the cruise compass royal caribbean

The Must-Have Royal Caribbean Cruise Compass

Ever felt like you’re missing out at sea? It’s a common worry. I’ve been on plenty of Royal Caribbean cruises, learning the ins and outs.

The trick? The Cruise Compass.

It’s your go-to for not missing a beat onboard. In this article, I’ll show you how it makes every cruise unforgettable.

Your Daily Onboard Guide

Every Royal Caribbean passenger should grab the Cruise Compass. It’s a daily newsletter that tells you about the day’s activities, shows, dining spots, and important news.

Plan Your Perfect Day

With the Cruise Compass, you can easily plan your day. It lists everything happening on the ship, so you can pick what you like and make sure you don’t miss anything fun or important. I always check it the night before to plan my next day.

Useful Info at Your Fingertips

It also has times for when places open, info on port visits, and any changes to plans. The Cruise Compass is key to making the most of your cruise, keeping you informed and ready for the day.

How to Access Your Cruise Compass

Choosing between physical and digital.

Royal Caribbean used to hand out paper copies of the Cruise Compass every night, detailing the next day’s activities. Now, they’re moving towards digital, offering paper copies only if you ask for them.

Getting the Digital Copy

To find the digital Cruise Compass, scan the QR codes placed around the ship, like near the elevators and where paper copies were once available.

Just use your phone’s camera on the QR code, and you’ll get a link to the digital copy.

Still Want a Paper Copy?

If you’re someone who prefers a physical copy, just let your Cabin Steward know on the first day. They can arrange to have a paper copy delivered to your room daily.

Choosing Between the Cruise Compass and the Royal Caribbean App

App or paper.

If you’ve cruised with Royal Caribbean, you might know about the Royal Caribbean App and the Cruise Compass.

Both give you the scoop on daily activities and when things are happening. But why have both?

What’s the Difference?

The app has all the info you find in the Cruise Compass, but they look pretty different.

The Cruise Compass is easier to glance through, with a nice daily overview and tips. It’s a bit harder to get that quick look on the app.

Screen Size Matters

Trying to read the Cruise Compass on a phone can be a hassle because the screen is so small. That’s why I usually go for a printed copy.

Royal Caribbean might stop making the Cruise Compass one day, but it seems like they know the app isn’t quite there yet.

How the App’s Doing

On our last trip on the Wonder of the Seas in September 2023, the app was pretty good, though finding certain info could be clunky.

But it was way better than six months before on the Vision of the Seas, where the app was slow and kept crashing. They’re definitely trying to make the app better.

Will the App Take Over?

It’s hard to say if the app will fully replace the Cruise Compass. With ongoing improvements, it looks like we’re moving towards digital. But for now, you can choose what works best for you.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Compass – Actual Examples

This isn’t an actual example – it’s just a picture to illustrate what the cruise compass looks like for Mobile users as the PDF’s don’t display on mobile.

Read: Royal Caribbean Disembarkation Time

Conclusion 

The Royal Caribbean Cruise Compass is like your best friend on board. It tells you everything you need to know: what’s happening day and night, where to eat, and what to see at each port.

Whether you’re on a quick 3-night trip to the Bahamas or a longer 13-night journey through the Southern Caribbean, there’s something for everyone.

It points out the cool stuff on different ships, like Allure of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, and Wonder of the Seas. With the Compass in hand, you’re all set to have the best time, making every moment count.

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Royal Caribbean Cruise Compass Oasis of the Seas 2022

Sharing is caring!

If you’re going on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas and looking for recent Cruise Compasses, you’re in luck. 

Our family sailed on Oasis of the Seas for a 7 day Bahamas and CocoCay itinerary from Cape Liberty in May 2022. The daily activities, shows and opening hours of restaurants and venues are available on the Royal Caribbean App as well as on the daily Cruise Compass.

These are the daily planners (cruise compass) for our 7 day cruise. Please note that unfortunately I did not get the Cruise Compass for embarkation day . For Day 2 I went down to guest services and picked up a printed copy. On Day 3 onwards our cabin steward provided the Cruise Compass in our cabin each evening.

