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With Royal Caribbean Cruise deals you won't just see the world, you'll explore it. Take the family on a fun trip to the Caribbean or travel in style in the Royal Suite Class, it's up to you. Discover what cruising is all about on a Royal Caribbean cruise to exotic locations like the Arabian Gulf or European destinations like venice and all the worries and stresses of life will be behind you.

Royal Caribbean Cruises offers a wide variety of dining options that will keep the whole family happy as you travel to stunning locations. There are plenty of activities onboard for everyone to enjoy. At night, make your way into the exciting casinos on one of the outstanding ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet. Research and compare Royal Caribbean Cruise deals now and book the cruise of your dreams.

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• Up to $1700 ONBOARD CREDIT: EXCLUSIVE OFFER
• Exclusive Onboard Credit Offer! Get up to $100 Onboard Credit: per stateroom
• up to $100 Onboard Credit per stateroom: On 2025 Sailings
• up to $500 Onboard Credit: per stateroom on select ships and sail dates
• EXCLUSIVE: FREE GRATUITIES
• Kids Sail FREE: Guest 12 & under SAIL FREE (select 3 night or longer sailings)
• BOGO60 Sale: 60% OFF 2nd Guest + 30% OFF 3rd/4th Guests
• $50 Onboard Credit on select Royal Caribbean Cruises!
• PERFECT DAY AT COCO CAY
• FREE SPECIALTY DINING for 2: on select categories, ships and sail dates
• $100 Onboard Credit on select Royal Caribbean Cruises!

All offers are based on select sailings and categories and are subject to availability at time of booking. All rates are per person based on double occupancy.

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Find the best royal caribbean cruise, why should i book a royal caribbean cruise.

If you're looking for an unforgettable vacation, Royal Caribbean cruises are a perfect choice. Royal Caribbean is one of the best cruise lines in the industry, with a successful history of providing excellent service and luxurious experiences. The Royal Caribbean cruise vacations take you to some of the world's most beautiful and fascinating destinations. They’re sure to have features to please everyone in your group.

How to find the best Royal Caribbean cruise deals?

There are many different Royal Caribbean cruise deals to choose from depending on your destination and the experiences you would most like to enjoy. These deals let you include additional features for a lower price to make your vacation even more comfortable. You can find the best deals by searching for your destinations, and filtering by your desired cruise lines. This way only the companies you wish to travel with will appear. You can also sort your results by price and length of time.

How to choose your cruise with Royal Caribbean?

If you want to book aRoyal Caribbean cruise there are plenty of amazing Royal Caribbean cruise deals available. Add your destination, cruise vacation, and number of travelers. Then you can sort your results by price, duration, and departure date. You can also filter by cruise line, cruise ship and cabin type. You’ll find different amenities to suit your vacation needs on each Royal Caribbean cruise. For example, youth programs, fitness facilities, and spa facilities.

What do I need to look out for when booking a Royal Caribbean cruise?

When booking your 2025 Royal Caribbean cruise it’s important to consider a few practical tips. Check what the cost covers, and what you may need to budget for or need insurance for. Think about any amenities or onboard service you’ll require, depending on the length of the Royal Caribbean cruise. For example, youth programs, entertainment, fitness facilities, spa facilities, and room service. Secondly, research the weather conditions for your journey and destination. In some locations, summer and winter weather can vary a lot. Another tip is to go over the ship layout to see where you’d like to pick a cabin. Don’t forget to check visa requirements and any flight logistics.

When is the best time to book a Royal Caribbean cruise?

You can book a Royal Caribbean cruise as early as you like depending on availability. There’s a higher chance of finding cheaper Royal Caribbean cruise prices by booking between 6 months to 12 months in advance. But there are also lots of last-minute cruise deals closer to your preferred departure date, but this will depend on your flexibility.

Are last minute deals available with Royal Caribbean?

Yes, you can find last-minute Royal Caribbean cruises on Expedia. Add your travel dates to the cruise finder and sort your results to find the best price available. Cruise deal discounts are indicated by a green box above the Royal Caribbean cruise price.

How do I book a cruise with Royal Caribbean?

To book a Royal Caribbean cruise on Expedia select your Royal Caribbean destination and filter by cruise line. You can also browse our extensive selection of pre-selected cruise deals and find the perfect cruise for you. Once you have found the one you want, choose your dates and the port of departure. You can also refine your search by cabin experiences, or cruise ship. Each ship will have amenities to suit your needs including room service, spa facilities, and fitness facilities.

Is Royal Caribbean great value for money?

Royal Caribbean cruises are excellent value for money if you're looking for an enjoyable and relaxing cruise vacations. A Royal Caribbean cruise offers a high standard of service, a great selection of dining, modern amenities, friendly staff, and exciting activities. The exceptional quality of the experience is worth the price.

Can I cancel a Royal Caribbean cruise booking?

Yes, you can cancel your Royal Caribbean cruise. We all have unfortunate circumstances where we need to cancel a booking, so Expedia makes it easy to do so. All you have to do is head to your My Trips page on Expedia and click on the cancellation button. Another option is to contact customer service, where you’ll receive help with cancelling. Do make sure that you’re aware of the refund policy that applied to your booking, to see if you’re entitled to a full refund.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Guide

In the last 10 years, Royal has delivered the biggest and most modern ships in the market. From rock-climbing walls, crazy water slides and infinite food selection, Royal Caribbean continues to deliver a vacation of a lifetime.

