Royal Caribbean has dress codes on its cruise ships, but it's not as rigid or stately as it sounds.

Dress codes have existed for decades on cruises, but today it applies primarily to restaurants on the ship. They are very relaxed compared to luxury lines.

New cruisers are usually worried about what to wear, what not to wear, and what they need to pack to ensure they don't miss out or are ostracized for not having the right attire.

The truth is it's not about having fancy clothes, rather, it’s about being prepared.

• Types of Dress Codes on Royal Caribbean
• What to Wear by Location
• What to Expect on Formal Night
• Theme Nights and Special Events
• Packing Tips for Dress Codes
• Cruise Dress Code FAQs
• Real Advice from Frequent Cruisers

Three dress codes on Royal Caribbean

In practice, most dress codes are suggestions than firm requirements. Here's what to expect.

Casual

This is the most common dress code you will find on your cruise and it's the easiest to pack for.

Casual dress code is the most basic requirement meant to go beyond what you might wear to the pool deck. The casual dress code means it should be nicer than that, such as sport shirts and slacks for men, sundresses or pants for women.

In my experience, men wear long pants with polo shirts with khakis or "nice jeans" (no holes) and a collared shirt.

For women, that can be sundresses or just a nice blouse. The best way I can describe it is what you would probably wear to visit your grandmother on a holiday.

Smart Casual

One step up from casual is smart casual, and it's usually the dress code for specialty restaurants.

I think of this suggestion as being relative to casual. Take what you'd wear on casual and up it one notch on the fancy scale.  

In my experience, both casual and smart casual still emphasize the "casual" aspect.  

Royal Caribbean defines it as, "Jackets and ties for men, dresses or pantsuits for women."

"Jackets, sports coats, and blazers are snazzy and welcome."

I rarely see men wearing jackets or sports coats for this theme, but you certainly wouldn't be out of place for being overdressed.

Formal Night ("Dress Your Best")

Royal Caribbean uses the terms formal night and Dress Your Best interchangeably, but it's effectively the same idea.

Don't let the names fool you, formal night isn't that formal on Royal Caribbean ships.

Royal Caribbean's guidelines say, "suits and ties, tuxedos, cocktail dresses or evening gowns are all acceptable".

Formal night clothing is what you would probably wear to a traditional wedding and should be a step up from any other night's clothing.

Women could wear evening gowns, cocktail dresses, and lots of accessories. 

What I mostly see cruisers wearing are cocktail dresses, slacks and button-downs, and perhaps a few tuxedos occasionally.

Dress codes aren't really enforced

Real talk: You'll see dress codes listed, mentioned, and talked about, but the truth is they are rarely ever enforced.

I cruise every month, and I've seen all manner of clothing worn to the Main Dining Room and specialty restaurants. It's been my experience someone would have to brazenly dress casually to be denied entry.

No where in the dress codes does it say shorts are suggested attire, but plenty of people will wear shorts to the restaurants. Hats, jeans with holes in them, flip flops, coverups and more are fairly common to be seen.

I think the cruise line isn't interested in enforcing these policies because it's lose-lose from a guest experience.  No one wants to be told they're underdressed, and the crew don't want to become the fashion police. 

Say what you will about what should be enforced or not, but it's the reality of cruising today and a reflection of mainstream views about how dressed up most people want to be on vacation.

Dress code by location

The dress codes don't apply ship wide.  Rather, there's a requirement for certain venues at certain times of the day.

Main Dining Room

Dress codes vary each night for dinner, but it's always casual for breakfast or lunch.

You can find the dress code for the Main Dining Room listed in the Royal Caribbean app or Cruise Compass.

In the app, scroll down to the “Daily Planner” section to preview the hourly details and event descriptions. Navigate to the dinner time slot, and look for the “Tonight’s Attire” event.

Enforcement of dress codes is pretty lax, and you should think of the dress codes as suggestions.

Specialty Restaurants

Every specialty restaurant has its own dress code that supersedes the published dress code for the Main Dining Room. That means if it's formal night, you don't have to get dressed up to eat at Playmakers.

For most specialty restaurants, smart casual is the expectation. It's certainly more upscale dress expectations than the MDR or buffet. 

Restaurants such as Chops Grille, Giovanni's, or 150 Central Park all feel like you ought to be dressed up to dine there.

I would not recommend wearing shorts, tank tops, or pool deck wear to any specialty restaurant, other than Pier 7, Playmakers, or Sabor.

Supper Club

Available only on the Icon Class ships, the Empire Supper Club and Lincoln Park Supper Club require a formal dress code and this one is actually enforced.

For men, it's required to wear a suit jacket. If you do not have one, Royal Caribbean will lend you one.

You should expect to dress up for eating here, and it's easily the fanciest Royal Caribbean restaurant.

Windjammer and other buffets

There's no real dress code for the ship's buffets other than you must wear shoes and not be dressed in just a bathing suit.

Shoes, shirt, and a cover up if you're wearing a bathing suit are the basic requirements.

Around the ship

Whether you're walking around the pool deck, down a hallway, or through the Royal Promenade, there isn't a dress code.

It's a good idea to always wear shoes and a cover up if you're in a bathing suit.

What you need to know about formal night

Your takeaway from formal night is it's a fun excuse to get dressed up, especially to take family photos together.

How many formal nights there are on your cruise depends on the length of your sailing. Generally, it follows this pattern:

• 3/4/5 Night Cruises - Usually on Day 2
• 6 Night Cruises - Usually on Day 2 and 5
• 7 Night Cruises - Usually on Day 2 and 6
• 8 - 10 Night Cruises - 2 formal nights, Days vary by ship and sailing
• 11 - 14 Night Cruises - 3 formal nights, Days vary by ship and sailing
• 15+ Night Cruises - 3 or 4 formal nights, Days and number vary by ship and sailing

Formal night is no longer a black tie affair onboard, but I think a lot of cruisers enjoy the idea of matching family members and generally looking nice. 

If you don't want to participate in formal night, don't sweat it.  You could always go to a specialty restaurant or buffet for dinner, where they have their own dress codes.

Or you could dress nicely without going to the lengths of getting fancy in your attire.