If you like to have a printed Cruise Compass, it’s a good idea to ask your cabin attendant on the first day of your cruise .

Oasis of the Seas Cruise Compass – 7 Day Bahamas Cruise from Cape Liberty

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I hope these Cruise Compasses are helpful as you plan your cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas. 

Happy cruising!

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• Royal Caribbean International

Cruise compass now available as PDF download by scanning QR code

By wallyj , August 29, 2022 in Royal Caribbean International

Recommended Posts

Hello, currently on Navigator and they have introduced the capability of now having the Cruise Compass as a PDF download. I have read many previous threads of wanting this feature and Royal has finally come through.

Today,  I met the Guest Services Manager in the DL and happen to mention a PDF download is something many passengers would want if the paper Cruise Compass is going bye, bye.

He showed me an example and it looked just like the paper compass and you can zoom and magnify, so should easily be able to adjust to any size font for your reading needs. So you still need a smart device to carry around, if you want to keep track of your calendar and events.

Yesterday was the first time I encountered they adjusted the late Production show last minute from 9:15 to 9:45. 

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CanHardlyWait4NextYear

Noooooo. I don't want to carry my phone around or even have on in airplane mode.

You will find a paper in your cabin with the QR code.  It is also on your cabin TV!  (channel 14 and a couple of other RC channels)

No thanks....I'll continue to prefer the old fashioned paper Cruise Compass left in our cabin each night.

kimberlym322

My question would be.....wont you need wifi to do this?   like everyone else....I'll keep the paper, I bring them home for scrapbooking and future reference anyway.

1 hour ago, kimberlym322 said: My question would be.....wont you need wifi to do this?   like everyone else....I'll keep the paper, I bring them home for scrapbooking and future reference anyway.

You should be able to use the ships free ‘intranet’ , same portal you connect to use the RCL APP on the ship which is no charge to use. You pay to have access to the internet to stream or surf the web.

FamilyCruiserUK

4 hours ago, Merion_Mom said: You will find a paper in your cabin with the QR code.  It is also on your cabin TV!  (channel 14 and a couple of other RC channels)    

I understand why they are doing it i do but at same time i dont want to carry my phone around all day. Its bad enough they dont have bar menus and its a QR code. 

Also on Brilliance they had printed off people ship taken pictures for you to look at and buy, complete waste of money, paper and ink. Just keep them on the electronic viewing kiosk.

Just maybe, just a thought, put it on the information tv sceeens around the ship.  As well as menus and available trips etc. 

45 minutes ago, FamilyCruiserUK said: I understand why they are doing it i do but at same time i dont want to carry my phone around all day. Its bad enough they dont have bar menus and its a QR code. 

But many people DO carry their phone as a camera, or for social media.  Just because YOU don't want this feature, doesn't mean others don't. 

46 minutes ago, FamilyCruiserUK said: Just maybe, just a thought, put it on the information tv sceeens around the ship.  As well as menus and available trips etc. 

This is available on the wayfinder displays on many ships (mostly larger/newer ships).   

31 minutes ago, brillohead said: But many people DO carry their phone as a camera, or for social media.  Just because YOU don't want this feature, doesn't mean others don't.   

Plenty of us keep our music on our phones, too. I don't really use my I-pod any longer. So my phone is always with me.

As long as there is always paper available as well. I don't want to carry my phone or look at it for 7 days. I also don't carry wallet or anything around ship but the card. 

1 hour ago, brillohead said: But many people DO carry their phone as a camera, or for social media.  Just because YOU don't want this feature, doesn't mean others don't.      This is available on the wayfinder displays on many ships (mostly larger/newer ships).   

In the world we live the option should be avilable for those are attached to their phones and those who leave their phones behind in their rooms.

Royal do have other ships rather then the large/newer ships..... 

2 minutes ago, FamilyCruiserUK said: In the world we live the option should be avilable for those are attached to their phones and those who leave their phones behind in their rooms.   Royal do have other ships rather then the large/newer ships..... 

