Occasionally cruise ships have to change the itinerary for a variety of reasons, and I had my visit to one of the best Alaska glaciers cancelled by Royal Caribbean.

Just a month before the start of the Alaska cruise season, Royal Caribbean cancelled all of their visits to Tracy Arm fjord because of recent landslides there.

No one wants to book a cruise and then be told later the plans need to change, but safety always comes first.

The cruise line informed us we'd be headed to Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier instead to replace our cancelled plans.

While I may not have been happy with the change, our replacement visit ended up being an amazing experience.

Cruise ship glacier visits are the highlight of any Alaska cruise

No matter which glacier your ship visits, seeing one of these natural wonders is a must-do.

Most Alaskan itineraries include an early morning where the ship sails into a fjord to slowly approach the glacier.

This is one major reason why sailing to Alaska by cruise ship is such an advantage, because the bigger glaciers are difficult or impossible to reach by land.

It's one of the best viewing opportunities you'll get, and it's a captivating day.

Glacier day is an early start

I was sailing on Serenade of the Seas, and we entered Endicott Arm around 6am to begin the 30-mile journey.

A lot of cruisers armed themselves with coffee or hot chocolate, bundled up, and headed outside to see everything as we passed by.

The ship moves slowly because the waterway is narrow, and there are floating pieces of ice along the way.

There's something to look at from anywhere on the ship, including your balcony or any public area of the ship.

Both sides of the ships have views of the coast and high cliffs that make up Endicott Arm. Not only is it a magnificent sight, but there are animal viewing opportunities along the way.

We spotted seals and whales, including a mom and baby seal on a piece of ice. 

Animal viewing will be sporadic, but when you see one, it's incredible.

A 600-foot tall glacier waits at the end

After about two and a half hours, we reached Dawes Glacier and got a front row seat to enjoy the view.

This is one of the best examples of a tidewater glacier, and it sits at the head of the fjord.

Our ship approached as close as was safe to do so, and then began a slow spin so everyone could get a good view.

I started off watching from my balcony room. In fact, we booked a balcony instead of an inside room specifically because we wanted to take full advantage of it on our glacier day.

The benefit of having a balcony is not only a private viewing area, but you could retreat indoors when we got too cold to warm up inside.  Meanwhile, we could still watch through the glass doors.

After taking in the first sights, I wanted a better vantage point, so I walked quickly to the front of the ship.

There are multiple public decks on a Radiance Class ship like Serenade, which helps spread everyone out.  I started off on the upper pool deck, moving to the front for a higher vantage point.

But I think the absolute best glacier viewing opportunity is the ship's helipad on deck 5.

You're right at the very front of the ship with nothing obstructing your view ahead. While this means it's the coldest spot to stand, I think it's worth it for what you get to see.

This is also a good reminder that while a balcony cabin is convenient, you could very easily book a less expensive stateroom and still enjoy the glacier viewing from any of the public areas.

Our ship did a full 360-degree spin so that everyone could get a view without having to run around the ship to a specific location.

We remained near Dawes Glacier for about a half hour before slowly beginning the journey back. Of course, this means another opportunity to enjoy the views around Endicott Arm once more, especially if you didn't wake up for the initial sail in.

I recommend bundling up because it's probably the coldest day of your cruise

Alaska cruises aren't as cold as you might think, but glacier day can get quite brisk. The combination of wind and nearby ice made this the coldest day of our cruise.

You will want to wear a couple of layers to keep yourself warm enough to enjoy the views.  I don't think you should go to the trouble of packing a parka jacket just for one morning, but you will need more than just a sweater.

A knit hat and gloves are a must-pack item for your Alaska cruise. They don't take up much space in your luggage, and will make a major difference in being able to stay outside longer.  

Instead of a giant parka, I think a combination of a warm fleece jacket and outer rain jacket should do the trick.  Add a t-shirt underneath it all, and those three layers should keep you warm enough.

These are affiliate links, which cost you nothing extra to use but we make a small commission.

You could also purchase hand warmers to bring with you, which you can stuff in your gloves, shoes, or jacket to also warm you up. A DIY approach is get a hot cup of black coffee and just hold it.  That could get you lots of extra warmth for no additional cost.

What to pack for an Alaska cruise is one of the most popular questions, but I don't think you need to pack an entire outfit just for your glacier viewing.  Instead, layer up and don't be afraid to take breaks inside to warm back up.

Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier was worth it, even if it wasn't our first plan

Even though I booked an Alaska cruise with a different glacier stop in mind, Royal Caribbean still delivered a viewing we won't ever forget.

I certainly don't fault them for making a change to ensure the safety of everyone involved, and I'm even happier we got a picture perfect viewing chance as a replacement.

Even my teenage kids, who are usually jaded about nature, were out on the balcony to take it all in. And to take plenty of selfies too.

Glacier day should be a top priority, regardless of which one you visit.  Get up early, bundle up, grab coffee, and enjoy this amazing natural treat.

