Princess Cruises, facing geopolitical tensions in the Red Sea and surrounding regions, has announced a revision of its 2025 World Cruise itineraries. The cruise line has opted to reroute its global voyages to bypass the Middle East and Asia, instead shifting focus to Europe and Africa.
Modifications to the 2025 World Cruise are comprehensive, affecting both Island Princess and Crown Princess voyages.
Terry Thornton, chief commercial officer of Princess Cruises, emphasized the decision’s necessity, stating, “A Princess World Cruise is truly the voyage of a lifetime and after careful consideration with guidance from global security experts and government authorities, we know our guests will understand and appreciate the change to our upcoming 2025 itineraries to avoid certain areas.”
Thornton went on to explain, “These global events beyond our control have necessitated these reroutings but we are pleased to continue to ensure these world cruises retain destination-rich itineraries with incredible stops along the west Africa coast and the Mediterranean.”
The tension in the Red Sea is due to rebels, who began using armed drones and sea mines to disrupt maritime traffic while attempting hijackings and attacking ships earlier in 2024.
Multiple cruise lines, including Princess Cruises’ 2024 World Cruise, rerouted voyages in 2024 to avoid the region. As tensions have not lessened in the area, Princess Cruises will continue to avoid the region in 2025.
Princess Cruises Alters 2025 Routes
In 2025, Island Princess is offering two roundtrip World Cruise options, the first departing from Fort Lauderdale on January 5, 2025, and the second from Los Angeles on January 20, 2025. Its updated itineraries include over 36,700 nautical miles of travel and feature 46 destinations across 24 countries on six continents.
Notably, the revised routes include first-time stops at locales like the Greek Island of Patmos and the historic city of Volos, Greece, near the Monasteries of Meteora.
Scheduled to arrive in Sydney, Australia, on February 16, the itinerary revisions occur on journeys following Sydney through April 9. During this time, Island Princess will experience 32 days at sea. Calling on Melbourne and Perth, Australia, the ship will arrive in Mauritius on March 3.
Island Princess Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Andres Felipe Perez)
Instead of navigating north, through the Red Sea, and to ports in the Middle East and Asia, Island Princess will head south to Cape Town, where it will have an overnight call to host embarkation and disembarkation for its next segment.
Originally scheduled to take place in Dubai, U.A.E., on March 14, passengers scheduled to depart from or sail from Dubai on the original leg will now need to disembark or join the cruise from Cape Town on March 9.
This change means a shortened itinerary for some passengers and longer travel distances, with direct flights between the two cities taking more than 9 hours. To compensate for the changes, Princess Cruises is refunding the amount equivalent to four days of cruise fare. Those joining early will not be charged anything additional.
All guests affected will also receive $300 onboard credit, “as a gesture of good will.” No mention of airfare compensation was announced.
The voyage will continue north along Africa’s western coast, calling in Namibia, the Cape Verde Islands, Madeira, Portugal, and Gibraltar. It will then enter the Mediterranean for calls in Italy, Greece, Turkey, Croatia, and Montenegro. As originally scheduled, the voyage will arrive in Valletta, Malta, on April 9.
Photo Credit: Joni Hanebutt / Shutterstock.com
Similarly, Crown Princess will depart on its World Cruise from Auckland, New Zealand, on May 31, 2025, and Sydney on June 4, 2025. Its voyage will span 113 days, visit 42 destinations in 22 countries, and call on five continents.
The ship will also bypass the Red Sea and travel via Africa instead of the original Middle East and Asia itinerary. However, its new lineup is still being finalized and will be announced at a later date.
Just hours after receiving an email promising an update the day before embarkation, Royal Caribbean International has again reached out to guests booked on the May 3, 2024 departure of Radiance of the Seas, this time with great news. Repairs to the technical issue impacting the ship’s propulsion system are nearly complete, and the sailing is confirmed to be going ahead as planned.
“We know you’ve been preparing to join us for our Radiance of the Seas May 3rd, 2024 sailing. We’re happy to share that our teams are finishing up the technical work onboard right on schedule and we’ll be ready to welcome you on May 3rd, as planned!”the email read.
This good news follows several days of uncertainty as Radiance of the Seas has been undergoing repairs for an unspecified “technical issue” that impacted the ship’s top speed.
The ship first developed propulsion difficulties while repositioning from Los Angeles to Vancouver, which caused both ports of call on that 4-night sailing to be cancelled in the hopes that an earlier arrival to Vancouver would permit adequate time for repairs.
Unfortunately, the ship was unable to set sail on the planned April 26 departure, which would have been the vessel’s first Alaska cruise of the season. The situation was frustrating for booked guests, who were first permitted to embark with a planned departure delay only to be told a day later the cruise was cancelled after all.
Docked Radiance of the Seas (Photo Credit: meunierd)
Guests for the May 3 cruise have been anxiously awaiting news for their sailing, and this latest communication is sure to be welcome indeed.
The 7-night cruise is a one-way voyage from Vancouver to Seward, Alaska, visiting Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Sitka, and Skagway along the way. The last day of the cruise includes outstanding scenic cruising near Hubbard Glacier before the ship is scheduled to arrive in Seward on May 10, 2024.
