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13 Insider Tips From Royal Caribbean Travel Agents You Need to Know

Booking a Royal Caribbean cruise adventure opens the door to a world filled with unexpected delights and hidden opportunities designed to elevate your vacation from memorable to unforgettable.

Although you can book everything entirely online by yourself, there is a network of seasoned Royal Caribbean travel agents, experts in crafting the perfect cruise experience.

Through years of navigating the nuances of cruise planning, these agents have gathered a treasure trove of tips and tricks that can make all the difference in your voyage.

It’s a little-known fact among first-time cruisers that these travel agent services, rich with potential to transform your cruise into the trip of a lifetime, come at no extra cost to you.

Their fees are taken care of by Royal Caribbean, allowing you to benefit from their wealth of knowledge without dipping into your vacation fund.

This revelation often surprises new cruisers, who might not realize the full value a travel agent brings to their voyage planning.

With this in mind, we’ve tapped into the expertise of some of the most knowledgeable Royal Caribbean travel specialists to bring you a compilation of must-know secrets.

These insights are not just about making your trip easier; they’re about enhancing every moment aboard and ashore, ensuring that your cruise is as seamless, enjoyable, and rich with experiences as possible.

Table of Contents

Royal Caribbean Travel Agent Tips You Should Know

They Don’t Cost Extra

You may be surprised to know that using many travel agents won’t cost you a dime extra.

Royal Caribbean travel agents get compensated by a commission directly through the cruise line, making them a financially savvy choice, comparable to booking on your own.

That’s right, you get their expertise without any pesky agent-imposed cancellation or change fees.

But just to be on the safe side, always ask if there are any fees associated with their service when you first reach out.

It’s like getting insider access without opening your wallet!

Travel Agents Will Wait On Hold For You

That’s right. No more long wait times to fix any minor inconvenience.

Your travel agent has got your back. They take over the task of communicating directly with Royal Caribbean, sparing you from the long hold times.

Your agent tackles the necessary calls, manages any complications, and ensures your cruise plans are smooth sailing. This leaves you free to enjoy your time however you please.

They Have Access To Exclusive Deals And Amenities

What if I told you that booking through a Royal Caribbean travel agent could unlock exclusive deals and amenities not available to the general public? It’s true.

Travel agents often have access to special rates, onboard credits , and complimentary perks that can enhance your cruise experience significantly.

These can include anything from free Wi-Fi packages to beverage upgrades or even onboard credit to spend as you please.

These exclusive offers are the result of the strong relationships agents build with cruise lines, and their clients are the beneficiaries.

When you book with an agent, you’re not just getting a ticket aboard; you’re potentially unlocking a suite of extras that can make your cruise even more enjoyable and memorable.

They Specialize In Royal Caribbean Specifically

These agents aren’t booking a trip to Europe, a motorcycle trek across Vietnam, and your Royal Caribbean cruise.

No, no, no! There are many travel agents that solely specialize on cruises, and in particular Royal Caribbean.

This specialization comes with some serious perks.

They’re in your corner not only at the moment of booking but throughout the lead-up to your departure.

They vigilantly monitor pricing fluctuations and actively seek out opportunities to enhance your cruise experience—whether it’s by nabbing a discount or securing an upgraded stateroom, their tailored service aims to add value to your trip.

Remember, they want you as a repeat customer (or to recommend their services) so they tend to go above and beyond to keep you happy.

They Are Your Go-To Person

Having a single travel agent partner with you throughout your journey ensures a seamless experience.

It really makes a difference. If you book on your own, and have any inconvenience, you’ll have to use the call center and explain the situation to a different person everytime.

Having just one person handling the issue, and handling the wait-times, makes a huge difference.

They understand your preferences, remember the details of your selections, and are dedicated to making your cruise vacation as enjoyable as possible.

Large Group? They Are Life Savers!

Embarking on a Royal Caribbean cruise with your favorite people might seem like a logistical challenge at first. This is where the magic of a good travel agent comes into play.

They step in as your personal cruise coordinators, dealing with the various preferences and requirements of your group.

Imagine not having to juggle everyone’s cabin types, pricing, or individual payment schedules — your travel agent has it all under control.

Your role shifts to simply amplifying the anticipation for the upcoming voyage among your group, ensuring that the pre-cruise excitement is the only thing you need to manage.

They Can Book (and Help Pick the Best) Shore Excursions

Besides organizing your voyage and on-ship activities, your travel agent extends their expertise to land-based adventures.

They’ve often journeyed to many of the destinations you’re eager to explore and possess insider knowledge not just of Royal Caribbean’s arrangements but also those crafted by independents.

