosing between a glacier excursion and an excursion in another cruise port, though, we advise booking an excursion in a different port instead.

You can still enjoy glacier views from the ship without a $450 tour, as there are many places onboard to catch views of Hubbard Glacier, Dawes Glacier, the Sawyer Glaciers, and any other views as your ship sails through Alaska.

Are we missing out by not doing Glacier Bay?

Glacier Bay National Park and Reserve is one of Alaska’s cherished national parks, but you cannot visit the park on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Only select cruise lines, including Princess Cruises and Holland America, can visit Glacier Bay. The national park issues permits to cruise lines, and Royal Caribbean does not currently have a permit.

“Missing out” is subjective, but Glacier Bay is, of course, a spectacular destination to visit. Even though you cannot visit the park on Royal Caribbean, you still have the chance to visit other magnificent glaciers on a Royal Caribbean cruise, including Mendenhall Glacier, Taku Glacier, the twin Sawyer Glaciers, and Hubbard Glacier.

Related: Hubbard Glacier vs Glacier Bay: which glacier is better to see on a cruise?

Despite not visiting Glacier Bay, Royal Caribbean puts an incredible product out with their Alaska cruises. If you enjoy Royal Caribbean, it’s not necessary to book another cruise line simply to visit Glacier Bay, as you may prefer the overall experience with Royal Caribbean more than with another company.

What is a moderate price hotel to stay in Seattle?

If you’re planning to stay in downtown Seattle before your cruise, you may find it difficult to find a hotel under $200. Most nice hotels in the downtown area are over $250-300 per night, especially if you’re cruising in the peak summer season.

Nonetheless, you can occasionally come across a good deal by booking in advance or finding a last-minute deal offered by a hotel. If you really need a budget hotel, your best bet is to stay further from downtown or near the airport.

Here are a few hotels for a pre-cruise stay in Seattle that our team members have enjoyed:

• Holiday Inn Seattle Downtown-Lake Union
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Seattle-City Center
• Grand Hyatt Seattle
• Sheraton Grand Seattle

Use Priceline Express Deals

Our favorite tip for finding a cheap deal on a hotel is to use Priceline Express Deals. Priceline offers a “blind booking” feature where you can input the destination and dates, and a list of hotels will populate offering deals.

The caveat is that you cannot see the hotel name and are only given the number of stars and approximate location of the hotel, thus leading to a “blind” booking.

There is a workaround, however, and using a few tech-savvy skills can lead to great savings. Each Express Deal hotel shows a photo of the hotel. By screenshotting or saving the photo and uploading it to Google Images under the “Search by Image” feature, you can find the exact name of the hotel, negating the need for a “blind” booking!

Our team frequently uses Priceline Express Deals to book nicer hotels at a lower price.

How does a person with a past DUI sail to Alaska?

Those with criminal records may be unable to board an Alaska cruise. Canada does not permit entry to any visitors with criminal records, regardless of how long ago the crime occurred. Crimes include DUI, misdemeanor drug possession, shoplifting, theft, etc. You can read more about the requirements and exceptions here.

Many cruisers have been able to board Alaska cruises despite having a DUI, however, provided they sail from Seattle and not Vancouver. Because the process can vary from person to person, we advise doing extra research on whether or not you will be able to board an Alaska cruise.

Do I have to go home?

All cruises come to an end, and unfortunately this means you will have to return home after your Alaska cruise.

Of course, nothing is stopping you from booking another Alaska cruise, so why not head to Next Cruise before disembarkation day?

There’s nothing I hate more than checking a bag when I travel. From paying baggage fees to risking lost luggage, I find checking a bag to be more stress than it’s worth.

On my recent Alaska cruise, I packed everything I needed in a small carry-on suitcase and backpack, and I have no regrets about packing lightly for my vacation.

When I cruised to Alaska for the first time two years ago, I was overwhelmed with what to pack and ended up (gasp) checking a bag. Inside the bag I placed nearly every cold-weather outfit I could find in my closet and, unfortunately, I way overpacked.

After the hassle of lugging my suitcase around the airport, throughout Seattle, and to the cruise port, I swore I’d never check a bag for a cruise again. So when I cruised to Alaska just last week, I was determined to fit everything into a carry-on, and I’m so glad I did.

Here’s why you should use a carry-on bag to travel to Alaska, including a step-by-step method of what I packed in my bag for the cruise.