I think the best thing about formal night is to take photos with friends and family. 

There will be photographers around the ship every evening, but this is especially popular on formal night. If you're on a ship with Central Park, I'd recommend getting photos taken there for the beautiful backdrop and lighting that comes with it.

Theme nights & special events

In addition to the dress codes, there may be themes to the evening.

These themes are purely suggestions, and you do not need to participate in them at all. Theme nights are an excuse to get dressed up and join in the fun.

Examples of theme nights include:

• Dress To Impress
• White Night
• 80s Night
• Caribbean Night
• 70s Night
• Latin Party

You'll find what’s planned in the Cruise Compass or App.

Packing tips based on dress codes

• Casual: Jeans, polo shirts, golf or Bermuda shorts, t-shirts, blouses
• Dress To Impress/Dress Your Best/Formal: Suits, sports coats, cocktail dresses, gowns
• Caribbean/Tropical: Tropical prints, pastel colors, linen shirts, Bermuda shorts, sundresses
• White Night: Casual attire, but white!
• 70s/80s Night: Bell-bottom jeans, polyester suits, wide lapel shirts, maxi dresses, mini skirts, knee-high boots, platform shoes

Common questions

Can I wear jeans to dinner?

Yes, jeans are commonly worn to dinner for all dress codes.

Are flip-flops allowed in restaurants?

While you won't see them listed as a suggested attire by the cruise line, I've seen plenty of cruisers wear flip-flops.

What do kids need to wear?

Children are expected to follow the evening's dress code just as closely as adults. There may be a little more leeway in terms of the degree of formality for children's clothing, especially young children.

For boys, polo shirts and nice pants will suffice for most evenings and girls can wear dresses, skirts, and sweaters.

Can I skip formal night entirely?

You could dine at a different venue on formal night. Remember, formal night only applies to the Main Dining Room for dinner.

The only restaurant that actually enforces and requires formal wear is Empire Supper Club/Lincoln Park Supper Club.

Are there any dress code rules for excursions?

Sometimes there can be required attire, such as long pants, socks, or even covered shoulders.

Check the excursion description for specifics on it, but yes, there can be a dress code for safety reasons or to satisfy cultural norms.

What people actually wear: Real-world advice

If there's one takeaway from this article, let it be not to worry too much about dress codes on Royal Caribbean ships.

Yes, dress codes exist, but they're more suggestions than hard and fast rules.  

"I don't dress up for formal night, but it's the one night I throw on a pair of dark jeans and my one button down or polo shirt I brought along and I think that's more than enough," wrote ScottD on the Royal Caribbean message boards.

WAYNO added, "The formal dining experience is going away.  The Main Dining Room is becoming a casual restaurant."

Twangster added some perspective, "People on vacation may desire to take a break from dressing up for work every day of their life.  Some people don’t want to bring formal wear or don’t have room for it when paying for luggage on a flight to a cruise."

My advice for anyone packing for their Royal Caribbean cruise is to not overpack out of concern you need to have prom-level clothing ready. Most people are more relaxed than you think.

There’s no need to stress about dress codes.  Look at them as ideas for what to wear, especially on theme nights.  Perhaps this is your family's excuse to get matching outfits or simply take nice photos together.

There are certain upgrades, perks, or conveniences on Royal Caribbean ships that once you try them, it’s hard to go back to cruising without them. 

I speak from experience there are things you could buy, try, or sample and it will radically alter your future expectations.

Spoiling yourself is part of what makes vacation fun. I think you should be actively looking for ways to splurge so you can truly enjoy time away.

Here's my list of 10 ways you will absolutely spoil how you cruise going forward if you try them. Consider yourself warned (and you're welcome)!

Staying in a Star class suite

There are cruise ship suites, and then there are Royal Caribbean Star Class suites.

Royal Caribbean purposefully designed Star Class to offer the very best benefits on its ships, with an unmatched level of service.

The suites are massive, being the largest ones you can book on Royal Caribbean's biggest and newest ships. These are head turning suites, like the Ultimate Family Suite or Star Loft suites.

The sheer amount of space in these rooms is bigger than many apartments, and it makes going back to standard staterooms seem like a punishment given how much smaller they are.

But the real reason you'll always want to sail Star Class is because of the Royal Genie.

The Royal Genie can deliver on just about any need or want you have during the cruise, and they are the "easy button" to everything.  It's not that you can't get some of these things on your own, it's that why not let someone else do it.

After the first time I tried Star Class, it went from "wouldn't it be nice" to "can we please do that every time".

Private island cabanas

Family cruising has its challenges, but one of the best ways to make it better is to book a cabana at one of Royal Caribbean's beaches.

Ever since trying our first cabana on Labadee, I've been hooked because of how it provides lots of space, good service, and prime location.

There are many types of cabanas now, with each offering access to a different area of CocoCay or Labadee.  Royal Caribbean is planning even more cabanas when they open Perfect Day Mexico and beach clubs.

Cabanas spoiled our family early on because it was a great "home base" for the kids.  They could play, splash, and nap, and gave us all room for it.

As my kids have grown up, cabanas allow them more flexibility if they want to hang out and talk, swim, or sun tan. 

Just like being in Star Class, cabanas are the easy button for a day at the beach.

Eating at specialty restaurants every night

Ever since Royal Caribbean created dining packages, it's made specialty dining so much more accessible and you'll get used to dinners around the ship quite quickly.

I still enjoy the Main Dining Room a lot, but the more you eat at specialty restaurants, the more you'll want to continue.

Quickly you'll discover new favorite dishes and since so many restaurants are available on multiple ships, it's easy to want to return again and again.

Royal Caribbean's check-in process

Royal Caribbean has made checking in for a cruise so darn easy that it will spoil you for any other cruise line.

Over the years, Royal Caribbean has made it easier and easier to do online check-in, and now it's a few clicks in the app and you're good to go.

More importantly, the process in the terminal is fast. 

When I've sailed from lesser frequented Royal Caribbean homeports and the process isn't as efficient as those in Florida, I always shake my head because I grew accustomed to how speedy it can be.