What does the size of the ship have to do with it?

39 minutes ago, Ocean Boy said: What does the size of the ship have to do with it?

Maybe that some of the smaller classes don't have the kiosks or displays available?  I have never been on a Radiance class ship so I don't know what signage is available.

What are all the trivia winners going to do with the life-changing first place highlighter prize? I am not using it on my phone………

IMHO, paper should also be an option.

I especially like reading the Compass just before I go to bed to get an idea of what's going on the next day, maybe a spa special, what to definitely avoid etc.  I just find the type will be too small on my phone and it's a PIA to keep adjusting.  That's just me though.

They're trying it on the Liberty and we rebelled. Getting paper.  Had to make GS work to find the sheet with officers listed.  Made them take my complaint about going green.  They're still leaving ads in the cabins.  The app isn't always correct.  Not sure about scanning the QR code.  Dh finally agreed to taking his phone but folding a piece of paper is still easier than dragging my phone along. 

Hopefully, they'll still keep paper as an option for those that prefer it.

23 minutes ago, njkruzer said: They're trying it on the Liberty and we rebelled. Getting paper.  Had to make GS work to find the sheet with officers listed.  Made them take my complaint about going green.  They're still leaving ads in the cabins.  The app isn't always correct.  Not sure about scanning the QR code.  Dh finally agreed to taking his phone but folding a piece of paper is still easier than dragging my phone along. 

Hi when you scan the QR code, you will get a digital copy of the cruise compass that looks just like you took a picture of the paper copy. Yes, the APP is not always correct and this QR copy will be the exact copy of the paper one.

Don't want to carry phone around. Doesn't usually fit in my pants pockets.  Means carrying a bag to put in.

1 hour ago, Surfguyxxx said: I especially like reading the Compass just before I go to bed to get an idea of what's going on the next day, maybe a spa special, what to definitely avoid etc.

Me too. It's an actual part of my cruise experience.

50 minutes ago, njkruzer said: Don't want to carry phone around. Doesn't usually fit in my pants pockets.  Means carrying a bag to put in.

Or you could get a case with a holster and clip it on your pants. Just making a suggestion.

17 minutes ago, Ocean Boy said: Or you could get a case with a holster and clip it on your pants. Just making a suggestion.

Understand.  Matter of principle. 

13 hours ago, Ashland said: No thanks....I'll continue to prefer the old fashioned paper Cruise Compass left in our cabin each night.

I agree, I want paper, but when on Freedom Aug 19th weekend, could not get one at all, either from our stateroom person or at Guest Services.  Will see if I can get a paper one when on Freedom the 16th of Sept.

TwinMamainMN

1 hour ago, wallyj said:  Yes, the APP is not always correct and this QR copy will be the exact copy of the paper one.

The APP might not always be correct, but neither was the paper version. Times change, shows get cancelled, etc. Nothing is foolproof unfortunately.

8 hours ago, FamilyCruiserUK said: In the world we live the option should be avilable for those are attached to their phones and those who leave their phones behind in their rooms.   Royal do have other ships rather then the large/newer ships..... 

The option for paper IS available on many/most of the ships, and will likely return fleetwide when enough people complain about it. As for the "other ships".... the smaller ships are, by default, older ships -- they were built before the technology existed for the wayfinder displays that have been put in the newer/larger ships.  At some point in time the displays might be installed in the older/smaller ships... you never know.  

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Cruise Compass Daily Programs Anthem of the Seas - What activities can you do on a Cruise Ship?

There is so much to do on a cruise ship and you will certainly never get bored. We often get asked what can you do, what times are restaurants and bars open and what sort of entertainment should we expect.

To help answer some of those questions, in this post we share the daily programs called the Cruise Compass that were delivered to our cabin every day on the Royal Caribbean Anthem of the Seas Cruise Ship.

All this information could be found on your Royal Caribbean App too which you could access via your phone or on screens around the ship. However as we are a middle aged couple in our 50’s we do still like to be old school and have a paper copy so we can scribble all over it and plan our day!

We hope you find these programs useful so it will give you an idea of planning your day too!