Stemming from the idea that everybody should cruise, Royal offers cruise activities such as the Flowrider – Surf simulator and Zip-lining for active vacationers, as well as the adults-only Solarium for those who simply want to relax and unwind.

In 2019, Royal Caribbean revamped their private Island, presenting “Perfect Day at CocoCay” as a new port of call in many of their Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries. This hidden island features an overwhelming number of activities such as the Daredevil’s Tower Aqua Park, Splash Summit, the Wave Pool and more!

The line also holds the distinction of debuting the Central Park and the Royal Promenade neighborhoods, two distinct areas found in many Royal ships, where guests can find many eateries, shops, bars and live entertainment throughout the day.

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HOW TO SPEND THE PERFECT DAY AT COCOCAY

Heather McManus - May 2, 2019

Royal Caribbean has taken the private island experience to the next level. Check out all the amplified awesomeness that make this private island a must see port of call.

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YOUR GUIDE TO WHEN CRUISES WILL RESUME SAILING

Expedia - April 16, 2021

Cruise lines continue to adapt their sailing plans to these measures with diligence and enthusiasm and are beginning to announce sailings dates for a return to the sea. Want to be prepared to sail too? Here is everything you need to know about the restart of cruising.

4 REASONS ROYAL CARIBBEAN MIGHT BE RIGHT FOR YOU

Heather Mcmanus - February 2, 2020

The megaship vacation style isn’t necessarily for everyone, but if you’re considering hopping onboard one of Royal Caribbean’s 26 ships, here are four reasons this cruise line could be the right fit for you.

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Fuel supplement may apply. Savings advertised are based on specific cabin types and sailing dates, and may not be available for all cabin types/sailings.

Deal alert: Save big on Royal Caribbean cruise ship packages with this new sale

Get your credit cards ready, Royal Caribbean fans: It's time to pre-purchase packages for dining, beverages, Wi-Fi and more for your next cruise.

The world's largest cruise line has launched another one of its periodic sales on pre-purchased cruise packages, with savings of up to 50% for some items. You must act fast to take advantage of it, though. These short-term Royal Caribbean deals only will be available through Wednesday.

Offers include:

• 30% discount on pre-purchased soda packages.
• 40% discount on pre-purchased water packages.
• Up to 30% discount on pre-purchased Wi-Fi packages.
• Up to 50% discount on pre-purchased dining packages.

There also are discounts on pre-purchased beverage packages that include alcoholic drinks, but the amount of the discount varies by ship.

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

You can also save up to 25% on pre-purchased shore excursions, with discounts varying by ship. There also are discounts available for pre-purchased photo packages, spa packages, ship tours and shipboard Casita rentals.

Secure these discounts when you buy a package for one of the above items now for sailings scheduled to take place Monday through the end of the year.

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

Sailings for 2024 and 2025 are not part of the sale.

Royal Caribbean periodically offers sales on pre-purchased packages for drinks, Wi-Fi and other onboard spending items. These deals can offer significant savings over buying the same packages after boarding a ship. The sales typically don't last long, though. So, when they appear, it's good to jump on them.

To take advantage of this week's sale, log in to your account on Royal Caribbean's website and find the "Cruise Planner" section. You can pre-purchase cruise packages there.

Related: TPG's ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean ships and sailings

The sale on pre-purchased packages comes even as base fares for Royal Caribbean cruises are on the rise .

Cruise line executives say bookings have soared since the start of " wave season " — the period beginning in January when large numbers of cruisers book trips for the year. That means cruise brands will likely be able to raise prices in the coming months.

The strength in bookings means that the days of $26-a-night cruise deals is likely coming to an end. Still, that doesn't mean that cruisers can't find good offers for soon-to-depart sailings.

For example, Virgin Voyages recently launched one of the best offers we've seen this year .

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Royal Caribbean Adds OBC Sale for 48 Hours

For 48 hours, Royal Caribbean has added an OBC (On Board Credit) Sale to the current cruise deals that they are offering.

This two day sale from the world’s largest cruise line adds up to $600 per cabin in on board credit that you can spend on the ship. On board credit can be used to pay for drinks, spa appointments, shore excursions, and more while on your cruise. Here is a look at the special savings that Royal Caribbean is offering on their cruises right now.

• 60% off the second guest in a cabin
• Kids sail free
• Up to $600 in onboard credit for cruises that depart on or after March 8
• Sale ends on February 9, 2024
• View Best Prices on Royal Caribbean

OBC is as follows: 5 nights or less, $75 OBC for Interior and Ocean View, $150 OBC for Balconies, and $250 OBC for Suites; 6 nights or longer, $150 OBC savings for Interior and Ocean View, $225 OBC for Balconies, and $600 OBC for Suites.

48 Hour OBC Sale applies to new individual and named group bookings made February 8 – 9, 2024. 48 Hour OBC Sale will be automatically applied at checkout.

For complete terms and details of this special sale from Royal Caribbean, contact your local travel agent or visit RoyalCaribbean.com.

Kids sail free applies to select sailings for guests 12 years and younger.