Crown and Anchor benefits

If you can reach Diamond Status in Crown and Anchor Society, it's great because of all the benefits you get. However, it radically alters your outlook on other vacations or cruise lines.

You get four free drinks per day, and that perk alone can save hundreds of dollars on every cruise.  

When a friend and I were talking about a land vacation, the first thought I had was "I won't get free drinks every night there, like I can on Royal Caribbean." It almost sounds like a silly argument, but there's truth to it.

I think Royal Caribbean has the best loyalty benefits in the cruise industry, and I suppose that works for both customer and cruise line. I get what I want, and it steers me back to the line.

Having unlimited internet

Once you get internet access for a cruise, it seems impossible to go back to cruising without it.

Admittedly, I'm a geek and have been buying Royal Caribbean Wi-Fi packages for over a decade.  However, I think having internet access objectively makes your cruise easier to manage.

The best thing about an internet package is it's so much simpler to stay in communication with anyone you want on the ship and back at home.  

The Royal Caribbean app's free chat feature is fine, but I already have everyone I want to chat with in my own apps.  Plus people that aren't on the ship.

Then there's simple pleasure of having internet access for checking social media, passing the time, and otherwise providing entertainment.

Cruises to bucket list destinations

You wouldn't think an itinerary would spoil you, but once you try a cruise to Alaska or Europe, you'll want more.

I had cruised exclusively in the Caribbean for many years before I ventured to Alaska.  After being there a day or two, I instantly realized why everyone talks about this region and I fell in love with it.

Likewise, I was tepid about going to Europe and sailing from the UK, but it turned out to be the kind of trip I instantly wanted to repeat.  And as it turns out, I've taken a cruise from there every year since.

Trying a cruise from a new region opens your eyes to new possibilities, and I think that's incredibly powerful.

Yes, going on a cruise from a bucket list worthy spot will spoil you, but this is more of a reward rather than an indulgence.

Cruising on a new ship

When I walked on Ovation of the Seas last month and reached the elevator bank, my heart sank a little bit when I saw there were no destination elevators.

Going on Royal Caribbean's newest ships will spoil you because of they're filled with the latest and greatest ideas, developments, and forms of entertainment.

It's easy to love a brand new cruise ship because of all the big and small features it offers.  I dare you not to enjoy a sprawling Royal Promenade and coffee with a view at Pearl Cafe on Icon of the Seas and then go back to Cafe Promenade on an older ship and not feel a little sad.

Likewise, I love being on a ship that has Playmakers, the Mason Jar, a suite sun deck, or Dueling Pianos. Heck, just the change in shower dimensions and shapes (and curtains) is a reason I love new ships.

I'll still go on older ships, but the truth is once you try a brand new ship, it's hard to go back knowing all the features and amenities new ships have.

Buying a drink package

Another way to make your cruise easier and thus spoil you is to buy an unlimited drink package.

When you buy a beverage package, you don't have to think if you should spend money on another drink.  It's all included, so you go for it.

I debated getting a drink package for my upcoming cruise because I get 6 free drinks a day with my Pinnacle Club benefits, but I went with the drink package because it's so much more convenient not to constantly be counting my drinks.  Plus, a well-timed 40% off drink package discount helped sway my choice.

The convenience factor with a drink package is what sells me on it more often than not, and that's quite similar to the suite, cabana, or internet ideas mentioned earlier in this article.  When you're on vacation, you want things to be easy.

Booking a private excursion

If you want to ruin shore excursions for yourself, try a private tour.

Group excursions are fine, but their slow pace always bugged me.  So when I experimented with private excursions, it opened my eyes.

Renting a yacht, catamaran, or taking a private van tour allows so much more freedom and flexibility with your day plans.

We get to do what we want at the pace we prefer. Not to mention there's no awkwardness up front sitting with strangers until a few ice breakers (or alcoholic drinks) come out and then it gets sort of comfortable.

You only have a few hours in each port, so I'd prefer to get full use of the experience.

Royal Caribbean offers a dinner option for guests that prefer flexibility with what time they have dinner each night of their cruise called My Time Dining.

It's one of two choices for dinner in the ship's Main Dining Room (with the other being Traditional Dining), and it's appealing because you can arrange dinner around your plans, rather than the other way around. 

Many cruisers wonder if they should pick traditional or My Time Dining for their family. 

Here's a breakdown of how My Time Dining Works and what you need to know before you choose it.

What Is My Time Dining on Royal Caribbean?

My Time Dining is what Royal Caribbean calls its flexible dining choice for dinner, where you have the choice of what time to make reservations for dinner in the Main Dining Room.

Instead of having the same dining time, table assignment, and waiters, My Time Dining offers a way to pick from a window of times to eat. Or you could simply show up and wait for the next available table.

My Time Dining is available on every single Royal Caribbean ship, and it's a choice you'll make when you book your cruise.

The best reason to choose My Time Dining is for how flexible it is.  You get to eat when you want, with who you want.

If you have a shore excursion that ends late, you can push dinner back that day.  But on a day when you don't have afternoon plans, opt for an earlier dinner.

How My Time Dining Works

Royal Caribbean offers reservations for My Time Dining between the hours of 6:00 and 9:30 p.m.

You can pre-book a time online before the cruise begins, once on the ship, or show up and wait for an available table.

Ideally, you'll make reservations before the cruise begins on Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner site or the Royal Caribbean app.

There is a maximum of 10 guests per reservation.

For example, you could have dinner at 8:30pm on the first night of the cruise and then have dinner at 6pm on the second night. Just like traditional dining times, you can skip the main dining room all together and eat at a specialty restaurant or the buffet.

There are two lines for My Time Dining: those with a reservation, and those without. If you don't have a reservation, you can get in the standby line and get the next table that opens up.

You can make requests with your reservation, such as specific location or even to have certain waiters.  Not only does My Time Dining offer flexibility on when you dine, but it also offers a choice in where and with whom.

Pros and Cons of My Time Dining

Pros

The top reason a lot of cruisers love My Time Dining is for the flexible schedule it offers.

You can customize your dinner time to match shows, excursions, naps, and anything else. You can even skip your reservation and show up later if you're simply having a fun time and aren't ready to eat yet.

