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Designed to make your vacation planning easier.

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HIT THE DECK RUNNING ON DAY ONE

An easier way to plan ahead.

There's so much to experience on a Royal Caribbean International cruise and we want to make sure you make the most of your time with us. Cruise Planner is available to help you pre-plan your vacation right after you've booked your cruise. Now you can plan ahead and reserve shore excursions, book specialty dining, schedule spa treatments and more on your tablet or computer from the comfort of your home.

Board your cruise relaxed and worry free.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR VACATION WITH YOUR CALENDAR

Now you and your party can customize your vacation together using the Cruise Planner calendar. Your calendar is automatically populated as you reserve. Each day of your trip is listed and broken down by location, date, arrival and departure times and what has been reserved by guest. It's a snapshot view of what your vacation looks like, reserved in advance the way you want it.

Shore excursions

The world is yours to explore.

Make the most of it by reserving shore excursions at every port in your itinerary. There's an excursion for everyone, from adventure seekers to foodies, history buffs to animal lovers. This is your chance to get to the heart of the most exciting destinations of the world.

Do it with a one-of-a-kind adventure you'll never forget

Dining made easy

Reserve your table at any of our specialty restaurants, from our signature steakhouse Chops Grille to the imaginative curiosities of Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine. Enjoy additional savings of up to 40% off when you purchase one of our Specialty Dining Packages.

Plus, enjoy the convenience of selecting a dinner time that fits your schedule with My Time Dining.

Restaurants vary by ship.

Quench your thirst onboard with a beverage package that gets you the best value on your favorite drinks, from Coca-Cola® to fine wine, premium and frozen cocktails to a full selection of beers, fruit juices to Evian® water.

Start your vacation with a beverage in your hand from the moment you get onboard.

Stay connected while onboard with VOOM - the fastest internet at sea. Share your adventure and upload content to Facebook and Instagram, post videos to YouTube, tweet on Twitter, and have face‑to‑face conversations via Google Hangouts and Skype. Plus, you can even stream movies, games and apps via your personal accounts with DIRECTV, Netflix, Hulu and more. VOOM makes staying in the loop easy and affordable.

Stay connected and go full stream ahead with VOOM.

Relive the memories from your vacation with professional photos of your favorite moments onboard. Our photographers capture the joy of your adventure — from embarkation to formal night — and all the fun in between. Plus you’ll enjoy savings of up to 20% when you purchase a print or digital package before you sail.

At the Vitality SM Spa, relaxation and rejuvenation rule. Indulge with a variety of treatments that will leave you feeling like new. Pamper yourself with invigorating massage therapies, body wraps and facials. Give yourself the gift of youth with medi-spa treatments such as BOTOX® and Dysport®.

Glam up for formal night with a new hairdo and a mani-pedi. With treatments for everyone from couples, teens and men, you're bound to find at least one amazing indulgence at our spa.

The gorgeous view isn't the only thing that will dazzle you onboard our innovative cruise ships. Our complimentary shows are sure to entertain you from beginning to end.

Sit back and enjoy a variety of incredible productions, including award-winning musicals from Broadway and the West End, original Vegas-style productions, live comedy acts, and aquatic and ice shows.

Only one cruise line offers the thrilling opportunity to learn to surf, to feel the rush of skydiving right on the deck of the ship with Ripcord by iFly or to go on a behind-the-scenes ship tour.

Reserve these signature activities and more in Cruise Planner.

Getting Started

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Select from the many cruise options Royal Caribbean offers and book your vacation now.

Access Cruise Planner, enter your reservation number and you're on your way.

Reserve online before you cruise and enjoy the first day of your vacation.

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How To Plan A Cruise For The First Time

First-time cruiser how to book a cruise vacation like a pro.

By Chantae Reden | Published on June 5, 2023

Longtime cruisers know how exciting and yet relaxing a cruise can be. World-class entertainment, scrumptious dining options and adventure activities are just steps away from your stateroom. Out at sea, the stars are brighter than they are on land, and when you open your eyes in the morning, you're often in a new destination. If you're dreaming of a trip that's bound to be memorable, here's how to plan a cruise for the first time.

Bahamas Port, Nassau, Bahamas

How To Choose The Right Cruise For First-Time Cruisers

With hundreds of ports of call around the world spanning from the Caribbean to Europe to the South Pacific and beyond, the options of where to go for your first-time cruise are nearly limitless. If you're not sure where to begin, one of the best first-time cruise tips is to look at how much time you have to travel. If you're searching for a quick getaway, a short cruise to Mexico , the Caribbean  or Catalina Island  might be within reach. Or, if longer escapes are more your style, embark on a seven-night (or longer) cruise to Europe , Asia , the South Pacific  and beyond. There is bound to be a cruise that fits your dream destination and ideal length of time.

Hidden Coves, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Choose Your Own Adventure

Once you book your cruise, select the shore excursions  you'll want to do during your trip. These range from shopping trips, walking tours, cooking classes, cultural performances, zip lines, ATV rides, scuba diving and snorkeling trips and countless other activities. Your shore excursions will help you decide what to pack on your trip, so it's wise to think about them before you set sail.

Family Snorkel Fish Underwater Perfect Day at CocoCay

What To Expect On Your First Cruise

Your cruise will depart from a port where you'll check in and board the ship. As far as cruise tips for first-timers go, it's always recommended to give yourself as much time in a destination as possible. It's worth arriving a night or two before your cruise departs so you have time to enjoy the activities and scenery that the port city has to offer. It's like a mini vacation before a vacation! Before my cruise from Miami, my friend and I went to museums, buzzed though Everglades National Park and enjoyed the thrum of the city's nightlife.

Sardinia (Cagliari), Italy, Flamingo

Once it's time to board your cruise, you'll check in with your luggage, which will be taken to your stateroom. This is a great time to explore the ship and discover your soon-to-be favorite lounge spots, the dining areas, the entertainment rooms, spa, shops and more. For a laid-back start, pack a bathing suit and change of clothes in your carry-on bag to enjoy the sunshine from the get-go.

Cruise days are spent either at sea or at a port of call. While the ship is at sea, take advantage of all the activities, entertainment areas, dining venues, spa treatments and more, or spend the day in the shade with a drink in one hand and a book in the other. Once the ship arrives at port, you'll venture out on any shore excursions you have planned or venture around the destination on your own.

Bahama Mama Rum Cocktail on a Beach

First-Time Cruiser Packing Tips

Packing Souvenirs from your Cruise Travels

When you're packing for your cruise, consider the destination you'll be traveling to and the weather it'll likely have that time of year. Lightweight, airy fabrics that easily layer are ideal for cruises to the Caribbean, while jeans, a blouse and a jacket might be more suitable for an autumn cruise to Europe. No matter where you're going — or how long you're going for — grab pieces of clothing that are comfortable, versatile and are easy to mix and match. Many itineraries have a formal night onboard, and it's a fun experience to go all out if you wish.

Multifunctional pieces are wise to bring along on a cruise no matter the destination. A sarong can act as a scarf in chilly weather, a lounge towel on the beach and a cover-up for a night on the town. Sporty sandals with tread will carry you from the pool deck to jungle trails. Meanwhile, a button-up is great for protecting your skin against sunshine and wind and can be dressed up or down. If you're planning plenty of adventure excursions, pack plenty of athletic attire. If you'll mostly be exploring city streets, embrace a stylish yet comfortable ensemble. The great thing about a cruise is you only have to unpack once, no matter how many ports of call  you visit.

First-Time Cruise Checklist

Your first-time cruise checklist should include; identification documents, your wallet, toiletries, medications, sightseeing clothes, swimming attire, a formal outfit, socks and undergarments, sun protection, a camera, binoculars (for wildlife watching), a dry bag, sandals, closed-toe shoes, sunglasses and a hat.

Get To Know The Ship

The ship will be your home away from home while you're on your cruise. Ships such as Royal Caribbean's fleet of Oasis Class ships have multiple world-class dining venues, thrill-seeking rides, theaters, lounge spaces, pools and entertainment areas onboard. One way to take advantage of the ship's exciting features is to learn about each ship before your trip online on the Cruise Ship Hub . Here, you'll find an overview of the ship's highlights, deck plans, things to do, room options and trip details. Don't be surprised if you find yourself choosing a ship and then the destination you'll cruise to based on upcoming itineraries. A cruise is an experience unlike any other.