They get the honest feedback from past clients so they know which excursions are a must and which are a bust.

With their wealth of experience, they can sift through choices, helping you discover excursions that truly resonate with your interests.

They Have a Direct Line to Royal Caribbean

In the rare event that something goes awry or you have a very specific request, travel agents have a direct line to Royal Caribbean.

This means they can resolve issues, make special requests on your behalf, or even snag last-minute upgrades and changes that would be nearly impossible through regular channels.

Their direct contacts within the cruise line mean your requests are more likely to be heard and addressed quickly.

This insider access is invaluable, especially when you want to personalize your cruise experience or address any concerns directly with the cruise line.

Your Battles Are Their Battles

Imagine you’re gearing up for a long-awaited cruise and suddenly you hit a snag. It’s comforting to know that you have a champion in your corner—that’s your travel agent.

Like a knight in shining armor, they’ll be on call to tackle any hitches with your Royal Caribbean cruise. Whether it’s before you sail off into the sunset or amidst your voyaging, a hiccup could happen.

This can range from minor booking blips to more pressing concerns.

Your travel agent steps up to smooth out these wrinkles. They don’t just patch up the situation; they go the extra mile to ensure you’re smiling again.

And should the slip-up be the cruise line’s, your agent excels in securing compensation for your troubles. Remember, they’re not just bookers; they’re your personal advocates at sea and ashore.

They’re TRAINED By Royal Caribbean Themselves

In the ever-evolving world of Royal Caribbean cruises, you might marvel at the depth of knowledge your travel agent possesses.

They aren’t just cruise lovers; they’re trained professionals who continually update their expertise. Imagine them as students whose classroom is the very ships you dream of vacationing on—they regularly participate in ship tours to grasp the nuances of each vessel.

Not just confined to one brand, they even study the offerings of other cruise lines, giving them a rounded perspective on where Royal Caribbean fits within the sea of options.

Their education is ceaseless, and this turns them into encyclopedias of cruising, ready to sketch out a comprehensive picture of vacation choices tailored just for you.

Everything Is Personalized

When you choose to work with a specialized Royal Caribbean travel agent, you’re investing in a seamless vacation-planning partnership.

As you embark on more cruises, your travel agent becomes attuned to your cruising preferences.

Think of them as a friend who remembers whether you favor a bustling deck or a quiet balcony retreat, a specific dining setup, or particular onboard activities.

This intimate knowledge transcends into efficient and tailored booking experiences.

No more repeating your needs during every call—it’s all recognized and anticipated by your agent, allowing for a straightforward and quick reservation process.

This personal touch adds a layer of convenience to your cruise planning, turning it into an effortless endeavor that enriches your holiday from the very start.

They Provide Stress-Free Payment Plans

Planning a cruise vacation can be a significant financial commitment, but working with a travel agent can make it more manageable.

Many travel agents offer the convenience of stress-free payment plans, allowing you to break down the cost of your cruise into smaller, more manageable installments.

This service can make budgeting for your vacation easier, giving you more flexibility in managing your finances without sacrificing the quality of your cruise experience.

By offering personalized payment solutions, travel agents ensure that your dream cruise is within reach, letting you focus on the excitement of your upcoming adventure without the burden of financial strain.

Post-Cruise Support: Your Advocate Even After Disembarkation

Even after your cruise has concluded, the service and support from your Royal Caribbean travel agent don’t end.

Should you encounter any post-voyage concerns, such as discrepancies with billing, feedback you wish to share with the cruise line, or questions about loyalty program benefits you earned during your trip, your travel agent is there to assist.

They act as your advocate, liaising with Royal Caribbean to resolve any issues swiftly and satisfactorily. This level of post-cruise support ensures that your entire experience, from planning to reflection, is stress-free and enjoyable.

Having a professional in your corner who is dedicated to ensuring your satisfaction beyond the cruise itself adds an invaluable layer of service that booking platforms simply can’t match.

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Is it better to book a cruise through a travel agent? We say yes

Going online to book an airline ticket or hotel stay is a familiar and fairly easy transaction. When you book a cruise, however — particularly your first cruise — you might want to reconsider the impulse to handle the transaction yourself through a cruise line website or an online advertiser with cheap prices. This DIY approach might not be the best way to find your dream vacation at sea.

In reality, it's not that simple to book a cruise. You will likely run into a lot of questions to which you have no ready answer.

That's where specialized cruise travel agents come into play. Their expertise can help you avoid mistakes, whether you are a first-timer or a repeat cruiser checking out a brand you have not tried before.

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

Why you should book through a cruise travel agent

You should consider booking a cruise through a travel agent because a knowledgeable agent can help you understand the nuances of a cruise purchase and help you make the best decisions for your vacation preferences.