This allows better handling of conflicts, as Royal Caribbean ships are filled with activities and things to do. From shows, to trivia, to time at the pool, and tours too, fitting dinner in is not always simple.

Another advantage of My Time Dining is it works well handing different routines.

If you're cruising with a group of friends or a multi-generational family, you may find My Time Dining a simpler approach to finding a time that works for everyone.

Cons

I think the chief downside to My Time Dining is it requires more planning and possibly longer waits.

Ideally, you'll make reservations for each time you want to dine, but that takes away from the spontaneity of the whole point of it.

I've also found there are longer wait times during peak hours. Even with a reservation, lines for dinner can be long.  And even if it's a short wait, there's no line to wait in with Traditional dinner.

If you want to eat a popular times, it requires more planning. Not a big deal, but seems to contradict the point of "flexible" dining.

Another potential issue is you may not have the same waiters each night.  That means inconsistent waiter service if you don’t request the same table.  

Step-by-step guide how to reserve My Time Dining

It is recommended that you make reservations in advance of your sailing if you prefer to dine at the most popular times, between 6:30pm and 8pm.

The easiest way to make a My Time Dining reservation is go to the Cruise Planner for your sailing and then click Dining.

Scroll down to the bottom, and look for My Time Dining.

From here, select the people and choose a day and time to make a reservation.

Alternatively, you can make reservations on the ship.  The risk with waiting to make reservations until on the ship is the peak times may be sold out.

How tipping works with My Time Dining

If you select My Time Dining, then you're required to pre-pay gratuities.

The reason Royal Caribbean requires gratuities be included with My Time Dining is because of the logistics with crew members, since you may be changing tables and waiters each night. 

There's no sense in you trying to track down each waiter to tip them.

Of course, you can always offer additional tips to a specific waiter at your discretion.

FAQs About My Time Dining

Now that we covered the basics, let's answer questions about My Time Dining you might still have.

Do I have to reserve every night in advance?

No, it's up to you to if you'd like to make any reservations.  

You could book every night, some nights, or no nights.  Without a reservation, you can just go to the Main Dining Room when you want to dine and wait in the standby line for the next available table.

Can I show up without a reservation?

Yes, there are two lines: one for people with a reservation and one for those without a reservation.

Those with a reservation are given priority for an open table.

Can I request a specific table or waiter?

Yes, when it's your turn at the check-in station, you can request a specific table or waiter.

If you do this, there may be an additional wait for that table to become available.

Can I switch back to Traditional once onboard?

Probably, but it all depends on availability.

You can switch between traditional or My Time Dining on the ship, but you'll need to speak to the head waiter to see if they have space for you.

Is My Time Dining worth it?

If you prefer to have the choice of different times for dinner than what is available through traditional dinner, I think My Time Dining is worth the extra effort.

Because traditional dining times have no wiggle room, My Time Dining is a great alternative.

If you're going to try My Time Dining, I'd recommend following these tips:

• Make reservations early—times fill up quickly
• Show up on time to avoid losing your slot
• Ask the head waiter if you want the same waiter/table each night
• Try to avoid peak dinner hours (6:30–7:30pm) for faster seating

My Time Dining is a great choice for families, solo cruisers, and anyone on a port intensive itinerary with late afternoon port visits.

I'd skip My Time Dining if you prefer simplicity and no waiting.  With traditional, you can go right to your table every evening and there's no line or reservations needed. 

I usually pick traditional dining instead of My Time Dining because I don't want to deal with lines.  If there's a day I want dinner at a different time, I'll go to the Windjammer or book a specialty restaurant.

Ultimately, My Time Dining offers more variance in when you eat dinner. Reservations are easy and free to make, and it might be the solution to balancing dinner with everything else you have planned onboard.

Cruise ships have evolved over the years, including how technology has been leveraged to make the guest experience better.

I've always admired how Royal Caribbean has leaned into tech to bring more choices and make the cruise better overall. Some are quality of life improvements, while others add a different dimension to fundamentally alter what it's like onboard.

Plus, some of the tech we see on cruise ships are undeniably fun. Royal Caribbean's primary focus is creating memories for families, and if tech can help that along, it's a win-win for cruise line and passenger.

I came up with my list of five of the best cruise ship experiences that are possible because of Royal Caribbean's use of tech onboard.

Faster internet

It's amazing how far cruise ship internet has come in just the last few years, but we finally have reliable and fast WiFi on Royal Caribbean as we do on land.

Cruise ship internet is not new, but it had been traditionally slow, expensive, and disappointing.

A few years ago, Royal Caribbean struck a deal with Starlink to bring true high speed internet on ships that would be similar to what we have on land.

It took a little ironing out, but when I sail on Royal Caribbean ships today, I no longer cringe when I open my web browser to see how long it will take to load.

The reality is reliable internet access is a must-have for most passengers, simply from a casual communication standpoint.  While some people conduct work on ships, most just want to be able to stay in contact with friends, check social media, or keep up with what's happening around the world.

Shows with robots

Royal Caribbean's best implementation of technology that improves a traditional experience is Two70 on its Quantum Class ships.

Two70 is a theater at the very back of the ship, but you'll quickly notice there's much more to this area than its location.

Within this amazing theater space are screens attached to robot arms that can move, swivel, and dance to match the performers and music.

Each of these roboscreens is programmed individually so it can move in sync or independently of the others.

According to Royal Caribbean, at the time of their development, it was the most complex robotics project that was happening outside of Mars.

Behind them are windows that transform into a 100 foot wide, 20 foot tall, screen known as Vistarama. Vistarama's 12K resolution is nearly twice that of any IMAX screen.

When you see the shows in here, it's easy to get lost in the spectacle of everything happening.

Royal Caribbean adopted the robot idea and put it on its Icon Class ships within the Aquatheater venue.  

There are 4 six-axis robot cast members on Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas, and Legend of the Seas. They can do more than hold up a screen. They can even assemble and disassemble stage equipment.

The performers are still the focus of each show, but the venue adds a dimension to the experience that is sure to wow its audience.