Day 1 Anthem of the Seas Cruise Compass Daily Program

Day 2 Anthem of the Seas Cruise Compass Daily Programs

Day 3 Anthem of the Seas Cruise Compass Daily Programs

Day 4 Anthem of the Seas Cruise Compass Daily Programs

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Royal Caribbean Transatlantic Cruise Compass – Rhapsody of the Seas

By: Author Carrie Ann Karstunen

Posted on November 26, 2023

Are you planning a transatlantic cruise on  Royal Caribbean’s  Rhapsody of the Seas  and looking for a complete 2023 Cruise Compass daily paper planner?

Here are the full 14 days of  Cruise Compass  paper planners from my  transatlantic  cruise sailing from Barcelona, Spain to Fort Lauderdale on  Rhapsody of the Seas  in November 2023.

Although cruisers can also find the daily activities, venue hours, dress codes, and show times on the  Royal app , I find that it’s often more convenient to use the printed daily planner to see everything in one place.

However, stewards no longer automatically deliver the printout to your stateroom or suite each day. To get your hands on a printed Cruise Compass, you’ll now need to either ask your steward to deliver it or wait in line each day at Guest Services to pick up a copy.

Note: I’ve taken several Royal Caribbean cruises this year, and asking my steward hasn’t always been a reliable option. Thankfully on this sailing, my awesome steward placed my paper Cruise Compass for the next day in my room each evening while I was at dinner.

Or, you can download a digital copy of the Cruise Compass each day by scanning the “Gone Green” QR code you’ll find on a card in your stateroom. (Paid Wi-Fi isn’t required to do this.) The digital version is in the same format as the paper planners, and you can zoom in and out on the images.

Day 1 – Embarkation Day: Barcelona

Related:   How to Have the Best Embarkation Day on a Cruise

Related:   What Should You Wear on Embarkation Day on a Cruise?

Day 2 – Alicante, Spain

Day 3 – Málaga, Spain

Day 4 – Sea Day

Related: 33 Fun Things to Do on Cruise Sea Days

Day 5 – Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Day 6 – Tenerife, Canary Islands

Day 7 – Sea Day

Day 8 – Sea Day

Day 9 – Sea Day

Day 10 – Sea Day

Day 11 – Sea Day

Day 12 – Sea Day (Thanksgiving Day)

Day 13 – Sea Day

Day 14 – Freeport, Grand Bahama Island

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I hope these Royal Caribbean Cruise Compass images help you plan your transatlantic cruise .  Do you prefer using the Royal app or the Cruise Compass daily paper planner? I’d love to hear your opinion in the comments below!

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The best Royal Caribbean cruise ship for every type of traveler

What's the best Royal Caribbean cruise ship? We get this question a lot, and our answer always is the same: It depends.

It depends on what sort of traveler you are. Royal Caribbean is the world's biggest cruise line, and it has more ships than any other major line, including vessels in a wide range of sizes and with a wide range of amenities. While they all have a lot in common, they have some major differences, too, that make them more or less appealing to different types of travelers.

Some Royal Caribbean ships — such as the line's Oasis-class vessels and recently launched Icon of the Seas — are built with far more family-focused activities than others. Some, such as the two-year-old Wonder of the Seas, have added features that appeal to luxury-loving travelers. Other Royal Caribbean ships operate on particularly low-cost itineraries that are best for budget travelers.

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

In short, the best Royal Caribbean cruise ship for you, if you're traveling with children, might not be the same as the best Royal Caribbean cruise ship for a solo traveler or the best Royal Caribbean cruise ship for a retiree.

Here, we list our top picks for the best Royal Caribbean cruise ships for five different types of travelers.

Icon of the Seas: Best ship for families

The best Royal Caribbean ship for families, in the unanimous view of TPG's cruise editors, is a ship that just debuted earlier this year: Icon of the Seas.

Sailing since January 2024, Icon of the Seas is the biggest cruise ship in the world — more than 6% bigger than the next-biggest ships in Royal Caribbean's fleet. That means greater space for the family fun zones that are a hallmark of Royal Caribbean ships, from children's clubs to water parks.