Alaska Endicott Glacier Alaska Sunny Day

Written By CHANTAE REDEN

Chantae Reden is an adventure writer and photographer who rarely strays far from the coastline. She is a freediver, surfer, scuba diver, and has a mild obsession with sharks. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Escape, ScubaDiving.com and she's a guidebook author for Moon Travel Guides. Discover more of her stories on her travel website, TheSaltSirens.com. 

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WHY CRUISING IS THE BEST WAY TO VACATION WITH THE FAMILY

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CUE THE MEMORY MAKING

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SUN-SOAKED FAMILY FUN

EXPLORE ONBOARD ACTIVITIES

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DIAL UP YOUR FAMILY DINNER

EXPLORE ONBOARD DINING

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SHOWS THAT STEAL THE SPOTLIGHT

EXPLORE SHOWS & ENTERTAINMENT

ENDLESS WAYS TO DO

Who says a family vacation has to be all about the kids? While the young ones are off exploring onboard or having a blast at the award-winning Adventure Ocean youth program, reconnect with your partner over dinner at one of the fleet’s world class specialty restaurants, catch a Broadway spectacular in the Main Theater, or get down on the dance floor to the sounds of a DJ or a talented live band.

Girl Playing with Dolls at Adventure Ocean

KID-APPROVED CARE

Craving a little grown-up time? Both Adventure Ocean and the Royal Babies & Tots programmes provide care and educational activities for kids in different age groups. Adventure Ocean also offers a Late Night Party Zone group sitting for children aged 3 and 11 between the hours of 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., so you can enjoy a stress-free adults-only night out on deck.

EXPLORE YOUTH & TEEN PROGRAMMES

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PENCIL IN A PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT

While the kids are at play, indulge in the ultimate date night with your partner in adventure. Kick things off with a dinner to remember, followed by a glass of your favorite wine at Vintages or a singalong session at Schooner Bar. Then keep the party going long into the night at a live stand-up comedy show before you take a whirl on the dancefloor at Club Twenty.

EXPLORE CRUISE NIGHTLIFE

GETAWAYS THE WHOLE CREW WILL LOVE

Your next family getaway is a click away — where will you wander next?

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Insider Tips

Set sail aboard the best ships for families  .

Cruise Planner is the place to get the most out of your adventure. Securing reservations and purchasing packages before you sail lets you score the best savings available anywhere. Add peace of mind to the mix — and you’re ready for big adventure.

NAVIGATOR OF THE SEAS

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SYMPHONY OF THE SEAS

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OASIS OF THE SEAS

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MARINER OF THE SEAS

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RELATED DESTINATIONS 

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BOOK AHEAD & SAVE

My royal cruise, why book a cruise in advance.

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EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS

Access exclusive saving on pre-cruise deals and products that won’t be available onboard.

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SAVE YOUR SPOT

Secure your spot in your favourite shore excursions or speciality dining experiences before they sell out.

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PEACE OF MIND

Plan everything now and use your holiday time to actually holiday with early booking.

Cruise Package Deals on TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

My Royal Cruise is the place to manage your cruise while getting the most out of your travel adventure. Securing reservations and purchasing cruise package deals before you sail lets you score the best savings. Add peace of mind to the mix – and you’re ready to book the ultimate cruise holiday with ease.

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SHORE EXCURSIONS

Get to the heart of your destination with excursions for everyone.

EXPLORE SHORE EXCURSIONS

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BEVERAGE PACKAGES

Quench your thirst onboard with the best value on your favourite drinks.

EXPLORE BEVERAGE PACKAGES

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DINING PACKAGES

Unleash your inner foodie at our speciality restaurants when you save with our package deals.

EXPLORE DINING PACKAGES

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INTERNET PACKAGES

Stay connected while onboard with VOOM – the fastest Internet at sea.

EXPLORE INTERNET PACKAGES

PICK YOUR CRUISE PACKAGE

From drinks to speciality dining to Internet and streaming, we’ve packaged all your cruise favourites so you can save big off onboard prices, while maximising on what means most to you. Start browsing now and find a bundle that’s right for you and your crew.

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DELUXE BEVERAGE PACKAGE

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VOOM SURF + STREAM VOYAGE PACKAGE

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UNLIMITED DINING PACKAGE

Fountain Soda Drink Package for Kids

REFRESHMENT PACKAGE

Chops Grill Shrimp with a Side of Asparagus, French Fries and Mushrooms

3-NIGHT DINING PACKAGE

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CAFE SELECT COFFEE CARD

Deluxe Beverage Voom Package

DELUXE BEVERAGE PACKAGE + VOOM 1 DEVICE

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Ultimate Beverage Package

CLASSIC SOFT DRINKS PACKAGE

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UPGRADE YOUR PERFECT DAY

Amp up your Perfect Day at CocoCay holiday with a variety of bold ways to level up your days. Soar 137 metres aboard a helium balloon to score thrill-topping island views or ride the tallest waterslide in North America at Thrill Waterpark . Crank the party vibe all the way up at Hideaway Beach℠ , the ultimate beachfront party in paradise for adults. Or take chill to a new level in an Overwater Cabana and infinity pool at Coco Beach Club® . No matter what add-on experience you choose, it’ll be the perfect way to getaway.

BOOK UPGRADES FOR PERFECT DAY AT COCOCAY

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NEED TO MAKE AN UPDATE TO YOUR CRUISE RESERVATION?

Easily view, edit and update your travel details for your upcoming cruise. You will also be able to view your cruise itinerary and remaining balance, and submit payments.

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BOOK WITH ROYAL CARIBBEAN GET THE BEST PRICE ON FLIGHTS

Let your adventure take flight – our Air2Sea programme makes getting to your cruise a breeze. We’ve secured seats with major airlines at negotiated special rates and passed those savings on to you. Make your travel experience seamless with the lowest airfare guaranteed, non-stop flights to get you to your cruise, assured arrival at the ship and 24/7 support from our specialists. Let us handle your flight and begin your journey towards the holiday you’ve been dreaming about.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR AIR2SEA FLIGHT PROGRAMME

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ONBOARD ADVENTURE

My Royal Cruise is all about convenience. As your Cruise Planner you can book in advanced with confidence now and enjoy onboard with ease. Book one of our onboard cruise holiday activities, check out an onboard tour or zen out with a spa treatment.

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ONBOARD ACTIVITIES

From thrilling water slides and rock climbing walls to Broadway-style shows and gourmet dining experiences, there's never a dull moment.

EXPLORE ONBOARD ACTIVITIES

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Snag premier access to onboard experiences like priority arrival and departure, an exclusive welcome lunch, VIP seating at shows, private time on fleet favourites and much more.

EXPLORE THE KEY PROGRAMME

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ALL ACCESS TOUR

Get to see how the staff and crew bring the Royal Caribbean experience to life with a behind-the-scenes tour.

EXPLORE all access tour

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SPA & FITNESS CENTRE

Find your Zen with one of our Spa & Fitness Packages.

EXPLORE SPA & FITNESS

EXPLORE MORE

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Royal Caribbean food: The ultimate cruise guide to restaurants and dining on board

Melinda Crow

Cruise food and cruise fun go hand-in-hand. Gone are the days when your only food choices were a main dining room and a buffet venue. Royal Caribbean ships are loaded with options — some that are included in your cruise fare and some that cost extra. From the largest ship in the fleet to the smallest, the choices are mind-blowing — especially for new-to-Royal cruisers.

But even if you've sailed with Royal Caribbean in the past, you need a food guide to keep up with what's available on which ship. Sometimes, you want to repeat a dining experience you had on a previous cruise. Other times, you'd prefer to try a new eatery. Knowing which food choices a ship has might impact which ship you pick.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Good examples are the Italian restaurants across the fleet. Do you know the difference between Giovanni's Table and Giovanni's Kitchen? How do the Jamie's Italian restaurants stack up to either of the Giovanni's? And do you know which ship is the only one in the fleet without an Italian restaurant? (Answer: Enchantment of the Seas.) I don't know about you, but I've gotta get my pasta fix when I cruise.

Then there are Royal Caribbean's food secrets. Okay, maybe they aren't actual secrets, but there are things to eat on board that aren't highly publicized. You need to be in the know to seek them out.

Let's start with a list of all the places you can snag a bite, and which ships they are found on. After that, I'll run through some of the most frequently asked questions about Royal Caribbean food.