Radiance of the Seas is offering alternating northbound and southbound Alaska sailings between Vancouver and Seward through the Alaska season, with her last departure from Vancouver on September 6, and her last from Seward on September 13. The ship will also offer one final roundtrip Alaska cruise from Vancouver departing on September 20, before she closes the season and repositions to Tampa.
It is hoped that the technical issue has been fully corrected, and the 90,090-gross-ton vessel will have smooth, on-time sailing throughout her season in the Last Frontier.
Radiance of the Seas can welcome 2,143 guests at double occupancy and as many as 2,466 travelers when fully booked with all berths filled.
Alaska Season Underway
Alaska is a top destination and a bucket list vacation for many travelers, and cruising is an amazing way to explore multiple destinations in the largest state in the US.
Radiance of the Seas In Vancouver (Photo Credit: TamasV / Shutterstock)
From Vancouver, Princess Cruise Line opened the season in mid-April with Ruby Princess, and Holland America Line has also begun its season of Alaska sailings with several vessels.
Radiance of the Seas will be the first Royal Caribbean International ship to begin a regular Alaska season from Vancouver, despite the delay as the ship has undergone these necessary propulsion repairs.
Guests aboard Royal Caribbean International’s Wonder of the Seas have been informed they will not be able to visit San Juan, Puerto Rico as planned, but will instead be visiting St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. While a cancelled port of call can be disappointing, this gives travelers the unique opportunity to enjoy an amazing festival in St. Thomas.
Earlier this month, MSC Cruises’ MSC Meraviglia inadvertently impacted a mooring dolphin on Pier 3 West in San Juan, causing structural damage that has meant the pier is unable to be used. While repairs and inspections are currently underway, this means that Wonder of the Seas will be unable to visit on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 as originally planned.
While there are other docks available for cruise ships to berth in San Juan, the overall dock length and configuration of other berths may be unable to accommodate the 235,600-gross-ton, Oasis-class Wonder of the Seas, the second-largest cruise ship in the world. Adjacent water depth to accommodate the ship’s draft may also be a factor in the cancellation.
Instead, Wonder of the Seas will now visit Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Food Fair Day.
“The Port Authority is thrilled to welcome this unscheduled visit by the Wonder of the Seas,”said Carlton Dowe, Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Port Authority.
“The Carnival Food Fair is one of the ultimate showcases of our local cuisine, treats, arts and crafts, fresh produce, and music. We are certain that this unique cultural experience will entice our cruise visitors to return for a longer stay in the U.S. Virgin Islands.”
The festival is a free event attended by thousands every year. Nearby streets are diverted to one-way traffic and free ferry and shuttle service is provided to help with crowds. Some taxi services near the cruise port will also be restricted to accommodate fair traffic, which might impact shore tour availability and timing.
Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock)
Visitors will have the opportunity to sample an amazing array of local treats, including lobster, jonny cakes, beef and salt fish pates, kalaloo, tamarind stew, mango and pineapple tarts, passion fruit juice, and many other delicious Caribbean dishes.
Local art, paintings, and crafts will also be available for purchase, such as Caribbean and iguana dolls, coconut monkeys and birdfeeders, and other unique options that can be amazing souvenirs of a truly unique visit.
Other events during the fair will be live music from local bands, traditional cultural dances, and appearances by political figures and local celebrities.
Two other cruise ships are also scheduled to visit Charlotte Amalie on May 1 with time to enjoy Food Fair: MSC Seascape and Disney Fantasy.
Not the First Cancelled Port for the Cruise
The cancellation of San Juan for Wonder of the Seas‘ current sailing – a 7-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary that departed Port Canaveral on Sunday, April 28 – is not the only original port of call removed from the itinerary.
Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas
The ship was also to visit Labadee, Haiti, on Friday, May 3. In light of recent unrest and violence in Haiti, however, Royal Caribbean International has removed Labadee from all ships’ itineraries at least for the next several weeks. Some sailings through the summer months have also had the port cancelled, and it is unclear when regular visits to Labadee might resume.
Instead, various ships are being rerouted to different destinations, including Grand Turk, St. Maarten, or Perfect Day at CocoCay, among others, depending on the sailing route and port availability.
Because Wonder of the Seas will now be sailing further east to visit St. Thomas, the ship will also be visiting St. Maarten rather than Labadee.
Wonder of the Seas can welcome 5,734 guests at double occupancy, and up to 7,084 travelers if fully booked with all berths filled. The ship is also home to approximately 2,300 international crew members.
Royal Caribbean International has reached out to guests booked on the next sailing of Radiance of the Seas to let them know that the status of their upcoming cruise has not yet been determined, but they will receive an update by May 2, the day before embarkation. This may be frustrating to some passengers who might only learn about their cruise after their travel plans are already underway.
Many cruise travelers prefer to arrive at an embarkation port a day or two in ahead of setting sail, in case of flight delays or other travel difficulties. Some travelers also prefer to enjoy time in homeport cities before boarding their cruise ship.
Not knowing whether or not the cruise will move forward can cause heightened anxiety and frustration before the vacation begins, but Royal Caribbean is doing its best to keep everyone updated.
