Do I Have To Dress Up On A Royal Caribbean Cruise
Royal Caribbeans dress code is casual during the day at night theres either casual, smart-casual or formal dress code depending on the schedule. Casual attire includes jeans and collared shirts for men and sundresses or pants with blouses for women smart-casual means collared shirts, dresses, skirts and blouses, or pantsuits and on formal nights, suits and ties, tuxedos, cocktail dresses or evening gowns are expected. If you want to avoid dressing up altogether on any night, the extensive Windjammer Cafe is always casual dress.
Caps, tank tops and bathing suits are never allowed in the main dining room or specialty restaurants shorts are not permitted during dinner and footwear is always required.
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Highlights Of The Mediterranean
ATHENS
One of the world’s most ancient cities, theappeal of heritage-listed historic sites,mythical god and laid-back,Mediterranean lifestyle has kept travellersreturning to Athens for hundreds of years
ATHENS
One of the worlds most ancient cities, the appeal of heritage-listed historic sites, mythical gods and laid-back, Mediterranean lifestyle has kept travellers returning to Athens for hundreds of years.
Today, the sprawling city is a perfect blend of old and new: ruins sit next to chic new restaurants, centuries-old artefacts hang side-by-side with modern masterpieces and boutique hotels provide a fresh take on city-dwelling.
No Athens stop on a Mediterranean cruise would be complete without a visit to the Acropolis and the Parthenon, whilst those who want to indulge in some retail therapy should make for the Plaka the citys oldest neighbourhood, lined with pretty boutiques and jewellery stores.
DUBROVNIK
The Eastern Mediterraneans most charming old town,sailing into Dubrovnik is a magical experience whether its your first, or fifteenth time
DUBROVNIK
The Eastern Mediterraneans most charming old town, sailing into Dubrovnik is a magical experience whether its your first, or fifteenth, time.
VENICE
Romance, mystery and intrigue combine in oneof the worlds most visited cities.The floating maze of streets and windingcanals that cover the 100 small islands ofVenice are easy to lose yourself
VENICE
BARCELONA
BARCELONA
SANTORINI
SANTORINI
PALMA
PALMA
ROME
ROME
Shore Excursions Arent Always Necessary
Dont assume you have to book shore excursions on a European cruise. Most European cruise ports are walkable and charming, meaning you can have a nice day simply walking around without a plan.
In Mykonos, Greece, for example, cruise ships tender directly into town, meaning you can walk around the winding, white cobblestone streets on the island and discover local restaurants, shops, and attractionsall without spending extra on a shore excursion.
Related: 7 ways to have a great time in port without a cruise ship shore excursion
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Bring A Theft Prevention Daypack
Bringing a daypack is essential on any European cruise, but youll want to be wary of pickpockets, especially in busy tourist areas. Losing a phone, wallet, or passport is not part of anyones vacation plan, but it does happen to some passengers.
Consider purchasing a backpack with theft protection. These backpacks have several features to deter pickpockets, including secret pockets that are against your back or zippers with a lock feature to prevent easy access to whats inside.
Speaking of pickpockets, NEVER put your phone or wallet in your back pocket while visiting port as this makes you an easy target for being pickpocketed.
What’s On Offer In 2023
Variety is the spice of life. But we reckon value has a part to play too. Thats why weve brought you a plethora of cruises thatll still suit budgets of any size.
Smart Packages
Like getting the most out of your holiday budget? Say hello to Cruise Nation Smart Packages. Whatever you have planned for 2023, these special deals offer exclusive perks and discounts, including free flights, hotel stays and spending money. These are our best deals at sea, and youre welcome onboard.
Family
Need to cater to the whole clan? Check out our family cruises. From toddlers to teens all the way to seniors, travelling in a large group has never been easier. And with plenty of entertainment, eateries and activities onboard, theres no shortage of fun, food or enjoyment to be had.
Luxury
Or if youre looking to splash out and splurge, then a luxury cruise adds decadence and extravagance to any adventure. Picture it: premium cabins, Michelin-starred cuisine, incredible entertainment and itineraries that take in some of the worlds most exotic locations. Sound good? We thought so.
All-Inclusive
And for those who prefer less hassle out of their holiday, let our all-inclusive cruises take care of everything for you. No surprise charges, no unexpected final bills just incredible and indulgent all-inclusive cruise packages at attractive prices to some of the worlds most desirable locations.
And thats not all. You can find more information on our full range of cruise holidays right here.
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Dining & Specialty Restaurants
On board the MSC fleet, you can feast to your heart’s content and enjoy the wide selection of high-quality international food on offer. In the buffet restaurants you have a wide selection of Mediterranean specialties and a diverse selection of drinks. The Top Sail Lounge offers panoramic views over tasty snacks, gourmet delicacies and drinks. The One Pool sundeck provides you with snacks during the day.
Specialty restaurants also belong to the fleet of MSC cruises. Steaks and Mexican tapas can be found in the Tex-Mex and Steakhouse. The Eataly provides you with the traditional cuisine of Italy, as well as many other restaurants aboard the ships. The Kaito Sushi Bar makes sushi hearts beat faster. Vegetarian food and gluten-free food is also available on the ships. Please register in advance.