But it's not just its larger size that makes Icon of the Seas the best Royal Caribbean ship for families. As TPG saw during an early sneak peek at Icon of the Seas in January, Royal Caribbean has designed the vessel — the first of a new class of ships — specifically to cater to families in a bigger way.

For starters, Icon of the Seas has an increased number of cabins that offer extra bunks to accommodate families with multiple children, including new room designs. Some family suites even feature separate rooms for the kids.

Related: The 5 best cruise lines for families

Many of these family-friendly accommodations are near a new-for-the-line outdoor "neighborhood" called Surfside, which is dedicated to families with young children. Surfside features splash areas for babies and kids, pools and lounge spaces for parents, family-friendly eateries and shops, and a bar with "mommy and me" matching mocktails for kids and cocktails for grownups.

Icon of the Seas also features the largest water park ever built on a cruise ship, with a record six top-deck waterslides and a cool new ropes course. Your teens will never want to sail on another ship.

Related: The ultimate Icon of the Seas review and guide

Icon of the Seas is just the first of three family-focused sister ships Royal Caribbean has on order for delivery by 2026 that will make up its new Icon class. The second ship in the series, Star of the Seas, will debut in 2025 and already is open for bookings.

Wonder of the Seas: Best ship for luxury lovers

There's no doubt about it, Wonder of the Seas is the Royal Caribbean ship to book if you're looking to live the high life (and are willing to spend big bucks to do so). Unveiled in 2022, the world's second biggest cruise ship (after Icon of the Seas) was the first Royal Caribbean vessel with a private suite complex for the fancy set — a swanky hideaway with an upscale private lounge, restaurant and sun deck (the new Icon of the Seas has one of these, too, but we still rank Wonder of the Seas as our top Royal Caribbean ship for luxury).

If you book a suite in the complex on Wonder of the Seas, you'll be getting a luxury experience of the sort you won't find almost anywhere else in the Royal Caribbean fleet.

Related: What's it like in Wonder's suite complex? We spent $11,000 to find out

Called the Suite Neighborhood, the complex offers some of the biggest (and priciest) suites at sea, including the sprawling, two-deck-high Royal Loft suites that measure more than 1,500 square feet.

A booking for one of the suites also comes with a bevy of perks, from complimentary Wi-Fi to private beach access at Labadee, Royal Caribbean's private beach destination in Haiti. Among the best perks: Access to private concierges who set up shop daily in the suite complex and will ensure you get prime seats at the ship's shows or a table at the always crowded Mason Jar eatery . On a ship that can carry more than 6,000 people, such reservations are a must.

Note the suite complex is a gated community — one where you'll only be surrounded by other swells who have paid top dollar for exclusivity. Nobody can get into the area unless they have a keycard showing they're a resident.

Related: The 8 best cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

With access to a stylish rooftop pool, loungers at the suite area's private sun deck and higher-level food in its private Coastal Kitchen eatery, you may never want to leave the enclave. However, this being Royal Caribbean, you'll also have access to a seemingly endless array of amusements from waterslides to aerial water shows just steps away.

Freedom of the Seas: Best ship for budget travelers

Freedom of the Seas is the Royal Caribbean ship to pick when you're looking for a quick and affordable getaway — something that isn't a big commitment and won't break the bank.

Based in Miami, the 16-year-old vessel operates short three- and four-night voyages to the Bahamas that are often on sale for just $250 per person or less. That's not per day, mind you, but for the entire cruise. It's a lot more affordable per day than the two ships mentioned above, which are the belles of the ball in the Royal Caribbean fleet and command significantly higher rates.

For would-be Royal Caribbean cruisers, Freedom of the Seas serves as a sort of "test the line" ship. Its short sailings and low pricing mean you're not out a lot in time or money if you don't have the time of your life. It caters heavily to first-time cruisers as well as Florida locals who can book on short notice and drive into the port for a quick escape.