Mobile check-in

I don't think Royal Caribbean gets enough credit for how easy it is to check-in for a cruise and then subsequently board the ship.

The cruise line has progressively worked on improving its check-in process to get guests from "car to bar" in a matter of minutes.

The secret sauce for this has been the development of the Royal Caribbean app.

The app makes check-in as easy as checking into a hotel or flight, and quickly takes you through the process.  The more you do in the app, the less necessary to do inside the cruise terminal.

There's even an express boarding option that rewards those that complete all the steps within the online check-in process with a faster way to get onboard.

One thing I hear from our readers consistently is how much better check-in is on Royal Caribbean compared to other cruise lines. Royal Caribbean has optimized their check-in and boarding process so there's far less standing and waiting.

Elevators with less waiting

Among the 14 specific advances Royal Caribbean came up with just for Icon of the Seas, the most noticeable and enjoyable one is how much better the elevators are.

Destination elevators were a must for a ship as big as Icon of the Seas.  Royal Caribbean built the world's largest cruise ship, and they knew elevator wait times were a pain point on other ships.

The elevators on Icon Class ships use an optimization algorithm to assign elevator cars.

Instead of pressing a button to wait for an elevator, guests push a button for which floor they want to go to and are assigned an elevator.

The result has been exactly what it sounds like: less time waiting for an elevator. This means you can get to where you want to go and keep the fun going.

While elevators may not be the most exciting or tantalizing aspect of a cruise, technology has clearly solved a long-standing problem.

Immersive dining unlike anything else

While it's still in its infancy, I think Royal Caribbean used tech to come up with a game-changing idea.

Royal Railway at Utopia Station is an immersive dining experience that combines the two things people love about cruising: food and destination.

More than just another specialty restaurant, guests are transported to different time by entering a classic train station to board their train.

You dine in a train car that looks and feels like the real thing, along with a story that you're part of.

Royal Caribbean's top priority is delivering an unforgettable family vacation that creates memories, and this is all but guaranteed to do that.

As you dine, you see from the digital windows scenery going by, you feel the rumble of the train in your seat, and interact with the performers and waiters during your meal.

Technology is what makes all of this possible, but it's not the focal point.  It's symbolic of the evolution of how tech is used onboard from "hey, look at this shiny thing" to a supportive means that improves the experience.

Waiting to book a last minute Royal Caribbean cruise could result in a great deal or possibly frustration with a lack of choices.

It's understandable wanting to get the lowest possible price for a cruise, but waiting to book comes with risks and rewards.

Time it just right and take advantage of a price drop, but wait too long and you miss out completely.

Royal Caribbean cruise prices sometimes feel like the stock market: up one day, down the next.  

Here are the pros and cons of booking a last minute cruise so you can decide the right course of action.

Possible savings on a vacation sooner

There are two really good reasons to book a last minute cruise: it might be a great deal and it means less waiting for the vacation to start.

Most people that wait for a last minute cruise are usually looking to get in on a good price.

Depending on the ship and sailing, there could be a lower price for unsold cabins.

Royal Caribbean uses dynamic prices for its fares, which means the price can change minute-to-minute based on supply and demand. 

When a cruise doesn't sell very well, the result is sometimes a great deal.

The other reason some will book last minute is because that's when they start their vacation search.

Ideally, you'll plan out a cruise as much as a year in advance because I've found the best prices are usually early on before most of the rooms are taken.

However, booking that early may not be feasible.  Or you simply thought "wouldn't it be nice to go on a cruise soon" and started looking for options.

Booking a cruise that departs less than 90 days from now means you don't have to wait as long to get onboard and enjoy it.  That's a great feeling when you suddenly have a vacation to look forward to without a long delay.

Waiting for a last minute cruise could leave few options

The biggest negative to waiting to book a last minute Royal Caribbean cruise is you may find few options and high prices.

Cruises are like airlines in that there's limited seating on any given trip, and the quicker they get booked up, the higher prices go.

There's no guarantee that waiting for the last minute will save you money or get you a deal. In fact, Royal Caribbean recently told investors it raises prices in the final months before a cruise.

I'd argue the bigger risk with waiting to book a Royal Caribbean cruise is what options you have to choose from.

You may find the remaining choices are sail dates, ships, or cabins that you don't love.

High demand cabins will likely be sold out, such as suites.  Likewise, cruises over holidays sell faster.

What I've found is the choices are usually older cruise ships, sailing over dates that may or may not work with your schedule.

The other consideration is airfare and other logistics to get to your cruise. 

If you get in on the ship and cabin you want, you may find very high airfare, sold out hotels, or booked up kennels that create a different issue to factor.

Are there last minute Royal Caribbean cruise deals?

Demand right now for cruises is red hot, as Royal Caribbean has reported strong booking trends to its investors. That's good news for Wall Street, but not so much for consumers looking to get in on a low price.

Those macroeconomic numbers don't tell the entire story, as a particular sailing could have lagging demand, and that could spur better prices.

In short, there are still deals out there for a last minute sailing, but you're going to have to be nimble to find them.

The days of $99 cruise fares seem to be behind us, but I think there's still some flexibility in pricing from time to time.

Finding them is another challenge, but savvy consumers should be able to find lower prices with the right strategies.

Flexibility is critical

If you are thinking about taking advantage of a last minute cruise, you need to have maximum flexibility with ship, itinerary, and cabin.

Once a sailing passes the final payment date, the clock starts ticking on what availability is left and how good the price will be.

If you're okay sailing off season, on an older cruise ship, and don't need to be in a specific type of stateroom, you may find excellent choices for a fun vacation.

This strategy favors those not beholden to a school calendar, strict work holidays, and live close enough to a cruise port to easily hop onboard.

I often hear from Royal Caribbean fans that take advantage of last minute cruises that can drive to their cruise, such as those living in Florida.

Regardless of where you live, the more open you are to where your ship goes, the size and age of the ship, and where you stay, the more it's a good idea.

What to expect if you wait to book a last minute cruise

It's not always a good or bad idea to book a last minute cruise, but if you have the choice, I'd book early.

The top reason not to book at the last minute is the lack of choices, and I think new cruisers would potentially be stuck with less than ideal options.