“Repairs are still underway, and our teams are working diligently to address this issue. We want to assure you that we are doing everything possible to resolve it as quickly as we can,”the email notification read.“While we continue to make progress, we understand the importance of keeping you informed and will provide you with another update by May 2nd.”
The repairs are due to a technical issue that developed with the ship’s propulsion system during its April 22 cruise, a 4-night sailing repositioning from Los Angeles to Vancouver. Because the ship was unable to maintain top speeds, both ports of call – Astoria and Victoria – were cancelled in order to bring the ship to Vancouver and allow extra time for repairs.
Radiance of the Seas at the Vancouver Cruise Terminal (Photo Credit: Ric Jacyno / Shutterstock)
Unfortunately, the repairs were not able to be completed as quickly as hoped. While guests embarked the ship on Friday, April 26 as planned for Radiance of the Seas‘ first Alaska sailing of 2024, they were informed that their departure would be delayed until Sunday, April 28.
Then, just a day after embarkation and while the ship was still in Vancouver, guests were alerted that repairs would take longer than anticipated and the April 26 (delayed until April 28) cruise had to be cancelled instead.
Now, it is not known whether the May 3 cruise – a 7-night northbound, one-way sailing from Vancouver to Seward, Alaska – will move forward. It is possible that if additional repair time is necessary, the sailing could be shortened and some ports of call dropped to allow the ship to move the 1,500 miles between Vancouver and Seward more quickly.
As scheduled, the cruise is expected to visit Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Sitka, and Skagway, as well as have a day of scenic cruising near Hubbard Glacier.
The next cruise is scheduled to depart Seward on May 10, heading southbound back to Vancouver. If repairs cannot be completed in time for Radiance of the Seas to reach Seward for embarkation, it is possible that cruise may be impacted as well either with a delay or a cancellation. At this time, there is no official confirmation of any changes to the May 10 cruise departure.
History Seems to Be Repeating Itself
Both the propulsion issue as well as the last-minute cruise cancellations for Radiance of the Seas are eerily similar to problems the ship developed in August 2023.
Radiance of the Seas Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: VIDEOVISTAVIEW / Shutterstock)
After that, a second full cruise also needed to be cancelled as repairs were completed. At that time, guests were notified three days before departure that their sailing could not take place.
The similarity between the repairs in September 2023 and those the ship is undergoing now have guests concerned that the technical issue was not fully addressed during the first repairs. Because the exact nature of the problem has not been disclosed, however, there is no way to know if both incidents are related, or just strangely similar.
This is not the first time the same cruise ship has experienced two very similar incidents.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Freedom, for example, had a fire that damaged her funnel in May 2022, and the sailed with a modified straight funnel for months until a new funnel was installed during dry dock in October 2023. Then, in March 2024, a possible lightning strike started another fire in the funnel, causing it to be removed for a straight funnel once more.
Move over Carnival Cruise Line. Royal Caribbean is ready to prove there is a new fun ship in the Caribbean when it debuts Utopia of the Seasthis July. The Oasis-class ship is poised to transform short vacations with 3- and 4-night cruises from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, to the cruise line’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Weighing 236,860 gross tons and measuring 1,118 feet in length and 211 feet wide, the 5,668-passenger Utopia of the Seas will spread the fun across its 18 decks, joined by a charismatic crew of nearly 2,300.
“There will be nothing better on planet earth than having a phenomenal experience and party vibe onboard Utopia of the Seas,”said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International.
In a new video released to showcase the new ship as a great party cruise, Utopia of the Seas will have many of the party bells and whistles that passengers can find on its sister ship, Wonder of the Seas, with two new bar additions: the Pesky Parrot and The Lime & Coconut.
“The Pesky Parrot is going to have great fruity cocktails and frozen drinks. Bartenders are going to keep the action live and exciting,”said Andre Trabosh, director, product development, Royal Caribbean International, of the new space located on Deck 5 that will feature special surprises for guests.
In addition, the Lime & Coconut will become a centerpiece of the pool deck, which offers five swimming pools and three waterslides. The new bar space will serve up Caribbean vibes with live music and fruity concoctions that give the deck ultimate pool party vibes.
Explore the Party Atmosphere Aboard Utopia of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas is redefining what it means to have a party at sea, equipped with 23 bars and five live music venues for continuous entertainment and lively atmospheres.
Among the standouts is Boleros, a Latin nightclub that will feature a revamped menu to include enticing new drinks as well as flavorful zero-proof creations. For a taste of British culture, Bell & Barley will offer a traditional pub with build-your-own gin and tonic experiences alongside its selection of wines and beers.
Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas
Music enthusiasts can rock out at the Music Hall, which will feature high-energy live sets, and guests can participate in singalongs at Schooner Bar’s piano bar or take the spotlight at Spotlight Karaoke.
For guests who enjoy themed entertainment, The Mason Jar provides a slice of Southern hospitality with live country music and a menu filled with Southern-inspired cocktails and comfort food. Meanwhile, laughter will be on par at the Attic comedy club, and those seeking a more relaxed vibe can head to the Vue Bar, where panoramic ocean views and refreshing cocktails will await.