When you book a cruise, you are making a vacation decision that goes way beyond a flight or hotel nights. Which ship you choose determines your dining and evening entertainment choices for the duration of your vacation. Which itinerary you choose impacts which destinations you'll visit and which shoreside activities will be available to you. It can be overwhelming to evaluate the options on your own if you've never cruised before.

In addition, cruise fares can be hard to understand and compare. You might, for instance, see a fare listed online without the port charges, taxes and fees, which you only see after you give your personal details.

Plus, the price of your cruise includes accommodations, meals, entertainment and activities — and in some cases drinks, tips, shore excursions, Wi-Fi and other extras. There's a lot bundled into some fares and not as much with others. A travel agent can help you determine what your cruise fare gets you. The cheapest base cruise fare does not always provide the best value or best overall vacation deal.

Related: 4 scenarios when you should use a travel agent

You aren't just booking general passage on a ship, either, as you will be asked to pick a specific cabin and when you prefer to dine. Making a mistake in these categories can ruin your cruise experience, as there are such thing as "bad" cabins and dining times (think noisy or claustrophobic cabins, dinner at 8 p.m. with cranky children, etc.).

With cruises, you typically don't pay for your whole vacation upfront but rather put down a deposit, with final payment due at a later date. A cruise travel agent can ensure you don't miss any due dates.

Remember, you might be a DIY type when booking airlines and hotels, but booking a cruise is more complex. If you enjoy doing your own research, focus on what to do and see in the ports of call. Read about different ships, cruise lines and itineraries. However, when it comes to booking the cruise, we recommend you still contact a travel agent who specializes in cruises to help you learn a few tips and avoid any rookie mistakes.

Travel agents can get better deals on cruises

If you're concerned that working with an agent will make your cruise more expensive, don't be. Cruise travel agents receive the bulk of their income via commission from the cruise lines. Their service to you is usually free, though some might charge first-time clients a minimal fee. It's worth it.

In addition to sharing their expertise, the agent may have negotiated group space at lower rates with the cruise line, which could save you money on the cruise fare. The agent might also have first access to sale prices because the cruise lines notify their agent partners and loyalty club members first before they announce a sale to the public.

Related: 6 ways to get a deal on a cruise

Some cruise travel agents even throw in booking perks , such as a complimentary bottle of Champagne, awaiting your arrival in your cabin.

How to find a travel agent for a cruise

Cruise lines prefer that you use a travel agent rather than going online and booking directly. They have small in-house reservation teams, and when you have a question while making a booking, good luck in getting an expert on the phone in a timely manner.

Companies such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line provide online directories to help you find an experienced cruise travel agent near you.

You can also find experienced and certified cruise travel agents through CLIA, the Cruise Lines International Association , which is the industry's main marketing group. Asking friends who have cruised to recommend a travel agent is another good idea.

Related: 5 unexpected places that sell cruises

You might get more personalized care from smaller agencies than from the huge online agencies, though websites such as icruise.com, Cruise.com and Cruise411.com also have experienced cruise agents. These larger online travel agencies can be a good option for those who prefer to make decisions and ask questions via chat. Just make sure you get the name and phone number of the representative for any follow-up questions.

Questions to ask a cruise travel agent

In choosing a cruise travel agent, you will want to tap into the person's specific expertise about the cruise line and ship you are considering. Anyone can read a ship deck plan outlining ship spaces (which you can find online), but you are looking for people who really know their stuff.

Look for travel agencies that are cruise-only or a home-based agent who specializes in cruises. If you are using a full-service travel agency, ask for the cruise desk.

Here are some questions to ask a travel agent to determine their expertise:

• How often do you cruise?
• Have you cruised on the line I am considering?
• Have you cruised on the ship that I am considering, or do you have clients who have cruised that ship and provided a review of their vacation?
• Do you have firsthand knowledge about the cruise destination? The itinerary?

You will also want to ask the travel agent if they have a preferred relationship or negotiated agreement with any specific lines that could lead to special perks for you.

Be aware that not all agents work with all cruise lines; some represent only a few preferred suppliers or specialize in higher-end cruises. They get bigger commissions from their preferred lines.

This is not necessarily a bad thing, but be aware if the agent seems to be putting you off the line you were originally considering, as this could be the reason. On the plus side, an agent who is a preferred supplier might have negotiated rates with the cruise line and be able to call in favors, such as that bottle of Champagne or a cabin upgrade .

You should also ask if the travel agency offers 24/7 assistance (usually an 800 number) in case you have last-minute questions or something goes wrong before or during your trip.