One of three ships in the line's Freedom class that date to the mid-2000s, Freedom of the Seas is no longer the creme-de-la-creme of the Royal Caribbean fleet (though it was when it debuted). At around 156,000 tons, it's about 30% smaller than Royal Caribbean's newer Oasis-class ships and has fewer venues, from bars and restaurants to entertainment spaces.

Related: The 7 classes of Royal Caribbean ships, explained

That said, Freedom of the Seas still has a huge amount to offer for all sorts of travelers, from couples to families with kids. The ship was, notably, the first in the Royal Caribbean fleet to feature a FlowRider surfing simulator on its top deck — now a signature attraction for the line.

The vessel also has multiple pool areas, a water park, a miniature golf course and a rock climbing wall on its top deck. It also has one of Royal Caribbean's signature Royal Promenades in its interior — a mall-like space filled with eateries, bars and shops.

The only things you won't find are the most over-the-top Royal Caribbean attractions found on newer Royal Caribbean ships, such as zip lines, skydiving simulators and bumper car pavilions.

Quantum of the Seas: Best ship for solo travelers

Royal Caribbean isn't particularly known as a major draw for solo travelers. In recent years, it's doubled down on the family market more than ever. That doesn't mean that solos aren't welcome on its ships or won't have a great time.

If you're looking for the best Royal Caribbean ship for solo travelers, you'll want to start with Quantum of the Seas and its Quantum-class sisters. It's the class of ships where Royal Caribbean made the most effort to appeal to solo travelers.

In designing the vessels, Royal Caribbean took a page from solo-targeting Norwegian Cruise Line 's playbook and added several cabins specifically for solos. Quantum of the Seas offers 28 of these dedicated studio cabins, each measuring from 101 to 119 square feet.

What's more, unlike Norwegian's solo digs, some of these cabins are ocean-view rooms with balconies. Others have a virtual balcony that, at first glance, looks like a veranda but is actually a digital screen projecting a real-time view of the outside. (It may sound corny, but it works.)

Related: The best cruise ships for solo travelers

While the solo cabins on the Quantum-class ships don't come with a dedicated solo lounge as they do on Norwegian ships, solo travelers will find Royal Caribbean-hosted meetups for solo travelers on the vessels. It's a great way for single travelers to find others in the same boat, so to speak.

There's also quite a bar scene on Quantum-class ships, with a lot of counter-style seating in bars that are a great place to find other solo travelers. We recommend one of the two large bars at the Music Hall, where you can make new friends while sipping musically inspired cocktails and listening to live bands. If the Music Hall is too noisy for chatting up other solos, head to the sometimes quieter Schooner Bar.

In addition, Quantum of the Seas ships is particularly known for its unusual range of activities, from skydiving simulators to bumper cars that you can enjoy just fine as a solo traveler.

Rhapsody of the Seas: Best ship for retirees

For older travelers looking for a Royal Caribbean ship that isn't jammed full of children, it's hard to beat Rhapsody of the Seas.

Dating to 1997, Rhapsody of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean's oldest and smallest vessels, and it lacks nearly all the gee-whiz attractions for families found on newer Royal Caribbean ships. You won't find big water parks, kiddie splash zones, zip lines or bumper car pavilions on this ship.

For the most part, its top deck only offers pools, whirlpools and sunning areas, as is typical for ships built in the 1990s. As a result, it draws far fewer families than the vessels above and caters more to an older crowd of mostly couples.

Rhapsody of the Seas is also the ship that Royal Caribbean deploys on some of its most destination-focused itineraries, the type that have particular appeal to retirees looking to see more of the world.

Related: The 7 best cruises for seniors who love to travel

Over the next two years, for instance, Rhapsody of the Seas is sailing out of such less-common home ports as Colon, Panama; Cartagena, Colombia; and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The sailings out of Colon and Cartagena offer the chance to visit Southern Caribbean ports such as Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao that aren't on most Royal Caribbean itineraries in the Caribbean. The sailings out of San Juan will also get you into the Southern Caribbean, while the sailings out of Israel and Cyprus offer a destination-heavy tour through the Eastern Mediterranean, including stops at multiple Greek islands.