The ship’s connection to Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay enhances the weekend’s party scene, with amenities like Thrill Waterpark, Splashaway Bay, and expansive beaches.
Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas
“There is no better option for a quick getaway than the combination of Utopia of the Seas and Perfect Day at CocoCay,”said Claudia Diaz-Gonzalez, associate vice president of product development at Royal Caribbean International.
Added Bayley, “Our intention is that people have such an incredible time that they’ll come back again and again.”
Utopia of the Seas will begin its weekend sailing schedule with a 3-night cruise to the Bahamas launching July 19. Besides its visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay, the getaways will call in Nassau.
Norwegian Cruise Line has begun their 2024 Alaska sailing season, but which ships are visiting the Last Frontier this year, what itineraries are on offer, and what destinations can guests expect to visit?
Five of Norwegian Cruise Line’s 19 ships will be offering a variety of Alaska sailings this year, though the length and destinations vary widely. One-way and roundtrip sailings are available, and travelers have a diverse selection of ship sizes and classes to choose from.
Norwegian Bliss
Norwegian Bliss opened the cruise line’s Alaska season with a very early sailing, departing Seattle, Washington on Saturday, April 6 for the first Alaska cruise of the year. The 168,028-gross-ton, Breakaway-plus-class ship was purpose built for the Alaska market with extra viewing areas and technical features to ensure comfort and safety in the region.
This makes Norwegian Bliss uniquely suited for early- and late-season sailings in Alaska. The ship will remain sailing in the Last Frontier until the end of her last seasonal sailing on October 26, when she returns to Seattle for the last Alaska cruise debarkation of 2024 for that popular homeport.
All season long, Norwegian Bliss will be offering 7-night itineraries featuring Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Sitka, Icy Strait Point, and Victoria as ports of call, depending on departure date. Spectacular scenic cruising is planned for Glacier Bay or Dawes Glacier, depending on the ship’s exact route.
Norwegian Bliss can welcome 4,002 guests aboard, and is also home to approximately 1,700 international crew members.
Norwegian Jewel
The second Norwegian Cruise Line ship to set sail in Alaska this year is Norwegian Jewel, which began her season of 7-night Alaska voyages from April 22. The 93,502-gross-ton ship, lead vessel in the popular Jewel class, is offering northbound and southbound voyages between Seward, Alaska and Vancouver, British Columbia.
Along the way, the ship will be visiting Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, as well as Hubbard Glacier for scenic cruising. Depending on the itinerary, cruising in Glacier Bay may be included.
Photo Credit: lenic / Shutterstock
At the end of the season, Norwegian Jewel will offer three Seattle departures, 9-night roundtrip sailings that also visit top Alaskan ports and offer a different departure option for travelers. The ship’s last Alaska departure of the season will leave Seattle on October 19 and will debark guests on October 28.
Norwegian Jewel can welcome 2,376 travelers aboard for each sailing when booked at double occupancy.
Norwegian Encore
Third in Norwegian Cruise Line’s 2024 Alaska fleet lineup is Norwegian Encore, which began her first sailing of the season on Sunday, April 28, departing from Seattle. The 169,145-gross-ton, Breakaway-plus ship – the largest in Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet – is offering 7-night roundtrip sailings from Seattle through her October 6 departure, debarking her last Alaska guests on October 13.
Norwegian Encore in Alaska (Photo Credit: EWY Media / Shutterstock)
Similar to her fleetmates throughout the season, Norwegian Encore will be visiting Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Victoria throughout the summer months, with spectacular scenic cruising in Glacier Bay.
Norwegian Encore is a sister ship to Norwegian Bliss and can host 3,998 travelers at double occupancy on each sailing.
Norwegian Sun
The fourth and last Norwegian Cruise Line ship to offer multiple Alaska itineraries in 2024 is Norwegian Sun. One of the cruise line’s oldest and smallest ships, the 78,309-gross-ton vessel will embark for her first Alaska sailing of the year on May 1.
Norwegian Sun will be sailing 9- and 10-night Alaska itineraries roundtrip from Seattle throughout the season. Depending on cruise length and sailing date, the ship will offer visits to Sitka, Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point, Haines, Ketchikan, and Victoria.
Scenic cruising will also be on every itinerary, whether in Glacier Bay or near Hubbard Glacier at the north end of Disenchantment Bay.
Photo Credit: SebZet / Shutterstock
Norwegian Sun‘s last Alaska cruise from Seattle will depart on September 27 and end on October 7, after which the ship will move to Vancouver for one more departure.
That sailing, departing October 8, is a 15-night cruise from Vancouver to Honolulu, but will visit Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Glacier Bay before turning south toward the Aloha State. This gives travelers a unique opportunity to visit both Alaska and Hawaii on a single cruise.
The small but versatile ship can welcome 1,976 guests at double occupancy or up to 2,400 travelers when fully booked, and is home to approximately 900 international crew members.
Norwegian Spirit – One Sailing Only
One final Norwegian ship is offering just a single cruise with destinations in Alaska in 2024. Norwegian Spirit will depart on May 8 for an 18-night one-way journey from Vancouver to Tokyo, visiting Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point, and Seward before she leaves the US.