150 Central Park

Fixed price; dinner

150 Central Park serves six-course dinners featuring meat, seafood and vegetarian dishes accompanied by produce that is "locally sourced" and harvested at peak flavor. Menu examples include beef tenderloin, halibut, venison and cauliflower steak. The location in the Central Park neighborhood , surrounded by live plants, adds an ambience not found on most cruise ships.

Available on: Allure , Harmony, Oasis, Symphony, Utopia, Wonder of the Seas

Aquadome Market

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Included; all-day dining

Icon of the Seas introduces a five-station food hall serving five types of mac and cheese, Asian and Mediterranean bowls, salads and sandwiches and custom crepes. It's located adjacent to the AquaDome, and its long hours means you can grab a bite before or after an acrobatic AquaTheater show.

Available on: Icon of the Seas

royal caribbean plan a cruise

Included and a la carte options; all-day dining

Basecamp is a fast-casual snackery within the Thrill Island neighborhood. Things like hot dogs and warm pretzels are complimentary, while comfort food options like burgers, cheese curds and chicken waffle bites cost extra. Covered outdoor seating is available.

Boardwalk Donuts

Included; snacks

Freshly topped and decorated doughnuts line the glass cases at this one-of-a-kind restaurant. It makes a fun spot to snag an early morning pre-breakfast bite.

Available on: Allure of the Seas

Cafe @Two70

Just outside the entrance to the Two70 entertainment space, this eatery often goes unnoticed by many cruisers. It's an ideal spot to grab a sandwich or a bowl of the day's soup. Breakfast goodies include pastries and even burritos — perfect before you dash out on your day's adventures.

Available on: Anthem, Odyssey , Ovation, Quantum, Spectrum of the Seas

Related: The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean cruise ships and itineraries

Cafe Latte-tudes

Included and a la carte; snacks

This is the in-house specialty coffee hot spot on the line's smaller ships. Coffee drinks cost extra but are included in beverage packages; cookies, bite-sized pastries and even sandwiches are complimentary. Some ships also have a nearby ice cream parlor with scoops and cones available for purchase.

Available on: Brilliance, Enchantment, Grandeur , Jewel, Radiance, Rhapsody, Serenade, Vision of the Seas

Cafe Promenade

royal caribbean plan a cruise

Similar to Cafe Latte-tudes, Cafe Promenade is exactly what it sounds like — a coffee counter with grab-and-go snacks. Specialty coffees and teas cost extra, and most snacks are complimentary, though a few fancier options are extra-fee. Some ships also have a drink station nearby serving the usual array of complimentary hot and cold beverages like tea, lemonade and drip coffee.

Available on: Adventure, Allure, Anthem, Explorer, Freedom, Harmony, Independence , Liberty, Mariner, Navigator, Oasis, Odyssey, Ovation, Quantum, Symphony, Utopia, Voyager, Wonder of the Seas

Celebration Table

Want to host your own dinner party onboard? Reserve this private dining room for 12 and enjoy a catered meal featuring a fixed-price menu of American, Italian, Asian or seafood dishes. It's located inside Hooked Seafood in the AquaDome neighborhood.

Chef's Table

Most ships in the fleet offer a Chef's Table experience on select nights of select sailings. Reservations are required for a private gourmet dinner with wine pairing hosted by a chef and sommelier for a small group. It is a night and a meal you will remember.

Available on: Adventure, Allure, Anthem, Brilliance, Enchantment, Explorer, Freedom, Grandeur, Harmony, Independence, Jewel, Liberty, Mariner, Navigator, Oasis, Odyssey, Ovation, Quantum, Radiance, Rhapsody, Serenade, Spectrum, Utopia, Vision, Voyager, Wonder of the Seas

Chops Grille

royal caribbean plan a cruise

Fixed price; dinner plus lunch on sea days

Royal Caribbean's specialty steakhouse is available fleetwide. The Chops Grille menu leans heavily toward prime beef cuts, but also includes chicken, lamb and seafood. The atmosphere is warm and relaxed, and the food delicious. Sides are served family style, and you'll want to try several.

Available on: Adventure, Allure, Anthem, Brilliance, Enchantment, Explorer, Freedom, Grandeur, Harmony, Icon, Independence, Jewel, Liberty, Mariner, Navigator, Oasis, Odyssey, Ovation, Quantum, Radiance, Rhapsody, Serenade, Spectrum, Symphony, Utopia, Vision, Voyager, Wonder of the Seas

Coastal Kitchen

Included; breakfast, lunch and dinner

Coastal Kitchen is a restaurant exclusive to suite guests and upper-tier members of Royal Caribbean's Crown and Anchor loyalty program . Though it's styled like a main dining room, serving three meals a day with menus that change daily, the experience is on par with specialty dining, both in service and food quality. It's an ideal alternative to the main dining room for those who are eligible to dine here.

Star and Sky Class suite guests can dine in Coastal Kitchen for breakfast, lunch and dinner; Sea Class suite guests can come for dinner if space is available. Pinnacle-level loyalty members can also eat here at any mealtime, space permitting.

Available on: Allure, Anthem, Harmony, Icon, Oasis, Odyssey, Ovation, Quantum, Symphony, Utopia, Wonder of the Seas

Cupcake Cupboard

royal caribbean plan a cruise

A la carte; hours vary

The name of this sweet treat eatery tells you almost everything you need to know. Stop by for extra-fee cupcakes when you're craving sugar. Alternatively, look for decorating classes to join and cupcake kits to purchase, so you have everything you need to return home and bake your own goodies.

Available on: Freedom and Liberty of the Seas

Desserted Milkshake Bar

A la carte; snacks

Here's an idea that's long overdue on a cruise ship – custom milkshakes overflowing with sweet treats like brownies, cookies and popcorn. Adults can upgrade to boozy versions.

Dining Room

Included; breakfast, lunch (sea days) and dinner

The main dining rooms can get a little confusing on a fleet as varied as Royal Caribbean's. Most ships have one large, multideck dining space that serves complimentary meals, but the venue's name varies by ship. Quantum Class ships have four separate dining rooms, each with a different name.

On all ships, one deck or area is reserved for guests with assigned early and late dining times, with the remaining area set aside for those participating in the flexible My Time Dining plan. All guests order from the same menus, which are standard for breakfast daily and change each day for lunch (when it's open) and dinner.

Available on: All ships

Related: Royal Caribbean cruise ship classes, explained

royal caribbean plan a cruise

Included; hours may vary

If gourmet hot dogs topped the way you want them is your idea of the perfect lunch or snack, pop in at the Dog House. There are too many choices to try them all on a single cruise.

Available on: Allure, Anthem, Harmony, Mariner, Oasis, Ovation, Quantum, Radiance, Spectrum, Symphony, Utopia, Wonder of the Seas

El Loco Fresh

From breakfast burritos to heaps of nachos and cheesy quesadillas, this Mexican-themed eatery is a quick and filling spot to grab a bite during the day. Pool wear is allowed since this is basically an outdoor restaurant. On four ships, it's located near the pool. The five Oasis Class ships with an El Loco Fresh have it closer to the sports court than the pool, but on all ships, eating here can save you from having to get dressed to go inside for food at the Windjammer.

Available on: Allure (Wipe Out Cafe), Freedom, Icon, Navigator, Oasis, Odyssey, Symphony, Utopia, Wonder of the Seas

Empire Supper Club

royal caribbean plan a cruise

When Royal Caribbean says "dinner and a show," the line really means it. This intimate, multicourse dinner features live jazz performances and drink pairings. The experience is one of a kind, but the cover charge for dinner is one of the highest at sea.

English Pub

When I mentioned "secret food," the English pubs were what I had in mind. The pubs on each ship have different names, but the atmosphere is always warm and welcoming. Not every pub serves snacks, but definitely ask if you don't see a food menu. What you find to munch on might turn out to be one of the highlights of your cruise. Smoked cheddar ale soup and deep-fried apple pie with Nutella are top of mind for me.

Available on: Adventure, Allure, Anthem, Brilliance, Explorer, Freedom, Harmony, Icon, Independence, Liberty, Mariner, Navigator, Oasis, Odyssey, Ovation, Quantum, Radiance, Serenade, Star, Symphony, Utopia, Voyager, Wonder of the Seas

Fish & Ships

royal caribbean plan a cruise

Included and a la carte; lunch

Grab a basket of deep-fried deliciousness (fish, shrimp and chicken) near the pool for a quick lunch or a snack between afternoon activities. Only the lobster tails cost extra.

Available on: Independence and Ovation of the Seas

Giovanni's Italian Kitchen

Fixed price; lunch (select days) and dinner

From a prime cut filet mignon to pizza, Royal Caribbean's second generation of its classic Italian food restaurant serves up an excellent meal. The service is always gracious and the portions generous.

Available on: Freedom, Icon, Odyssey, Utopia, Wonder of the Seas

Giovanni's Table

Royal Caribbean's original Italian restaurants feature a traditional mix of pastas and meat or seafood entrees. The differences between the two Giovanni's are subtle. Lasagna and pizza are available at the Kitchen, but not at the Table. The best eggplant parm I've ever had is only available at Giovanni's Table, as is a gigantic platter of osso buco.

Available on: Adventure, Allure, Brilliance, Explorer, Grandeur, Independence, Jewel, Liberty, Oasis, Radiance, Rhapsody, Serenade, Vision, Voyager of the Seas

Related: 35 Royal Caribbean cruise tips and tricks that will make your voyage better

Hooked Seafood

royal caribbean plan a cruise

From chowder to mussels to whole Maine lobster, Hooked is where you get your seafood fix on select ships. Personally, I'd go for the lobster mac and cheese, but you do you.

Available on: Icon, Navigator, Symphony, Utopia, Wonder of the Seas

Royal Railway — Utopia Station

We'll know more once Utopia of the Seas launches, but this new restaurant sounds more like a Disney ride, taking you on a culinary journey as if you were inside a luxury railcar — while you're sailing at sea. Windows will display scenes from various destinations, and the menu items will be inspired by those regions of the world.

Available on: Utopia of the Seas

A la carte; lunch and dinner

Across the fleet, Izumi manages to take on several different looks. On Quantum Class ships, it's got a sidewalk sushi bar feel. On other ships, it's a quiet enclave tucked away on the top deck. Wherever you find it, it's the place to be for sushi and Japanese-American fusion eats.

Available on: Adventure, Anthem, Brilliance, Explorer, Grandeur, Jewel, Navigator, Odyssey, Ovation, Quantum, Radiance, Rhapsody, Serenade, Spectrum, Vision, Voyager

Izumi Hibachi & Sushi

royal caribbean plan a cruise

A la carte and fixed price; lunch and dinner

On select ships, Izumi also includes a fixed-price teppanyaki option with your choice of beef, chicken, shrimp or a combination of proteins as your entree. Sit around the cooking surface and watch the show from your entertaining chef. Alternatively, you can order sushi along with a selection of hot Japanese dishes a la carte.

Available on: Allure, Freedom, Harmony, Icon, Independence, Mariner, Oasis, Symphony, Utopia, Wonder of the Seas

Izumi in the Park

A la carte; all-day dining

Icon and Utopia of the Seas have more takeaway food options than any other Royal Caribbean ships, including a to-go window passing out sushi at a la carte prices. You'll find the venue in Central Park, next to the main Izumi restaurant.

Available on: Icon and Utopia of the Seas

Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver

Royal Caribbean's third Italian option features a Tuscan-inspired, celebrity-chef-curated menu that is a bit more modern than either version of the Giovanni's restaurants found on other ships. You can still find a luscious lasagna, but the menu holds surprises like crispy squid and pan-roasted salmon.

Available on: Anthem, Harmony, Mariner, Navigator, Ovation, Quantum, Spectrum, Symphony of the Seas

Johnny Rockets

royal caribbean plan a cruise

Fixed price; all-day dining

Johnny Rockets is the original specialty restaurant on Royal Caribbean ships. Its juicy burgers, fries and shakes have become a beloved part of Royal Caribbean food culture. It's a well-kept secret that the apple pie is hands down the best on board any ship afloat. You'll pay a flat fee per person to dine there, but beverages, such as the venue's famous shakes, cost extra (unless they're included in your drinks package).

On Oasis Class ships, you can enjoy a complimentary breakfast of eggs, omelets, breakfast sandwiches and pancakes at Johnny Rockets.

Available on: Adventure, Allure, Anthem, Explorer, Freedom, Harmony, Independence, Liberty, Mariner, Navigator (Express), Oasis, Symphony, Utopia, Wonder of the Seas

La Patisserie

Looking to put a French twist on your vacation, regardless of your cruise destination? Here's your chance to indulge in French pastries (for purchase) paired with luscious coffees or tea. Think macarons and artisan chocolates that are a step above the complimentary snacks at Cafe Promenade. Order cake or cheesecake by the slice or pick up a whole cake to share with the gang. The best secret here is that you can order your coffee or hot cocoa with a shot of chocolate liqueur.

Available on: Anthem, Ovation, Quantum, Spectrum of the Seas

If you're looking for a poolside snack, you'll find right-sized bites in the form of sliders, pizza, taquitos and sweet treats at Mini Bites.

Available on: Harmony of the Seas

Included; Breakfast and lunch

The Park Cafe is home to the Royal Kummelweck Roast Beef Sandwich, which has garnered serious social media buzz. I hear about people who rush to Park Cafe on embarkation day to start indulging in their Kummelweck binging. Look for other deli treats, paninis and hot pizza in most Park Cafe locations along with fresh fruit, salads and desserts. At breakfast, you'll find grab-and-go options and a bagel bar.

The Park Cafe is found in Central Park on Oasis and Icon Class ships and near the solarium on smaller ships. On those vessels, the venue's location allows you to spend long luxurious hours poolside with plenty of snacks nearby.

Available on: Allure, Brilliance, Enchantment, Grandeur, Harmony, Icon, Oasis, Radiance, Rhapsody, Serenade, Symphony, Vision, Wonder of the Seas

royal caribbean plan a cruise

Icon of the Seas' new take on the Royal Promenade coffee-and-snack shop is a winner. Comfy seating with stunning ocean views makes it an ideal spot to hang with friends as you munch your way through a sandwich or tartlet. Specialty coffee and teas are available for a charge. The Pearl Cafe is open around the clock, so you can grab a snack at any hour.

A la carte; breakfast, lunch and dinner

The concept here starts with California beach food like fish tacos or shrimp tostadas, then adds the coolest three words to ever be combined in the English language: "All Day Brunch." When you wake up at noon craving breakfast food, head to the Surfside neighborhood for favorites such as pancake platters and smoked salmon eggs Benedict. As befitting a family-friendly specialty restaurant, kids under 12 dine free.

Playmakers Sports Bar

royal caribbean plan a cruise

A la carte; lunch, dinner and late night

It's crazy that the Playmakers menu is still somewhat of an unknown for many Royal Caribbean cruisers. Perhaps those who know work hard not to spread the word. Expect gourmet burgers, wings and, yes, truffle fries. Or pop in after a night of clubbing for a sweet treat like a sundae or the infamous Campfire Cookie topped with melted marshmallows and Nutella.

Available on: Freedom, Icon, Independence, Mariner, Navigator, Oasis, Odyssey, Symphony, Utopia, Wonder of the Seas

Related: The best Royal Caribbean cruise ship for every type of traveler

Portside BBQ

Whether you go for a platter of ribs or a sandwich dripping with sauce, expect an abundance of flavors from the Deep South. And don't skimp on dessert – you really can't eat barbecue without finishing it with nanna pudding, y'all.

Available on: Oasis of the Seas

Fixed price; lunch and dinner

Billed as "modern Mexican" cuisine, Sabor offers up guacamole, empanadas and a variety of tacos, quesadillas and sides. Save room for flan or churros for dessert.

Available on: Allure, Harmony, Liberty of the Seas

Samba Grill

royal caribbean plan a cruise

Samba Grill is similar to the Brazilian steakhouses you've visited on land. You choose starters from an appetizer station, followed by your choice of meats (including chicken) carved tableside. The chocolate layer cake makes a delightful finish to your meal — if you still have room left after all that meat.

Available on: Allure and Radiance of the Seas

Solarium Bistro

Included, with a la carte extras; breakfast, lunch and dinner

Tucked away inside the Solarium, the Bistro is a multipurpose food space. Complimentary breakfast and lunch minibuffets are served here, making the venue a quieter option for those meals. No reservations are required.

Dinner, on the other hand, though still complimentary, is by reservation only and is a combination of buffet and table-served dishes, with a menu focused on healthy Mediterranean options. As in the main dining room, a handful of optional charged items are on the menu (upgraded steaks and lobster). Children are allowed to eat in the Bistro, even though the Solarium has a minimum age of 16.

Do not be surprised to discover that the space is not always available during your cruise. Apparently, its location means it has its own kitchen, making it ideal for private functions where food sourcing is important. I've heard of its being used exclusively on some cruises by gluten-free and kosher groups.

Available on: Allure, Anthem, Harmony, Oasis, Odyssey, Ovation, Quantum, Symphony, Utopia, Wonder of the Seas

Sorrento's Pizza

Whether you're looking to grab a slice or a pie, Sorrento's Pizza is your pizza go-to spot on more than half the fleet. You can order a custom pie or choose from what's on hand. Seating specific to Sorrento's is fairly limited on some ships, but shared dining space is usually somewhere nearby. It's not open 24/7 but doesn't shut down until well after midnight.

Available on: Allure, Anthem, Freedom, Harmony, Icon, Independence, Liberty, Oasis, Odyssey, Ovation, Quantum, Spectrum, Symphony, Utopia, Wonder of the Seas

royal caribbean plan a cruise

If you're screaming for ice cream, Sprinkles is Royal Caribbean's go-to for soft-serve ice cream in multiple flavors.

Available: Fleetwide

Freestanding Starbucks locations serve the same drinks and snacks you can find in land-based outlets. You can use your Starbucks gift cards (if you bring them onboard) and your Starbucks app to order and pay at these locations. You'll earn Starbucks stars for purchases but cannot redeem them.

Other Royal Caribbean cafes might serve Starbucks-branded beverages, but they are operated by Royal Caribbean. In those locations, you can only pay for drinks with your Sea Pass card (including via either the Refreshment or Deluxe Beverage Package) or a coffee card purchased onboard.

Stand-alone Starbucks locations available on: Allure, Harmony, Icon, Mariner, Navigator, Oasis, Odyssey, Symphony, Utopia of the Seas

Sugar Beach

royal caribbean plan a cruise

You can purchase colorful candies, fudge and cupcakes at Sugar Beach.

Available on: Allure (Candy Beach), Icon, Independence, Oasis, Symphony, Utopia, Wonder of the Seas

Surfside Bites

Surfside Bites is the place to grab kid-favorite finger food on the fly. Think popcorn chicken, hot dogs and churros.

Surfside Eatery

royal caribbean plan a cruise

Surfside is Royal Caribbean's new family-friendly, stay-all-day onboard destination with multiple pools and attractions. Surfside Eatery provides a place for families to sit down to a meal without leaving the neighborhood. The buffet serves three meals daily with dishes for both kid and grownup palates.

Though both Odyssey and Spectrum have an Izumi Sushi location, Teppanyaki is a separate Japanese steakhouse located on Deck 14 on these two ships. Choose from either a single protein or a combo for the fixed-price meal, similar to Izumi Hibachi. Appetizers are priced a la carte.

Available on: Odyssey and Spectrum of the Seas

The Bamboo Room

royal caribbean plan a cruise

The Bamboo Room is another onboard bar with somewhat secretive bar snacks — including Hawaiian barbecue sliders and coconut crab bruschetta. Don't miss this treat if you're sailing on Mariner of the Seas, the only ship in the fleet with this venue.

Available on: Mariner of the Seas

Included; all day dining

The Grove is the exclusive sun deck snack bar for Sky- and Star-tier suite guests on Icon of the Seas. The venue serves upscale Mediterranean mezes (small dishes) in an outdoor setting.

The Mason Jar

royal caribbean plan a cruise

Fixed price; brunch and dinner

If you're looking for an out-of-the-ordinary brunch or dinner on board the newest Oasis Class ships, the Mason Jar is your spot. The atmosphere is relaxing, the menu is deeply Southern and the iced tea (sipped from Mason jars, of course) is sweet. Expect shrimp and grits, barbecue and fried chicken.

Available on: Wonder and Utopia of the Seas

The Spare Tire

Royal Caribbean brings a food truck-themed eatery poolside for handheld favorites like burgers and fries.

Trellis Bar

royal caribbean plan a cruise

Say yes to upscale bar bites Icon of the Seas' version of this Central Park watering hole. Snack on mac & cheese poppers or truffled french fries while you sip your wine or commit to a meal with a drink with options like steak bites, Chops dry-aged burger and a chicken Caesar salad.

Vintages is home to another secret bar snack menu you might not know about. Expect bruschetta, olives, meat platters, seafood bites and other tapas, served from 5 p.m. until they're gone.

Available on: Allure, Anthem, Freedom, Harmony, Independence, Liberty, Oasis, Ovation, Quantum, Symphony of the Seas

Vitality Cafe

Included; breakfast and lunch

Located next to the spa and workout facilities on select ships, Vitality Cafe is what you would expect to find in such a health-oriented spot. Custom-blended fruit and veggie smoothies and protein shakes cost extra but are included in the Deluxe and Refreshment beverage packages. On some ships, the cafe also serves fruit cups and granola bites to get you through your workout.

Available on: Allure, Harmony, Icon, Oasis, Symphony, Utopia, Wonder of the Seas

Windjammer Marketplace

royal caribbean plan a cruise

Expect an extensive multistation buffet with ample choices for everyone. In addition to the food, complimentary beverages include drip coffee, various hot teas, hot cocoa, milk, lemonade, punch and iced tea. Soft drink machines are available for those who have bought beverage packages. Larger ships have a bar within the Windjammer and servers rotate regularly.

The menu is described as "imaginative" as befits a restaurant inspired by "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." Expect a multicourse dinner experience featuring food that is deconstructed, reconstructed and otherwise created to generate an entertaining gourmet meal.

Available on: Anthem, Harmony, Odyssey, Ovation, Quantum, Spectrum, Symphony, Wonder of the Seas

Royal Caribbean food: Frequently asked questions

How does the main dining room work?

At booking, you are offered a choice between traditional times designated as early or late, or flexible dining called My Time Dining , allowing you to show up anytime during restaurant open hours.

Do I need reservations for dinner in a specialty restaurant?

Waiter-served, extra-fee restaurants — whether fixed price or a la carte — typically require reservations. On the rare occasion when a ship is sailing at lower than full occupancy, you might find you can walk up during nonpeak hours and be seated at a specialty restaurant without a reservation. Those opportunities are the exceptions. Better to make a reservation to ensure you get the time slot you prefer.

What do "a la carte" and "fixed price" mean on Royal Caribbean ships?

A la carte pricing refers to restaurants where the food is individually priced. You only pay for the dishes you order. An entire menu might be individually priced, or you might only see a few items with prices on an otherwise complimentary menu.

Fixed price indicates that dining at the restaurant has a single cover charge for the full meal. This may also be stated as "Prix Fixe." You will generally choose an appetizer or salad, an entree, sides and a dessert. Beverages other than tea, coffee and water are an added charge unless specifically stated that they are included.

What beverages are included with my cruise fare?

Drip coffee, tap water, hot and iced tea, milk, and one or more flavored drinks like fruit punch or lemonade dispensed from drink machines. All other beverages may be purchased individually or you can buy a beverage package to pay for unlimited drinks in advance (fine print applies). Read our complete guide to Royal Caribbean drink packages for details.

Is there room service and what does it cost?

Room service is available in all cabins. Continental breakfast, including coffee, pastries, fruit and cold cereal, is free. Hot breakfast, lunch, dinner and all snacks incur a delivery charge of $7.95 plus 18% gratuity. The food itself is mostly complimentary, but selected dishes are priced a la carte.

How do specialty dining packages work?

To reduce the cost of specialty dining, you can buy a three- or five-restaurant package or an unlimited dining package. Some sailings also offer a combo option of Chops plus one other restaurant. These are all available for purchase in the cruise planner before your sailing. The unlimited package allows you to dine at any specialty restaurant each night of your cruise, plus lunches where they are available.

Can children eat in the specialty restaurants on board?

Most Royal Caribbean specialty restaurants cater to children with special menus and reduced prices. There are a few examples where children are allowed, but not catered to. Empire Supper Club is an example of that. The line states that children under 12 are allowed, but the experience is designed "for adult guests."

Does Royal Caribbean charge extra for lobster?

Lobster tails may be ordered any night of the cruise at Chops Grill or for an extra charge in the main dining room. Only one lobster tail is included when complimentary lobster is served in the dining room as part of the menu. Additional lobsters are charged to your bill.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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Coastal Wandering

How To Plan A Cruise To The Caribbean: Your Step-by-Step Guide

By Lisa Wells Last Updated: Dec 22, 2023 · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Best cruise planning tips step-by-step guide for your first cruise

Do you have your heart set on a Caribbean cruise? You're not alone. This is one of my favorite ways to enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Here's how to plan a Caribbean cruise – everything from researching destinations and shore excursions to planning your cruise packing list.

How To Plan A Caribbean Cruise - Coastal Wandering

If you love being on the water, beautiful beaches and warm Caribbean sunshine , there's nothing like a Caribbean cruise. But whether you're a first-time cruiser or an experienced cruise traveler, there are so many little details that go into planning the perfect Caribbean cruise vacation.

You'll need to consider when you want to travel, your destinations, what you'll do at your ports of call, where you want your room to be, what you'll pack, and even  the dos and don'ts for your cruise line .

To search for the best cruises to the Caribbean, click here.

Your Step-By-Step Guide To Planning A Caribbean Cruise

If you've never been on a cruise, this guide will walk you through how to book a cruise for the first time.

This is the three-part process I use for planning my Caribbean cruises. I'll walk you through everything from researching your destinations and cruise lines to planning your cruise packing list .

Let's get started.

Part 1: Planning The Details of Your Caribbean Cruise

This is quite possibly the most important (and most fun) part of planning your Caribbean cruise. During this part of the planning process, you'll be figuring out when you want to travel, how long you'll travel for, where you're traveling, which cruise lines cater to your needs, and where you'll embark on your cruise. 

Decide When You'll Go On Your Caribbean Cruise

First things first, it's time to decide when you'll be traveling. Since you've set your sights on a Caribbean cruise you'll want to take the following details under consideration.

In the Caribbean, hurricane season officially lasts from June 1 to November 30, but the peak of the season is seen in early September. This is when you'll also see the lowest cruise fares, so it's important to be aware that the fare, in this case, is reflecting the risk of traveling at that time. I tend to avoid cruising to the Caribbean during this window of time.

If you have the flexibility in your schedule, planning your trip during a shoulder season or off-season can help you save on both cruise fare and any necessary airfare. I've found particularly good deals on repositioning cruises – this is when they move a ship from one departure port to another (Buenos Aires to Fort Lauderdale or the Mediterranean to Miami, for example). I took one from San Juan to New York. We visited several Caribbean islands then sailed into New York harbor past the Statue of Liberty. It was quite the experience!

You'll see the highest fare rates during peak holiday and cruising seasons. This means that you will typically pay a premium if you're sailing during the December holidays as well as from late January through to the spring break period (which usually falls around Easter).

How To Plan A Caribbean Cruise Onshore Excursion- Coastal Wandering

Decide How Long You'll Travel To The Caribbean

After you've decided when you'll travel, you'll want to determine how long your cruise will be. Some might be surprised to learn that you can find cruises as short as a couple of days, though most will last one week...or longer!

You'll notice that most short cruises departing from the US will remain in the Western Caribbean area or the Bahamas , Florida, and Mexico). On the other hand, taking a longer cruise will allow you to see more varied areas within the Caribbean. 

Pro Tip: Don't forget to account for the transit time you may need in order to travel to and from your embarkation port. I usually leave one to two days on either side of my cruise for that additional travel time or port city exploration. For example, if you decide that you'll take a week vacation, that may only result in a 5 or 6-day cruise. 

Decide Where You're Going In The Caribbean

This is my favorite part of the research phase in planning a Caribbean cruise. Where are we going to go?! While the Caribbean region is covered by many cruise lines, you'll notice that Caribbean cruise itineraries are usually split into Western, Eastern, and Southern cruises. It's important to note that your desired destinations might be serviced by only particular types of ships. 

Depending on your cruise line, your itinerary may also include a stop at the cruise line's private island beach. For example, Carnival Cruise Lines  owns Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays in the Bahamas and Royal Caribbean owns Labadee in Haiti and Royal Caribbean Coco Cay in the Bahamas.

Here's an overview of each of the primary cruising regions within the Caribbean.

Western Caribbean Cruises

Western Caribbean cruises typically include destinations like Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Cozumel, and Costa Maya, Mexico. You might also see ports of call in Belize and Roatan on longer cruises.

You should find lots of selections in choosing an itinerary for this region. Practically all of the big-ship cruise lines cover this area. And while you'll primarily see one-week itineraries , this is also your best bet for finding a short itinerary if you've decided to cruise for only a couple of days.

You can expect plenty of sunshine and beautiful sandy beaches on a western Caribbean cruise. Of course, if your itinerary allows, you might also squeeze in a visit to some ancient Mayan ruins and temples. Your choice of excursions in this area is varied – you'll see everything from off-road ATV adventures to glass bottom boat tours to snorkeling and beach days. Perfect for a larger group with a variety of interests!

Pro Tip: A western Caribbean cruise might be the perfect choice for you if your dream destination list includes Bahamas, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Grand Cayman, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Belize, Colombia, Guatemala, Haiti, or Turks and Caicos .

Eastern Caribbean Cruises

Eastern Caribbean cruises  typically cover areas like San Juan, St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands , Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos, Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, and St. Maarten. (I have a soft spot for St. Maarten – it's one of my favorite islands with both Dutch and French sides to explore.)

Much like the western Caribbean cruises, there are a number of cruise lines covering this area. You'll see the majority of itineraries in the range of 5 to 7 nights, but there are (of course) others that run longer. You won't typically find short cruise itineraries for this area of the Caribbean.

While you'll find a nice mix of rich colonial history, sandy beaches and beautiful views, most of these itineraries stop at only the most popular ports. If you'd like to venture off the beaten path, you'll need to book excursions to nearby islands. The unspoiled beauty of St. John's, for example, is a short boat ride from the bustling port of St. Thomas but feels like it's world's away. You can also look at smaller luxury and adventure cruise lines if you're in the mood for a trip that's a little more exotic.

Pro Tip:  Explore eastern Caribbean cruises if your bucket list includes destinations like Antigua, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Virgin Islands (both British and US), Puerto Rico, Guadeloupe, St. Bart's, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, Anguilla, as well as Bahamas, Dominican Republic, or Turks and Caicos.

Southern Caribbean Cruises

Last but not least are the southern Caribbean cruises . These are probably my favorite itineraries with islands like Antigua, St. Lucia, Barbados, Aruba , and Curacao. These itineraries tend to be longer, due to the distance from US mainland ports of embarkation. But if you have the time and budget to allow for a longer cruise vacation, you'll be rewarded with a more exotic and unique Caribbean cruise experience.

You'll find that both larger cruise lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean, as well as smaller cruise lines like Windstar and SeaDream Yacht Club, offer itineraries in this area of the Caribbean . Many of these itineraries require that you travel to a Caribbean port for embarkation (like San Juan). Keep in mind that if you're hoping to leave from a US embarkation port, your choices will be limited. Typically, you'll only see 10+ night itineraries setting sail from Floridian ports.

Southern Caribbean cruises offer a wide variety of port excursions. You'll see everything from eco-adventure options like a jeep safari to visit some of Aruba's natural pools to Sugar Beach in St. Lucia .

Pro Tip: Southern Caribbean cruises are a great choice if your must-see travel list includes countries like Aruba, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Vincent, Bonaire , Curacao, Grenadines, Martinique, Nevis, Saba, Venezuela, as well as Grenada, St. Bart's, St Kitts, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Anguilla, Puerto Rico, Antigua, St. Maarten, the British and US Virgin Islands, Guadeloupe, Colombia, Dominica, or Barbados.

View from cruise ship railing

Research Caribbean Cruise Lines

Caribbean cruises are popular, so you should have plenty of cruise line options no matter where you cruise. Deciding on a general area of travel within the Caribbean will often help you eliminate certain cruise lines from consideration. That said, if you're set on traveling with a specific cruise line, you may want to flip this step and the previous step around.

In this stage of planning, you'll want to consider the type of experience you want on your vacation. For example, if you travel on a mega-ship with cruise lines like Carnival or Royal Caribbean  you might have a wide variety of onboard amenities but find limitations in the ports of call that you visit. If you're after a bit more variety in your destinations, you'll want to look at smaller ships and luxury cruise lines.

RELATED: Carnival Cruise Tips You Need to Know Before Booking

Consider Your Available Cruise Embarkation Ports

While most Caribbean cruises leave from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, or Tampa, you might also find itineraries setting sail from US ports in Galveston, New Orleans, Jacksonville, Charleston, Baltimore, and even New York. I've sailed to the Caribbean from most of the Florida ports, as well as from San Juan in Puerto Rico.

How To Plan A Caribbean Cruise Ship in Port - Coastal Wandering

Keep in mind that if you're traveling on a smaller ship, you'll likely see embarkation ports within the Caribbean. The major advantage of leaving from within the Caribbean is that your itinerary will often cover more ground. Of course, this will also often call for more expensive and complicated travel plans in order to arrive at your embarkation port with time to spare before you set sail.

Pro Tip: If you're looking for a wide selection of on-shore excursions, try looking at southern itineraries leaving from San Juan. They generally have fewer sea days and more island ports of call.

Part 2: Book Your Caribbean Cruise

You've done your research and settled on a travel timeline, duration, destination, and cruise line. It's time to start booking your Caribbean cruise!

Finalize Your Cruise Ship & Dates

Now is the time to narrow down your choices and do a final price and itinerary comparison. For example, if you want to do a week-long Western Caribbean cruise on Carnival leaving from Miami in February, you'll find there are several options to choose from.

With this cruise search tool you can customize where you're going, the date range, departure port, cruise length, and cruise line and it will show you all the cruises that fit your criteria. And from there you can see all the details about the ship, the exact itinerary (which islands and how many sea days), and pricing for each cruise option. 

Choose Your Cabin Type & Location

Much like booking a seat on a plane, you’ll pick your exact cabin on the ship map when you book your cruise. As you might have guessed, you'll want to carefully consider both the type of room and its location to make sure you have an enjoyable trip on board.

Cruise ship balcony with view of St. Thomas

When it comes to the types of rooms, you'll typically see a choice of inside room, exterior room, and suites. It's important to note that while they are budget-friendly, those inside rooms have no windows. If you need a little bit of sunlight to get you up and moving in the morning, an inside room may not be a good choice for you.

Exterior rooms will have windows or a balcony. I always get an exterior room with a balcony – preferably an extended balcony. It’s one of my favorite places on the ship to watch the waves!

Pro Tip:  Most cruises have room service included. Order breakfast to enjoy on your balcony while watching the ship pull into port.

The other consideration you'll want to look at is the location of your room. You'll see options of midship, forward, or aft, as well as higher or lower deck. Your best bet is to consider the restaurants, pool, spa or other amenities onboard that you plan to use and choose a room that's relatively close by.

Pro Tip: Look for forward (front of the ship), aft (back of the ship) or corner rooms as they will often have more space or an extended balcony. Or conversely, the center of the ship will have the least motion so choose a midship cabin closer to sea level if you’re concerned about seasickness.

Plan Travel Arrangements For Your Embarkation City

Your embarkation port will determine your necessary travel arrangements. For example, if you're leaving from San Juan, you'll likely need to give yourself extra time and budget to allow for traveling to Puerto Rico. At this point, you'll also want to decide if you'll stay overnight in your embarkation city before or after your cruise. 

Pro Tip: My rule of thumb is the further I'm traveling for embarkation, the longer I'll give myself in the city itself. The breathing room in your itinerary is great for alleviating stress in the case of any travel mishaps.

Booking Your Caribbean Shore Excursions

It's time to figure out what you're going to do while you're cruising! Yes, we're talking about shore excursions. If you're a beginner cruiser, "shore excursion" refers to a wide variety of activities and tours that you can enjoy at each port of call.

As you might imagine, shore excursions vary from spending a day at the beach to zip-lining through Mayan ruins. No matter which type of shore excursion you choose, this is a great way to get out and experience the various destinations you'll visit during your Caribbean cruise vacation.

How To Plan A Caribbean Cruise Relaxing On The Beach- Coastal Wandering

Port stops are typically in the range of 8 to 10 hours long, but you'll want to double-check that with your ship's itinerary. That's where you'll find both your arrival and departure times for each port of call.

It's important to keep in mind that, while some luxury cruise lines include shore excursions in their cruise fare itineraries, most cruise lines do not include them. Shore excursions can range anywhere from a few dollars to several hundred dollars. It all depends on the type of tour you choose and the port of call you're visiting. Bottom line? You will pay extra for these experiences, so be sure to save a little room in your vacation budget!

The 4 Main Types of Shore Excursions During Your Caribbean Cruise

There are 4 main types of shore excursions that you'll want to consider when researching your options. Let's take a closer look.

Adventure Tours in the Caribbean

These are the tours for thrill-seekers! You'll find a wide range of activities falling into this category. They tend to be on the pricier side, but you won't want to miss these if you're an adrenaline junkie.

Here are a few adventure-style shore excursions to consider:

  • Roatan eco-walk, zip-line & beach tour
  • 4 x 4 island safari in St. John's
  • Harrison's underground cave tour

Sightseeing & Historical Tours in the Caribbean

The Caribbean has a rich history. If you're a history junkie, you'll want to schedule in at least a couple of these tours during your cruise vacation. These can range from a bus tour to a walking tour, and everything in between. Be sure to consider your own physical abilities when booking these tours – injuring yourself isn't a fun way to spend a vacation!

Here are a few historical shore excursions to consider:

  • English Harbour & Nelson's Dockyard tour in Antigua
  • Lamanai Mayan site tour in Belize
  • Guided tour of Bermuda's East End

Cultural Tours in the Caribbean

There's no better way to get a taste of your surroundings than with a cultural tour. These shore excursions vary from cooking classes to wine tours, and even a craft class or two. This is a fun way to experience your port of call's culture and meet locals living in the area.

Here are a few cultural shore excursions to consider:

  • Cook like a Bajan cooking class
  • Mount Gay rum tasting tour in Bridgetown
  • Grenadian morning market shuttle

Leisure & Beach Days in the Caribbean

Pack your reef-safe sunscreen – it's time for a day at the beach! I always make sure to spend a couple of shore excursions at the beach. These are typically more relaxed days and may even allow you enough time to wander through the local city. This category also includes tours like snorkel catamaran cruises and grabbing a day pass for a local resort.

Here are a few leisure excursions to consider:

  • Reef snorkel & beach day in Costa Maya
  • Lunch cruise & small-group snorkeling
  • Private beach club & city tour in Roatan

How To Book Your Shore Excursions

The first thing you'll need to do in planning out your shore excursions is deciding how long you want to be onshore. From there, decide how much of that onshore time will be allocated to a shore excursion. It might help to keep in mind that most excursions run for between 3 to 5 hours, though you'll likely see some that are full-day excursions as well.

Once you've decided on your shore excursions, there are a couple of ways you can go about purchasing them. Here are the 3 main ways to book your shore excursions:

1. Book directly with your cruise line. 

Typically you'll be able to book shore excursions once you've paid a deposit on the cruise. This is done directly through your cruise line's website. You can also book your excursions onboard at the excursion desk once you've checked in.

This is the easiest way to book – and it's particularly great for new cruisers. Tours are easy to find and typically sorted by type, which makes it quite quick to hone in on your preferred travel style.

You might pay a bit more for these tours, but the big advantage of booking this way is that you're guaranteed to get back on the ship. Your ship will wait for you if you happen to be on a delayed cruise line-arranged tour.

2. Book through a third-party shore excursion vendor.

Of course, you're not required to book directly through your cruise line. There are also a handful of third-party vendor websites that will help you purchase shore excursions. These vendors include sites like Shore Excursions Group, Viator, or Resort for a Day.

If you're worried about getting back to your ship in time, these operators will often guarantee that they'll get you back on time or pay for travel arrangements to your next port of call. Just be sure to read the fine print before you confirm your booking, so you understand what's covered (and what's not!).

The big advantage of booking with these companies is that they are typically running smaller tours with fewer travelers. Overall, this typically gives you a more varied experience at your destination.

3. Book your shore excursion directly with the tour company.

There's nothing stopping you from booking directly with a local tour company. This is perhaps the riskiest of the three options and I would only recommend it to experienced cruisers.

If you book your shore excursion using this method you will not have any protection from your cruise line or a third party vendor. It will be vital that you carefully read your fine print and the company policies about cancellations, payment methods, and travel guarantees for returning you to your ship on time.

As with all shore excursions, pricing will vary. The biggest advantage in booking directly is that this is typically the best way to partake in local experiences at lower costs. That said, booking using this method may not always save you money. These shore excursions can still be quite expensive and you will also have to factor in travel arrangements to and from the ship, such as a taxi or ferry.