At 78,808 tons, Rhapsody of the Seas is a third the size of the biggest Royal Caribbean ships. Expect a more intimate experience than what you'll find on the bustling Icon-class, Oasis-class, Quantum-class and Freedom-class ships mentioned above.

The vessel is one of four in the line's Vision class, featuring ships much smaller than the typical Royal Caribbean vessel. With this class, the experience has more to do with the ports the ships visit than the onboard experience.

Bottom line

Royal Caribbean is the world's largest cruise line, with a large fleet of ships that cater to a wide range of traveler types.

While its biggest focus of late has been on the family market, it has ships that will appeal to luxury travelers, budget travelers, solo travelers and retirees as well.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
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SOAK IN THE VITAMIN SEA

Caribbean cruises.

Lose yourself in the tones of Calypso steel drums and the majesty of Mayan ruins with a cruise to Caribbean.

Cruise to Caribbean and discover the cliff-diving, breeze-swaying, sand-between-your-toes, no-worries pace of island life. Hundreds of years of history have left jungle ruins from ancient times and vibrant colonial towns with brightly painted buildings reflecting a fascinating history. Discover the white-sand beaches and rugged cliffs of Barbados. See towering mountains like Petit Piton in St. Lucia, explore the lush rainforests of Belize, or boost your adrenaline as you zip-line through the treetops of Labadee or Honduras. If calm, contemplative nature is more your thing, spend the day admiring cascading waterfalls in Jamaica and the vivid coral reefs of Bonaire, home to manta rays and parrot fish. Discover the magic with a Caribbean cruise.

Save Big With These Caribbean Cruise Deals

Explore more while spending less with Caribbean cruise deals onboard our best cruise ships.

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EASTERN CARIBBEAN

STARTING FROM 

WESTERN CARIBBEAN

SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN

MEXICO & CANCUN

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PACK YOUR WET SUIT

The best Caribbean cruises will take you to dive into the aquamarine water and see the beautiful underwater life up close and personal with a snorkeling or scuba diving adventure and to discover captivating coral reefs and unique species of jellyfish like the orange Moochers, Loggerhead sea turtles and the red cushion sea star, which can be seen in shallow waters. 

SAND-WRITE YOUR ADVENTURE 

PERFECT DAY AT COCOCAY

PUERTO RICO

STUMBLE INTO HISTORY

Immerse yourself in the culture in some of the oldest cities in the Americas — the Caribbean has been shaped by a diverse history, with Africans, Europeans and Asians all leaving their mark. See the cathedrals and Spanish colonial architecture of Santo Domingo, the lively street festivals of Barbados or the citadels and brightly colored buildings of San Juan with your cruise to the Caribbean. 

PLUNGE INTO THE THRILL HEAD-FIRST 

BEST CARIBBEAN CRUISES

A cruise to Caribbean is filled with exciting destinations, each with its own style and vibe. Discover Caribbean onboard the Best Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships.

EXPLORE MORE

Your Caribbean cruise will take you to beaches with unique features like pink and black sand, so make sure to pack organic and natural sunscreen so not only you can stay protected, but the coral reefs can too.

There are several UNESCO Heritage Sites located in the Caribbean that you can explore, ranging from missionary churches to rainforest national parks.

It's always wise to book your shore excursions in advance of your cruise to the Caribbean. You get the best deal and can plan your days easily.

RELATED PORTS

You will find your favorite Caribbean cruise ports no matter what direction you go. Travel the Southern side and wander down the colorful streets of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Or trek the rainforests of Saint Lucia. On the Western, dive into the crystal clear waters of Grand Cayman or explore the ruins of Tulum when arrive in Cozumel. Eastern Caribbean cruises will bring you to St. Thomas, where you can take in stunning panoramic views of the island at Government Hill or to St. Maarten, where you can dine on some of the region's best cuisine.