The vessel has been chartered to a Taiwanese tour company, Lion Travel, to offer cruises around Taiwan during the summer months, visiting a variety of southeast Asia destinations in Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea on sailings of 3-9 nights.
Norwegian Spirit will remain operating in southeast Asia through April 2025, and in December 2025, will be based in Australia and New Zealand. Deployment plans for the vessel in the fall of 2025 have not yet been revealed, but she may be chartered to another company again during that time.
While no one expects to become ill during their cruise vacation, or while working aboard a cruise ship, sometimes these things just happen. Luckily, cruise ships are equipped with their own mini urgent cares.
But sometimes, passengers or crew members end up in situations that require more help than the onboard medical center can provide, which is exactly what happened to an unidentified crew member on Carnival Sunshine during a 5-night sailing to the Bahamas. While details of the employee’s condition have been kept private, qualified personnel on board decided their condition was serious enough to require urgent hospitalization.
On the afternoon of April 27, 2024, only one day into the sailing, the 35-year-old crew member was taken to the hospital via a Coast Guard airlift. First responders from the U.S. Coast Guard met the Sunshine-class ship about 160 miles east of Jacksonville, Florida, while the ship was heading in the general direction of Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida.
A helicopter could be seen hovering overhead as the crew member, along with a nurse, were hoisted onboard. The pair were then safely transported to Home Regional Medical Center in Melbourne, Florida, for the employee to receive further treatment.
Carnival Sunshine US Coast Guard Airlift (Courtesy: US Coast Guard)
“Earlier today, a U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater MH-60 helicopter crew medevaced a 35-year-old crewmember from the cruise ship Carnival Sunshine approximately 160 miles east of Jacksonville, Florida. The helicopter crew hoisted the ailing man along with the ship’s nurse and safely transported them to Home Regional Medical Center in Melbourne, Florida,”the U.S. Coast Guard Southeast posted on Facebook.
While the hope is that emergencies like this will never occur, it’s reassuring to see how cruise lines, like Carnival, and the U.S. Coast Guard have a strong working relationship to perform airlifts like this quickly when the need arises – allowing passengers and crew to receive proper care timely.
Carnival Sunshine Continues On With Bahamas Sailing
When the crew member became ill, the 102,853-gross ton vessel had only just embarked on a 5-night sailing the day prior on Saturday, April 27, 2024, from Charleston, South Carolina. But the rescue didn’t have any impact on this sailing’s Bahamas itinerary.
The medical evacuation occurred during a sea day, with the first port call still scheduled as planned for April 29 at Half Moon Cay, Carnival’s private island destination in the Bahamas. The 3,758-guest ship will also call on Nassau, Bahamas, before returning to Charleston on May 2 for the current passengers to disembark and to welcome a whole new round of cruisers.
Carnival Sunshine has been alternating between a series of four to 5-night round-trip sailings from Charleston, South Carolina, where she will be homeported through the end of the year, with the shorter version of the itinerary only calling on Nassau and forgoing the stop at Half Moon Cay.
With the exception of an 8-night Eastern Caribbean sailing that embarks on May 11 and a 6-night Bahamas cruise beginning on May 19 that includes an extra stop at Bimini Islands, Bahamas, the itineraries do not vary much.
It’s also worth noting that this sailing was not the first time this month that the Coast Guard had to intervene to make sure a passenger received the treatment they needed. On April 15, a pregnant woman sailing onboard Disney Fantasy was successfully evacuated about 180 miles northwest of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, after onboard doctors felt she would receive better care on shore.
Even more recently, a 65-year-old male passenger was airlifted from Holland America Line’s Koningsdam on April 25 as the ship was sailing approximately 201 miles west of Tillamook, Oregon, en route to Victoria, British Columbia. The passenger had been injured several days previously, and his condition continued to worsen, although the details surrounding his injury have not been publicized.
In all of the recent incidents, the ailing passengers and the crew member were able to be transported to the nearest hospital safely and efficiently with the help of the U.S. Coast Guard.
A cruise vacation is an opportunity to unwind, relax, and indulge. With that said, cruises can get fairly pricey if you don’t know how to get the best deal. Knowing when to book your trip and how to save money while you are on board can greatly reduce your overall cost.
We will take an in-depth look at one of the most frequently purchased packaged deals on Royal Caribbean cruise ships – drink packages. Drink packages help passengers maximize their onboard experience while simultaneously staying within their vacation budget.
To help you, we’ll dive into the intricacies of Royal Caribbean drink packages, offering insights into the different types of packages that are available, when to purchase them to get the best deal, and how they can be such a savvy financial choice for cruisers who are planning to indulge.
The Best Time to Buy a Royal Caribbean Drink Package
Before we jump into the different drink packages Royal Caribbean offers, let’s determine when you can land the lowest prices. While it may surprise you, the best time to buy a Royal Caribbean drink package is right now.
This is due to the simple fact that you can cancel any package without penalty and repurchase it if the price goes down. While it’s true that Royal Caribbean offers sales and discounts throughout the year, these offers are never guaranteed. If a blowout deal is announced, just cancel your current package, then buy one offered through the sale.
Essentially, as long as you have purchased your drink package before boarding the ship, you will almost certainly end up saving money. Just keep an eye on price drops leading up to your cruise; this way, you can guarantee that you have got the best deal possible.
Sales on Drink Packages
With Royal Caribbean, drink packages tend to go on temporary sale through the Cruise Planner portal every few weeks. This is why it is so important to keep an eye on prices in the buildup to your trip.
Typically, discounts amount to 10, 20, or 30% off the regular price of the package, with particularly good sales emerging close to major shopping weekends, like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Drinks Bar on Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Jeff Whyte / Shutterstock)
Different Drink Packages Available on Royal Caribbean Cruises
Like other cruise lines, Royal Caribbean offers several drink packages tailored to various preferences and budgets. Some packages cover non-alcoholic drinks alone and packages that include alcoholic beverages.
When you purchase one of their three drink packages, you get the benefits at every single restaurant and bar while you are on board the ship. The only exception is that some licensed Starbucks stands do not recognize drink packages; however, some restaurants serve Starbucks coffee, which would be covered by your drinks package.
Deluxe Beverage Package ($56 to $105 per person per day)
Coca-Cola Freestyle Beverages
Included
Included
Included
Fountain Sodas & Refills
Included
Included
Included
Reusable Coca-Cola Souvenir Cup
Included
Included
Included
Premium Coffees and Teas
Not Included
Included
Included
Fresh Squeezed Juices
Not Included
Included
Included
Bottled Still & Sparkling Water
Not Included
Included
Included
Non-Alcoholic Cocktails / Mocktail
Not Included
Included
Included
Milkshakes
Not Included
Included
Included
Alcoholic Cocktails, Spirits, Liqueurs, & Beer
Not Included
Not Included
Included
Wine by the Glass
Not Included
Not Included
Included
Additional Bundles
In addition to the three main Royal Caribbean Beverage Packages, you can upgrade your cruise experience in a few other ways. These packages allow you to customize your experience, as they bundle drinks with other upgrades, like Wi-Fi Internet access and bottled water that will be your cabin or suite.
Café Select Coffee Card
Designed for coffee lovers, passengers can buy this card to get their choice of 15 different espresso-based drinks anywhere onboard the ship. Plus, cardholders get a 50% discount on all specialty coffees not covered under the 15 drinks the card entitles them to.
Evian Bottled Water Package
This package ensures that Evian bottled water will be waiting for you in your stateroom when you board. You choose whether you want 12 or 24 one-liter bottles. If you want to enjoy a bottle of water in your cabin, these are well worth the upgrade.
Classic Soda + VOOM Single Device Package
Combine the benefits of the Classic Soda Package with unlimited VOOM high-speed Internet while you are on the ship. This package only covers one device.
Deluxe Beverage Package + VOOM Single Device Package
Get unlimited cocktails, domestic and imported beers, and a wide selection of wine, plus unlimited high-speed Internet on a single device.
Real-Time Drink Package Prices
Since prices vary according to when your cruise sets sail and whether or not Royal Caribbean is having a sale or promotions event, it’s essential to check real-time prices. Luckily, Royal Caribbean is fairly transparent with pricing for their drink packages.
Drinks on Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Solarisys / Shutterstock)
Pre-cruise deals and live prices on drink packages can be found by signing into the My Royal Cruise Page on the Royal Caribbean website or by downloading and signing into the Royal Caribbean App.
Remember, even if you have already purchased a drink package, it’s important to continuously check package prices in your cruise buildup. This is the only way to secure the best deal on your preferred package. If you find a lower price, you can cancel your existing package and then purchase the same package at a lower price through the website or app.
How to Use the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner
Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner is where you can book various add-ons, including drink packages and shore excursions. It is worth familiarizing yourself with how it works if you are looking to get the most out of your trip and maximize what you can get out of your budget.
Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas (Photo Copyright: Melissa Mayntz / Shutterstock)
To start, go to the Royal Caribbean Home Page and create an account. From there, click “Sign In” in the screen’s top right-hand corner. Once you have signed in, you can see the details of your upcoming cruise. From there, click “Plan My Cruise,” which will open various options you can click, including adding drink packages.
You’ll also be able to add other packages and credits, like pre-paid arcade tokens, VIP seating for events, spa treatments, and shore excursions. Browse around regularly in the buildup to your cruise, as prices can change, which will help you get the best deals.
When to Avoid Buying Your Drink Package
Waiting until the last minute to purchase your drink package is never a good idea, as you have far less flexibility. There isn’t enough time for the prices to go down, and most cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, do not offer last-minute deals.
Sky Bar on Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock)
You should also avoid buying a drink package while on the ship to avoid inflated prices. Buying ahead of time will almost always result in savings. Again, the best time to purchase a drink package is as soon as possible.
Royal Caribbean allows passengers to cancel and rebook drink packages before boarding without penalty, so buying early gives you the best possible chances of securing a good deal, especially if the cruise line decides to hike its prices before you sail!
Drink Prices Without a Drink Package
To illustrate the value of purchasing a drink package ahead of time, let’s look at typical prices for individual drinks on board a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.
It’s important to remember that drinks can be even more expensive in certain venues, and the following prices are listed before gratuity:
Type of Drink
Typical Price
Beer
$7.49 (Domestic), $7.99 (Premium / Import)
Glass of Wine
$9.00 – $25.00 (Depending on Type of Wine)
Bottled Water
$2.25
Mixed Drink / Cocktail
$10.00 – $15.00
Hard Cider
$7.25 – $8.50
Soda or Lemonade
$3.50
Specialty Coffee (Latte, Cappuccino, etc.)
$4.25 – $6.00
Fresh Squeezed Juice
$5.25
While these prices might not seem too bad in isolation, it is essential to remember that you will be on the ship for multiple days. In most cases, cruise passengers enjoy week-long trips, so drink prices can quickly add up.
If you remember, we discussed the prices of Royal Caribbean’s three main drink packages and the types of drinks each package covers. Even if you go with the most expensive option, the Deluxe Beverage Package, which can be as little as $56 per person, you can see how it wouldn’t take long to come out ahead financially.
For example, let’s say you are enjoying a specialty coffee, a glass of freshly squeezed juice, and a bottle of water with breakfast; you will have racked up $13.50 in drink charges before you start your day. Add in drinks at lunch and dinner, poolside refreshments, or even a night out at one of your ship’s many bars, and the total price can easily exceed the cost of your drinks package.
Remember, all three main drink packages are accepted at every restaurant and bar on the ship. Beyond the financial savings, think how liberating it would be not to worry about costs. Instead, you could order exactly what you want when you want it. Your cruise budget would stay the same.
Rules for Bringing Your Own Alcohol on a Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship
Across all Royal Caribbean vessels, guests are prohibited from bringing beer, hard liquor, or any other type of alcohol onboard for personal consumption.
Any alcoholic beverages seized on embarkation day will be returned at the end of the trip if they were unopened. Security can even inspect non-alcoholic containers to check if they contain alcohol.
Gangway for Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship in Port (Photo Credit: Felipe Sanchez / Shutterstock)
If you have purchased alcohol for souvenir purposes while visiting a port of call, you can voluntarily turn it in to be stored until the end of your journey. If guests are found hiding alcohol they purchased in port for personal consumption, they will have violated Royal Caribbean’s Guest Conduct Policy, meaning they could be at risk of being denied the ability to board the ship. This would be at the guest’s expense, so it is not worth the risk!
For the Water Drinkers
You can buy bottled water just about anywhere on the ship, but an easy way to save money is to get free glasses of water at buffets and dining rooms. Savvy cruisers can order this free water and then use it to fill personal reusable water bottles. You can also have bottles of water delivered to your stateroom or suite at a fee.
Tips for Saving Money on Drinking
Beyond weighing up whether or not a drink package makes financial sense and making sure that you purchase one before boarding if you plan on buying one, there are a few other tricks you can use to save money on drinks.
One strategy a lot of seasoned cruisers will use is to make sure that they enjoy alcoholic beverages while they are in port. Prices are almost always cheaper for drinks in port than they will be on the ship, especially if you visit countries with lower GDPs, like many of the Caribbean island nations.
Bar on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas (Photo Credit: Solarisys / Shutterstock)
Royal Caribbean also allows two standard-sized bottles of wine or champagne per stateroom to be brought onboard. This is a one-time strategy when you board the ship; however, unlike many other cruise lines, like Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International does not charge a corkage fee for these two bottles. Since you can easily purchase bottles of wine for less onshore than you can onboard, you should take advantage of this.
Unfortunately, Royal Caribbean does not offer “Happy Hour” discounts on alcoholic beverages, which is a common way to save money on alcohol while traveling with other cruise lines.
Drink Gratuities on Royal Caribbean
Gratuities of 18% and other service charges are automatically applied to drink packages during the final checkout stage. While you can always choose to pay additional gratuities while you are onboard, this is not necessary.
Pool Bar on Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas (Photo Credit: Joni Hanebutt / Shutterstock)
For those not choosing to purchase a drinks package, an automatic service gratuity of $18.00 per person per day is charged in non-suite staterooms or a $20.50 charge for those staying in suites. This helps reward the staff, and the funds are shared equally.
Special Memberships for Free Drinks
Like other cruise lines, Royal Caribbean rewards guests with certain memberships. For example, Crown and Anchor Society Members will get vouchers for free drinks. By joining these membership programs, frequent cruisers can enjoy other perks and savings opportunities during their onboard experience.
Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle guests also receive vouchers for complimentary drinks each day of their trip, with guests receiving four, five, and six drinks per day, respectively.
Alcoholic vs. Non-Alcoholic Drink Prices
As you would expect, alcoholic beverages are almost always priced higher than non-alcoholic drinks. While prices will vary from drink to drink, you can count on spending more money on alcoholic beverages than non-alcoholic ones.
For example, a frozen cocktail made with alcohol costs between $10 and $15, while a non-alcoholic “mocktail” version of the same frozen drink would cost $6 to $8.
Sports Bar on Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas
For those looking to indulge in alcoholic drinks regularly during their cruise, it is a good idea to purchase a drink package that covers alcoholic beverages, as you will almost certainly save money.