Royal Caribbean recently launched a two new credit cards, including a premium card that has better perks along with an annual fee.

Guest writer Ira Winkler is a longtime cruise fan who has been sailing with Royal Caribbean for years. He recently sailed on Independence of the Seas and utilized his Royal One Plus credit card benefits. He shared his thoughts on whether this new premium travel card is worth it with Royal Caribbean Blog. 

When Royal Caribbean announced a new credit card, I was skeptical. 

I heard they were going to charge for the better card. And while some people assume it's a money grab, I've found that premium cards usually have benefits. However, you have to really calculate whether or not the extra expense is worth it. 

This time, the call was easy, at least for me. 

Here's what it's like using the brand-new Royal One Plus credit card — and why it's the perfect addition to my credit card lineup. 

Priority Boarding

(Credit: Ira Winkler)

I've only ever traveled in suites on all past cruises. Recently, however, my wife received a casino offer in the mail, and one option was a four-night trip to Nova Scotia, where she had never been before. As such, we decided on the cruise aboard Independence of the Seas. 

The potential upgrade costs didn't seem worth it for a short cruise, so we stuck with the
free balcony cabin. This, however, meant that we didn't get our usual (and much-appreciated) suite boarding benefits. 

As such, this was the perfect time to test out the priority boarding benefit of the Royal One Plus card.

(Credit: Ira Winkler)

Unfortunately, due to traffic, we didn't arrive at the port until 1:30 p.m. The Royal
One Plus luggage drop was clearly indicated on the same banner as The Key and Suite check-in, but it was already closed. 

Therefore, I had to drop my luggage off with the regular porters and go through the standard security line. Since it was long, I asked a terminal employee if there was a suite line that I was missing, and they let us bypass the regular line by hopping in the handicapped one.

Once inside the terminal, we had to wait in another line to check in, which took around fifteen minutes.

(Credit: Ira Winkler)

While standing in line, I noticed a clearly defined seating area with refreshments that Royal One Plus cardholders and suite guests likely used.

Frankly, the fact that I usually travel in suites meant that going through the standard check-in process provided me with something to compare it to. If I had shown up
earlier, I likely would have saved around twenty minutes, and the overall embarkation experience would have been more relaxed.

Assuming I would have received suite-like embarkation, I would consider the boarding perks a major benefit of the Royal One Plus credit card, especially given my dislike of lines.

(Credit: Ira Winkler)

Moreover, I didn't benefit from priority luggage delivery, but our bags arrived outside our door before 4 p.m. 

Lack of Special Cardholder Events

(Credit: Ira Winkler)

The biggest disappointment with the benefits was the advertised "Exclusive Cardholder Events." In short, there were none. I looked for information in my cabin similar to the Crown & Anchor Society and Casino Royale documents, but there was nothing. 

I even asked the Diamond Concierge, but he never heard about it. He contacted a variety of people with no luck.

It is possible that the Exclusive Cardholder Events may be something specific to Visa
or Bank of America offers, but there is no context or information anywhere about this.

While the "Events" benefit is listed on the Royal Caribbean website, it is not listed on
Bank of America's website. Perhaps they will add events in the future. We'll see!

SeaPass Issues

(Credit: Ira Winkler)

One problem I had during my sailing was that my SeaPass card didn't show my drink package. Customer service tried to reprint my SeaPass card several times with no success in including the drink package. 

Ironically, because my wife did not have the Royal One Plus logo on her card, she had no issues with the drink package. 

While customer service did add a sticker to the card to ensure I received the benefits of the drink package, it might indicate that the Royal One Plus logo glitched the card printing system. 

App Integration

A pleasant addition to the Royal Caribbean mobile app is that you can now see how many points you have towards exclusive credit card rewards on your profile screen. Clicking the "Redeem" feature also indicates how many points are pending. 

Logging in through the Bank of America website lets you redeem points on any of the sister cruise lines (i.e., Celebrity Cruises and Silversea). However, if you want to redeem points for an upcoming Royal Caribbean cruise, this is much easier than going through the online banking portal. 

Accumulating Rewards

While many premium credit cards offer double rewards points for gas, groceries, airfare, and possibly even cruises, the Royal One Plus card distinguishes itself with 4x rewards points for spending on any Royal Caribbean brand. 

The value of this reward greatly depends on how much you cruise, the type of cabin you book, and how much you spend on the ship.

If you are like me, this reward can add up quickly. I cruise about eight times a year, frequently in suites, and have a Silversea cruise coming up. As such, this benefit can earn me over $1,000 in onboard credit per year! 

No International Transaction Fees

If you travel internationally, you might find that your current card charges you a 3% or more transaction fee. Thankfully, the Royal One Plus card doesn't charge such fees.

Given that this can apply to expensive hotel stays and other related costs, this perk alone can offset the $99 annual fee — if you take an international trip. 

Some overseas vendors have an option to charge your transaction in U.S. dollars instead of the local currency. However, the exchange rate is not favorable, and it usually works out to cost more than the 3% transaction fee you would otherwise pay.