St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

St. John's, Antigua

Roatan, Honduras

Labadee, Haiti

Oranjestad, Aruba

Montego Bay, Jamaica

Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Belize City, Belize

Philipsburg, St. Maarten

Nassau, Bahamas

San Juan, Puerto Rico

George Town, Grand Cayman

Castries, St. Lucia

Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

Roseau, Dominica

Bridgetown, Barbados

Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico

Kralendijk, Bonaire

Falmouth, Jamaica

Cozumel, Mexico

Fort De France, Martinique

Banana Coast (Trujillo), Honduras

Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

St. George's, Grenada

Willemstad, Curacao

Ponce, Puerto Rico

Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Yucatan (Progreso), Mexico

Bimini, Bahamas

Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas

Cartagena, Colombia

Colón, Panama

Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

La Romana, Dominican Republic

Scarborough, Tobago

Port of Spain, Trinidad

Miami, Florida

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Carnival Cruise Line reverses an unpopular Covid-era policy

W hile it's easy to forget (and some people don't want to remember) the Covid pandemic devastated the cruise industry. All sailings from U.S. ports stopped for a roughly 15-month period and when they returned, things were not the same.

Once the cruise lines got permission to sail again, it was — at least at first — under heavy restrictions from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Ships sailed at very limited capacity, social distancing was enforced, masks were required in indoor public spaces, and proof of vaccination was required.

Related: Carnival Cruise Line fixing broken (and very important) system

In addition to keeping people apart, the cruise lines also stepped up their cleaning regimen and tried to limit the amount of commonly touched services. For months, it seemed like multiple crew members did nothing but sanitize handrails, and tables could not be used until the had been properly cleaned.

Most cruise lines also largely eliminated paper on their ships. This included having menus and the daily schedule being available via QR codes, although paper menus were always offered for people who requested them. 

Getting rid of printed daily schedules including Royal Caribbean's Cruise Compass and Carnival's Fun Times was a controversial decision. It's one that made sense for both safety and environmental reasons, and it also removed an expense for the cruise lines.

Passengers, however, did not like it, and both Royal Caribbean and Carnival have made some changes.

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Carnival brings pack the paper Fun Times

Royal Caribbean has largely continued to push passengers to use its app for its onboard schedule. You can usually request a paper copy of the Cruise Compass and sometimes they are offered at Guest Services.

Carnival Cruise Line ( CCL ) has fully reversed its pandemic-ear policy, according to a recent post from Brand Ambassador John Heald. 

"Interesting to see that some people didn’t realize that we now have the paper copy of Fun Times" delivered to your cabin and as you see from today’s cover photo, they are available from the coffee shop as well," he shared.

Heald then asked his followers how they keep track of onboard activities, giving them four choices:

• A: I read the paper copy of the Fun Times Plus, and have it downloaded on the Hubb app.
• B: I only read the paper copy of the Fun Times.
• C: I only read the Fun Times from the Hubb app.
• D: I do not read the Fun Times.

Over 4,100 of Heald's followers voted and shared their opinions.

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Most Carnival passengers want a paper Fun Times

"On the last few cruises I have learned how to use the Hubb app but I still enjoy coming back to the cabin at night and reading the Fun Times in bed to see what I am going to not miss the next day," wrote Susan Natale.

Many people seem to use both.

"I love both! And, I bring a highlighter to markup the paper copy. It makes my little nerd paper-loving heart happy," shared Linda Leon.

Other passengers like the paper version of the Fun Times as a keepsake.

"I actually grab it from guest services when I walk by not to use on the ship but to have a memory of all the fun events (one day I’ll put it all together in a scrapbook…eventually," added Sara Rose Curry. 

Others like to be able to leave their phone in the room.

"I like having the paper copy so I don’t have to always carry my phone or any other device with me," wrote Linda Sargent Carraway.

Related: Carnival Cruise Line reverses an unpopular Covid-era policy

But while many people share those sentiments, others don't think the printed version should be left in every room.

"I am sad that the paper Fun Times is delivered to every cabin. It's a waste of paper for many people. Having it available for people who need it is one thing, going back to a paper copy for each cabin creates so much waste," posted Barbara J. Valentine.

Related: Get the best cruise tips, deals, and news on the ships from our expert cruiser