The cruise travel agent should have questions for you as well, to better understand your dream vacation desires. If you are calling a cruise agency for the first time, the agent should be interviewing you as much as you are interviewing him or her. The agent should be focused on helping you choose the cruise line , ship and cabin that is right for you. Making the correct choices is very important to your overall cruise experience.

Bottom line

Booking a cruise is a complex enterprise. A cruise travel agent will guide you through choosing your cabin and dining times, deposits and final payment, and options for shore excursions and specialty dining. If you need to cancel the trip, the agent will also help you through the refund process. You'll have a lot less stress before and during your vacation if you book with an experienced agent.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
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The Top Cruise Advisors

To find the ship and sailing right for you, go through a cruise specialist. Here's why—and who to call.

Ashton Palmer, Expedition Trips

Ashton Palmer of Expedition Trips began as an expedition leader, guide, and naturalist. He specializes in small ship expedition cruises—companies like Aqua Expeditions, Ponant, Lindblad, Scenic, Aurora, and more. He has been to Antarctica more than 50 times and spent three months in the Amazon. His email: [email protected]

Tom Baker, Cruise Center

Tom Baker of Cruise Center specializes in large and ­medium-size ships from such lines as Celebrity, Oceania, Royal Caribbean, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, and Silversea. He also has clout with river lines: AmaWaterways, Uniworld, Viking. But really there is nothing cruise-­related he can’t help with; he has sailed on more than 250 ships over the course of 50 years. His email: [email protected]

Mary Jean Tully, Cruise Professionals by Tully Luxury Travel

Mary Jean Tully of Cruise Professionals by Tully Luxury Travel has for decades now sent a great many clients to all the luxury cruise lines. Her contacts enable her to secure the best cabins for her customers, as well as a wide range of onboard credits—i.e., she can be your ticket to special treatment at sea. Because she is intermittently in Africa—her other passion, in addition to life on the high seas, is wildlife conservation—her deputy, Cheri Ozimac, will take excellent care of you. Mary Jean's email: [email protected]; Cheri Ozimac's email: [email protected]

Klara Glowczewska is the Executive Travel Editor of Town & Country , covering topics related to travel specifically (places, itineraries, hotels, trends) and broadly (conservation, culture, adventure), and was previously the Editor in Chief of Conde Nast Traveler magazine. 

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DESTINATION MAGIC is a boutique travel agency comprised of expert vacation planners we call Magic Makers . Our experts are highly experienced Royal Caribbean travel agent specialists eager to help you plan and book the best Cruise possible. Our booking services are 100% FREE, plus , you will get FREE MONEY to spend on your cruise!

Simply Magical Vacations means that we make your vacation planning easy so you can begin enjoying your vacation before it even starts. As your vacation planner, we take the planning burden off you so you can relax.

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Royal Caribbean Cruise Travel Agent

Find a royal caribbean travel agent near you, the best travel agency for royal caribbean cruises.

Our Royal Caribbean travel agents can assist you in booking air/car transportation, accommodations, cruises, tours, travel insurance, concert tickets and more. Utilize our personalized Royal Caribbean Travel Agent services to ensure that you get the best out of your next vacation.

Take advantage of great travel savings, benefits, amenities, and upgrades today. When you retain the services of one of our travel agents, you gain exclusive access to American Express Cardmember benefits and travel deals in which you can gain access to special amenities and low travel fares.

Not only will you enjoy those value-added benefits and amenities, but you'll also have a cost-saving travel agent service working for you before, during, and after your vacation.

Contact A Royal Caribbean Cruise Travel Agent At Cruise Planners

Simply fill out our cruise deal contact form and a Travel Agent that specializes in getting travelers great travel agent cruise deals  for Royal Caribbean Cruises will contact you.

For immediate travel assistance, you may also contact a travel agent directly by calling 1-800-683-0206. You may want to locate travel agents that are within your city of residence, but we assure you that our travel agents will be able to get you great rates and book a great vacation no matter their location.

Cruise Planners travel agent is merely a selling agent and makes no warranty expressed or implied. Each Cruise Planners is Independently Owned and Operated. Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative, has a tremendous reputation for quality, service, and very competitive pricing for ALL of your travel needs. Cruise Planners travel advisors will help you discover exciting adventures around the world. To learn more about Cruise Planners and the executive team, click here.

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Rookie Moms

Pregnancy > Parenthood

Using a Travel Agent for a Royal Caribbean Cruise… Is it Worth it?

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Cruises are probably my favorite vacations. I just love traveling to different destinations and then coming back to one place for an amazing dinner some great shows and then having days relaxing at sea. It’s definitely something my family and I have loved doing for the past 15 years.