Tips & Tricks To Keep In Mind While Planning Your Shore Excursions 

Here are a few of my best tips and tricks for planning shore excursions.

1. Research Your Ports of Call

Your best bet for a great day in your port of call is to plan ahead. There may be some ports where you can just walk from the dock to the town to explore. But others will be miles from anything to do and you will be disappointed if you haven't planned an excursion. 

Research your destinations and decide what you're most interested in doing at each port of call. For example, if you're port of call is particularly well-known for its beautiful sandy beaches, you may want to consider a beach day excursion. 

2. Set A Budget

Touring at every port can very quickly bust your vacation budget. I recommend reserving a percentage of your total vacation budget specifically for your shore excursions. I know others use $100 per person per port of call as their rule of thumb for setting the shore excursion budget. Whatever you decide, make sure that you plan your budget properly.

3. Decide Whether Booking In Advance Or Waiting Is Best For You

While I've covered a number of ways that you can book your shore excursions in advance, you don't need to go this route. You can always wait to see how you feel once you're onboard. 

Here's what I would recommend for deciding whether you'll book in advance or wait:

Book limited-availability excursions and must-do tours in advance. Do not wait to book the excursions you would be heartbroken if you missed.

Wait to book excursions that you're uncertain about or you would be happy with a variety of options. This allows you to adjust accordingly for the weather and your own energy levels.

How To Plan A Caribbean Cruise Seaside Tour- Coastal Wandering

Part 3: What You Should Do After You Book Your Cruise

Now that you've finished planning the bulk of your Caribbean cruise, it's time to start thinking about those little details that make your travels smooth and stress-free. These are things like holding your mail, planning for the care of any pets or plants, and (my favorite part) deciding on your Caribbean cruise packing list!

Ensure Your Vaccinations & Travel Documents Are Up-To-Date

When it comes to vaccinations and travel documents, it's always best to plan early (check here for State Department cruise recommendations). It's hard to rush these details, so thinking ahead will save you plenty of stress.

You'll want to have all of your vaccinations up to date by about 2 weeks before departure. It's best to have your vaccination history on hand and research your port destinations to better understand what you'll need prior to your visit with your travel doctor.

And, of course, don't forget your passport! You might not be required to show your passport if you board in the states, but most cruise lines require you to have your passport on hand. And even if they don't, it's a good idea to have it handy for port excursions or in case of an emergency.

For example, if you run into bad weather, like a hurricane, you may want to fly out earlier than you had initially planned. Without your passport, you will not be allowed to fly out of whatever country’s airport is closest. Likewise, the same applies if you get hurt (or sick) and need to seek medical help off the ship in another country. 

Pro Tip: It's also a good idea to make sure you have cash in different denominations. Most countries with cruise ports accept US dollars, but it's likely that you will receive it back in the currency of that country. Carrying a variety of denominations helps ensure that you will limit the amount of loose foreign currency you're carrying during your travels.

Arranging Care for Your Home, Pets & Plants

Of course, you'll need to make sure that your home, as well as any pets or plants, are cared for while you're traveling. The first thing you'll want to do here is to consider how long you're cruising for.

If you're setting sail for a short trip (up to 4 days), you may not need anyone to check in on your place or plants. Of course, you may still need to arrange for a pet sitter or boarding.

If you're traveling for a longer period of time (upwards of 4 days), you'll likely need to arrange for someone to check in on your home, water plants, or you may even want to have someone housesit.  Depending on how you arrange for the care of your home will help you decide how your pets will be cared for.

Pro Tip: I like to start planning these details at least a month before departure. You may need a longer lead time if you're traveling during the holidays or peak travel seasons.

Create Your Caribbean Cruise Packing List

Whether you're traveling in a carry-on only , or with a larger suitcase, you'll want to carefully consider the weather you're likely to encounter and the excursions you've planned during your vacation. Along with these factors, you'll also want to confirm dining attire while you're sailing – some cruise lines offer formal dinners or theme nights! Knowing this sort of information in advance will allow you to make the most of all the fun your cruise line has to offer.

If you're still feeling a little stuck on what to include on your packing list, you should check out these packing resources:

  • What to Pack for a Cruise
  • How to Pack for a Beach Vacation in Just a Carry-on (Packing List Included!)
  • Essential Beach Gear for a Day at the Beach

Pro tip:  Even if you've decided to travel with a larger suitcase, you'll still want to plan your carry-on carefully. When you arrive at the ship your suitcase will be checked and you likely won't see it again until just before dinner. Make sure to pack what you need for the day in your carry-on so you can start enjoying the ship immediately!

How To Plan A Caribbean Cruise Chair On The Beach - Coastal Wandering

Now You're Ready To Start Planning Your Caribbean Cruise

That's it. This is how I plan my Caribbean cruises and how I recommend that you plan yours. With a little planning and research, you're sure to have a fantastic time soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the beautiful blue water of the Caribbean!

Ready to start planning your Caribbean cruise? Start searching for the best cruise vacations here.

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TheStreet

Royal Caribbean cruise line plans major ship upgrades

Every new Royal Caribbean ship class sets a higher bar. 

In some ways, that changes passenger expectations, especially if they'd sailed on a new (or even newer) ship first.

If someone has their first sailing on Icon of the Seas — or even Wonder of the Seas, its predecessor as the world's largest cruise ship — that can skew the cruiser's expectations. Ideally, at least for Royal Caribbean ( RCL ) , passengers would take their first cruise on a midsized ship. 

Related: Carnival Cruise Line makes a passenger-friendly menu change

Those ships, the ones in the Freedom and Voyager classes, have many, but not all, of the features found on Oasis, Quantum and the new Icon-class ships. If you sail on Independence of the Seas, for example, you get a handful of premium added-fee restaurants including Izumi Sushi & Hibachi, Giovanni's Table and the Chops Grille steakhouse as well as Playmakers Sports Bar.  

Independence, a Freedom-class ship that had its maiden voyage in 2008, also offers the Perfect Storm waterslides, a splash park and a FlowRider surf simulator. Basically, the ship gives you a taste of what's offered on the bigger classes, but not everything.

Many of those features were added in 2018 when Independence of the Seas got a huge overhaul as part of Royal Caribbean's "Royal Amplified" program. 

That program, which was canceled during the pandemic, gave Royal Caribbean a way to refresh its older ships and make them more reflective of its newest ones.

Royal Caribbean plans more than maintenance

While Royal Caribbean suspended the Royal Amplification program in 2020 during the pandemic and has not brought it back, it has improved its ships. Explorer of the Seas, for example, added a pair of waterslides during its 2024 dry dock.

A dry dock is a period where a ship leaves service so the operator can do routine maintenance that can't be done with passengers onboard. It's usually mundane work like having rooms painted, replacing carpets, and fixing other problems. 

Ships generally have a dry dock — a literal period when they're taken out of the water — about once every five years. In most cases, these aren't promoted by the cruise line as they're an effort to spruce up the ships and maybe sneak on something new, as was the case with Explorer.

Royal Amplification, however, was a much bigger deal. When a ship got "Amped," it generally added restaurants, bars, and entertainment features, while also getting its pool deck overhauled and updated.

When Royal ended the program, a number of ships were scheduled to be Amped, Now, while the name hasn't returned, Royal Caribbean International CEO Michael Bayley made clear that its spirit was being brought back.

Royal Caribbean intends to 'Amp' more ships

Royal Caribbean had not commented on its plans to update older ships — until the cruise line's fourth-quarter-earnings call .

Bayley said Allure of the Seas, which is currently sailing short itineraries out of Port Canaveral, Fla., would get the updates that it was scheduled for before the pandemic. 

"We're always modernizing. We have Allure coming up and the actions we took on Oasis. Some of the learnings on Icon is going to be in the modernization of Allure of the Seas," he said.

Allure of the Seas will likely see its Sabor Mexican restaurant in its Boardwalk neighborhood become the cruise line's Playmakers Sports Bar. Bayley did not specify the changes to come, but he doubled down on the idea that lessons learned from Icon would be incorporated.

"We're always updating our ships to make sure those ships stay relevant," he added. 

"It doesn't move like the [capital-spending] number potentially, or maybe it's not as exciting today as we're talking about Icon and Hideaway, etc. But we're always investing and bringing a lot of the learnings, probably not just on an experience standpoint but also on a sustainability standpoint so that our fleet stays relevant and competitive." 

Related: Veteran fund manager picks favorite stocks for 2024

Allure of the Seas Lead JS 101222

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