Not only does booking early get you more choices in ships, it's usually also the lowest prices.  Cruise prices tend to rise over time, and that's why I always try to book my cruises as early as I can, even two years early.

If you're reading this with many months to go, I'd recommend booking your cruise now and locking in the price and room you want rather than risking waiting.

However, if you're seized with the inspiration to book a cruise suddenly and are close-in, prepare for low inventory.  You might be able to get a great price, or not at all. Sometimes there are cruises left at higher prices and it's that or no cruise at all.

After going on almost a dozen Royal Caribbean cruises alone, I've learned a thing or two about solo travel.

It can feel daunting to go on a cruise without friends or family because you're worried you'll feel lonely, bored, or simply regret the trip.

By preparing for the trip ahead of time and coming in with the right mindset, I think my trips have been successful and allowed me to fully enjoy them.

Here's what I wish I knew about traveling alone before my first solo cruise.

Cruising alone for the first time can feel intimidating, but that shouldn't stop you.

I took my first cruise alone after many sailings with family, and the truth is it's more liberating than scary.

I think it makes it worse when you tell friends that you're going alone, and they fuel any doubts you may have because it's definitely not the usual approach to a cruise.

Ultimately, I thought to myself how bad could it be going on a cruise ship for a few days? If all I did was eat, sleep, and watch a few shows, that still sounds better than being at home.

Of course there's the potential for an awkward moment or strange feeling when you miss having someone to chat with, but I think part of enjoying life is pushing boundaries a bit.

I chatted with crew members, met people around the ship, and got to see bucket-list destinations.

Plan out more of your days to ensure smooth logistics

I always advocate planning your cruise out, but it's even more important when cruising solo.

One of the methods I found for combatting the sense of loneliness is keeping yourself busy. Cruise ships are great for this, because there are activities and things to do pretty much all day long.

I start out with picking shore excursions, because these tours take up a majority of your day. Plus, you're surrounded by others in your group and that contributes to making you feel more connected, rather than alone.

Not only do I pick out ship tours to try, but I will lean towards activities that my kids likely wouldn't be interested in. It's all part of the solo travel mantra of embracing what you want.

I'll also look at what the ship offers and pick out things to try onboard. 

You probably won't feel alone as you think

There's something about a cruise that feels more communal than other travel.

When I'm on an airplane or staying in a hotel, I never want to talk to other travelers. Not only does it never occur to me to strike up a conversation, but it's practically an annoyance when it occurs.

On a cruise, it's a totally different situation.

Many cruisers are happy to start chatting, and the crew members will chat you up too. I think it's a combination of the fact everyone is "living" there for a few days that contributes to making it feel more open for it, plus the cocktails and beer too.

If you sit down at a bar, attend trivia, or go on a shore excursion, I think it's really easy to meet other cruisers. Not everyone is going to be the life of the party, but I've found most people openly engage in talk while onboard.

Dining is the most daunting part, but embrace it

I bet if you're going alone on a cruise ship, eating by yourself seems like the worst part.

Dining solo conjures up fears of feeling ostracized. You imagine being at a table by yourself and others gawking at you.  Or potentially worse, being seated with strangers.

The truth is I've eaten alone at every single restaurant, from the Main Dining Room to the buffet. It's not nearly as bad you might think, and I actually enjoy it.

When I tried the Main Dining Room alone, I quickly realized a truth: no one cares what you do. 

After sitting down to a table alone, it became clear others around me were oblivious to it.  Or at the very least, no one asked or bothered me.

Plus, eating alone means you get in and out quicker. In seated restaurants, it feels like I get faster service. I think that may be because they sense I am ready sooner.

In casual restaurants, I can get in and out of the buffet as fast as I can chew. 

I avoided specialty restaurants for a while, until I just decided to go with it. Table for one meant I could get almost any reservation I wanted. Plus, Izumi is fantastic for solo cruisers because I'm either sitting at the sushi bar or hibachi table in a communal setting. 

Just like jumping into a cold pool, getting it over is the way to go, as you'll realize it's not so bad.

The freedom to do whatever you want whenever you want is a luxury

Want to know why I love traveling on a cruise ship solo? The liberating feeling it provides.

When I cruise solo, I get to do what I want, when I want. That's an incredible feeling and it changes the dynamic of how I cruise.

While I'll always prefer to cruise with my family, a part of me also really likes to embrace the selfish side of travel.  I go to the activities I want, book the tours I like, and eat when I want.  

This might sound very self-centered, but if you're going to go on a ship alone, I think you really ought to double down on it. 

While I love to cruise with my family, if I'm solo, I'll take full advantage of doing what I want, when I want to do it.

Book more group shore excursions instead of on your own touring

My wife knows that I dislike group excursions because of their slow pace, but if I'm solo, I've started to embrace them.

One trick for not feeling as alone is to go on tours while in port.  Because you're with a large group, conversations inevitably occur and it's nice to meet people and converse.

When I sailed in Europe alone, I booked group excursions in each port.  I even tried a "free" shore excursion, where it was a small group.  In both cases, I got an opportunity to be more social.

Just like going to events around the ship, going on group tours opens up the opportunity to talk with others. 

You need to learn to adapt to moments of discomfort on solo trips

You need to be flexible while traveling, regardless of how many people you're with.

It may seem like solo cruising is fantastic, but there are times when it's not so great too. You may find the plans you laid out didn't work out as well as you liked, and it can feel more problematic without someone with you to confide in.

I think there needs to be a certain level of self-reliance to bounce back from these moments. I've learned to let more of what happens slide off your back and move onto the next (and probably better) thing.

Buying an internet package is must

If there's one thing you pay extra for on a solo cruise, it should be a Royal Caribbean internet package.

Having access to the internet is a godsend when I cruise by myself because it's a portal for communication.

I can call, text, and video chat with friends and family when I have the internet, and I truly cannot imagine not having that option when I'm cruising alone.

Plus, an internet package allows me to pass the time more easily when I'm at a restaurant, bar, or relaxing somewhere on the ship. I could watch a movie, check social media, or do some work.