My carry-on suitcase and backpack provided more than enough space

Most airlines allow guests to bring both a carry-on suitcase and personal item on a flight. The combination of space in a suitcase and personal item-sized backpack allows me to fit everything I need for a weeklong cruise.

For my Alaska cruise, I used a standard-sized carry-on suitcase with four wheels. I always use hard-shelled suitcases as I find them sturdier and less prone to unexpected water damage while traveling. In addition, having four wheels as opposed to just two allows for easier handling while wheeling the suitcase around the airport.

For my personal item, I used this anti-theft backpack from Amazon. The backpack is made from water-resistant material and opens from a pocket against my back, lessening the risk of pickpockets while traveling through busy areas.

Not only does this backpack work perfectly as a personal item while flying, but it is the optimal bag for port days during a cruise. Its relatively small size and anti-theft features make it comfortable to wear in any cruise port.

Using packing cubes is the trick to packing for an Alaska cruise in a carry-on

Packing cubes are, by far, the best investment I’ve made for travel. My handy packing cubes have traveled the world with me throughout the past six years (as shown by their wear and tear) and I never travel without them.

Using packing cubes allows you to pack more into a small suitcase, as they condense the space your clothes take up in the bag. Saving space is critical when traveling with a carry-on, and I can easily stuff two times as many clothes in my bag while using packing cubes.

I packed three packing cubes in my carry-on suitcase—one for pants and dresses, one for shirts, and the other for undergarments and socks.

Here’s what I placed into each packing cube.

Packing Cube #1

In my first packing cube, I packed my formal outfits and pants. In total, I put nine items into the packing cube:

• 1 pair of blue jeans
• 1 pair of black jeans
• 2 pairs of yoga pants
• 1 pair of flowy patterned pants
• 2 dresses
• 1 jumpsuit
• 1 pajama shirt

I found the amount of pants and formal outfits I packed to be totally adequate for my weeklong cruise. In fact, I regretted bringing three formal outfits because I ended up dining at the buffet more than I thought I would—I only wore one of the outfits!

During port days, I mostly stuck to jeans as I didn’t have many active excursions planned, and I wore each pair two or three days during the cruise. While visiting Juneau, however, I wore yoga pants as I rented a bicycle.

Related: Alaska cruise outfits: ideas of what to wear

On sea days I stuck to my flowy patterned pants or yoga pants as they were much comfier to wear when lounging in the Solarium and attending activities.

Although it rains frequently in Alaska, I think packing waterproof pants is overkill. Jeans and athletic pants should work perfectly fine in most circumstances. If you’re traveling in the middle of summer, it may even be warm enough to pack a pair of shorts!

Packing Cube #2

My second packing cube is where I placed shirts and warm layers. In total, 11 items were packed into this packing cube:

• 2 workout shirts
• 3 pullovers
• 1 sweater
• 1 black t-shirt
• 3 miscellaneous shirts
• 1 pair of pajama shorts

Packing layers is essential on an Alaska cruise, and many first-time visitors to Alaska are concerned with which types of shirts to pack. After three Alaska cruises, I find I have a pretty good idea of what you should pack to be comfortable in all weather conditions.

The two workout shirts, my base layers, were useful to wear around the ship and when it was sunny outside in port. In the morning, I could put one of these shirts under a pullover, and when it got too hot, I was comfortable wearing just my short sleeve shirt and rain jacket.

Related: What should you bring on an Alaska cruise?

I brought three pullovers to act as my warm layer. Most days I skipped the base layer and just wore a pullover with my rain jacket.

Aside from the workout shirts and pullovers, the more fashionable shirts I packed were useful to wear around the ship and to dinner. With four of these shirts and a sweater, I had just enough to wear every day around the ship.

Packing Cube #3

My third packing cube is where I placed undergarments, socks, and my bathing suit. This packing cube is smaller than the other two, so it’s the perfect size for packing these smaller items.

Whereas on a Caribbean cruise I would pack at least two bathing suits, I only packed one on my Alaska cruise. Alaska is not, after all, a tropical beach destination, so I assumed I would spend far less time in a bathing suit compared to on a cruise to the Bahamas.

For any cruise, I recommend packing more underwear and socks than you think you’ll need. These items do not take up much space and it’s always better to have more than you need instead of not enough!

If you’re walking around a port and suddenly step in a large puddle, you’ll want to have an extra pair of socks handy to help keep your feet warm.