Daily Dining Available For You:
- Early Bird Breakfast: 6:30 – 7:00 am on deck
- Breakfast: 07:00 – 10:00, also possible in the cabin
- Lunch: 12:00 – 14:30 in the restaurant and on the outer deck
- Dinner: two sessions at 19:00 and 20:45 in the restaurant The buffet restaurant and the pizzeria are also open in the evening. Dinner is therefore in the main restaurant or alternatively in the buffet restaurant and the pizzeria.
New Internet Packages Cost
RCIs ship internet offering was revamped from only one plan into different per day packages with pricing based on the number of included devices. Two new packages are currently available for booking:
- Note: All below listed unlimited Internet package prices are Cruise Planner booking rates and include the 30% pre-cruise booking discount. Packages can be purchased onboard and also pre-purchased via RCIs Cruise Planner booking system.
- Voom Surf Voyage is the light package providing high-speed Internet for general web browsing, e-mails and social media platforms . The Voom Surf Voyage Internet package cost depends on the number of mobile devices using it. Voom Surf pricing is as follows: $13 , $12 , $10 and $20 .
- Voom Surf + Stream is the real deal, offering unlimited Internet activities, including high-speed video streaming . The Voom Surf + Stream Internet package cost also depends on the number of mobile devices included. Voom Surf + Stream pricing is as follows: $18 , $16 , $14 and $28 .
Occasionally, Royal Caribbean offers VOOM package discounts for passengers with pre-purchased online internet packages. Discounts are also offered for Royal Caribbean loyalty program members when the VOOM package is purchased onboard.
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European Cruise Itineraries Vary Greatly
There are a ton of cruise itineraries offered in Europe, from island hopping Greece to visiting the British isles and Canary Islands. Before you pick a cruise, research which itineraries are available and pick the one that interests you the most.
Here are the main European cruise itineraries youll see offered by Royal Caribbean:
- Western Mediterranean
- Northern Europe & Russia
Royal Caribbean Signals Slow Summer Demand In Europe As Ukraine Crisis Weighs
Royal Caribbean logo is seen displayed in this illustration taken, May 3, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration
May 5 – Royal Caribbean Group on Thursday flagged slow summer demand for European cruises due to the Ukraine crisis, after a dull first quarter as it reeled under a resurgence in COVID infections in some parts of the world.
The company said while bookings for Europe sailings improved throughout the first quarter, they slowed following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in late February. Cruises in the Baltic are expected to see the biggest impact.
In March, Royal Caribbean joined rivals Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd and Carnival Corp in canceling sailings to Russia and said it was removing Russian port city St. Petersburg from its upcoming itineraries. read more
However, global booking volumes in March and April were significantly higher compared to the same period in 2019, with strong demand for North America-based itineraries.
“Recovery is clearly under way…what the shape of that curve looks like for the balance of 2022 will depend on the health of the consumer as it relates to inflationary pressures and impacts from the Ukraine war,” said M Science analyst Michael Erstad.
The decision by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to remove COVID-19 notice against cruise travel in March, almost two years after introducing a warning scale, is expected to boost growth for cruise companies after a long period of minimal business. read more
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Get Tender Tickets Early
Some smaller cruise ports in Europe are tender ports, meaning there is no dock where you can walk off the ship and onto land. Instead, these ports use small tender boats to bring passengers from ship to shore while the cruise ship anchors offshore.
To board a tender boat, you need a tender ticket, each of which has a number on it to determine when youre able to disembark the ship for the tender boat.
These tender tickets become available at a specific time onboard, which will be announced on the loudspeaker or in the Cruise Planner. Tickets are complimentary.
Be sure to pick up a tender ticket right away to avoid lengthy wait times to board a tender boat to shore. The last thing you want to happen is be waiting around on the ship for an available boat when you have limited time in port!
Winter Aurora Summer Sun
Scandinavia is dark for much of the year, but light is what defines its polar nations, from the Midnight Sun that rises high above Demark in mid-summer, to the aurora that dances above Norway and Iceland amid winter’s deepest freeze. Find endless possibilities and the best European cruises along the Baltic, from the savory seafood eateries of Oslo, to the cold cityscape of Reykjavik.
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Expectation: I Wouldnt Be Able To Taste Local Cuisine
If theres one thing that makes me excited about exploring a new country or city, its food. Whether empanadas in Argentina or pho in Vietnam, food has been an important part of my travels over the past decade.
One of my initial concerns about cruising to Europe is that I wouldnt be able to try local cuisine due to how many meals I would have on the cruise ship.
Dont get me wrong I love dining on a Royal Caribbean cruise, but eating Greek salad on the ship did not seem as appealing as eating Greek salad at an oceanfront restaurant in Crete.
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Pick Ports With Fewer Crowds
If the idea of visiting tourist attractions in huge, busy cities sounds like a nightmare, however, there are plenty of ports that receive far fewer tourists than places like Mykonos and Dubrovnik.
Look for cruise itineraries visiting smaller, lesser-visited destinations like La Coruña in Spain and Bari in Italy. While there will still be plenty to see and do in these ports, you may be the only cruise ship in port, meaning you can enjoy the day with fewer crowds.
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Scenes That Inspired 1000 Paintings
Endless possibilities are what the coasts of France, Spain and Portugal have always been about. Generations of painting greats from Van Gogh to Picasso have found inspiration from the crystalline coasts of the French Riviera, to the craggy mountaintops of the Canary Islands. Of course, the best European cruises also dock in timeless cities like Barcelona, Cherbourg, Lisbon and beyond.
Royal Caribbean Cruises In April : What To Expect Royal Caribbean Blog
Posted: March 29, 2022 at 1:28 pm
This article is an effort to share what you need to knowabout going on a Royal Caribbean cruise in the month of April, with important news, tips, and helpful information along the way.
Just like March, April is when many families look to enjoy a spring break cruise. That means higher demand for cruises in April through the Easter holiday, and higher guest counts more than likely.
Easter falls on April 17, 2022, which is usually the culmination of spring break demand. The last week and half of April could see less demand for cruises, since school will be back in session.
If you want to avoid crowds, look for a cruise in the last week of April.
Three more Royal Caribbean cruise ships return to service in April.
Radiance of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas will start back up with a repositioning cruise from Los Angeles to Vancouver so that they can be ready for the start of the Alaska cruise season in May.
Voyager of the Seas will sail from Copenhagen in late April to kick off Royal Caribbeans European season.
At the end of April, only one Royal Caribbean cruise ship will remain out of service since the pandemic, which is Rhapsody of the Seas.
Wonder of the Seas will bid adieu to her temporary home in Fort Lauderdale and sail to Barcelona, Spain on a 14-night transatlantic cruise on April 20th.
Heres a look at the other transatlantic crossings in April:
All crew members on every ship will be fully vaccinated.
More here:
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Spend Time In Your Embarkation/disembarkation Port Before Or After The Cruise
Many European cruise itineraries embark in some of the worlds most historic cities, including Rome, Athens, and Barcelona. These cities are filled with some of the most popular attractions in the world, delicious cuisine, and dynamic cultures.
If possible, plan to arrive at least 1-2 days prior to your cruise to ensure you have time to see the citys top sights and attractions. You dont want to end up with only ~3 hours total to spend in Rome before your cruise and miss out on sights like the Colosseum and Pantheon!
However Shore Excursions Are Better For Certain Ports
While most ports are walkable directly from the ship or with a short shuttle ride to town, there are several European cruise ports which require traveling long distances each way to reach the city.
Rome, for example, is located an hour and a half from the port of Civitavecchia. Many cruisers will opt to book an excursion through Royal Caribbean as opposed to traveling to Rome independently due to the distance required.
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If a train is delayed or you encounter traffic on the journey back from Rome, youll risk missing the ship. A Royal Caribbean excursion will provide you added protection in knowing that if your tour runs late, the ship will wait for you before leaving.
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Consider My Time Dining
European cruises are busy, with many port days running longer than what youll find in other regions of the world. Its not uncommon to see 12 hour port days on the days with long travel time into the city .
If youre planning your days in port and realize that you wont always make it back to the ship in time for traditional seating in the Main Dining Room , consider choosing My Time Dining. This way youll have more flexibility on when you eat dinner each night and you wont be worried about missing your reservation.
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Book Your European Cruise With A Travel Agent
Just like our advice for any other Royal Caribbean cruise, be sure to book a European cruise with a travel agent.
A good travel agent will cost you nothing extra and can save you time and money leading up to your cruise. Its not uncommon for travel agents to offer special rates that you cannot find on the Royal Caribbean website and extra onboard credit.
In addition, travel agents are available to answer any questions you may have and they will be the ones contacting Royal Caribbean with any problems that may arise. Therefore you wont have to worry about waiting on hold and taking time out of your busy schedule.
Related: 10 secrets Royal Caribbean travel agents wish you knew
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Rci’s Cruise Planner Packages & Prices
Cruise Planner is an online booking system for adding/pre-purchasing shore excursions, specialty restaurants, beverage packages, internet packages, photo packages, gifts and gear, onboard activities , The Key , as well as making wellness reservations .
Specialty restaurant dining packages currently offered by RCI include “Unlimited” , “3-Night” and “Chops+1” .
Drink packages include Deluxe , Refreshment and Soda .
The Key must be purchased prior the voyage and is priced US$20-35 per person per day.
Arcade Gaming credit packages via CruisePlanner cost less .
Realize It Can Get Extremely Hot
If youre cruising to Europe in the middle of summer, be prepared for the heat. Youre unlikely to have any issues on a cruise to Norway or Iceland, but will definitely encounter high temperatures in western and southern Europe.
Prepare for the hot temperatures by wearing lightweight clothing, taking rests in the shade whenever possible, and staying hydrated.
If you follow our tip above about not trying to schedule too much in one day, youll have plenty of free time to relax in the shade at a restaurant or cafe, giving you time to cool down on the hottest of port days.
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