TSA Precheck/Global Entry

Another benefit of the Royal One Plus card is the TSA Precheck/Global Entry credit. If you travel enough to need the Royal One Plus card, you likely fly at least a couple of times a year. Trust me when I say that there's no greater time saver for air travel within the United States than TSA Precheck — and Global Entry, if you fly internationally.

Applying for Global Entry gets you TSA Precheck by default. With TSA Precheck, the airport security screening lines are usually significantly shorter, and the security process is easier. 

If you have "Touchless" TSA Precheck, which is a free upgrade, the lines are even shorter! You walk up to the security area, biometrically scan your face, and simply walk into the luggage screening area.

Global Entry, on the other hand, is an international traveler's dream. You can be through Customs and Immigration in as long as it takes to walk through the area. You walk up to a Global Entry kiosk, where there is rarely a line, and you are generally through immigration screening in seconds.

Global Entry/TSA Precheck normally costs anywhere from $85 to $120/year, but if you frequently fly, it is easily worth it. Since reimbursement is included with the Royal One Plus card, that benefit alone further offsets the card's $99 annual fee — at least for the first year.

A Big Caveat

Before you apply for any credit card, you must consider whether you can pay off the card monthly. If not, you should definitely consider the interest rates. 

For example, getting 4x back on a cruise for onboard credits sounds awesome! That means that a $2,500 cruise can get you around $100 to spend however you like. But, if you pay off that $2,500 over time with an 18% interest rate, which is relatively low these days, you'll spend more than $100 on interest in three months. 

If you are going to spend the money and pay over time on another credit card, then the interest rate might not be as much of a concern. Just understand that it is a strong consideration that can negate the benefits of any credit card reward.

The Final Verdict: Is The Royal One Plus Credit Card Good?

Personally, the onboard benefits alone (i.e., suite boarding and exclusive events) would not justify paying the $99 yearly fee. However, being a frequent cruiser who pays off credit card bills monthly, the Royal One Plus card pays for itself 20 times over. It isn’t as versatile as a standard credit card rewards program, but it applies the benefits where I enjoy them.

If you were to ask me where I would draw the line, I would say, "This depends completely on the individual and their spending and payment habits." However, if you cruise twice a year on Royal Caribbean brands, it is likely a great card, even if for no other reason than the $200 yearly certificate you receive (assuming you make the minimum charges). 

I also admit that when I use the card, it does have me think about how I am going to be spending the onboard credit, even for a brief moment, and that can be priceless! 

Anytime I'm in my cruise ship cabin, I try to avoid doing certain things that would be a nuisance to others.

I don't tip toe around my room by any means, but I want to be a good neighbor. I try to act like I'd hope others around me would act, because noise from other cabins is a common problem you might encounter.

Basically, I never want to be the person that irritates someone else.  Everyone makes noise occasionally, but I would never want to do anything that reaches the point of causing issues to others.

After taking over 100 cruises, I've learned there's a definite way to do things that everyone should follow.

For the benefit of others who are trying a cruise, here are the seven things I avoid doing in my cabin on any cruise.

I only flush toilet paper, and nothing else

A rule I heard early on about what should be flushed down the toilet on cruises is, "anything that came out of you and toilet paper".

It's incredibly easy to accidently clog the toilets by flushing anything else down them, and that's a problem for you and everyone else in your hallway.

Cruise ship bathrooms share toilet flush lines, similar to a sewer system. The problem is if one gets backed up, it cascades down the line.

This is why you absolutely cannot flush food, diapers, "flushable" wipes, or anything else down them.  It might work at home, but not on a cruise ship.

My guess is clogged up toilets are one of the most common technical problems on a ship because there's a lot of rookie mistakes made.  So consider this your warning.

When I open my cabin door, I try not to let it slam shut

I can't say it always works, but I really try to not let the cabin door slam when I open it.

Cruise ship cabin doors are made of metal, and they are rather heavy.  They're designed to gracefully shut on their own, but any kind of wind can really slam them quickly.

When a balcony door or window is left open, it creates a wind tunnel effect. And that sucks the door closed very quickly.

I've found on older ships, the doors slam quicker and it's loud enough to easily wake someone up that is sleeping next door.

I never yell from my balcony to someone else

It's an honest mistake to spot someone you know below your balcony or nearby and yell to them to get their attention, but it's so annoying to others.

Your voice carries far more than you'd imagine from a balcony. In fact, you'd be surprised how easily a regular volume conversation can be heard from one balcony to another, or even inside the rooms.

Plus, that person you're trying to get their attention? There's a lot of competing noise and it's unlikely they'll hear you.

Instead, text or call them.  Or go find them elsewhere.  Skip yelling like Stanley from "A Streetcar Named Desire" to them.

Balconies aren't libraries, but be considerate about noise

Besides not yelling, I try to keep the noise down on a balcony.

I take umbrage with the idea there should be no noise on a balcony, but there's a line between quiet and a party.

