Royal Caribbean Blog Is Your Ultimate Source For Royal Caribbean Coverage
Started in 2010, Royal Caribbean Blog offers daily coverage of news and information related to the Royal Caribbean cruise line along with other relevant topics of cruising, such as entertainment, news, photo updates and more.
Our goal has been to provide our readers with expansive coverage of all aspects of the Royal Caribbean experience.
Whether you cruise multiple times per year or you’re new to cruising, the goal of Royal Caribbean Blog is for it to be a useful resource for keeping up to date with what’s new and exciting with Royal Caribbean.
Find The Best Cruise Vacation For You
How can I find a cheap cruise?
Cheap cruise deals are fairly easy to find in most cases, and you can begin by considering what kind of features and itinerary you want. The more simplistic the experience is, the cheaper it is in general. On Expedia.com, you can filter for specific features and sort your results by price. By mixing and matching certain features, unforgettable experiences may be available with discount cruises. For example, booking a cruise with stunning restaurants and live performances while opting for an inside cabin without an ocean view window or balcony could be ideal for a traveler who doesn’t plan on spending much time in their cabin anyways.
What is the cheapest month to take a cruise?
The cheapest month to take a cruise varies based on your destination and the cruise line company that runs the ship. A Caribbean cruise, for example, is generally cheapest in the late summer and early fall since it’s the local hurricane season.
Can I cancel my cruise booking?
Yes, you can cancel, but there may be fees for canceling depending on how far in advance you cancel and what kind of booking you have. You can check the specific cruise lines cancellation policies in your itinerary on Expedia.com.
Are river cruises worth the money?
What cruises are best for families?
How much does a cruise ship cost?
What are some of the best cruise lines?
How far in advance do you need to book a cruise?
Are cruise trips affordable?
What is it like to go on a cruise?
Returning To Cyprus And The Uk
To return into Cyprus and then to the UK you will need:-
- A Covid-19 test in the three days before you return I did mine the day before departure. Book your slot on the app or speak to the guys at the onboard Eurofins desk.
- Book and pay for your Covid-19 test once you return
- Fill in a passenger locater form if you are travelling in a party of more than one you can add as many people on your passenger locater form as you require once you have filled in the first passenger.
The rules can change about returning to the UK after a holiday abroad so it important you look at the latest UK Gov regulations about returning to the UK from a cruise to an amber list country.
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Travel Tips For Greece Trips
There’s no question about it: Greece always makes a great getaway. In recent years, especially, it’s become a clear traveler favorite. Summer is the most popular time for visitors, when the islands in particular tend to become especially crowded with sun-seeking adventurers.
If you have the flexibility to travel at other times of the year, the best time to visit Greece is in the off-season. When temperatures are cooler, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the true essence of the country. Check out one of our Greece guided tours, A Week in Ancient Greece: Athens, Delphi & Olympia, which is specifically designed to make the most of the cooler months.
Certain islands aren’t accessible during the winter, but this time of year is excellent for visiting the mainland. Island hop between Mykonos and Santorini in the fall and spring for the ultimate Greek getaway.
If you’re planning a trip to Greece, you’re in luck. There are many incredible spots to visit in this awe-inspiring country. We offer Greece tours for travelers of all types, so find the one that fits your interests. If you’re a history buff, our tour of Athens & Ancient Greece is likely right up your alley.
These are a few of our picks for the best places to visit in Greece:
- The Acropolis in Athens
- The village of Oia in Santorini
- The Temple of Apollo in Delphi
- Chania’s Old Town in Crete
- Syntagma Square in Nafplio
Day 3 Athens Parthenon & Acropolis
The ship arrived at Piraeus cruise port dock just before breakfast.
Jewel of the Seas docking in Piraeus
Because it was going to be very hot , we decided to do a shore excursion Best of Athens. A 30-minute bus journey into Athens through the bustling traffic dropped us at the bottom of the steps up to the Acropolis and Parthenon. Even though it was only 10am it was hot, so make sure youve got water and a hat if you visit in summer . Its quite a short but steep climb to the top of the hill, from where the views are fantastic and the historical monuments just breathtaking. Tick that bucket list visit off. I could not help thinking about Jason and the Argonauts from the 1960s classic movie darting in and out of columns fighting weird stop animation monsters.
The Best of Athens excursion includes visits to the Acropolis, The National Archaeological museum, Hadrians Arch, a short lunch stop at the Cave of Acropolis , and a wander around The Pláka district. It was a great day out, but merely scratches the surface of what is available to do in Athens I can feel a city break coming on.
There were so many amazing places to see in Athens Ive just included a few highlights below.
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus 161 AD- Acropolis
The Parthenon 447BC
Lunch below the Acropolis
Artmeision Bronze statue Probably representing Zeus or Poseidon unknown date but no later than 150BC National Archaeological Museum Athens
If you want to go into Athens independently:
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Day 8 Limassol Cyprus
Royal Caribbean added a free coach excursion to the end of the cruise for those people on charter flights back to the UK after we disembarked. This was so we did not have to spend the day in the airport. It was a lovely trip to the Limassol Old Town and a very pretty hill village, Lefkara, where they traditionally produce lace. There was time to stop in one of the little bars and cafes in Lefkara, as well as buy some of the traditionally produced lace.
Lefkara hill village streets
Day 2 Exploring The Ship And Chilling Out
The ship was in very good condition, as you would expect for a ship that has only recently returned to service. Some highlights of the ship can be seen below. There was loads to do and explore. The busiest place was the outdoor swimming pool and Sky bar, where there was live music for most of the day. When I say busy its all relative as it was still easy to get a deck chair, swim in the pool and get a seat at the Sky bar.
Outdoor pool, cinema, and SkyBar
If you need total peace and tranquillity on holiday the Solarium pool and bar is the place to be.
Solarium pool and bar
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Health And Safety Protocols
Everything Royal Caribbean does, onboard and on land, is about safeguarding the guests and crew. Royal Caribbean ships provide a worry-free vacation! Here are some steps we are taking to ensure we keep you healthy. Royal Caribbeany has developed a comprehensive plan to respond to COVID-19 situations, just in case. Preparedness is key! If someone should fall ill or display symptoms while sailing, Royal Caribbean has rigorous protocols in place, including intensified cleaning, air filtration, and sanitizing procedures and medical isolation. Each ship has reviewed their inventory and are all well-equipped with supplies and personal protective equipment, such as masks and medicine.
REDUCED TRAVEL TO IMPACTED COUNTRIES
Along with a team of medical experts and guidance from health organizations, Royal Caribbean is monitoring the situation and either canceling or modifying itineraries to impacted areas.
ENHANCED BOARDING SCREENING
At the pier, all guests participate in mandatory screenings that include exclusion due to travel based on temporary restrictions and even a thermal scan to check everyone’s temperature. Some guests may be subject to a secondary review. Dependent of screening results, some guests may be denied boarding to ensure Royal Caribbean is keep their ships healthy and safe.
HEIGHTENED SANITATION AT CRUISE TERMINALS
ADDITIONAL SANITATION SAFEGUARDS ONBOARD SHIPS
HAND SANITIZERS EVERYWHERE
ENHANCED MEDICAL PROTOCOLS
STATEROOM CLEANLINESS
Athens And 7 Nights Greek Islands Cruise Book Now
Independent Tour With Guaranteed Departures
- Explore Athens, the ancient capital of Greece home to the famous Acropolis
- Visit Ephesus in Türkiye, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
- Travel to Crete, where you will visit the extraordinary Knossos Palace
- Discover Santorini, a picturesque island with volcanic soils and scenic views
- Sail out into the Aegean Sea and explore the breathtaking island of Mykonos
- 01 night accommodation on a twin sharing basis at listed hotel
- 07 nights accommodation on a twin sharing basis at listed cruise or similar
- Daily breakfast
- Full board meal plan onboard cruise
- Arrival and departure airport transfers
- Transportation in a deluxe AC vehicle
- Sightseeing as per the itinerary
- Entrance fees as per the itinerary
- Shore excursions in Santorini, Heraklion & Kusadasi
- Unlimited standard alcoholic beverage ppackage
- All currently applicable taxes
- Port and service charges while on the cruise
- Items of personal nature, tips and gratuities in Athens
- Optional excursions
- Baggage fees may apply and vary by carrier
- International flights for land only option
- Visa fees, if applicable
- Accommodation Tax EUR 5 per room/per night: Collected by hotels directly
- Items not mentioned as included
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Day 1 Ocean View Balcony Stateroom
The keycard was on the door when arriving at our cabin/stateroom. The cabin had a double bed and a pull-out sofa bed, while the bathroom had all the usual with a shower but no bath. The balcony was spacious, with well-insulated windows to the cabin which were needed to make the room cool when the days were extremely hot as we had a heatwave during our visit to the Greek Islands. The cabin also had a kettle and coffee and tea making facilities.
Hand sanitiser and a couple of RCI branded face masks were provided.
The room steward kept the room spotless, and every evening would leave tomorrows itinerary leaflet and destination info and tips leaflet. This was very useful for providing information about the destination ie. distance to the main tourist sites ashore and the best ways to get there from the ship.
Life Onboard Jewel Of The Seas
Welcome aboard Jewel of the Seas, one of the Radiance class of ships offering sparkling service to every traveller. Read more
Offering impeccable award winning service and luxurious amenities the Royal experience will exceed expectations. Read more
Fun-filled activities and a range of classes and fitness facilities, Jewel will keep your sea days busy. Read more
The epicurean complimentary and specialty dining options will more than satify your shipboard apetite. Read more
Dazzling original stage productions, live musicians, dancing and themed bars will keep you entertained every night on the Jewel. Read more
Pamper youself with the luxury treatments in the spa and relax in the warmth of a whirlpool in the adult-only solarium. Read more
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Shore Excursions From Jewel Of The Seas
Shore excursions were available at all the ports. You can book them on the RCI app. Passengers who had a Covid Pass could leave the ship and create their own adventures ashore or go on organised tours. Those passengers travelling with unvaccinated children were required to confine themselves to organised tours only and not leave the tour.
A full list of the available Greek Islands RCI shore excursions and prices is available here note prices and tour details are highly likely to change. You can see a full list, prices and book shore excursions on the RCI mobile phone app once you have registered your cruise on the app.
For those traveling on a charter flight back to the UK a free excursion to Limassol Old Town and the pretty hill village of Lefkara was included to entertain us between disembarking the cruise and going to the airport .
Greek Islands: Best Cruises And Sailing Adventures
SantoriniRhodesMykonosKosChaniapolitical and economic turmoilJust Cruisin’ PlusGeorgios MakkasAzamara QuestSample Itineraries: MykonosSantoriniDubrovnikYannis LefakisCosta CruisesCosta MediterraneapalazziMediterraneaSample Itineraries:MykonosSantoriniDubrovnikWindstar Cruises Wind SpiritSample Itinerary:MykonosSantoriniRhodesEphesusKusadasiSeaDream Yacht Club SeaDream ISeaDream IISample SeaDream I ItineraryHydraSantorini,Sample SeaDream II Itinerary:Athens KusadasiSantoriniHydra docked in Patmos, GreeceJennifer BradyViking StarSample Itineraries: Yannis LefakisCrystal SerenitySample Itineraries:Mykonos, Dubrovnik, Yannis LefakisLouis MajestySample Itinerary:MykonosEphesusKusadasiPatmosRhodesSantoriniNorweigan Cruise Line Norweigan Jade Sample Itinerary:Venice DubrovnikAthensKusadasi
: Margaret Barrett
Georgios MakkasSample Itinerary:Yannis LefakisOcean PrincessSample Itinerary:Georgios MakkasSea CloudSample Itinerary:Courtesy Swan Hellenic Minerva Sample Itinerary:Yannis LefakisTravel DynamicsSample Itineraries:Yannis LefakisAegean OdysseySample Itinerary:
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Day 2 Cyprus To Athens Cruise And Relax Sea Day
The day of the flight to Cyprus was a long day, so I was glad to have the whole of the following day for bimbling around the ship at sea, chatting with the other guests and staff and finding out about what the ship had to offer and of course eating, sunbathing, swimming and sampling the cocktails.
Everyone without exception was very friendly and so happy to be back at sea again. It was particularly interesting to talk with people from other countries who have had such varied experiences of the pandemic.
Discover Ancient Civilizations And Amazing Cities
Your journey through Greece begins in Athens. Home of ancient ruins like the Parthenon, Acropolis, and Temple of Zeus, Athens is also a bustling modern metropolis in its own right. Get off the beaten path with a stop at Brettos, a century-old local distillery, to sample some authentic ouzo or visit the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center for a look at Athens’ new cultural horizons.
Next, its off to Tinos, a small Greek Island with an impressive 700 churches and an even more impressive culinary scene. Treat yourself to lunch and try local dishes like agkinaroryzo, and fourtalia . From Tinos, youll travel to nearby Mykonos, where trendsetters travel to have a good time. Here, youll have an evening and a full day to stroll the picturesque islands curving cobblestone streets, sunbathe on its beaches, and visit nearby Delos, architectural gem and mythological birthplace of the Greek god Apollo.
Next, tour remarkable Ephesus on a late stayhome of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis. Ephesus impressive ruins are a testament to the importance of this ancient city whose power once rivaled Rome. From there youll journey to formidable Rhodes for yet another late night, where history buffs will love exploring the Old Town and Knights Quarter. Looking to relax? Its beaches are glorious.
| Date | |
|---|---|
| Sun 16-Oct to Mon 17-Oct 2022 | Mykonos, Greece |
| Arrival: 6:30 pm Departure: 6:00 pm |
| Tue 18-Oct |
|---|
| Arrival: 5:00 amDeparture: – |
Key Features
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How It Works
A lot goes into planning tours to Greece. Our experts make it easy, and our knowledgeable tour directors bring every trip to life.
Work with our in-house travel experts
Choose from 175+ tours all around the world. Need help narrowing down? Call our experts at to talk through how you like to travel.
Sit back and get ready for your trip
Your tour includes hotels, breakfast daily and other select meals, comfortable transportation, an expert Tour Director, guided sightseeing, and more.
Take off on an adventure, stress-free
Your local Tour Director will meet you and your group on the first day, and be your go-to for the best sites, flavors, and stories of the region.