Water-resistant jacket

One of the most important items to pack for an Alaska cruise is a water-resistant jacket. Alaska’s weather is unpredictable, and it might rain every day of your cruise. Some days have just a light sprinkle whereas other days encounter heavy rainfall.

Wearing a rain jacket helps keep you dry while walking around the outer decks of your cruise ship and exploring port.

I usually travel to rainy destinations with my trusty REI rain jacket, so I panicked when I could not find the jacket while packing for my cruise. Fortunately, I had another water-resistant jacket to bring which, albeit useful, still did not hold up to the quality of my REI jacket. Nonetheless, any rain jacket is better than none!

To save on space, I did not pack my jacket in my carry-on. Instead, I wore it while traveling to Seattle and to the cruise port. Luckily, it was able to fit inside my backpack if I got too warm.

I ended up wearing this jacket every day during the cruise. Having a water-resistant jacket is essential and is much more comfortable than wearing plastic ponchos or holding umbrellas while walking around ports of call.

Pro tip: If your cruise stops in Ketchikan, take a look around the town’s souvenir shops for affordable rain jackets. You’ll find a huge variety of both lightweight and thermal rain jackets that will be perfect for the rest of your time in Alaska.

Toiletries

Inside my personal item backpack, I packed my toiletries—hair products, makeup, and other essentials. I put my liquid products into a plastic bag to avoid spillage and for easy handling at airport security.

In total, I packed:

• 1 shampoo bottle
• 2 conditioner bottles
• 1 toothpaste
• 1 antibacterial cream
• 1 sunscreen
• Razors
• Makeup
• Travel-size contact solution
• Contacts case and extra contacts
• Toothbrush
• Hairbrush

Because I was traveling with just a carry-on, I brought travel-size containers of liquid products like shampoo and contact solution. I find the amount of travel-size product to be perfect for a weeklong cruise, although I packed two conditioner bottles because I often run out when traveling with just one.

Related: 40 essential things to bring on a cruise

Additionally, packing sunscreen is recommended in Alaska even if the forecast shows clouds and rain every day. Bringing a small tube of antibacterial cream is helpful as well, as you never know when you might accidentally cut or injure yourself—avoiding infections is crucial!

I’ll admit I pack relatively light when it comes to makeup and other toiletries. Some cruisers may require far more hair products, bath products, and other items.

Electronics

Because I travel for work, I end up traveling with more electronics than most other passengers. Inside my backpack, I packed:

• 1 mirrorless camera and charger
• 1 DJI Pocket 2 video camera
• AirPods
• Laptop and charger
• 2 hard drives
• 1 European outlet adapter
• 1 USB hub with 4 slots
• 1 MicroSD card reader
• 1 camera lens cleaning cloth

If you’re not traveling with a camera, you probably only need to pack a few chargers for items like a phone or Kindle.

That being said, I recommend packing a USB hub as well. My USB hub has four USB cord spots, meaning I can charge four devices at once while using only one plug socket in the cabin. Some cruise cabins may have few outlets in the room, especially on older ships, so being able to charge more than one device at a time is helpful.

Passport and credit cards

Perhaps the most important thing to pack on any cruise is the necessary documentation to board the ship.

In my personal item backpack, I packed my passport and several credit cards into a protective case. I then put the passport into a sealed Ziploc bag and placed it into the front pocket of my backpack.

I’m always nervous about my passport accidentally getting wet, whether from the rain or something spilling on my bag. To avoid any mishaps, I always place it into a plastic bag so there is less chance of water damage.

Shoes

I brought five pairs of shoes on my Alaska cruise:

• 1 pair of black flip flops
• 1 pair of black flats
• 1 pair of white flats
• 1 pair of black Nike shoes
• 1 pair of white Puma shoes

As the photo implies, I stick to neutral shoe colors as they are much more versatile than colorful statement shoes. White or black shoes go with virtually any outfit, and part of packing with only a carry-on is knowing how to best mix and match pieces together. Neutral shoe colors make this a whole lot easier!

I wore my white tennis shoes on the plane, which meant I only had to fit four pairs of shoes in my suitcase. The other shoes were relatively small—bringing ballet flats saved space compared to other types of dress shoes—I was able to fit them in the suitcase without any issues.