Whether or not you choose to purchase a drink package will depend upon your personal budget and how much you plan on drinking while you are on board the ship; however, there are some basic pros and cons that can help make the decision easier:
Advantages of Drink Package
Potential Financial Savings: Most people save money on drinks by purchasing a drinks package.
Convenience and Ease of Budgeting: Not having to worry about mounting costs or adding up the price of each drink can enable a more carefree and convenient cruise experience.
Opportunity to Indulge: When you know the drinks are already paid for, you will be more inclined to indulge and make the most of your trip. Try different drinks and leave your financial worries behind you.
Disadvantages of a Drink Package
Risk of Overindulging: If you don’t want to over-consume alcohol, purchasing a drink package that covers alcoholic beverages might not be a good decision
Waste of Money if You Don’t Drink Enough: If you don’t drink enough, you may have spent more on your package than it would cost to purchase the drinks separately.
The pros outweigh the cons for most people, so drink packages are very popular on cruise ships. Weigh them up for yourself, and if you decide that purchasing one makes sense for your needs and budget, buy one as soon as possible!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can you get a Royal Caribbean drink package at a lower price?
Purchase your preferred package beforehand, then watch promotions and sales events for a cheaper price. If you find one, cancel your existing package and repurchase it at a reduced price.
Is it cheaper to buy a drinks package on board?
No, drink packages are rarely cheaper onboard the ship. Buying in advance is the most affordable way to get a drinks package.
What is the 3-1-1 Rule on Royal Caribbean?
You are allowed to bring a quart-size clear zip-lock bag of liquids and gels as carry-on items. These combined items need to be less than 3 ounces in total. The TSA introduced the 3-1-1 Rule, so it is not unique to Royal Caribbean ships.
Royal Caribbean International has just notified guests onboard Radiance of the Seas that the ship will not, in fact, be departing as hoped for an abbreviated Alaskan sailing. The voyage is now cancelled and guests will be debarking the ship to be sent home.
As originally planned, the ship was to have departed from Vancouver, British Columbia on Friday, April 26, but an earlier adjustment due to technical difficulties meant that guests were permitted to board on embarkation day while the ship was to spend two days in port undergoing repairs.
The revised plan was to have the ship depart on Sunday, April 28, with an adjusted route and calls to Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan, along with scenic cruising in the famed Inside Passage, before returning on May 3 as per the original schedule.
Now, the entire sailing has been cancelled while the ship continues to undergo repair for a technical issue impacting its propulsion.
“Despite our best efforts, circumstances beyond our control have delayed our sailing further,”the letter delivered to guests’ staterooms said.“Your patience throughout this time [has] not gone unnoticed, and we are immensely grateful for your understanding.”
To compensate for the difficulties and late change of plans, all passengers will be provided with a 100% refund of their cruise fare as well as a 100% future cruise credit (FCC) that may be applied to any future Royal Caribbean sailing.
Internet service onboard the ship is also open and complimentary to permit guests to more easily arrange onward travel plans, and the ship is offering an open bar – no charge for drinks – until debarkation. Reimbursement is also being provided for change fees for airline reservations, as well as to help cover hotel costs.
The 90,090-gross-ton ship first developed propulsion difficulties on her repositioning cruise from Los Angeles to Vancouver just days ago. Visits to Astoria, Oregon and Victoria, British Columbia were scrapped to accommodate the ship’s slower cruising speed, and so she would reach Vancouver with extra time to implement repairs before her first Alaska cruise of the season.
Radiance of the Seas Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: VIDEOVISTAVIEW / Shutterstock)
That first cruise was then shortened as more time was needed to complete repairs.
“While repairs for the technical issue that we encountered on our previous sailing are still underway, we discovered that we’re going to need some extra time to get the ship in tip-top shape for you,”the notification letter for shortening the cruise read.
Guests were still permitted to board, with the expectation of finally setting sail and leaving Vancouver on Sunday, April 28. It should be noted that due to US Customs and Border Protection restrictions, travelers have not been permitted off the ship to explore Vancouver once they boarded the vessel on Friday.
Two days, however, does not provide enough time to implement appropriate repairs. Now, the entire cruise is cancelled, and guests will indeed be off the ship in Vancouver – to head home on Sunday. Passengers were notified of this decision on Saturday afternoon, just 24 hours before they will be required to debark the ship.
Eerie Similarities to Earlier Problems
These problems, including the shifting plans, shortened cruise, and last-second cancellation are eerily similar to propulsion problems Radiance of the Seas experienced at the end of August 2023.
Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas (Photo Credit: meunierd / Shutterstock)
For those cancellations, Radiance of the Seas was undergoing repairs in Seward, Alaska, as she had been alternating northbound and southbound cruises for the Alaska season, just as is planned for her 2024 season in the Last Frontier.
While there is no word yet on the ship’s next planned departure – the May 3 departure, a one-way voyage from Vancouver to Seward – guests booked on that sailing will want to stay alert for potential adjustments or possible cancellation in the days to come.
Radiance of the Seas is one of the older ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet, having first debuted in 2001. The vessel can welcome 2,143 travelers at double occupancy, or up to 2,466 guests when fully booked with all berths filled. She is scheduled to remain in Alaska through the end of September, then will make her way to Tampa to offer Bahamas and Western Caribbean itineraries.