I'm all for immersing yourself in the places you visit, but a solo cruise needs internet access far more than group travel.

Traveling solo can be addicting, and you may even prefer it in certain situations

I never thought I'd cruise solo as much as I do now.

In fact, there are certain cruises where I tell my wife it would probably be better if I went alone, because of the nature of the trip.  Specifically, when a new ship comes out and I'm running around trying to capture everything.

I would welcome my family to sail with me, but the truth is on a cruise where I need to do more work for this blog than usual, it's an advantage to be able to quickly dip in and out of places so I can get more done.

Assuming you don't run a blog, cruising solo can be addicting as a methodology to get what your family wants out of cruising. 

For example, you could go alone in order to earn more Crown and Anchor points so that your entire family gets to benefit from a higher tier status. Not exactly "falling on your sword" in terms of great sacrifices, but it's definitely a good strategy when other family obligations prevent your spouse or kids from traveling with you.

The number one reason people book a cruise is for the destinations Royal Caribbean ships visit, but you may want to know if you have to book an excursion on a cruise.

I love to explore the ports of call my ship visits because of how much there is to see and do.  Experiencing new cultures, visiting historical sites, and forgetting all my cares at the beach are things I look forward to on every sailing.

The conundrum is often not what to do, but how to book it.  Is it better to book shore excursions with the cruise line? Or can you do your own excursions on a cruise?

Here are the basic things to consider before you book cruise shore excursions so that you can make the right decision.

What are the pros and cons of booking excursions through the cruise line?

You can book shore excursions through Royal Caribbean, and it's clearly the easiest option.

As soon as you book a cruise, you're able to access the Cruise Planner and see the variety of tours sold. The cruise line has gone through and vetted tours and present ones that you can book quickly.

That's the best thing about cruise line excursions: they're simple, easy to book, and come with a few guarantees.

First, it's a tour operator that is reputable.  That means each excursion has to pass an inspection by the cruise line and it's a company that knows what it's doing.

An equally important promise is that you won't miss the cruise ship.

One of the most important rules on any cruise is to be back onboard before all-aboard time, or you'll be left behind.

Royal Caribbean says if you book a tour with them, they'll get you back on the ship. In most cases, this means if the tour is running behind schedule, the tour operator will contact the ship and inform them so the ship can wait.

This is especially important when taking a tour that requires long transportation time back to the ship, such as a nearly 3 hour bus ride to Paris from Le Havre, France.

The disadvantages of booking a cruise line excursion is it's not going to be the cheapest option.

Many veteran cruisers lament the generally higher prices for cruise line excursions. 

Royal Caribbean works with high quality tour operators, and of course they make a commission on the sales too. Objectively, a cruise line excursion will usually cost more.

Another issue is that cruise excursions tend to sell out quickly.

Royal Caribbean has been particularly successful in marketing its app to cruisers, and the result is a higher visibility to book tours.

Decades ago, you could wait until you got on your ship to book tours.  Now, that's practically a mistake because there will be so few options left.

Another problem I have with cruise tours are they tend to include large groups.

Large groups move slowly, require more stops, and it seems to me to have a lot of wasted time.

Royal Caribbean recently introduced Royal Signature Excursions, that feature smaller groups and even skip-the-line options.  Of course, don't expect these to be inexpensive.

Shore excursions are not cheaper on ship

Don't purposefully wait to book a shore excursion until you're on the ship because you're expecting a last-minute deal.

Royal Caribbean actually charges the most onboard.  Think of it like paying the rack rate at a hotel when you walk up, instead of pre-booking online.

There are sales every few weeks on excursions, and the pre-cruise price is almost always cheapest.

For example, I've seen Royal Caribbean advertise up to 30% off excursions booked before the sailing.

Is it safe to book independent cruise excursions?

The short answer is yes, but you need to do your research.

Independent shore excursions offer a much greater variety of tours and at different price points. You can find budget friendly ones, or a lavish all inclusive option.

The important thing is to look up reviews of the tour operator and the specific tour you're considering before booking.

The onus falls on you to vet the tour, rather than the cruise line.

New cruisers may find this to be a daunting task, filled with hesitation regarding making a mistake. In that case, there's nothing wrong with sticking to ship tours.

The primary risks are time and the tour delivering on what you expect.

Certainly, you'll want to get back to the ship on time.  No tour operator wants you to miss the ship, because that kind of bad review is bad for business.

I recommend planning to get back at least 2 hours prior to the all aboard time, so that an unexpected problem (i.e traffic, a medical emergency) doesn't hinder your ability to get back.

Most cruise experts point out that independent tours can save you a lot of money. Plus, if the cruise line doesn't offer the activity you like, you can find one that does with your own company.

Before you book , be sure to also look at the cancellation policy.

Royal Caribbean will refund your money if the ship is unable to dock at a port because of weather or an itinerary change.  Some independent tours may keep your deposit or not offer refunds if you can't make it.

Independent tours don't always offer full refunds if there's an itinerary change, but ship tours always do.

I recently sailed on the biggest cruise ship to ever sail from Los Angeles, Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas.

If you think all balcony cabins are the same, you might be surprised to know some key differences.

Royal Caribbean invited me to be their guest on a 3-night preview sailing, and I was thrilled when I saw I'd have a balcony room all to myself.

If you're like me, then you find a balcony room is in that sweet spot of value and living space. I don't mind an inside room, but it's usually worth it to me to move up to a balcony for the outdoor verandah and natural light.

While I'm no stranger to a balcony stateroom, I quickly discovered I preferred this style of balcony room over the ones on the world's largest cruise ship because of a few important design choices.

Royal Caribbean invited me on the Ovation of the Seas' complimentary three-night preview sailing

I was assigned one of the ocean-view balcony cabins on deck 11, a few decks away from the buffet.

Balcony rooms are the most common type of stateroom on cruise ships today because of how popular they are with cruisers.  They can accommodate up to 4 people, depending on the configuration.

I was assigned cabin 11616, which is a category 2D ocean view balcony room. Royal Caribbean allows to 2 guests in this particular cabin.

There's 198 sq ft of living space, along with 55 sq ft of space on the balcony.

There's more storage than you can use

The sheer amount of storage space in this balcony cabin is impressive, and it's what immediately stood out to me as I walked in.

Quantum Class ships were the first to introduce this look to cabins that continued with newer Oasis Class ships too.

You'll walk past the full length mirror and air conditioning controls as you enter, opening up to the cabin itself.

In this particular cabin, the sofa and vanity are closest to the door, but it alternates with the bed depending on the exact cabin.

The vanity has a desk and chair to sit at, with a mirror and electrical outlets.  There are even two hidden USB-A outlets available (you need to lift the guard up to plug in your device).

There was an electric kettle with tea in my cabin, but that might have been the result of the fact the ship had just completed a series of cruises in Asia.

Next to the vanity are drawers, along with a cooler to use to keep drinks or small plates of food.

Across is a sofa.  This one does not open up to become a bed, but it was nice to have somewhere to sit.

On either side of the sofa are two giant closets.

One closet is meant to hang garments, while the other has shelves.  It also has the safe you can use during your stay.

Even the bed has storage options

Like nearly all cabins, there's a king bed that can be separated into two separate twin beds.

On both sides of the bed are a nightstand, with the nightstand near the balcony having a power outlet.

This ship entered service in 2016 and you can tell fact it has extra power outlets and a few USB outlets represented a shift in stateroom design to begin adding more power options.  Cruise ships that debuted just a few years earlier lacked these luxuries.

Each nightstand has a shelf to it, and there are two overhead storage bins above the bed as well.

Even if I was sailing for two weeks on Ovation of the Seas, I seriously doubt I could use all of this space.

The balcony is an oasis to enjoy great views of the ocean

If it's not too hot outside, I love sitting on the balcony to enjoy the views and fresh air.

There's a door to access the balcony, where there are two chairs and a table.

I appreciate there are foot stools provided for each chair, because almost instantly you'll want to put your feet up.

At 55 square feet, there's just enough room for two adults to both enjoy being outside.

The shower is better on Icon, but this is a very close second

Each cabin has its own private bathroom, and it's quite functional.

Bathrooms on cruise ships have evolved a lot over the years, and they've gotten bigger and updated.

The shower is made of glass and it's curved, providing more space for the shower occupant.

I prefer the shower design on Icon of the Seas, but this isn't bad at all.

Once again, there's plenty of storage space along the walls and below the sink for your toiletries.

Final thoughts

After spending a few nights in this room, I think I prefer it over the Icon of the Seas balcony.

Royal Caribbean sought to develop the look of its staterooms on Icon, but I think Ovation's is better.

First, there's significantly more storage space around the room.

It's my opinion that the balcony room on Icon seeks to rely too much on design and gave up some practicalities.

As an example, there are metal bins in the wardrobe that are cumbersome (they make noise as they move in and out), and I don't want my clothes on display.

Plus, there's no over bed storage, and it lacks the amount of closets Ovation has.

Icon of the Seas is still my favorite cruise ship in the fleet, but I'll at least take solace in my cabin with its look and feel.

Happy Sunday! We hope you are having a great weekend and ready to talk a little Royal Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean's plans for a new "smaller" cruise ship are being described as "a top secret design".

While speaking to a group of travel advisors, Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President of Sales and Trade Support Vicki Freed, confirmed the new class of ships. 

Her public statement confirms the project is moving forward, although details are still scarce.

Royal Caribbean News

• Richard Fain exit as chair from Royal Caribbean shakes up Board of Directors
• Royal Caribbean is skipping the Inside Passage on some Alaska cruises
• This ultra spacious cruise ship cabin has bunk beds, two windows, is enormous, but costs much less than a suite
• Cruise Fans Weigh in on Utopia of the Seas
• I cruise to Europe every year. I always avoid these 7 mistakes for a better trip
• I'm my family's 'chief vacation officer' for all my cruises. Here are 10 things I always do to make cruising better
• I flew across the country for a 3 day cruise. I maximized the trip by making a few smart decisions
• Royal Caribbean launches “Shell Week” with WWF
• The secret to a friends and family cruise with different ages is planning to always do one thing together
• I sailed alone on one of Royal Caribbean's giant cruise ships and was surprised how easy it was as a solo traveler

New RCB Video: What I wish someone told me about Royal Caribbean private island

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — What I wish someone told me about Royal Caribbean private island — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Diana Ross honored with Godmother role for new cruise ship

Royal Caribbean announced music superstar Diana Ross will be the Godmother to Star of the Seas.

The longstanding maritime tradition bestows safekeeping onto the ship, its crew, and all who sail on the ship. Plus, it's a fun way to celebrate the launch of a new cruise ship!

She will preside over the festivities surrounding the ship's launch in August 2025.

Why are there oversold cruises?

It's a rare occurrence for there to be oversold cruises, but don't worry about being denied entry onboard.

Royal Caribbean assumes a certain amount of last-minute cancelations, but sometimes that doesn't happen.

The good news is the cruise line has no problem finding volunteers to change plans and open up rooms in a situation like this.

New homeport just made an overlooked cruise itinerary more desirable

Ovation of the Seas is now based in Los Angeles, and suddenly there's a big ship option in SoCal.

She joins Navigator of the Seas, and that adds a heck of a one-two punch to the market.

Like any big ship, offering cruises on Ovation means there's so much more to do onboard and a good reason to try a Mexican Riviera cruise.

I tried Royal Caribbean's drink package for the first time

A Royal Caribbean drink package offers a convenient option, and Jenna finally gave it a try.

She admits she didn't drink enough every day to actually save her money, but the convenience it provides is undeniable.

Having access to unlimited drinks allows passengers to relax and unwind.

Royal Caribbean is making a splash this summer with bold new changes

While Star of the Seas is the biggest news in 2025 for Royal Caribbean, don't overlook other changes this summer.

You can expect ships in new places, upgrades to existing ones, and redeployments.

This summer has some interesting options for a cruise vacation beyond the usual.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 567th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, featuring an exclusive interview with Vicki Freed.

Ms. Freed talks with Matt about Royal Caribbean's plans for the Southern California cruise market.

Please feel free to subscribe via YouTube, iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can!