Related: 15 things you don’t need to bring on a cruise

While I didn’t wear the flip flops in port in Alaska, I was glad to have them for use onboard. Sometimes it’s just easier to quickly put on flip flops before heading to the buffet or the pool instead of tennis shoes. Having them handy is convenient, even when cruising to a cold-weather destination.

As far as tennis shoes, I recommend bringing water-resistant shoes. My mom, who traveled with me on this cruise, packed a mesh/cloth-style shoe and regretted it almost immediately. These types of tennis shoes get wet very easily in the rain or when walking on a wet surface. Bringing water-resistant shoes—those with a harder shell—will be more comfortable on rainy days.

Why you should cruise to Alaska with just a carry-on bag

Packing for a cruise with a small carry-on suitcase might seem ridiculous, but it’s a better idea than you think.

If you’re flying to a cruise port, checking a bag is a huge hassle. Even if you get a free checked bag with a particular airline, it still adds unnecessary stress to the mix. If your bag does not make it on your plane, which may happen with short layovers, you might have to board the ship without your luggage.

Plus, traveling with a large suitcase makes it more difficult to transit from the airport to the cruise port. You may have to call an Uber XL instead of a normal car, and it makes navigating transit like buses and trains much more difficult.

Truthfully, you don’t need as many clothes as you think on an Alaska cruise. Unlike in the Caribbean, you won’t (hopefully) be sweating nearly as much, which means your clothes will stay cleaner longer.

Because of this, you can easily wear the same outfit twice during the week, although I find I always have enough space in a carry-on to pack a new outfit for every day.

Plus, if worse comes to worst, you can always pay for laundry services on the cruise ship, and a bag of laundry will still be cheaper than roundtrip baggage fees.

The bottom line

Overall, I have no regrets about packing for my Alaska cruise using only a carry-on suitcase. Doing so gave me more flexibility at the airport and when traveling to port, as I could easily fit on public transport and did not have to wait at baggage claim.

I never felt like I was running out of clothes, as I had more than enough shirts and pants to wear both in port and onboard. There were a few items I did not end up wearing during the cruise even with such light packing!

I’m not sure I’ll ever check a bag when I cruise, as I can’t imagine needing more than what I can fit in my carry-on and backpack. Whether in Alaska, the Caribbean, or Europe, I’ll always prefer the convenience of a carry-on.

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Utopia of the Seas is the sixth ship in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class, making her one of the biggest cruise ships in the world.

As an Oasis Class ship, she is smaller than Icon of the Seas; however, that doesn't mean Utopia of the Seas isn't packed to the brim with ways for passengers to relax, dine, and more.

Here is a look at everything we know about the sixth Oasis Class vessel. 

How big is Utopia of the Seas?

Utopia of the Seas measures 236,860 gross registered tons and 1,188 feet in length, meaning that she is similar in size to Wonder of the Seas versus older Oasis Class vessels. 

Moreover, she has a capacity of 5,668 passengers at double occupancy split between 2,834 staterooms. 

Read more: 5 things to know before sailing on Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas

Where does Utopia of the Seas sail from?

Being that Utopia of the Seas is the first Oasis Class cruise ship to be powered by Liquified Natural Gas, or LNG, it makes sense that her homeport is Port Canaveral, Florida.

LNG is the cleanest fossil fuel that can power ships today. It has the potential to reduce carbon emissions by around 30%, sulfur emissions by nearly 100%, and nitrogen oxide emissions by around 85%.

Where does Utopia of the Seas sail to?

In a first for Royal Caribbean, Utopia of the Seas entered service offering just short cruises. Typically, new cruise ships start off with 7-night sailings, but Royal Caribbean wants to market Utopia to attract the new-to-cruises passengers.

Utopia of the Seas offers 3- and 4-night cruises to Nassau and their private island: Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

The strategy is to attract people who have never taken a cruise before, and are tepid to try a week-long sailing. By offering short cruises on a brand new ship, Royal Caribbean is betting these folks will see Utopia as a heads-and-shoulders superior choice to try a cruise.

The inaugural voyage was July 19, 2024, and was a 3-night cruise to Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay. The second sailing departed on July 22, 2024, as a 4-night cruise to The Bahamas. 

Utopia of the Seas neighborhoods and layout

Utopia of the Seas isn't the last ship in the record-breaking Oasis Class, as Royal Caribbean ordered a seventh ship that's scheduled to be delivered in 2028. The order is contingent upon financing, but it's expected to be completed later in 2024. 

Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty said, "While we eagerly anticipate the debut of Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas this summer, we’re already dreaming up her sister ship and the next installation in the brand’s extremely popular Oasis Class."

Of course, Royal Caribbean would not debut the biggest and boldest Oasis Class ship without making some modifications, meaning there are some venues, staterooms, and other features not found on any other Oasis vessel in the fleet. 

Like other Oasis Class ships, Utopia of the Seas has the following neighborhoods:

1. The Boardwalk, where guests will find the fan-favorite Playmakers, carousel, and, of course, AquaTheater. 
2. Pool & Sports Zone, which features a Caribbean-style pool deck and a three-story Lime and Coconut Bar. 
3. Central Park, where guests will find the only Izumi in the Park on any Oasis Class ship. This is a concept taken from Icon of the Seas. 
4. The Royal Promenade, the main thoroughfare on Utopia of the Seas.
5. Entertainment Place, the entertainment hub of all Oasis Class vessels. Here, you can find the comedy club, casino, theatre, etc. 
6. Youth Zone, which is home to Adventure Ocean programming, an arcade, and teen club.
7. Vitality Spa & Fitness, Royal Caribbean's signature spa that offers treatments and services ranging from pedicures to bamboo massages. The fitness center is available at no extra cost. 
8. Suite Neighborhood, which is a carry-over from Wonder of the Seas. This is an exclusive enclave for suite guests who are hoping to enhance their cruising experience. 

Utopia of the Seas dining

In total, there are over 40 ways to drink and dine when onboard the ship, ranging from the complimentary Windjammer to brand-new concepts, such as Royal Railway - Utopia Station and Pesky Parrot bar. Plus, you are able to enjoy 16 cuisines from around the world. 

With 10 complimentary dining options, it is possible to not spend a penny extra on dining outside of what is included in your base fare. Start your mornings at the Windjammer and grab a snack at the full-size food truck before indulging in a three-course meal at the Main Dining Room. 

With 11 specialty venues, however, you may want to splurge on sushi in Central Park (a first on any Oasis Class ship), bar food at Playmakers, southern comfort dishes at The Mason Jar, and more. 

Read more: I sailed on Royal Caribbean's newest weekend party ship, and these are the 6 best and 5 worst things I ate

Utopia of the Seas complimentary dining options:

• Main Dining Room
• Windjammer Cafe
• Solarium Bistro
• The Spare Tire, a new poolside food truck
• Park Café
• Cafe Promenadé
• Sorrento’s Pizza
• Boardwalk Dog House
• El Loco Fresh
• Sprinkles for ice cream
• Coastal Kitchen (suites only)
• Room service (continental breakfast only)
• Johnny Rockets (breakfast only)

Utopia of the Seas specialty dining options:

• Chops Grille, which is connected to the Trellis Bar 
• Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar with outdoor Gio’s Terrazza overlooking the Boardwalk
• Royal Railway - Utopia Station, a new immersive train car experience
• Izumi Hibachi & Sushi
• Izumi in the Park
• Izumi Omakase
• Hooked Seafood
• 150 Central Park
• Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
• Starbucks
• Johnny Rockets (lunch and dinner)
• The Mason Jar
• Chef’s Table
• Wipe Out Bar snowcones

Utopia of the Seas bars and lounges

Utopia of the Seas has no shortage of bars and lounges for guests to explore. Some fan favorites returned to Utopia, like Playmakers, Boleros, and the Schooner Bar. 

Replacing the Bionic Bar, however, is the Pesky Parrot, a new-to-brand Caribbean tiki bar that serves tropical beverages, both frozen and on the rocks. 

Bars and lounges on Utopia of the Seas include:

• Schooner Bar
• Trellis Bar
• Boleros
• Rising Tide Bar
• Solarium Bar
• Bell and Barely Pub
• Wipe Out Bar
• The Attic
• Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
• The Lime and Coconut
• Pesky Parrot
• Music Hall
• Spotlight Karaoke 
• Cantina Fresca
• The Vue

Activities onboard Utopia of the Seas

Like Wonder of the Seas, there's one Flowrider on Utopia. In place of the other one is a redesigned playscape. This themed playground features climbing walls, nets, games, puzzles, and slides for younger guests. 

Likewise, there's mini-golf, two rock walls, a zip line, and the longest Ultimate Abyss yet, which is 43 feet longer than previous incarnations. This makes Utopia's Ultimate Abyss the longest dry slide at sea. Plus, it has been reworked to be even faster than previous ones! 

The Ultimate Abyss has 300 LED lights, transparent windows, and zoom booster rollers, which gives riders a thrilling exit onto the Boardwalk.

Read more: 7 new things coming to Utopia of the Seas, including a giant slide and train restaurant

In terms of the casino, Utopia has two that have a combined 371 slot machines! The standard casino, which permits smoking, has roughly 539 seats, while the non-smoking casino has about 64. 

Other activities onboard Utopia of the Seas:

• Adults-only Solarium 
• Adventure Ocean programming
• Suites-only sun deck with a private pool that overlooks the ocean
• Music Hall 
• Adults-only comedy venue, The Attic 
• Perfect Storm water slides 
• Three pools on the top deck, two of which are resort-style, while the third has a sloping entry 
• Studio B ice skating rink
• Royal Theater for unique and Broadway-style productions 
• Splashaway Bay
• Escape room
• Laser tag: Battle for Planet Z

Entertainment on Utopia of the Seas

There are three news shows that guests can expect to see on Utopia of the Seas. These include:

Aqua80Too in the AquaTheater: "Following on from the famous Aqua80 show on Oasis of the Seas, no other show on earth will make you feel like this one will. The tempos, the energy, the drama, the action, and the fun, all rolled into one."

Youtopia in Studio B: "It's an ice skating odyssey through ideal perfection, fantastical times and places, and unbelievable artistry while champion performers leave you in awe with countless spins, jumps, and stunts along the way. Find out what utopia means to you during Youtopia!"

All In! in the Royal Theater: "All the technology, all the creativity, all the talent, all the design, all the sound, all the costumes, all the video, all the lighting, all the choreography, all the energy, and all the fun... ALL IN!"

There is not a Broadway musical on Utopia of the Seas.

Utopia of the Seas also offers new themed parties, like:

Rezolution: "This is not your ordinary night out. Rezolution is an immersive late-night white party experience that puts the focus on you. Dance nonstop to DJ-spun beats while projected images - from fireworks to colorful koi fish - transform you into living art."

Royal Kappa Chi: "School is in session. Gather up your crew for the ultimate collegiate party with Royal Kappa Chi. We're talking pong battles, flip cup championships, and the chance to reclaim the title of Quarters King or Queen. It's just like the good old days, only better —with DJ mashups and party vibes."

Silent Toga!: "Hosted in the Solarium, we feature a classic 'Toga' party, with a twist. This 'Toga' party is silent. Using 600 silent party headphones, 3 DJs will play 3 different styles of music each on a different channel, guaranteeing our guests to dance to their favorites."

Hey Utopia!: "The party that kicks off all parties. Hosted poolside, this party gets the guests energized as they board. Starting with our resident DJ and Royal Party Squad as they get the crowd on their feet and moving to some of the hottest hits from today. With special activations including a first appearance of the roaming Champagnators destined to quench the guest's thirst. This party is guaranteed to put the guests in a great party atmosphere before we even set sail."

Senses Sunset Pool Party: "This is a chill, early evening poolside vibes. Hosted by the Party DJ, we time this party to align with the sunset. House Music plays throughout the pool deck, allowing for the great vibes to continue. The big screen will also be playing sunsets from famous places around the world."

Plunge Day Pool Party: "Party. Chill. Repeat. Our resident DJ brings awesome vibes to the pool deck as guests either party or chill as Utopia of the Seas navigates the warm waters of the Bahamas. This party, offered in the afternoon in Nassau or on the Sea Day mimics a Vegas-style pool party. The Activities Team 'makes it rain' with water blasters to spray guests who are chilling in the pool and around the deck. This will feature another appearance of the Champagnators."

Royal Caribbean's newest ship features well-loved game shows and parties from other Royal Caribbean ships, such as:

• Crazy Quest
• Majority Rules
• Battle of the Sexes
• Friendly Feud
• 18+ late-night club, Red
• Shush! Silent Party
• Spotlight Karaoke

Read more: I spent over a week on Royal Caribbean's new Utopia of the Seas. I was impressed by how much was changed for the world's newest cruise ship

Utopia of the Seas cabin tours

• Balcony cabin
• Crown Loft Suite
• Ultimate Family Suite

Utopia of the Seas construction

Utopia of the Seas was under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. The ship began construction in April 2022.

Utopia of the Seas was delivered to Royal Caribbean on June 13, 2024.

Cruise ship delivery is the transfer of ownership of the ship from the shipyard to the buyer, in this case, Royal Caribbean. This marks an important milestone in the construction process.

Delivery, however, does not mean the ship begins sailing with passengers. Wonder of the Seas, for example, was delivered to Royal Caribbean in January 2022, but her inaugural sailing was not until March 4, 2022.

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As a budget traveler who loves cruising to Alaska, I’m always looking for ways to save money while visiting the 49th state.

It’s easy to break the budget on an Alaska cruise, as shore excursions tend to be priced significantly higher than those in the Caribbean. Hoping to take a helicopter ride to a glacier? Get ready to shell out $1000. Interested in a kayaking tour? You may spend over $200!

Not wanting to spend thousands on excursions and other cruise add-ons, I took advantage of several money-saving tips on my recent Alaska cruise.

From exploring ports without shore excursions to taking advantage of onboard discounts, it was easy to save money on my Alaska cruise without feeling like I was missing out.

Here are 10 ways I saved money on my Alaska cruise.

I rented a bike in Juneau for $40 instead of paying $200 for a cycling tour

While in Juneau, I wanted to visit Mendenhall Glacier, one of the port’s top attractions. As I was browsing shore excursions in the port, I found a cycling tour to the glacier and was immediately intrigued.

The “Bike & Brew Glacier View” tour in Juneau was priced at $149 and consisted of an 8.5 mile bike ride to the glacier followed by a visit to a local brewery. While it sounded fun, I thought spending $150 to ride a bike was steep.

Instead, I visited Cycle Alaska in downtown Juneau after disembarking the ship, which was only a two minute walk from the dock. There I was able to rent a bicycle for four hours for only $40. My mom decided to rent an e-bike for just $30 more.

Related: 7 ways to have a great time in port without a cruise ship shore excursion

From the bike shop, we took off on a 13 mile ride to Mendenhall Glacier. The majority of the ride was on separated bike paths and it was extremely fun to explore on our own without a tour.

Upon arrival at the glacier, we locked our bikes on a rack and walked around the park area, making a stop at the scenic Nugget Falls. From there, we hopped back on our bikes for the 13 mile return trip.

Not only did I save $110 by renting a bike instead of booking a tour, but I had a lot more flexibility in what I could do with my time. Plus, I’m not a fan of organized shore excursions, so I much preferred the self-exploration possible with a bike rental.

I bought souvenirs in port instead of on the ship

I don’t always buy souvenirs when I cruise, but I decided to purchase a few on my recent Alaska cruise. To save money, I bought souvenirs while I was in port instead of in the souvenir shops on my cruise ship.

The first day of my cruise, I boarded the ship’s souvenir shops and found plenty of cute, fashionable Alaska-themed souvenirs. From sweatshirts to mugs, hats, and stuffed animals, there were hundreds of souvenirs to browse onboard the ship.

I decided to hold off on purchasing souvenirs on the ship and instead wait to shop for souvenirs in port.

During our first port day in Ketchikan, I was happy with my decision to avoid purchasing souvenirs on the ship. Ketchikan has dozens of souvenir shops with discounted prices on not just Alaska trinkets, but warm-weather clothing and raincoats.

Unsurprisingly, the prices of souvenirs onboard were inflated compared to what we found in each Alaska cruise port. Buying the souvenirs in port (specifically in Ketchikan, which had the best shops) was a budget-friendly decision I’m glad I made.

Took light rail from Seattle airport to downtown

I flew to Seattle the day before my cruise, and I saved money by taking the light rail downtown instead of calling an Uber or Lyft.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA-TAC) is around a 30 minute drive from downtown Seattle, although it can take longer with heavy traffic. Ubers or Lyfts to the city center from the airport usually cost over $50.

Related: Guide to Seattle cruise port for Alaska cruises

I booked a hotel in downtown Seattle the night before the cruise, so I had to travel from the airport to downtown upon arrival. Instead of calling a rideshare service, I decided to take the light rail.

Seattle’s light rail travels from SEA-TAC airport to downtown in just 38 minutes and costs only $3 per person. Our hotel was only a four minute walk from the Westlake station downtown, so taking the light rail was convenient, efficient, and cost-effective.

I did the free version of the North Star observation pod instead of paying

One of the most popular signature activities on Quantum Class cruise ships is the North Star, an observational pod that rises from the pool deck to three hundred feet above sea level.

The views from the North Star are beautiful, especially in a destination like Alaska, so I didn’t want to miss out on this activity while onboard.

Unlike most activities on a Royal Caribbean cruise, the North Star offers both complimentary and extra-cost rides. Complimentary rides are offered when your cruise ship is docked in port, and extra-cost rides are available on sea days.

Related: 15 free things to try on your next cruise

Not wanting to pay $30 to ride the North Star on a sea day, I made it a point to reserve a complementary slot. To do so, you must open the Royal Caribbean app once onboard and reserve a time slot.

Once I got onboard, though, I was shocked to see that all complimentary rides were already sold out! Still determined to ride the North Star, I periodically checked the app throughout the week, and I realized Royal Caribbean was releasing new time slots every day.

Once I saw a slot open, I quickly reserved it and was able to ride the North Star without shelling out $30.

I avoided expensive sit-down restaurants in port

To save money on my Alaska cruise, I ate most of my meals on the ship instead of in port. When I did grab a bite to eat in port, I dined at quick-service casual restaurants instead of sit-down venues.

Alaska has some of the best seafood in the United States, and I usually make it a point to dine at restaurants while visiting each port. On my recent cruise, however, I decided against long meals in port in favor of spending more time exploring town.

While docked in Ketchikan, we grabbed a quick latte and pastry at a local coffee shop instead of spending an hour or two at a restaurant. In Juneau, I bought fish tacos from a food truck instead of a sit-down meal.

It’s not uncommon to spend over $30 per person, per meal at a sit-down restaurant in Alaska cruise ports. Eating smaller snacks and quick meals in port allowed me to save money—I only spent around $10 each day for food in port.

I took advantage of Crown & Anchor Society benefits

Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society offers some impressive benefits, including free drinks, discounts on onboard purchases, and exclusive events.

During my 7-night cruise, I took advantage of four benefits:

• 4 free drinks every day
• Diamond Lounge access
• Free play money in the casino
• Extra bingo cards

I visited the Diamond Lounge during my cruise to use the specialty coffee machine, where I was able to make lattes, cappuccinos, and other specialty drinks for free.

Of course, the free drinks as a Diamond member easily saved me significant money throughout the cruise. It was a huge benefit to be able to order a cocktail, mocktail, or soda four times a day without worrying about racking up a large bill at the end of the cruise.

Related: Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program info, tips & secrets

Even if you’re not yet a Diamond member, you will still receive coupons for 50% off drinks like wine, beer, soda, and milkshakes. Taking advantage of these coupons will help you save money on your Alaska cruise.

And although spending money on gambling is not, by any means, a money saving tip, I took advantage of the $8 free play I received on a slot machine. I also partook in bingo for the first time on a cruise, where I received 6 extra jackpot cards during the game because of my loyalty status.

While I lost in both the casino and bingo, it was fun to get extra perks through the Crown & Anchor Society to either save money or increase my chances of winning a game.

I booked an interior cabin

Like most of my cruises, I booked an interior cabin on my recent Alaska itinerary. The total cost of my interior cabin was $1856, or $923 per guest.

Related: Take a look inside my inside cabin on my Alaska cruise

While nothing luxurious, booking an interior cabin allowed me to save money on my cruise fare. I booked my cruise just two months before the sail date, so prices were not as low as I would have preferred. To avoid spending several hundred to several thousand dollars more on a balcony or suite, I snagged one of the last interior rooms available.

Booking an interior cabin allowed me to allocate my vacation budget elsewhere.

I packed in a carry-on suitcase to avoid $60 in baggage fees

While packing for an Alaska cruise in a carry-on might seem outrageous, I fit more than I needed in my trusty little suitcase.

I absolutely hate checking a bag when I travel, so I’ve mastered the art of packing for a 7-night cruise in a carry-on. To avoid paying $60 in bag fees, I packed everything I needed in a carry-on for my recent cruise.

To fit so much in a small suitcase, I utilized packing cubes which greatly reduced the surface area of my clothing.

Related: Alaska cruise packing list: What to pack for your sailing

In addition, I traveled with a backpack as my personal item on the airplane. Inside I was able to fit my laptop, camera gear, toiletries, chargers, and other miscellaneous items. I even had enough space to fit my souvenirs in the bag after the cruise was over!

Packing in a carry-on allows me to travel more efficiently, save money, and ensure my belongings get to the port with me.