Learn the cruise secrets most people don't know and cruise like a boss. Check out Intelligent Cruiser here for a better cruise vacation. (Sponsored)

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How often does Royal Caribbean have sales? Should I wait to book?

By mizzkellzee , January 27, 2023 in Royal Caribbean International

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mizzkellzee

Hey everyone! I’m definitely no newbie to cruising, especially Royal Caribbean, but over the last 15 years I’ve never paid attention to their sales and when is best to book. I’ve finally convinced my boyfriend to cruise with me (he was very against them) and figure if I’m going to take him on one I gotta do it right and want to take him on an Oasis class ship in an oceanview balcony room. Based on when works best for us over the next year or so, I saw Oasis of the Seas 7 night Caribbean sailing January 7, 2024 worked within our budget as of yesterday morning. Now I see that even though their sale doesn’t end until the 31st, the pricing jumped to $1000 more  today which is outside of our budget now (which I totally understand that pricing can change at any time based on availability, I’m just shocked it jumped so high and not just for balcony rooms, it was all stateroom categories for various dates on that ship). I’m debating now booking Symphony of the Seas 6 night Caribbean sailing January 7, 2024 (which is basically the same itinerary just 1 less port/night). My question essentially is, what is the likelihood the 7 night drops back down in pricing over the next few weeks? I don’t know whether to secure the 6 night to be safe and have a cruise booked in general or take the chance to wait and see if the 7 night drops knowing the 6 night could raise in price too. I’m waiting for a travel agent to get back to me hopefully today, but just thought I’d check on this forum if anyone has any good advice when it comes to their sales and what I should do in this scenario. Thanks so much 🙂 !

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9 minutes ago, mizzkellzee said: My question essentially is, what is the likelihood the 7 night drops back down in pricing over the next few weeks?

Do you have a coin to flip? Prices swing all the time based on inventory, but you can book and then get price drops all the way till final payment (90 days out usually).

cruiseguy1016

Royal Caribbean has a sale every single day, they just change the name of it. Their prices fluctuate almost daily and the difference in price usually has nothing to do with the current "sale". If you find a ship/itinerary that you want at a price that is within your budget, book it. Keep an eye out for the next "sale" and see if the price has gone down. If it has, you can call RCI or your TA (whoever you booked with) and get your cruise repriced.

If you book, then watch prices.  If it goes down before final payment, you can call Royal and they will adjust to the lower price.  I do it all the time, just go 2 price drops yesterday.

I booked a cruise last week and now its 550.00 more . 

It was the same price for several weeks prior to this increase.

I was hoping for a price reduction so i could call RC and get the re-price.

Prices do fluctuate .

ARandomTraveler

My last cruise went down in price 5 times in the 6 months leading up to it.

My next cruise has done nothing but go up in price. In fact I looked at the price initially (10 months before the cruise) and figured I'd wait a couple weeks because I knew a potential "holiday sale" was coming, and I wasn't super positive I was gonna take the cruise. About 3 weeks later the price had gone up $500/person, and has only continued to go up since then (it's now $2500 more than when I booked it in October, and the cruise isn't for 7 more months).

No harm in just putting the deposit down now, make sure you choose the refundable option, and then if you decide not to go, you can cancel it with no penalty as long as the final payment date hasn't happened yet. If the price goes down, you can call to get the price adjusted. 

If you want the cruise book then keep on checking the price, if price goes up you are locked in , if it goes down you can call and get the new price as long as it is passed the 90 day mark.

CruisingWalter

It's "Wave Season" right now, the prices are among the best they will be for 2023 until the end of the year. Wave Season is generally end of December to March when the most cruises are booked for the year. Most cruise lines will offer their best deals of the year outside of the Holiday/Black Friday timeframe. 

Get yourself a good travel agent and they will take care of price matching for you if your cruise fare drops before final payment. They'll also help you to pick out the best ship and cabin location for your vacation needs. Have fun! 

As others have said you can always get it adjusted, if any fare drop.  The advantage in booking early, is that you get a cabin & location of your choice.

16 hours ago, karena1 said: If you book, then watch prices.  If it goes down before final payment, you can call Royal and they will adjust to the lower price.  I do it all the time, just go 2 price drops yesterday.

This is exactly what I did.  I  booked a seven day balcony on wonder about a year out. A few months later, I got $400 taken off.   

I then texted my friend and she only waited a few hours, and it ended up only getting her $200 off.  

FlatFooted Freda

I booked our current cruise on Wonder last year, NextCruise, onboard ship. It was pricey. Was told no worries, watch for a sale, call and they will drop your price.  I tried that. Called a Royal rep ( not a TA) and was told oh no, the sale applies to new bookings only.  So not doing NextCruise this year!

If you don’t use a travel agent, how do you learn that the price has dropped?

Anyone have a tried and true strategy?

Ourusualbeach

21 minutes ago, FlatFooted Freda said: I booked our current cruise on Wonder last year, NextCruise, onboard ship. It was pricey. Was told no worries, watch for a sale, call and they will drop your price.  I tried that. Called a Royal rep ( not a TA) and was told oh no, the sale applies to new bookings only.  So not doing NextCruise this year! If you don’t use a travel agent, how do you learn that the price has dropped? Anyone have a tried and true strategy?

Call back.  For North American bookings I have never seen a sale that is for new bookings only.

You have to keep doing mock bookings on the website to check the price

38 minutes ago, FlatFooted Freda said: I booked our current cruise on Wonder last year, NextCruise, onboard ship. It was pricey. Was told no worries, watch for a sale, call and they will drop your price.  I tried that. Called a Royal rep ( not a TA) and was told oh no, the sale applies to new bookings only.  So not doing NextCruise this year! If you don’t use a travel agent, how do you learn that the price has dropped? Anyone have a tried and true strategy?

I watch prices pretty much daily or every other day.  I go in and do mock bookings.  If it goes down from what I paid, i call and get it lowered.  Unless it specifically for new bookings, I never have an issue getting price drops before final payment.  I am a TA, but I did this even before I became one.  You just have to take the time to check it.

46 minutes ago, FlatFooted Freda said: I booked our current cruise on Wonder last year, NextCruise, onboard ship. It was pricey. Was told no worries, watch for a sale, call and they will drop your price.  I tried that. Called a Royal rep ( not a TA) and was told oh no, the sale applies to new bookings only.  So not doing NextCruise this year! If you don’t use a travel agent, how do you learn that the price has dropped? Anyone have a tried and true strategy?

Did the promo say new bookings only.  I've booked on board many times and always got a price reduction.  Did you do a mock booking and if price difference you can call and get it adjusted.   

29 minutes ago, nelblu said: Did the promo say new bookings only.  I've booked on board many times and always got a price reduction.  Did you do a mock booking and if price difference you can call and get it adjusted.   

Pretty much every promo has "New bookings only" buried in the fine print and it's never enforced

It's like hookin a fish, you check everyday and when you see one for the right price, you snap the line and pull it in.... 😋

HappyTexan44

I had seen a price drop.  It wasn't much but $50/pp is $200.  I had my TA call, and they said it would be $100/pp (or was it per room?) to change to the new rate.  I'd booked after the Covid easy change rules had expired.   Now the cruise has doubled in price.  I suspect because the ports for the same ship with nearby dates were downgraded, but mine with different ports is as original.   Voyager early 2024.   

• 1 year later...

Sacruiser62

On 1/28/2023 at 8:40 AM, Ourusualbeach said: Call back.  For North American bookings I have never seen a sale that is for new bookings only.   You have to keep doing mock bookings on the website to check the price

Yes, with royal math price can be lower and fees go up!  Therefore, lower initial cost higher final price! All part of the fun!

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On a Royal Caribbean® cruise, you will find seemingly endless opportunities to kick your heels up, tempt your tastebuds and enjoy white-knuckle thrills that leave you craving encores! Whether you are going on a Caribbean cruise, a Mediterranean cruise, a cruise from Australia or any other Royal adventure, our cruise prices include all sorts of fantastic fun—like enjoying most of the ship’s shows and attractions, as well as access to select dining venues. But for more insider tips on how to maximize the value of your voyage, do read on!

1. Tips for finding the best holiday cruise deals.

What could be even sweeter than a Royal Caribbean® cruise? Regardless of your destination, you can snag amazing holiday deals on cruise fares, special onboard experiences, shoreside excursions and more. We offer multiple choices of destinations and cruise lengths, beginning with two night getaways from Brisbane for a quick reset and refresh. Summer cruises make a big splash with the kiddos, while our far-flung escapes to such destinations as the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and Alaska will have you exploring the world’s best.

Wonderful deals can be had if your heart is set on one of these destinations. A little flexibility on travel dates, may allow you to save big on suites and balconies. After all, imagine soaking in the sights while sipping morning coffee from the privacy of your own balcony! It takes your cruise experience to another level. To get hooked up, simply sign up for our newsletter and be among the first to know of the latest offers, including flash sales, deals by destination, onboard spending credits and other irresistible deals. Our kids sail free promotion can add up to sizable savings for a family, while sharp discounts on a second fare is the ticket for couples to enjoy a dream get-away together.

2. Should I plan ahead, or should I wait until the last minute?

It’s an age-old question — does the early bird really get the worm, or are there perks to taking a “wait-and-see” approach? If you’re booking a cruise holiday, you’ll find there are benefits to both strategies. Planning ahead is a great way to score big savings , as Royal Caribbean® often runs early saver deals for guests booking well in advance. It’s also pretty safe to assume prices usually go up as availability goes down the closer you get to your sail date, so booking ahead is a surefire way to lock in a great rate. That said, booking a cruise at the last minute can also yield some unexpected savings, but only if your itinerary hasn’t sold out yet.

If you can be flexible when it comes to your travel dates, you’ll have your pick of unbeatable savings. Popular getaway dates — like the holidays , spring break , and  summer holidays — sometimes see the highest prices (though you might get lucky with a seasonal sale).

3. How to create your all-inclusive experience.

One of the factors that keeps our guests coming back year after year, is the incredible array of top-notch experiences included in their fare. There are exciting activities for young guests and grown ones; delicious dining ; show-stopping entertainment and heart-racing activities . You can occupy your every waking moment with our complimentary offerings, filling your days with thrills, fun and unforgettable moments! We also offer packages for guests seeking all-inclusive dining and beverage options. Our Specialty Dining Package covers meals at some of the finest restaurants in our fleet, epicurean delights that are a can’t-miss for foodies. And if lounging by the pool means holding something tall, fruity and frosty in your hand, our Specialty Beverage Package may be just the thing. It extends unlimited access to drinks, including alcoholic beverages, freeing you up to simply focus on your tan!

Ready to start planning your next cruise holiday? Start exploring cruise deals now.

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5 Affordable Cruise Vacations to Book — Plus How to Find the Best Deals

Here's what you need to know to save money on your next cruise.

Best Affordable Cruise Lines

How to find the best cruise deals, tips for saving money while on board.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Cruising has become increasingly popular in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. This form of travel is incredibly convenient (read: no need to pack and unpack), and everything you need can be found right on board — ultimately taking the stress out of trip planning. Plus, with hundreds of ships at sea across dozens of lines, there’s a cruise out here for every type of traveler. Fortunately, cruising doesn’t have to cost a small fortune, and many budget-conscious travelers may opt to set sail for their next trip. Below, we’ve rounded up the best cruise lines offering affordable fares coupled with value-packed inclusions to stretch your dollar further. We’ve also tapped some expert cruise specialists to share their top tips and tricks to help you save money both on and off the ship.

Here's everything you need to know to book an affordable cruise vacation.

Virgin Voyages

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

This adults-only cruise line from Richard Branson — which also happens to be a Travel + Leisure World’s Best Award winner — offers excellent value. In fact, according to T+L A-list cruise advisor and Q Cruise + Travel founder and president Rob Clabbers, Virgin Voyages fares “include more than on most mainstream large-ship cruise lines.” For example, he says, “Virgin fares include internet access, gratuities, all meals — there are no cover charges for its restaurants that on most other lines would be considered specialty restaurants.” Beverages like soft drinks, coffee, and tea are also included, as are snacks, mezze at the aft terrace, and group workout classes. Best of all, there are no pricey beverage packages. “Instead,” says Clabbers, cruisers — or, as Virgin calls them, sailors — can buy their own reasonably priced drinks (think: beers from $6, $10 cocktails, and wines by the glass under $11) a la carte. Additionally, with some promotions , the cruise line throws in a “ bar tab ” credit that can be used towards drinks.

Princess Cruises

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Another World’s Best Award winner — and WBA Hall of Fame Honoree, no less — this fan-favorite ocean line is renowned for refined ships, serene ambiance, and exceptional service. Moreover, per Clabbers, passengers can choose from “optional packages to help customize a passenger’s trip that provide savings over buying things separately.” For an extra $60 per day, consider Princess Plus, which offers perks like Wi-Fi for one device per guest, gratuities, fitness classes (two per sailing), and beverages like bottled water, specialty coffee, soft drinks, and juice. Alternatively, for $80 per day, passengers can spring on the Princess Premier package, which features the same beverages plus specialty dining (two per sailing), unlimited fitness classes, premium desserts, reserved theater seating, and Wi-Fi (four devices per guest).

Norwegian Cruise Line 

Norwegian Cruise Line is a favorite among families of all ages for its over-the-top entertainment and activities (think: go-karting, Broadway-caliber productions, and so on). “While Norwegian Cruise Line may price slightly higher than some of its competitors, you need to consider the Free at Sea package,” says travel advisor Jennifer Travis of Marvelous Mouse Travels . She goes on to describe the promotion as a “game-changer when it comes to cruising” since it includes perks like a “free open bar (up to $1,400 in savings), free specialty dining (up to $180 in savings), free Wi-Fi (up to $200 in savings), and a $50 discount on excursions.” Other Free at Sea perks include 70 percent off second guests, free third and fourth guests (on select dates), and free airfare (per the cruise line’s website: “ Pay airfare for one guest, and you'll automatically lock in roundtrip flights for two ”). Also, you can’t go wrong with the Free at Sea Plus package, which includes a wider selection of beverages, more specialty dining, unlimited Wi-Fi, and additional shore excursion credits. Before booking, be sure to check the line’s full selection of deals , which run the gamut from half-off deposits to $150 cruise credits and more.

Royal Caribbean

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean

Zip lines, water slides, surfing simulators, ice skating, rock climbing walls: Find all this and more aboard (most) Royal Caribbean ships — and, best of all, they’re complimentary! Ideal for fun- and adventure-loving travelers of all ages — read: kids and kids-at-heart alike — it’s pretty much impossible to be bored while cruising on this World’s Best Award-winning mega-ship line . Additionally, according to Travis, Royal Caribbean “offers some of the best short itineraries,” some of which clock in at under $200 per person for two-night sailings. Longer itineraries, including a seven-night Bahamas sailing aboard one of the line’s newest ships, Odyssey of the Seas , clock in at under $600 per person. The line also offers an abundance of deals , including up to $600 off sailings, 60 percent off second guests, and more.

Carnival Cruise Line 

Courtesy of Carnival Cruises

“ Carnival Cruise Line is known for its competitive pricing without cutting back on the onboard activities or various dining options, thus making them an attractive option to budget-conscious cruisers,” explains Travis. For example, many itineraries, including a four-night Bahamas cruise from Miami , clock in at just over $150 per person. Additionally, says the travel advisor, “Carnival sails to a wide variety of destinations from so many local ports that you almost do not need to fly to your cruise ship anymore, which is another huge savings given the cost (and stress) flights can add to any vacation.” Keep an eye out for frequent flash sales for even more savings.

Booking early is an easy way to save on your next cruise vacation . “Typically,” says Travis, “the best pricing on a cruise is when the schedule is first released.” And, while you could wait for a last-minute deal, “you may not get the room category that you want.” Similarly, Clabbers says that flexibility is key when it comes to finding — and scoring — the best cruise deals . For example, he previously told T+L that if you are “very flexible and are looking for a standard room on a large ship on an itinerary that repeats week after week, you are more likely to find a promotional fare.”

Conversely, giving up some of that flexibility sometimes pays off. According to Clabbers, select cruise lines will offer lower fares to those who opt for a nonrefundable deposit instead of a refundable one. Finally, you may also consider cruising in shoulder season or even low season. Sure, the weather won’t be perfect, but the fewer crowds and cheaper fares more than make up for that, especially if you’re on a budget.

While your tab can quickly rack up once on board, there are several savvy ways to save money. For one, consider bringing your own booze. According to Travis, “Many cruise lines allow their guests to bring a specific amount of alcohol or nonalcoholic beverages onboard the ships, which can help save you money while you are on the ship.” Additionally, ​​Michele Benard , another travel advisor at Marvelous Mouse Travels, advises packing your own necessities from home — like Advil, Tums,  motion sickness medicine, and after-sun lotion — as opposed to buying them on board at a much higher price. You’ll also want to skip the souvenirs at the onboard gift shop, which tend to be more expensive than those you’d find in port.

Benard also recommends taking advantage of “all the free activities on the cruise ships,” which can include everything from water slides to trivia game shows. Pro tip: “Stay onboard during a port day, and the lines won’t be as long.” On a similar note, spa treatments tend to be less expensive on port days, so those craving some R&R — that is, sans breaking the bank — may consider booking a service during this time.

Finally, says Clabbers, save money on your next cruise by enlisting the help of an onboard cruise consultant to select your next sailing. “You will typically receive an onboard credit or savings on your next cruise, and your own travel advisor will be alerted so they can help you plan your vacation.”

Related Articles

Royal Caribbean halts cruise for search and rescue mission after man jumps overboard

• Updated: May. 29, 2024, 9:05 p.m. |
• Published: May. 29, 2024, 2:35 p.m.
• Katherine Rodriguez | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

A cruise passenger on the Royal Caribbean “Icon of the Seas” cruise jumped overboard, prompting a search and rescue mission where the passenger ultimately was found dead.

The passenger jumped from the 1,200-foot-long ship shortly after it left Miami, Florida, for Honduras Sunday morning, according to a statement from the Coast Guard obtained by The New York Post.

Once people noticed the emergency, the ship immediately halted its operations and the 2,350-person crew conducted a search-and-rescue mission. The ship stayed put for two hours, according to Cruise Hive.

The passenger was brought back onboard in critical condition. He eventually died of his injuries.

It is unclear what caused the man to jump, although his identity is being kept secret for the privacy of the deceased individual and his family.

The “Icon of the Seas,” which is the world’s largest cruise ship, took its maiden voyage in January 2024.

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Royal Caribbean bets big on a new concept and Carnival follows

P erfect Day at CocoCay, a $250 million reimagining of Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas, set a new standard and left rival cruise lines lacking a similar asset.

Prior to Royal Caribbean adding a dock that could accommodate two of its largest ships, visiting any cruise line's private island meant taking a tender — a small boat — from the ship to the island. That made some passengers already unwilling to go because while you may not get seasick on a massive cruise ship, a tender ride can be a very different story. 

Related: Carnival and Royal Caribbean add new nonsmoking areas

Both Carnival Cruise Line ( CCL ) and Norwegian Cruise Line still use tenders to reach their private islands. And, once you get there, they basically offer a beach day with some food, maybe some music, drinks, and not much else. MSC Cruises does dock at its Ocean Cay Marine Preserve, but it can only accommodate one ship at a time, and like Carnival and Norwegian, it's basically just offering a beach day (albeit a very nice one in all three cases).

Perfect Day at Coco Cay lets passengers walk off the ship (or take a tram) and then choose their experience. They can opt for the traditional beach and BBQ offering across multiple beaches. 

In addition, they can swim in the largest pool in the Caribbean, all without paying any extra money. If they want more, however, CocoCay offers an added-fee waterpark, a quiet Beach Club that offers an upgraded lunch, or the new Hideaway Beach, an adults-only area with a beach, heated pool, its own dining options, and a DJ that gives a little bit of a day club feel.

Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise.

All of those, of course, cost extra (prices vary based on demand) but CocoCay has consistently been Royal Caribbean's highest-rated destination. That's something the company plans to build on and Carnival has plans to follow.

Royal Caribbean adding Beach Club experiences  

Many Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, and MSC cruise ships stop in either Nassau or Cozumel. Those are both ports where frequent cruisers might just stay on the ship and in Cozumel many book private beach club experiences not through the cruise line.

After seeing the success of CocoCay, Royal Caribbean created a new concept, the Royal Beach Club, and it's already working on one for Paradise Island, a short trip from Nassau, and has plans for another in Cozumel. 

"When we think of the Beach Club portfolio that we're planning on developing, along with Perfect Day, they're incredibly complementary destination experiences and they fit really in the sweet spot of our demographics and really in terms of what our guests are seeking, looking for when they go on a Caribbean cruise, they really knock it out of the park in terms of satisfying that demand, that need. So very similar type of product, different vibe," Royal Caribbean International CEO Michael Bayley said during his company's first-quarter earnings call .

Bayley sees the private island and the Beach Clubs as related, but different experiences.

"Perfect Day is a full day for thrill and chill and the Beach Club is, as you imagine, just an incredible day at the beach, which is what most guests are seeking in the Caribbean. And it's curated by Royal Caribbean. It's a stunning experience. And of course, it's very authentically connected to the culture, for example, in the Bahamas or Mexico," he added.

CocoCay will have 3.2 million visitors in 2024, up from 2.6 million in the previous year.

"People want to sail on the ships that go to Perfect Day and they want to sail on the ships that go to the Beach Club," Bayley added.

Want the latest cruise news and deals? Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter.

Carnival tries to build a CocoCay rival

Carnival has been slowly sharing plans for Celebration Key, its own take on a CocoCay-like experience that will feature pools, a water park, and multiple dining options. It's on an island, but it's not a private island as it's being built on a section of Grand Bahama.

"Honoring the natural beauty and culture of Grand Bahama, Celebration Key will deliver endless opportunities for relaxation and recreation across five distinct areas called portals, featuring the largest freshwater lagoons in the Caribbean, a breathtaking white sand beach, an exclusive adult-only private club, spaces designed to maximize family fun and a variety of dining venues and libation stations all in one breathtaking place," the cruise line shared.

Celebration Key, which is clearly the cruise line seeing what has worked for its rival and building on it, will open in July 2025.

Carnival ships will dock at an adjacent cruise pier that can accommodate up to two of the cruise line's largest ships simultaneously. Celebration Key will also include an events pavilion that is dedicated to hosting weddings, vow renewals, and other special celebrations.

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

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Major Cruise Operators Slash Summer Prices Despite High Demand - Here's Why

Zinger key points.

• Cruise lines reduce summer prices despite high demand.
• Caribbean and Alaskan cruises see significant price cuts.

Big cruise line operators like Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd RCL , Carnival Corp CCL , and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings NCLH are reportedly cutting summer cruise prices to fill cabins, say travel agencies and company websites.

This adjustment comes as more ships head to popular destinations like the Caribbean and Alaska while rerouting from the Red Sea due to ongoing conflicts between Israel and Hamas, Reuters reports.

Despite record demand and increased revenues, cruise prices for trips departing from the U.S. this summer are lower than last year, Reuters quotes from AAA data.

Royal Caribbean's seven-day itineraries in the Caribbean and Bermuda are down 21% year-over-year for June. Norwegian and Carnival cruises in the same region are down 12% and 11%, respectively, as per TripAdvisor's Cruise Critic.

Royal Caribbean is also reducing rates for Caribbean trips in the third and fourth quarters, according to Todd Elliott, CEO of Cruise Vacation Outlet. "It seems more strategic on sailings that need a little more help," Elliott told Reuters.

He added that cruises around Africa, instead of through the Red Sea, are also seeing price cuts.

Also Read : Mizuho Securities Upgrades Norwegian Cruise Line To Buy

An AAA spokesperson says older ships are being discounted as newer vessels enter the market. For instance, Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Sea, which debuted in January, commands $500 to $1,000 more per person than similar regional cruises.

Royal Caribbean raised its 2024 profit forecast in April for the second time , while Carnival reported record bookings in the first quarter of this year .

Similar price reductions are seen in Alaskan cruises this summer due to increased capacity. Carnival's Alaskan itineraries for July and August are priced about 20% lower than the same period in 2023, while Royal Caribbean's prices for the same months are 6% and 12% cheaper, respectively, Reuters quotes Cruise Critic.

Price Action : RCL shares were trading higher by 0.18% at $148.23 on the last check Thursday.

Disclaimer : This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Photo by postcardtrip via Pixabay

© 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

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The Alternative to Huge Cruises? 3 Masts, 28 Sails and Wind Power.

We checked out the 136-passenger Sea Cloud Spirit on a Mediterranean cruise. In this era of gargantuan ships, its elegant clipper design, wooden decks and relatively small size stands out.

By Ceylan Yeğinsu

From the bridge of the three-masted windjammer, the Sea Cloud Spirit , the captain called out the words we’d all been waiting for.

“Let’s set the sails!” he cried, after turning off the engines, while maneuvering to maintain an optimum angle for his 18 deckhands to climb into the shrouds and unfurl the ship’s 44,132 square feet of sails by hand.

Like acrobats, the crew scurried up the masts to the upper topgallant sails that rose nearly 200 feet above us. The ship’s captain, Vukota Stojanovic, later insisted that none of it was for show. “Whenever there is an opportunity to sail, we sail,” he said.

For the next hour, the crew hauled the ropes until the 28 sails were billowing in the wind, propelling the 452-foot-long ship — the world’s largest passenger sailing vessel on which the sails are raised by hand — toward its first port of call, Portofino, Italy.

At a time when cruise lines are packing their ever-more-gargantuan ships with water parks and basketball courts, the 136-passenger Sea Cloud Spirit, with its old-fashioned clipper design and wooden decks, stands out. It is the newest ship from the Hamburg-based Sea Cloud Cruises , and while it is the company’s biggest, Sea Cloud said it wanted to leave space for passengers to connect to the surrounding elements.

“Wherever you are on the ship, it feels like you are sitting on the water,” said Amelia Dominick, 71, a retired real estate agent from Cologne, Germany, who was on her third cruise onboard the Sea Cloud Spirit.

I had arrived for a four-night “taster sailing” from Nice, France, to the Ligurian region of Italy, designed to entice passengers to sign up for a longer cruise. Here’s what I found.

The ship and cabins

The Spirit has many comforts and luxuries, including a fitness center, library, hair salon and a spa with a Finnish sauna that overlooks the sea. The deck layouts are spacious, with nooks carved out for privacy and relaxation.

Sixty-nine spacious cabins have windows that open onto the sea. My room, a junior suite on the third deck, had two large arched windows, mahogany tables, a balcony and a comfortable couch and armchair. The marble bathroom was lavish, with a gold-plated sink and large jetted bathtub.

The elegant interior design is inspired by the original Sea Cloud, built in 1931 for Marjorie Merriweather Post, the American heiress of the General Foods Corporation, with glossy wooden panels and gold trimmings. The Sea Cloud was the largest private sailing yacht in the world before Post handed it over to the U.S. Navy for use as a weather-reporting vessel during World War II. The four-mast, 64-passenger ship has since been restored to its former glory and will sail across the Aegean and Adriatic this summer.

The experience felt authentic — even before the sails were set — with a detailed safety drill. On most cruises, the drill entails a safety video and signing in at an assembly point. But here, passengers put on their life jackets and walked through emergency scenarios that included rationing food supplies and fishing from the lifeboat.

Each day, the sails were set, even during heavy rain and wind speeds over 30 knots. Guests wanting to participate in the rigging are usually invited to do so, but the weather conditions made it too risky for this sailing.

“It was amazing to watch the work go into putting the sails up and down and to experience the wind power pulling the ship so fast without the engines,” said Malte Rahnenfuehrer, a 50-year-old psychologist from Zurich, who was traveling with his partner and two children.

The captain

It is rare for cruise passengers to see the ship’s captain after the initial welcome drinks or gala dinner. But Capt. Vukota Stojanovic was omnipresent throughout the cruise, from setting sails to lifeguarding to mingling with guests.

Originally from Montenegro, Captain Stojanovic piloted container ships for years. When he was asked to consider helming the original Sea Cloud nearly 10 years ago, he hesitated because he had no experience sailing. Even after he learned the ropes — and there are 340 ropes (known as running rigging) on the vessel — he was unsure. “I grew to love the sailings, the boats, the crew the lifestyle, but I still felt I belonged on container ships,” he said. “It would be a big adjustment, especially because I would have to shave every day,” he joked.

Eventually, he accepted the opportunity and worked tirelessly to learn how to sail and operate the ship. Today, he keeps an “open bridge” policy, allowing passengers to visit the control room, even when he is wrestling with the wind.

“The crew and the passengers are all part of the experience, and I like to meet people and receive their feedback,” Captain Stojanovic said.

Environment

Sea Cloud Cruises aspires to take a “gentle” approach, using wind power to drive its ships wherever possible, even if that means changing course for optimal weather conditions. When sailing is not possible, the Spirit has two diesel-electric engines that run on low-sulfur marine diesel fuel. The company is also working with ports that have shore power capabilities to plug into the local electric power.

Onboard, there is an emphasis on reusable bottles and paper straws, and crew members separate solid waste to be compacted and removed when in port.

Excursions and Activities

We made stops in Portofino, San Remo, Italy, and St.-Tropez, France, anchoring offshore and getting to land by tender — a contrast to the big cruise ships with their loud horns and thick plumes of exhaust spewing from their funnels.

For passengers wanting to take a dip (there is no pool), the crew marked an area in the water with floats and an inflatable slide. The water was frigid, but many passengers took the plunge from the swimming deck. Guests could also take “Zodiac Safaris” around the ship to get views of the vessel from the water.

Excursions ranged from food and wine tours to e-biking and beach trips. In Portofino, passengers were free to explore the sights independently, including the Castello Brown Fortress and the lighthouse on Punta del Capo rock. There was ample time to eat meals on shore as the ship did not depart until 11 p.m. Over the summer, the Sea Cloud Spirit will sail to Spain, Portugal, France and the Azores, among other destinations. On Nov. 11, she will depart for St. Maarten in the Caribbean for the winter.

Wherever the vessel goes, said Mirell Reyes, president of Sea Cloud Cruise for North America, the company tries to “stay away from the crowds and ports where big cruise ships spit out 6,000 passengers.”

Summer prices, which include food and beverages, range from $3,995 for a four-night sailing in a superior cabin to $9,420 for a veranda suite. Seven-night sailings cost between $6,995 and $16,495.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Ceylan Yeginsu is a travel reporter for The Times who frequently writes about the cruise industry and Europe, where she is based. More about Ceylan Yeğinsu

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