Now, let’s chat about the thing I don’t love, booking and planning for the cruise. I am sorry, but it’s A LOT of work and if it’s your first few cruises on Royal Caribbean, it can also be a bit overwhelming. (by a bit, I mean very overwhelming)

You would think, as I did, how hard can it be. All you have to do is choose a cruise and choose a room. Everything else is provided by the cruise…….Sure, but then you also have to….

• Know if you want upgraded dining
• Know which restaurants to book
• Figure out if you want my time dining or a set dining time.
• Figure out what the heck is “my time” dining
• Know which excursions to plan.
• Know which deck you should choose your room on, because let me tell you it matters (tip, front of the ship does rock more)
• Know to reserve show times in advance.
• Figure out the drink package options
• Don’t forget about the internet packages.
• Figuring out how to use the royal carbbian cruise app
• Plus a million other questions……. it’s honestly endless.

It’s pretty much a full time job, plus add on my real job and oh yeah the responsibilities of raising my kids and putting food on the table.

A few years back, I decided it was time to pass the torch and get some expert help. To my surprise, I learned that travel agents were absolutely FREE! If only I had known earlier, I would’ve saved myself a lot of time and stress. (Update, I got several emails from travel agents that do charge fees, so I guess some do, but the travel agency I use doesn’t, so there you go)

My First Royal Caribbean Cruise Travel Agent Experience

Like I said, I decided to use a travel agent, I did a little google search and I reached out to 4 or 5 travel agencies, only one replied and all they did was send me a quote and that was about it. I was pretty disappointed. I did not really see the benefit of using a travel agent.

My Co-worker insisted I use her agent

I was about to go back to just booking on my own and then one of my coworkers absolutely recommended her travel agent and said “it’s life changing” She is a bit on the dramatic side so I was a bit skeptical.

I reached out (I think it was through their website) and well within minutes, I had a feeling that she might have not been exaggerating. I received a response within probably 20 minutes and I think it was on a random weeknight.

A Surprisingly Wonderful Experience

From the get-go, it felt great. The agent reached out and instead of just sending over a generic quote, they asked about what I was looking for, asked about my family, how we liked to travel, where we have been in the past. Honestly, it felt like I was talking to an old friend who was genuinely excited about helping me plan my cruise.

So we continued on working on our vacation and my agent asked about our cruise interests, stateroom preferences, do we have allergies, which we did have my nephew going on this trip with a severe peanut allergy so it was nice they asked upfront.

After all that work we made a decision, we were sailing on the Symphony of the Seas. It had all the cool features of the Oasis class, but was not the newest ship at sea so it was the best bang for the buck.

By the way, the travel agency is called “ Best Day Ever Vacations ” and they are an absolute delight!

Planning without having to plan

They didn’t just stop at booking our stateroom. They went the extra mile by providing us with a comprehensive guide for our sailing with a full itinerary that showed us the days at sea, ports of calls. restaurants on board shows, pretty much everything.

The other thing I loved, is I always miss the important planning and booking dates like when to book excursions. They kept us in the loop on all the important dates, like when to make dining reservations and show reservations, what excursions we should do on Coco Cay and gave us insider tips on how to make the most of our day at Perfect Day at Coco Cay….. which by the way is awesome!

Tips on Dining

This is one thing I really loved. I was going to buy the ultimate dining package and my agent advised me that since it is a 7 day cruise, I would buy a smaller package and choose your favorite types of food to eat at and choose upgraded dining for those. We aren’t big steak eaters so we skipped the Chop House, but Jamie’s Italian, Izumi Sushi and Hooked Seafood were unbelievable. This saved me over $800. They even shared some tips on avoiding crowds and getting the most out of our time at sea.

And for shows…. I am usually the person waiting in the standby line waiting to see if i can squeeze into a show and have the absolute worst seats. This time with the help of my agent reminding me it’s time to book the showtimes, we got all the showtimes we wanted whether it was the show at the aquatheater (which is an absolute must) the ice show or seeing the broadway performance “Hair”

My husband looked at me after the 3rd show we got into and said to me “why didn’t we do it like this on the other cruises” Thanks for the insight hubby, but it was nice to see him and the fam having such an amazing time.

An Unexpected Savings Surprise

The best part about Best Day Ever, is they booked our rooms and then later on their own found us a better cabin at a cheaper price and I didn’t have to do a thing. I was already going to use their services again and this made me a client for life. That text message was like a little ray of sunshine! Since then, we’ve booked every Royal Caribbean cruise through them, and next year I am sailing on the ICON of the SEAS and can’t wait.

In Conclusion – Is it worth it to use a travel agent for a Royal Caribbean Cruise? