Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast Episode - 3 Wishes

Kids Sail Free is a promotion Royal Caribbean offers from time to time on select sailings that are usually a great vacation discount.  Throughout the year, Royal Caribbean will offer Kids Sail Free deals as a way to encourage new bookings. 

Royal Caribbean regularly updates the offer on a monthly basis. In this post, we will cover information about the promotion, tips for booking it, and offer answers to frequently asked questions.

For starters, Kids Sail Free is an offer Royal Caribbean offers selectively throughout the year. 

What is Kids Sail Free promotion?

The exact offer details may vary, but Royal Caribbean's Kids Sail Free offers are usually consistent in their basics. Third guests and higher who are 12 years old or younger on select 4 nights or longer sailings are eligible for free cruise fare.

The "catch" with a Kids Sail Free deal are the blackout dates that prevent you from booking the promotion.

There are usually many blackout dates associated with any Kids Sail Free offer, which means if your cruise begins on or in any of the blackout dates, the Kids Sail Free offer does not qualify. Not surprisingly, most of the black out dates are over major school holidays in the United States calendar year. 

Here are some sample blackout dates from past Kids Sail Free offers:

• Spring break sailings departing March 6 – April 9, 2026
• Holiday sailings departing December 17, 2026 – January 4, 2027
• November 19 – 27, 2026, December 17, 2026 – January 4, 2027

Kids Sail Free dates

Royal Caribbean is offering Kids Sail Free in January 2026.

The offer runs on bookings made January 2, 2026 – February 2, 2026, on select sailings 3 nights and longer departing on or after January 3, 2026.

It provides $0 cruise fare for additional guest 12 years old and younger as of the departure date booked in the same stateroom as the first full fare paying and second guests.

Kids Sail Free excludes all sailings departing on or during any of the following dates; December 18, 2025 – January 5, 2026; Chinese New Year February 15 – 18, 2026; March 6 – April 9, 2026; May 21 – September 4, 2026; excluding Harmony of the Seas sailing July 26, 2026; Alaska Cruise Tour sailings departing May 15 – September 11, 2026; November 19 – 27, 2026, December 17, 2026 – January 4, 2027; March 5 – April 1, 2027; May 28 – August 20, 2027, Alaska Cruise Tour sailings departing May 14 – September 17, 2027, November 18 – 26, 2027, December 16, 2026 – January 5, 2028, March 3 – 31, 2028, April 7 – 17, 2028.

Taxes, fees, and port expenses are additional and apply to all guests.

How often does Royal Caribbean offer Kids Sail Free?

There is no pattern to how many times a year or when the offer will become available.

Kids Sail Free is usually available a few times throughout the year. In fact, Royal Caribbean has been offering Kids Sail Free deals far more regularly than ever before.

Is it really free?

Assuming your kids qualify for the deal, their cruise fare cost will be zero.

You are still responsible for paying for the taxes and port fees associated with the children, along with any other charges onboard.  But if you look at the cruise invoice, their cruise fare will be zero. 

Like all guests, a daily gratuity will be charged per passenger, including the kids.

Be sure to check the fine print before booking to understand exactly the full price of the cruise.

When comparing prices, it is critical to compare the exact cabin type to each other. 

Often, people will look at the price of a cabin designed for two people and then increase the amount of people in the cabin to four people, and get a different cabin category.

The easiest cabin category to see how much money Kids Sail Free can save are suites because most suites can accommodate up to 4 people all the time. Not to mention the per-person savings in a suite will be significantly higher than in lower cabins.

Kids Sail For Less

In addition to the Kids Sail Free offer, Royal Caribbean may also offer the Kids Sail For Less offer, which is typically 25-30% off cruise fare for third guests and higher booked in the same stateroom as the first two qualified guests.

The primary advantage of Kids Sail For Less is there are no blackout dates associated with Kids Sail For Less.  This means if you have a couple of kids in your stateroom, you receive a discount on them. 

Moreover, Kids Sail For Less often does not have age restrictions in place, so really any guest of any age who is a third guest, fourth guest, fifth guest, et al in the same stateroom as the first two guests can get a discount.

Is Kids Sail Free a lie?

A common question asked is when comparing prices, adding kids to a reservation in order to take advantage of a Kids Sail Free offer ends up increasing the overall price.

The reason why this occurs is when you select a cabin for two passengers, the system assigns you a stateroom designed just for two guests. When you add kids, it selects a different stateroom that is larger in living space so it can accommodate four people.

The vast majority of cabins on a cruise ship can only sleep two people.  Because they are plentiful, there is more supply, and higher supply means lower prices.  

Generally speaking, cabins that can sleep more than two people are fewer in supply.  There are not nearly as many, so they are in demand, they sell out quicker and that demand drives up the rate.  

If you were to compare booking a cabin as if everyone in your party was an adult and then compare that to two adults plus kids, you would see the price difference.  Only then is it apples-to-apples.  

It looks like it's actually going to happen this time, and you'll need to get a driver's license that is acceptable to cruise with.

The changeover from a traditional driver's license to a REAL ID has been in the works (and delayed) a few times, but this time it appears the new requirements will go into effect.

Beginning May 7, 2025, the US Department of Homeland Security will require every resident of a US state or territory who is 18 years of age and older to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification to go through airport security and board a flight within the United States. 

A passport is, of course, acceptable as well.

REAL IDs are marked by a star on the top of the card.

The reason why this is important is so many Americans fly to get on their cruise ship. 

Your old driver's license will no longer work on or after May 7th. Only a Real ID (or passport) will get you through the Transportation Security Authority's security check in order to to fly domestically.

What is a REAL ID?

Think of a REAL ID as an enhanced driver's license, and without one, you won't be able to get on a plane.

It was passed by Congress as a requirement in 2005 in an effort to standardize identification, such as driver's licenses.

REAL ID driver's licenses don't replace a passport. Rather, they just serve as the new standard for driver's licenses.

It's easy to figure out if you already have one. Check your driver's license or state-issued identification. If it has a gold star in the top right, it's REAL ID compliant. California and Maine have variations on this, but there's still a star.

How to get a REAL ID?

To get an updated form of identification, you'll need to go to wherever you were issued your driver's license in the first place.

Depending on your state, there could be special places for applying for a REAL ID, or you may just need to go to your local driver's license service center or tax collector office.

The exact paperwork needed to apply may vary, but you'll need proof of identity and status as a US resident or citizen, proof of your Social Security number and multiple proofs of your current address.

Originals or hard copies of documentation (birth certificate, Social Security card, US passport) are required, with photocopies and screenshots not accepted. Check your state's driver's licensing agency website for more specifics.

You should get a temporary paper ID until the REAL ID arrives in the mail a few weeks later.

The cost should be about the same as renewing your license or non-driving identification card. 

What happens if I don't get a REAL ID?

Unless the deadline gets extended again, you won't be able to fly with just a standard driver's license as of May 7th because you won't make it past airport security checkpoints.

Of course, you could still fly with other acceptable forms of identification: 

• A valid passport
• US Department of Defense ID
• Permanent resident card
• Border crossing card
• Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID
• Enhanced Driver's License, issued by Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington state 

Since many people that cruise have a passport, you could use your passport to fly domestically instead of getting a REAL ID.

Can I cruise with a REAL ID instead of a passport?

You cannot use just a driver's license or REAL ID as the sole form of proof of identification in order to cruise.

Royal Caribbean allows Americans who are sailing from the same port their ship departs and returns to to sail without a passport, but you'll need more than just a REAL ID.

This is referred to as a closed-loop sailing, and nearly all Caribbean cruises departing from mainland U.S. states have cruises that are considered this sort of a sailing.

If you qualify, then you can go on a cruise with just a REAL ID and an original birth certificate.

Royal Caribbean cruise ships visit destinations around the globe, from The Bahamas to Alaska, Europe, Asia, and beyond. A few itineraries, however, are truly remarkable and bucket-list worthy. 

Royal Caribbean's fleet sails to multiple continents every year. Even the most commonly visited ports of call, including Perfect Day at CocoCay, are destinations some travelers dream of visiting at least once. 

A common topic among frequent cruisers is which ports of call leave the most favorable impressions — somewhere that you can't stop thinking about days, months, or even years after your visit. 

According to Royal Caribbean's website, you can book sailings to thirteen different regions, excluding repositioning sailings such as transatlantic and transpacific voyages. 

Some of the most popular include The Bahamas/Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, and the Mexican Riviera. However, just because somewhere is sought-after doesn’t mean it's especially memorable. 

With so many places to visit, how do you decide where to book your cruise? What are the bucket list-worthy places someone should absolutely get to at least once in their life?

Here's our round-up of the best cruise destinations to visit on a Royal Caribbean ship — and why they're so unforgettable. 

Perfect Day at CocoCay

This might sound like a sponsored sales pitch, but Royal Caribbean's private island in The Bahamas is really that impressive. Over the years, it's become clear that the blueprint is what every other cruise line has begun using as the standard to measure itself against.

Located in the Berry Islands, Perfect Day at CocoCay is available exclusively for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises passengers. No other lines can visit there. As such, you won't find passengers aboard Carnival, MSC, or Norwegian ships crowding the white-sand beaches. 

At CocoCay, all cruisers can experience the ultimate beach day without any hassle, thought, or planning. Royal Caribbean operates everything, so all you have to do is walk off the ship, find the perfect beach chair, and enjoy everything the island has to offer. 

Since Royal Caribbean designed CocoCay to deliver the perfect beach day experience, they offer a lot of choices to allow guests to customize their visit exactly how they want. There's a massive water park, an adults-only beach, an upscale beach club, a freshwater pool, and more. 

A visit to CocoCay takes out the need to worry about where and when to eat, as the island has multiple complimentary dining venues, including a beachside BBQ buffet and fast-casual snack shack with some of the best mozzarella sticks in the business. 

The one downside to CocoCay is that there aren't really any authentic experiences that immerse you in the culture or history of The Bahamas, but you will almost certainly have the perfect beach day you envisioned — so long as the weather cooperates. 

Cruise to Alaska

Alaska is one of those places that you cannot truly appreciate until you've been there — the calving glaciers, snow-capped mountains, and natural wildlife cannot be replicated anywhere else. 

Like most mainstream cruise lines, Royal Caribbean offers seasonal voyages to Alaska. In 2026, for example, Royal Caribbean will operate Alaska cruises from May through September. 

Many sailings depart from Seattle, Washington; however, some of the best are the one-way Inside Passage cruises from Seward, Alaska, or Vancouver, Canada. However, you're guaranteed breathtaking scenery, regardless of which itinerary you choose. 

Cruising through its fjords and the famous Inside Passage is the best way to experience this natural beauty, explaining why the demand for Alaska sailings is so high. 

The animal viewing is something else that makes an Alaska cruise so remarkable. It's common for cruisers to see whales and bald eagles. The luckiest might even lay eyes on a moose or bear roaming the shoreline. 

We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the seafood, either. Salmon, crab, and other locally sourced items are available at the many restaurants in ports like Skagway and Ketchikan. Some excursions also give you the chance to partake in some of the culinary traditions, like salmon bakes in Juneau. 

While you might be hesitant to book a cold-weather cruise, everyone should visit Alaska at least once. Who knows, you may end up falling in love with The Last Frontier! 

Great Barrier Reef

Located on the coast of Queensland, Airlie Beach is a gateway to Australia’s Whitsunday Islands and the famous Great Barrier Reef.

Cruises tender near the town of Airlie Beach, with a walkable main street and several attractions in the town itself, such as the Airlie Beach Lagoon, white sand beaches, cafés, shopping, and other restaurants. That said, most visitors will opt for an excursion to discover the area’s natural beauty. 

Catamaran tours to the Whitsunday Islands, for example, allow tourists to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe on the archipelago of 74 small islands floating off the coast.

If you’re looking for a more unique experience, you should consider a flightseeing tour over the Great Barrier Reef, where you can spot the massive reef and nearby Whitsunday Islands from above.

Cairns (Yorkeys Knob) is another popular port that serves as a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. From Cairns, cruisers can easily access snorkeling and diving excursions, scenic tours, and other adventures that highlight the colorful coral formations and marine life.

Read more: I tried my first Australia cruise: here are 7 things that surprised me

Greek Isles

The Greek Isles are as stunning in person as they are in photographs and postcards. Cruise ships are well-suited for visiting the small Greek islands that make up the southern part of the country, where you'll find white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and iconic cliffside villages with whitewashed buildings and their iconic blue domes.

The best part is that each of the islands has something different to appreciate — from the black sand beaches in Santorini to the cobblestone streets of Mykonos and the colorful architecture of Rhodes, each visit gives cruisers something new to look forward to. 

History buffs will love Greece even more since the country has so many ancient sites that are available to visit. In Athens, for example, you can tour the famous Acropolis and marvel at the Parthenon, while Rhodes's medieval Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

However, one of the best parts about a cruise to Greece is the delicious food. Fresh seafood, moussaka, baklava, spanakopita, gyros, pastitsio — the list goes on and on. You can also sample authentic Greek wines, or better yet, visit a local winery! 

The Greek Isles are an ideal cruise destination because you can visit several different destinations without the hassle of ferries, which have a bad reputation for causing seasickness. 

Norwegian Fjords

If the dramatic landscapes are your thing, the Norwegian fjords will not disappoint. Cruises to Norway offer visits to its major cities, such as Oslo and Bergen, along with stops at smaller, picturesque towns where you will find towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush greenery.

The iconic fjords — like Geirangerfjord, Sognefjord, and Hardangerfjord — are known for their breathtaking vistas. Cruise ships can provide the perfect vantage point because they will sail deep into fjords that are otherwise inaccessible by land.

In addition, Norway is full of rich history that adds another inviting element to a Northern European vacation. Ashore, you'll find Viking museums, traditional Norwegian wooden churches, and fishing villages that have preserved their charm for centuries. 

Read more: I visited Norway on a cruise. Our trip would've been better if we had done these 5 things differently

Asia

Royal Caribbean has a major presence in Asia, and you'll find cruises that can take you to China, Japan, Thailand, and beyond. In fact, they have a ship that they purpose-built for the region that has exclusive dining menus, specialty restaurants, and more. 

Their ships sail from China, Japan, and Singapore, with the sailings from the latter standing out as a fabulous choice for North American cruisers, given their variety. 

There's a mix of different cruises to offer something for everyone. Short 3- to 4-night cruises visit Malaysia and Thailand, whereas 10-night Southeast Asia cruises go to popular spots in Vietnam and Thailand.

When you think of Thailand, you’ll likely picture crystal clear beaches, green mountains, colorful temples, and spicy street food. Phuket, the largest island in Thailand, offers all of those attractions and more.

In short, you'll be able to visit the most sought-after destinations across Southeast Asia when sailing from Singapore, but you shouldn't immediately axe China and Japan from your bucket list. These countries offer an interesting contrast between modern innovation and cultural traditions. 

For example, Shanghai is known for its futuristic skylines full of towering skyscrapers, while other ports focus on ancient temples and serene gardens. 

Don't forget about the cuisine, too! Some traditional dishes might be a little adventurous for first-time visitors who are used to "Americanized" Asian food, but it's one of the best ways to experience the local culture. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean is betting big on this exotic destination. After 4 cruises here, I can see why

Bermuda

Finally, there are more than two dozen beaches and coves scattered across the island of Bermuda. The most famous is arguably Horseshoe Bay, which is known for its pink sand and turquoise waters. 

In addition to picturesque beaches, Bermuda has amazing snorkeling and diving opportunities. You can even visit shipwrecks that went down in the Bermuda Triangle! 

Thanks to the island's efficient public transportation system, it is easy to explore Bermuda from the Kings Wharf cruise area. An easy bus or ferry ride will take you to the capital of Hamilton, where you can stroll the colorful streets lined with colonial-era buildings. 

Other highlights include Bermuda's crystal caves that have underground chambers filled with sparkling stalactites and stalagmites, as well as world-class golf courses. 

Most Bermuda itineraries depart from Cape Liberty, New Jersey, or Baltimore, Maryland, making visiting this Atlantic paradise convenient for those living in the northeast. Bermuda cruises also pair well with short pre- or post-cruise stays in New York and Baltimore. Both cities have plenty to offer, from famous museums to vibrant nightlife and delicious local cuisine. 

Read more: I took an overnight Bermuda cruise

If you're ready to take a Royal Caribbean cruise in 2025, make sure you leave a few commonly packed items that aren't allowed onboard, at home!

Royal Caribbean has a lengthy list of prohibited items not allowed to be brought on a cruise ship, but in 2025, it's a good reminder that last has been recently updated.

Thanks to changing technology and different trends in travel, there's an occasional need not to bring certain things with you on your trip.

A few things were added to the banned item list last year, and others are still mistakenly brought onboard as a mistake.

Before you leave home, make sure you leave these 5 things at home before your cruise begins.

Outlet extender

Probably the most surprising thing you can't bring on a Royal Caribbean cruise anymore are outlet extenders.

In September 2024, the cruise line banned the very popular travel accessory without warning.

There's never been an official explanation, but I think it has to do with a fire risk. Fire is the most dangerous concern for a cruise ship because of how quickly it can spread.

"Multi-plug outlets" are now no longer allowed onboard, in addition to power strips and surge protectors.

From what we can tell, it seems the key is to ensure any power outlet extender you bring only has one electric outlet.  It can have any number of USB outlets.

As an example, this Anker 6 Port USB Charging Station would be acceptable (contains affiliate link that costs you nothing extra, but Royal Caribbean Blog will make a small commission if you purchase the item through the link).

A single EU to American power adaptor could also be allowed, since it does not add any new outlets. 

Travel router

Another new addition to the banned list of items is a travel router or other networking device meant to circumvent Royal Caribbean's internet offerings.

Royal Caribbean added "satellite dishes, routers, and other networking equipment" under the "cybersecurity and deliberate electronic crime" category of prohibited items.

Routers and other networking equipment can potentially interfere with the ship’s onboard systems, leading to security risks and connectivity problems for passengers and crew. 

Plus, these items can be used to extend a Voom internet package beyond the amount of devices it was intended to handle.

Clothing irons or steamers

Probably the most commonly packed thing you can't bring on a cruise ship has to be a clothing iron.

You're not allowed to pack, bring, or use an iron on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. And steamers are also not allowed to be brought onboard.

If you try to bring one, it will be confiscated and returned to you after the cruise is over.  The security team screens every piece of luggage coming onboard the ship and they look for irons (and other contraband items).

These are fire hazards and it will be confiscated quite quickly.

After a cruise is over, there's always a table full of confiscated irons, which means a lot of people aren't aware they aren't allowed on a ship.

Alcohol

Don't bother trying to bring beer or booze on your ship, because it will be confiscated.

Royal Caribbean bans these items and will hold it until the end of the cruise.  You can purchase these items in ports of call or on your ship, but they'll be held back until the end of the voyage.

You are allowed to bring one bottle of wine per adult on embarkation day, however. 