Certainly, I would never play a music over a Bluetooth speaker on my balcony.  And while I have no problem having a conversation out there, it shouldn't be a party scene.

The issue is how easily others around you can hear anything going on in your balcony in theirs.  You both paid a lot of money to enjoy it, so just be respectful.

I try to keep my room tidy so it's not a mess for the cabin attendant

Every Royal Caribbean cabin gets daily cleaning from a stateroom attendant, but they aren't your maids.

Not only is it easier on me from an organizational perspective to keep my room organized, but I want the room stewards to be able to vacuum, wash, and replenish the cabin without navigating a mess of my stuff.

I hope no one thinks I'm a clean freak and my room is pristine. I leave jackets on chairs, and my vanity tends to look like a library of every publication Royal Caribbean has printed for my sailing.

But I strive to pick things up off the floor, throw trash away, and otherwise keep the floors clear.

I'm never loud in the hallway

Just like the balcony, noise in the halls around cabins easily travels.

There's nothing wrong with talking in the hallway as I'm walking, but having conversations, games with my kids, or phone calls in the hall is a faux pas.

Even at a normal conversation volume level, all of it can be heard from those in neighboring rooms.

People in rooms around you could be sleeping, resting, or just don't want to hear your conversation.  So it's why you'll want to keep the talking or family time inside your cabin.

You should never vape or smoke in your cabin

I don't smoke at all, but I feel obliged to say no one should ever smoke in their rooms or balcony.

With the advent of vaping, some people seem to think the rules are different for smoking vs vaping. However, Royal Caribbean's rules are clear on the matter, because it's not allowed anywhere in any cabin.

Most cruise ports have hotels near the ships, but in Vancouver there's one hotel that is actually inside the cruise terminal that is the most convenient pre-cruise stay I've ever had.

The Pan Pacific Vancouver hotel is unique in that it sits atop the cruise terminal building, and it comes with a tight integration too.

From the moment I took my first Royal Caribbean cruise to Alaska, I was hooked. So I was eager to get back again and immediately booked a stay at the Pan Pacific for our stay.

For $600 a night (including breakfast), I had a prime location with views of Vancouver harbor, convenient access to the ships, and probably the easiest embarkation ever. I paid for my own hotel and was not comped in anyway.

The Pan Pacific Vancouver is an exceptional place to stay because where it's located.

There are always lots of hotel options in any major city, but the Pan Pacific Vancouver is a luxury hotel that's right on the waterfront.

Canada Place cruise terminal is part of the same building, so cruise ships literally pull up next to the building.  There's a good chance when you wake up on any morning, there's a cruise ship within view.

Plus, the hotel is located near some of the best neighborhoods and upscale shopping districts within the city.

My room was more expensive for two reasons: I visited in the summer during the high tourism season, and the FIFA World Cup had games to be held in the city.

I chose the Pan Pacific because they take care of your luggage getting to the ship.

The best perk of staying at in this hotel is you can have your luggage sent from your room to the ship.

Anywhere else I've cruised from, I have to drag my luggage from hotel to the cruise terminal.  Not a terrible ordeal, but once you've stayed at the Pan Pacific, it's a really neat change.

The morning of your cruise, you can call bell services to come to your room and take your luggage. I'm not exaggerating when I say I waited less than 5 minutes for them to arrive to get our bags.

I printed my own luggage tags (and attached them with luggage tag holders), but the bellhop can attach tags if you need them.

He takes your bags from your room as early as 7am, and ensures they get on the ship.  

All you have to do is take an elevator downstairs to start the embarkation process.

The lobby of the hotel has a contemporary and timeless look.

We took Vancouver's Canada Line rapid transit rail from the airport, and it goes directly to the waterfront area.  We walked out of the train station and across the street from the hotel.

The hotel sits atop a convention center and the cruise terminal. Bell hops wait outside and took our luggage for us while we went to check-in.

Two escalator rides up, and you emerge into a beautiful atrium with giant windows facing Vancouver harbor.

My room came with floor-to-ceiling windows.

We booked two rooms next to each other. Both rooms were quite large, and they had great views of the city.

You could pay more for a room with a view of the harbor, but I was fine with the city view to save some money.

It was relaxing to watch the city skyline from my comfortable king-sized bed.

After a day of traveling across the country for this trip, it felt so nice plopping down on the king size bed.

Because we had such large windows, it allowed for unfettered views of the city. 

If you felt like getting up and getting closer to the windows, you could people watch quite easily.

To the left of the main room, the bathroom was enormous.

While I love to cruise, I can always appreciate a good hotel shower.

This was a big bathroom with a rainfall shower head. 

The morning of the cruise, we took an elevator downstairs to board the cruise ship.

After our bags were picked up from our hotel room, all we had to do was head downstairs to the lobby. 

Walking through the convention center, there is a slightly unusual check-in process.

The check-in takes place in a convention center space, shared between many cruise lines. You're directed to the Royal Caribbean section, where the actual check-in is similar to other ports.

However, things are different as you proceed.  You walk through a maze of corridors and walkways until you reach security.  This looks more like an airport TSA security checkpoint than what I've seen in other terminals.

In addition, you have to go through U.S. customs check here because we're headed to U.S. ports in this cruise.

Rather than conduct a customs check upon arrival in Alaska, it's done in Vancouver to make things easier once in Alaska.  

The Pan Pacific is expensive, but it's perfect for anyone that values convenience over everything else.

There's one reason to pick the Pan Pacific when you cruise from Vancouver, and it's how easy it is to get on the ship from the hotel.

There are arguably better values around Vancouver, and certainly more luxurious options. But I booked the Pan Pacific because it reduced the logistical needs considerably.

Some people prioritize convenience factor over saving money, and the time saved was enormous.  Plus, it was just easier having the bellhop come get our bags.

The hotel had fantastic service from start to finish, and it's undeniably located in the heart of Vancouver. It's exactly the hotel you'd imagine when wanting to do a pre-cruise visit to this Pacific Northwest city.

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

Liberty of the Seas is back in service after a massive ship wide upgrade.

Royal Caribbean brought a number of changes to the nearly 20 year old cruise ship.

This is the third ship this year to get a Royal Amplification.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean delays return of cruise ship because of severe weather
• Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships just did something they've never done before
• New Royal Caribbean cruise ship is coming: Four features expected next month
• Former cruise crew member faces local charges while serving 30 years for hiding cameras in cabins
• Royal Caribbean upgrades travel insurance with higher coverage and new benefits
• I tried out the 10 best inside cruise ship cabin hacks
• 15 Royal Caribbean dining secrets
• I think the ideal cruise length is longer than most new travelers think
• What every cruiser should know about hurricane season
• 12 best cruise tips I wish I knew before my first cruise
• How Royal Caribbean's transforms cruise ships when they get "amplified"
• Strike near cruise port cancels Royal Caribbean excursions for the day
• I sailed on Harmony of the Seas and saw why Royal Caribbean has made this such a great choice

New RCB Video: 16 Secrets Every Royal Caribbean Cruiser Should Know

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 — 16 Secrets Every Royal Caribbean Cruiser Should Know — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Missing crew member found dead on Caribbean island

After being missing for days, a Royal Caribbean crew member was found dead in St. Kitts.

The man was hiking on Mount Liamuiga before he lost contact with anyone.

He went out on May 27, and was later located on June 1.

I wish passengers would stop doing these 7 things

I've cruised for 20 years, and there are some things people should stop doing on cruise ships.

From bad habits to selfish behavior, there are patterns to what happens while on a cruise. Some of it is benign, but all of it frustrates other passengers.

If you cruise long enough, you run into these issues. Hopefully, they'll come to an end.

What a $1,300 inside cabin looks like on Harmony of the Seas

Elizabeth stayed in the cheapest cabin on the new upgraded Harmony of the Seas.

These rooms are small and don't have any windows, but they are the least expensive rooms you can book.

The 172-square-foot room may be tiny, but it has everything needed while onboard.

10 vacation mistakes I always see people make on cruises

I've seen the biggest mistakes people make on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Cruises can be complicated, it's easy to make mistakes.

The good news is many of these are avoidable with the right approach.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 611th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, featuring an exclusive interview with Vicki Freed.

There are a few things that might surprise our readers of what Matt still does on a cruise.

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

There's an incredible amount of food on any Royal Caribbean cruise, and I think dining is half the fun of any cruise.

You'll find different restaurants that serve meals, snacks, light bites, and bar food. Some are included in your cruise fare, and others cost extra.

In my twenty years of taking Royal Caribbean cruises, I've discovered a few tricks that make eating on a cruise ship better through saving you time, money, or opening up new options.

I hope a few of my dining tips can benefit you on your next sailing, especially if you're looking to get the most out of your vacation.

Here are my 15 best tips for eating and dining a Royal Caribbean cruise that should make a difference.

Make reservations if you booked My Time Dining

If you chose My Time Dining for dinner instead of Traditional Dinner, make reservations instead of showing up without them.

Royal Caribbean's anytime dining option has two lines: with or without a reservation, and you'll be seated quicker if you have a reservation.

When I tried My Time Dining, I made reservations for the same time each night in the Main Dining Room.  When I got in line, I was always happy to not be waiting in the longer, and slower, line for those that didn't have a reservation.

You can book a reservation before the cruise on the app or go to the MDR once on the ship and make reservations once onboard.

Book a dining package if you'll eat at more than two specialty restaurants

Yes, a dining package will save you money if you're going to eat at more than two of them.

Royal Caribbean sells dining packages before the cruise begins, and it could easily save you 30% to 50% off the regular cost of to eat at each of the restaurants individually.

If you're eyeing specialty dining, I think it's a no-brainer to book a dining package instead of booking individual restaurants.

Order more food than you would on land

I find the portion sizes at most restaurants to be smaller than you're used to at restaurants on land. So I recommend ordering more food than you would at home.

Moreover, many of us are conditioned to order sparingly at a restaurant to save money.  Appetizers, desserts, and side dishes are often seen as optional or a splurge when you're at a regular restaurant. But on Royal Caribbean, it's all included in your cruise fare.

Take advantage of the abundant food choices.  I'm not advocating wasting food, rather, understand you might be surprised at the portion sizes and the fact your meals include more than an entree, enjoy it all!

You can bring soda and wine on your cruise ship

Royal Caribbean allows passengers to bring a certain amount of drinks with them on their ship, and this can be a great money saving hack.

You can bring one 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne per adult on the day you first board the ship. Beer or liquor isn't allowed. 

Be aware you will be charged a corkage fee if you bring that wine to a restaurant or bar. There's no corkage fee if you drink it in your stateroom.

In addition, you're allowed to bring up to 12 cans/bottles per cabin of non-alcoholic beverages on embarkation day too.  This includes bottled water, soda, or juice.

Being able to bring your own soft drinks is a great family cruise tip that will probably save you a lot of money.

There's a free room service breakfast option

Room service usually has a $7.95 fee for any order, but there's a hidden breakfast option that costs nothing!

The continental breakfast offers juice, coffee, and food like toast, bagels, donuts, or pastries. It's not a full meal, but might be perfect for anyone that wants an early start to their day without leaving their room.

I think it works well as a secondary wake-up call, because you can get ready while you sip on coffee or have a light bite to eat.

Get a table at the buffet first

I recommend scouting a table to sit at first, before you grab your food at the ship's buffet.

This tip is especially important for breakfast or on boarding day lunch.  This is when the Windjammer is the busiest, and you may struggle to find an open table.

Without this tip in mind, you might end up holding a plate of rapidly cooling food while you wait for somewhere to sit.

I'll walk to the back of the Windjammer first to secure a table, and then let my kids go get food before I head out.

Even on the busiest of times, a little persistence and you can usually find a table that opens up.  Feel free to ask a crew member for assistance if you just can't find one.

If a crew member asks you to book a specialty restaurant, ask them for a discount

Your mileage may vary with this tip, but if a crew member approaches you to book a specialty restaurant, I take that as an invitation to negotiate.

The reason crew members walk around the ship looking to drum up reservations for specialty dining is because a manager saw bookings aren't where they want it to be. To that point, there's a certain level of "desperation" in getting people to book.

I would ask if there are any specials or deals they can offer if you're willing to book. And don't be afraid to counter-offer them.

Here's the catch, you're going to need to commit immediately and usually for that same night.  

This doesn't always work, but I've sometimes gotten big discounts and/or a free bottle of wine for just asking.

You can ask to take food back to your room

There's no rule against bringing food back to your room, or anywhere else on the ship.

If you're feeling full or just want to enjoy your food elsewhere, don't hesitate to ask your waiter to pack up your food so you can take it out.

I've done this a few times with dessert, where I'm full but I know in an hour I'll wish I had the dessert.  I'll bring it to my room to enjoy later.

Alternatively, you could take food from the buffet or another restaurant and bring it to your balcony or somewhere on the pool deck to enjoy the sea breeze or sunset.

Suite guests can order Main Dining Room food with room service

A lesser-known suite perk is you can actually order off the Main Dining Room menu too.

Guests staying in a suite have room service included, but that means they can order food off the regular room service menu or the Main Dining Room.

The only caveat is the Main Dining Room has to be open.  Whereas the room service menu is available 24 hours per day, as long as the Main Dining Room is serving food, you can order food from there.

This can be a great option because many suites have dining tables.  Invite friends, place an order, and you can enjoy the Main Dining Room in the middle of your cabin (or balcony)!

Kids can order off adult menu, and adults can order off the kids menu

You'll find a kids menu at most restaurants (including the MDR), and anyone can order off any menu.

Kids can order off the adult menu, and adults can order off the kids menu. There are no age restrictions, even when kids dine at a specialty restaurant and pay the kids price.

Royal Caribbean offers these menus as options, and ultimately they want you to be happy. So if the kids grilled cheese is what you want, go for it!

How to request a table in the Main Dining Room alone

It's possible you could be seated with strangers in the Main Dining Room, but there's an option to request a table alone.

If you booked traditional dinner, Royal Caribbean can seat you with others at a larger table.

Send an email to [email protected] about 2-3 weeks before your cruise and ask for a smaller table for just your party. Be sure to include your name, ship name, and sail date in the email.

If you forget to do this, you can always go to the Main Dining Room on embarkation day and make the request there.  In my experience, this usually works too.

Bring a cup to the ice cream machine

There's a soft serve ice cream machine on every Royal Caribbean ship, and bringing a cup is a great hack.

By default, there are sugar cones available at the machine.  But the crew member working the machine is happy to dispense the ice cream into something else.

Grab a plastic cup from the nearby Windjammer (or other venue), and then fill it up!

You could top it off at the bar with a shot of alcohol to make it a boozy dessert.

You can order an entire pizza

Pizza is served by the slice on every ship at Sorrento's/Cafe Promenade/Park Cafe. 

Did you know that you can order an entire pizza too? You can make the request with the crew member.  It will take some time to cook (usually about 10 minutes). They have gluten free pizzas available to make as well.

There's no cost, and you could bring the pizza back to your room to feed your hungry family.

The Main Dining Room is a relaxing alternative for breakfast

Perhaps the most underrated place for a less-hectic breakfast is the Main Dining Room.

While everyone seems to default to the Windjammer for breakfast, you could go to the MDR and enjoy a seated breakfast at a leisurely pace.

No reservations or table assignments are required. It's first-come, first-seated. Just keep in mind the serving hours are fewer than in the Windjammer.

Lunch is cheaper at specialty restaurants

If you want to try a specialty restaurant without spending a lot, I'd recommend lunch.

When purchased before the cruise, lunch is often sold at a fraction of the price of dinner.  You can often book Izumi, Chops, or Giovanni's for less than $20 per person for lunch.  That price jumps up to over $40 per person for dinner.

The menu is very similar for both lunch and dinner. Chops Grille has a significantly different and smaller menu, but the basics are still on the menu.

"How many days should your first cruise be" is a question I get asked all the time, and it's not what a lot of first timers expect.

I host a Royal Caribbean Q&A live stream every Monday, and I'm asked this exact question every week by someone who wants to try a cruise, but is worried they are making a mistake.

While I think cruising is fun enough that most people will find just about any sailing enjoyable, I think there's a sweet spot for someone that is trying it out that will get them a good sense of what it's all about.

To be fair, if a sailing is too short, you risk not having enough time to really understand it all.  And if you pick a long sailing, you might overdo it.

Here's how many days I would tell someone their first cruise should be, and why short cruises are a mistake.

Short cruises are a mistake for a new cruiser

Cruising isn't like getting in a hot tub. You don't want to dip your toe in, you want jump in.

A lot of people that have never cruised look for a short weekend cruise is the right way to try a cruise out. But I think it's too short, and just when you start to get a handle on what a cruise is like, it's time to get off the ship.

If I'm being honest, a lot of newbies think 3-night cruises are the best first cruise because Royal Caribbean has positioned some of its biggest ships to offer them as a way to lure them in.

The reality is it takes a day or two on a ship to adjust your lifestyle to "cruise mode". Meaning, it takes some time to adjust and lean into the things that make a cruise fun.

The first day is busy, and you're onboard perhaps by noon. That leaves just half day to get everything situated, unpacked, and ready to explore.

On the second day, you start to get a feel for what it's like to be on a cruise.  And then it's time to get off the ship.

One other issue with a short cruise is airfare. It just doesn't make a lot of sense to buy (probably) expensive flights for just a weekend.

The perfect first cruise is a week in length

Anytime I'm asked which itinerary to book for a first cruise, I have a simple answer and it's not a weekend cruise.

I recommend a 7-night sailing on one of the Icon Class ships as the perfect first cruise experience.

A week is enough time to experience sea days and port days, with plenty of opportunities to see and do everything onboard.

Plus, the Icon Class ships are the latest and greatest ships in the fleet. If you're new to cruising, you don't yet know what you prefer onboard. So I think having the most variety of choices is the right approach.

These ships represent the standard now that every other ship in the industry is judged against, because Icon of the Seas revolutionize the cruise industry when it debuted two years ago.

They're not only big, but packed with something for guests of all ages to enjoy. It's not an exaggeration when people say those ships are like a floating city.

Will starting with the best ship spoil you for other ships?

After I recommend starting with a ship like Star of the Seas, some people worry if that will ruin them for older ships.

I look at it like wine or Broadway shows.  When you've never tried them before, you start off with the crowd pleasers: a Merlot or a jukebox musical.  

But as you start to enjoy it, your curiosity takes hold and that leads you to try other wines or shows.  If you truly love it, you'll find yourself indulging in the finer wines or critically-acclaimed shows.

I think this analogy holds true with cruise ships as well. Falling in love with cruising and the new ships will lead you to want more cruises, and that could lead you to other ships.

For me, the draw of a different itinerary pushed me towards some of the older and smaller ships. 

Some people are content with just the big ships and never want to go on a smaller ship. That's fine too, because that's why there are so many ships in the fleet. Royal Caribbean wants to offer something to everyone.

Go on the short cruises later as a way to squeeze more vacations in

To be clear, those weekend cruises aren't a total mistake. I think you ought to wait to book a 3-night cruise later after you tried out a cruise.

I think weekend cruises are the perfect trip to augment your primary vacation plans.  The kind of a cruise you book because you have an extra day or two of PTO left to use and can sneak away for a quick trip.

I usually book them over holiday weekends, like President's Day or Labor Day. It fits in nicely with my kids' school calendar. 

Some recommend a short cruise for your first, but I think a 7-day is perfect

After you try a cruise, I think there's a good chance you'll wish you had another few days.  So skip the temptation to start with a short cruise.

I know it seems like a taster cruise would be better because it offers a short duration to see what it's like, but it's just too short to truly enjoy.

After 7 nights onboard, you'll get the full experience that won't leave you feeling like you barely got a chance to try anything.

While it may be tempting to start out with a short cruise, I think new cruisers are better off with 7 nights to truly get a sense of why cruising is so much fun.

Icon of the Seas has captured the attention of the cruise world since it's debut, but Royal Caribbean's next follow-up is coming.

Legend of the Seas will start sailing in July, and the ship has a lot to be excited about.

This will be one of the biggest cruise ships in the world, coming in at 1,196 feet long.  At normal capacity, Legend can accommodate 5,610 guests.

While it may not differ significantly from Icon or Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean has a few ideas in the hopper it intends to implement with the third Icon Class ship.  If you're looking for big changes, you'll most likely have to wait until Hero of the Seas.

Here are four features to expect when the new Legend of the Seas arrives later this year.

Royal Caribbean is bringing "America’s Got Talent" to sea

Something new to both Royal Caribbean and the cruise industry is the first version of the popular variety show, "America's Got Talent" will be held on a cruise ship.

"America's Got Talent LIVE" will be performed on Legend of the Seas as part of a brand new partnership.

This will be an extension of the show many have seen on TV, but this time on a cruise ship.

Acts from around the world will be able to showcase their talents on the ship.  Like all production shows on Royal Caribbean, there's no cost to see it because admission is included with the cruise fare.

We don't yet know the exact acts that will be onboard, but magicians, musicians, acrobats, aerialists and more are expected.

The first two-story casino

Royal Caribbean is going all-in with its casino on this new ship, and it will have a giant two-story design.

Every other Royal Caribbean ship has one deck of casino space. But things will be different on Legend.

Based on the expansion of casino gambling areas on other ships, the cruise line has clearly prioritized gambling space on its ships. With Legend, we'll get an all-new layout that offers a floor of non-smoking gambling space on deck 3, and a floor for those that prefer to smoke on deck 4.

There's a staircase in the middle the deck, offering easy flow between each area.

A hit Broadway show and shows with lots of energy

Another big show coming to the new cruise ship will be the Broadway show, Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

The story of Willy Wonka and his protégé will come to life on stage, with the Broadway musical.

Royal Caribbean has made a name for itself offering well-known musicals on some of its cruise ships. 

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory follows up on two other shows that were added to the previous Icon Class ships: The Wizard of Oz on Icon of the Seas, and Back to the Future: The Musical on Star of the Seas.

Plus, this new show is included in the cruise fare.

The new show will be performed in the Royal Theater on select days.  I recommend making a reservation (no cost) before the cruise begins to assure that you can get a seat for one of the performances.

New and upgraded dining choices

Two new restaurants will be added to Legend of the Seas that you won't find on other Royal Caribbean ships.

A new immersive classic train restaurant will be added, Silk Routes at Royal Railway – Legend Station.

Royal Caribbean first added a Royal Railway restaurant on Utopia of the Seas, but this one will be an all-new menu and approach to storytelling.

Inspired by the travels of Marco Polo, Royal Railway on Legend of the Seas is expected to have less of a story, and more of a focus on the cuisines from each of the regions that Marco Polo visited.

You board what looks like a classic train car (there's even paper tickets and a conductor to welcome you), and then watch as digital screens, a rumbling effect, and various sights, sounds, and smells all contribute to make it seem like you're actually on a train.

I tested a very early version, and it's clear Royal Caribbean wants to offer a dining experience that leans more on the food and dining experience, instead of an over-the-top story.

Another new restaurant is the Hollywoodland Supper Club.

Every Icon Class ship has a fancy supper club, but this one will be themed to the golden age of Hollywood.

There's a formal dress code, and guests enjoy a multi-course meal that is paired with a cocktail with each serving.  It's a culinary and mixology experience, where you'll enjoy live music that evokes the spirit of 1940s and 1950s Hollywood.

Another change is the menu to the Aquadome Marketplace, the ship's food hall included with your cruise fare.

Five out of the six food halls will be brand new:

• Seoulmate: Korean rice bowls
• La Espanola: Spanish-style bites
• Cajun kitchen: New Orleans gumbo
• Adobo: Mexican street tacos
• Simply Pressed: Fresh smoothies & juices
• Creme de la Crepe: Sweet French crepes (returning favorite)

Seoulmate will bring the first Korean food served regularly on Royal Caribbean, featuring Korean rice bowls.

The first sailing is in July

Legend of the Seas will have its first sailing on July 4, 2026 when it begins sailing from Barcelona, Spain.

Royal Caribbean will keep the brand new ship in Europe for the summer season, offering 7-night voyages that visit Rome, Naples, Marseille, and more.

Afterward, Legend will reposition to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she'll rotate between six- and eight-night Caribbean cruises. Following her five-month stint in Florida, she will once again return to Europe in April 2027.