While we're on the topic, no, you should not try to sneak alcohol on your ship either. Not only is it against the rules, but it seems more trouble than it's worth.

You'd have to constantly shuttle back and forth to your room for refills, and the risks outweigh the convenience of simply buying a drink package.

Cooking appliances 

If irons and steamers are the top two most mistakenly packed things on a cruise, cooking appliances are probably second.

You'd be amazed how many rice cookers, instapots, and tea kettles are attempted to be brought on ships.

Regardless of why people want to bring them to use on the ship, they too are fire hazards and not allowed.

Want to know the best secret to going on a cruise ship with kids? Book a cabin for them and one for you.

I know it sounds like that would be expensive, but you'd be surprised how much better a deal it can be to get two connecting cabins instead of trying to book everyone into a single room.

This is one of my favorite family cruise hacks, and I've been using it for years.

We recently sailed on Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas for 5-nights and booked two connecting balcony cabins, which cost about $3,000 each. It was a New Year's Eve sailing, so that's why the price is higher than you might expect.

Here's why you should think about booking two cabins instead of one, and one thing I'll do differently after my latest sailing.

Two connecting cabins instead of a suite is usually cheaper

Ever since my kids started getting to an age where a little bit of privacy and separation was nice to have, we've embraced the two cabin idea. It's turned out to be a great decision, especially once we get on the ship and my wife and I get our own space from the kids.

The natural temptation is to book everyone in the same cabin, but that tends to be more problematic on cruise ships than at a hotel.

Cruise ship cabins are generally smaller than hotel rooms, so even before you consider alternative booking strategies, families have less space to contend with.

While Royal Caribbean has developed bigger cabins and cabins that are more family focused over the years (especially on Icon of the Seas), putting everyone in the same cabin usually results in the same two issues: not enough living space to be comfortable and sharing one bathroom.

There are suites that solve this problem by offering a separate bedroom and two bathrooms, but the prices for suites are anything but cheap.

Most suites don't have a second bedroom and/or bathroom, so it's really just the massive suites that work. And that means suites that are among the most expensive.

It's easy to just go for everyone in a single room and hope for the best.  To be fair, I've done that with my family on occasion and while not ideal, it's not the worst experience either.

In my experience, booking two smaller connecting staterooms can be more affordable than a suite and offers exactly what families need: space for everyone.

Having a second bathroom is the best reason to book two staterooms

As my kids have gotten older, demand for the bathroom has gotten far more contentious.

Not only do teens compete for the shower, but when we get back from a shore excursion, there's more fighting over the shower than who gets to ride in the front seat of the car.

In standard cabins, the bathrooms are usually really small.  This is definitely true of older Royal Caribbean ships, such as Voyager of the Seas.  

Space on the counter is really limited, so booking my wife and I along with our four kids in the same room means the bathroom would be a giant mess of toiletries.

Every time I've booked us in a cabin where we share one bathroom, I have almost immediate regret once the fighting begins about who gets to use the bathroom first.

Next time, I'd change how I book my teenagers in the cabin

For a long time I've had my MEI Travel agent book me in one cabin with one kid, and my wife in the cabin with the other kid.

The reason we did this was to be able to buy a Royal Caribbean drink package without incurring the rule that requires all the adults to buy a drink package if one adult buys one.

This strategy was fine when my kids were younger and I bought a beverage package every sailing, but I've stopped buying them as much because of the higher prices.

But the real reason why this booking strategy is becoming an issue is because my kids are spending more time around the ship on their own.

Because my oldest daughter is booked with me in my room, her SeaPass card can only open my cabin.  That's the cabin my wife and I share.  So if she's in the teen club on the ship until midnight and we're in bed, she'll disturb us as she returns to the room before her curfew.

In the future, I'll book the kids in one cabin and my wife and I in the other cabin to avoid this issue.

While it's true minors cannot be booked in a cabin without an adult, Royal Caribbean allows only minors in the room if it's one cabin away from the adults.  It can be one cabin away by connecting or adjacent cabins, or even across the hall.

I usually hunker down at home for New Year's Eve, but this year I wanted to party it up.

Everyone thinks of the ultimate for New Year's Eve party as freezing in Times Square fighting a crowd and wearing an adult diaper, but that sounds like the worst idea to me.  Instead, I looked at how we could combine my favorite way to vacation with ringing in 2025.

Over a year earlier, I booked two cabins on Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas so I could spend New Year's Eve somewhere other than home.

It seemed like a great way to avoid the overwhelming nature of going into a city, without compromising on the party atmosphere.

I booked two connecting ocean balcony cabins for my family on a 5-night sailing of Voyager of the Seas that departed Port Canaveral, Florida.  Not only would we be on the ship for New Year's Eve, but we'd get to visit Cozumel, Mexico and Royal Caribbean's private island too.  That gets me beautiful beach days in addition to the party I sought after.

The price for each cabin was $3,200, bringing the total for both rooms at $6408.36.

You have a choice of parties to attend

Royal Caribbean splits up its ship into different party zones, with the idea that you can get different vibes at each.

We had a list of the parties offered delivered to our stateroom, with times that each would occur.

All the parties have no cost to them, so it's just first-come, first-to-party.

By far the most popular party was the Times Square-esque party on the Royal Promenade, which has a giant balloon drop.

Being a family cruise line, there were other options to drop your kids off or party with your kids.  This is a major benefit of celebrating New Year's Eve on a cruise ship, because it's rare to find kid-friendly options at land parties.

There are optional tables you can rent, and it was more expensive than I expected

On the Royal Promenade, there's an option to rent tables for the duration of the party.

You get a reserved table with chairs, along with drink service and complimentary bottle of champagne.

The cost was $800 for the table. While I can appreciate the exclusivity factor and not having to be elbow-to-elbow with others, it seemed like a steep price.

Nonetheless, they sold all of their tables, so clearly there's a market for it.

I decided to forgo paying for a spot, and find our own luck.

We spent our night hopping between parties

My original plan was to check out all the parties, but I ended up closer to the Royal Promenade.

I started out with live music in the Pub, prior to the festivities officially kicking off.

The pub singer played a couple of sets, beginning at 6:30pm. Technically this wasn't one of the New Years Eve parties, but it set the tone.

After his set was done, we ventured out to to the Royal Promenade.

It wasn't busy at all, with just a small crowd around the band that was playing music at the center of it.

In fact, the Promenade never got truly busy until the 11pm hour.  I think most people were doing what I was doing up until then and roaming.

We found a spot in the Schooner Bar, which is one deck below the Royal Promenade.  There was no entertainment here, but there was full bar service and seats. Plus, I could run up to the Royal Promenade quite easily.

Once 11pm, things start to get serious with the party atmosphere.

On the Royal Promenade, the crowd really sets in and for those seeking a typical New Year's Eve celebration, this is what you'll get.

Lots of people together, ready to welcome in the new year.

The ship's entertainment staff is there to count it all down, and right at midnight the balloons are dropped and there's a massive eruption of cheers.

In all, I loved how easy it was to get in and out without any traffic, or real thought into what we needed to do. It was all there to enjoy.

If you want to celebrate New Year's Eve without fuss, I think this is the way to go

There's no doubt spending New Year's Eve on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship was the right play for our family.

Partying on land is great, but it involves much more planning. Plus, I would never want to go to a city and do the ball drop experience. A cruise was the perfect approximation of what it's all about without the hassle.

The downside to booking a New Year's Eve cruise is you'll pay a higher price for a holiday sailing.

Bargain hunters will not find the price of a cruise over a major holiday palatable, but there's plenty of other people willing to pay it. Our ship was completely sold out, and clearly many opted to spend more on a reserved table for the party.

The simplicity of it all is what makes a cruise such an attractive vacation to begin with, and this holds true with a New Year's Eve cruise.

Ranking the best Royal Caribbean cruise ships often highlights the newest and biggest ships because of how many innovations and cool things there are to do onboard.

Voyager of the Seas is 25 years old, but remains a great family cruise experience and should not be overlooked.

I'm sailing with my family on Voyager of the Seas, and it's actually my very first time on this ship.  While I've sailed on plenty of Voyager Class ships over the years, this is the first time on one of Royal Caribbean's original game changers.

When Voyager of the Seas launched in 1999, it was the world's largest cruise ship.  It even had its own zip code because of how noteworthy it was at the time.

The 137,276-ton cruise ship ushered in the modern age of mega ships, and paved the way for significantly larger ships to follow.

Sailing from Florida after years being overseas

This is my first time ever sailing on Voyager of the Seas and the major reason I haven't been able to try this ship is because she was always based elsewhere.

For many years, Voyager was homeported in Australia and Asia. This meant it was just out of reach for me to sail on.

All cruise ships eventually get moved around, and Royal Caribbean shifted Voyager back to Florida for the 2024-2025 season.

Voyager arrived at her new homeport of Port Canaveral in December, and is offering 4- and 5-night cruises to The Bahamas and Western Caribbean.

Unlike Utopia of the Seas, Voyager's itineraries have a bit more variety to them.  Voyager will not only visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, but also Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Bimini.

For those that want more exotic locales, you'll get short cruises with varied ports on Voyager.

Water slides, shows, pools, and more

Ready for family fun on your cruise? Voyager of the Seas delivers on it.

Royal Caribbean spent $97 million in 2019 to enhance Voyager, bringing a few upgrades to the ship.

The list of changes include renovated cabins, two waterslides, a new spa, Battle for Planet Z laser tag, redesigned kids and teens spaces, and a new nursery for babies and toddlers.

It's quite noticeable how good the changes have been to the kids club spaces on Voyager. 

There's a nursery now on the ship, and Adventure Ocean has the same updated programming that you'll find on Wonder of the Seas or Icon of the Seas.

The most noticeable upgrade are the addition of racer waterslides, and every ship Royal Caribbean has added slides to has been a major win for families.

Even if you don’t usually go on waterslides, these new additions are worth a try.

Of course, Voyager has a few staples that are still crowd pleasers and have been for years, such as the rock climbing wall, ice rink, mini-golf area, and FlowRider.

There's also a few shows onboard, including a Broadway revue show in the Royal Theater and an ice skating performance. 

The shows are the perfect "dinner and a show" evening offering.

Plus, you'll find the usual assortment of evening entertainment, such as game shows, singers, musicians, and movies.

Nearly all the entertainment on Voyager is included in your cruise fare, which means there's plenty of ways to have a great day and evening without paying more for it.

Upgraded spaces too

It's worth noting how much of an overhaul the Vitality Spa received, as it's not usually an area of a cruise ship that gets a ton of work.

Royal Caribbean offers a large, purpose built spa on Voyager that is brand new. There's a more contemporary design to the waiting room and treatment rooms. Plus, there are so many ways to look out to the ocean while getting a treatment (assuming you can keep your eyes open).

If you're lucky enough to be staying in a suite, the suite lounge has a new look to it that matches Royal Caribbean's newest ship lounges.

Located on Deck 14 next to the Viking Crown Lounge, the suite lounge has a good look and better views.

Voyager of the Seas is probably cheaper than any of the newest ships

Speaking of value, one of the top reasons I was drawn to Voyager of the Seas is the price.

Compared to other ships, you're going to save a lot of money sailing on Voyager. New cruise ships always have a premium price tag, but Voyager is the perfect middle ground to avoid the sticker shock you get with Utopia of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, or Icon of the Seas.

Plus, Voyager offers a good assortment of family fun onboard. While you won't confuse Voyager for Icon, you aren't compromising on the variety of activities like you would if you opted for an even older cruise ship, such as Grandeur of the Seas.

Plus, you're getting varied itineraries too. Anytime you can find a short Caribbean cruise that goes somewhere other than The Bahamas, I'd consider that a good choice.

Royal Caribbean's after-Christmas sale might be your best chance to get in on a holiday deal before they all run out.

While everyone focuses on Black Friday, there are ample deals to be had as the calendar winds down.

The good news is the New Years Sale has some discounts that are just as good as they were during Black Friday.  It's not quite as lucrative, but we're seeing lower prices again and it might be the time to jump on it.

Here's what to expect with Royal Caribbean's New Year's sale.

Cruise favorites on sale

Finding a good cruise deal is what some people relish, and I'm not one to mock that.  Finding a good deal is such a good feeling!

Here's a breakdown of what's being offered. Keep in mind there are terms and conditions that apply, and you should refer to them before booking.

Let's begin with the holiday sale happening right now on pre-cruise purchases.

The New Year's Sale runs runs on Cruise Planner and app purchases made through January 2, 2025.

You'll find discounts on cruises that depart between December 23, 2024 - December 31, 2025. 

• Beverage: Up to 40% off
  • Evian Water Package: 40% off onboard prices.
  • Classic Soda Package: 30% off onboard prices.
  • Refreshment Package: Discount varies by ship.
  • Deluxe Beverage Package: Discount varies by ship.

• Shore Excursions: Up to 50% off
  • Shorex: Discount varies by ship.
  • Select Tours on ports Phillipsburg, St. Maarten & Port Vila, Vanuatu: Up to 50% Off
  • Labadee Aquatics: 40% off onboard prices
  • Wynwood Walls and Art Walking Tour: 10% off onboard prices

• Internet: Up to 30% Off
  • VOOM Surf + Stream Voyage Package 1, 2, 3, 4 Device(s): Discount varies by ship.

• Dining: Up to 40% Off
  • Unlimited Dining Package on 3N – 14N sailings: Discount varies by ship.
• Spa: Up to 30% Off Select Times
• Photo Packages: Up to 65% Off
  • Photo Packages from 5 - 100 Photos: Discount varies by ship.
  • Private Photo Session: 60% off onboard prices
• Gifts & Gear: Up to 35% Off
  • All Gifts & Gear products (except Inky Beach Towel): 20% off onboard prices
  • Inky Beach Towel (TicTacToe): 35% off onboard prices

• Onboard Activities: Up to 30% off
  • All Access Ship tour: 20% off onboard prices
  • Observatorium: 20% off onboard prices
  • Mission Control Apollo 18: 20% off onboard prices
  • Escape the Rubicon: 20% off onboard prices
  • EscapeU: Freshman Year: 20% off onboard prices
  • RipCord by iFLY Two Minute Experience
  • North Star Extended Experience: Discount varies by ship.
  • FlowRider Private Lesson: Discount varies by ship.
  • FlowRider Group Lesson: Discount varies by ship.
  • EscapeU: Freshman Year: 20% off onboard prices

Even if you've already bought one of these items, you can take advantage of the lower prices.

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

To check if your sailing has this new offer available, log into the Cruise Planner on Royal Caribbean's web site look for any available offers. Keep in mind that not all sailings may see the sale applicable, nor are all offers significantly cheaper than previously posted.

If you spot a better discount on something you already pre-purchased, you should be able to cancel the purchase and then re-purchase the same item under this promotion.

Up to $600 off a new cruise booking

If you're thinking about booking a new cruise, there's discounts on that too.

The Weekend Savings sale adds instant savings on cruises booked, up to $600.

Weekend Savings applies to new, individual, and named group bookings at prevailing rates made December 27 – 30, 2024 on sailings departing on or after December 28, 2024, and provides an instant savings per stateroom, varying by stateroom category booked, sailing length as follows:  

• 5 nights or less
  • $75 USD for Inside and Ocean View
  • $150 USD for Balconies
  • $300 USD for Suites
• 6 nights or longer
  • $150 USD for Interior and Ocean View
  • $225 USD for Balconies
  • $600 USD for Suites

It's combinable with the BOGO60 deal too.

BOGO60 applies to new, individual, and named group bookings at prevailing rates made December 10 – January 2, 2025, on sailings departing on or after December 11, 2024, and provides 60% off the cruise fare of the second guest booked in the same stateroom as the first, full fare paying guest, as well as 30% off any additional guests booked in the same stateroom as the first full fare paying and second guest.

Kids Sail Free is also combinable, and it applies to new, individual, and named group bookings at prevailing rates made December 10 – January 2, 2025, on select sailings 3 nights and longer departing on or after December 11, 2024, and provides $0 cruise fare for additional guest 12 years old and younger as of the departure date booked in the same stateroom as the first full fare paying and second guests. 

Kids Sail Free excludes all sailings departing on or during any of the following dates November 22 - 29, 2024; December 20, 2024 – January 3, 2025; March 7 - 28, 2025; April 12 - 24, 2025; May 22 – August 29, 2025; November 20 - 28, 2025; December 18, 2025 – January 5, 2026; March 6 – April 9, 2026; May 21 – September 4, 2026; November 19 – 27, 2026; December 17, 2026 – January 4, 2027; March 5 – April 1, 2027 Alaska Cruise Tour sailings departing May 16 – September 12, 2025; May 15 – September 11, 2026; Anthem of the Seas sailings departing November 21 – December 28, 2024 and Chinese New Year on Anthem of the Seas departing January 27, 2025.

Happy New Year! Before we pop champagne and toast to a better year next year, we have a look back at all the Royal Caribbean news from this week to share.

Royal Caribbean had an amazing 2024, and its CEO celebrated just how good a year it has been.

Michael Bayley is the President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International and shared a holiday greeting summing up everything the cruise line did to make it an incredible year.

From launching two new ships, to announcing a new private beach day, to other firsts, Mr. Bayley is very proud of how good this year has been.

Royal Caribbean News

• These were the 5 cleanest Royal Caribbean cruise ships this year, according to the CDC
• More cruises to Puerto Rico cancelled, with no update yet on when it will get fixed
• The cruise ship safety drill could be even faster and better with important changes, inventor says
• Are last-minute cruises cheaper?
• 6 tips for the best time to buy Royal Caribbean 
• Caribbean island is hiking port fees for cruise ship passengers
• After 17 cruises in 2024, these are the best things I did on Royal Caribbean cruise ships this year

Video: How much I tip everyone on a cruise

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 — How much I tip everyone on a cruise — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean perfected the sports court, solving the top reason I always avoided them

There are sports courts on every cruise ship, but the SeaPlex is the only sports court Matt will visit.

Sports courts on cruise ships have been around for a while, but the Quantum Class ships have a different take on it, and the difference is significant.

Between climatizing the space, integrating a sports bar, and offering more activities than ever, the SeaPlex is so much more enjoyable.

Best first-time cruise destinations

Is there are a better cruise to take if it's your first cruise than another?

After cruising for decades, it seems clear certain sailings are a better choice than others for someone that has never been on a cruise ship.

Whether it's because of the destination, length, or ship choice, there are certain itineraries that are best for first-time cruisers.

What surprised me staying in Royal Caribbean's biggest suites

When you book one of the biggest suites on a cruise ship, you expect lots of space, but there are a few surprises too.

Matt sailed in some of the biggest suites you can book this year, and there were a few takeaways he wasn't expecting.

While these rooms are far from cheap, they include top tier service and you'll want to take full advantage of everything offered.

How a balcony cabin on 5 ships differs

Balcony cabins are the most popular cruise ship room category, but they can be different from each other.

Royal Caribbean offers sub-categories of balcony rooms that mix up the amenities, size, and location.

While the core experience is the same across them all, one stood out as being the best value.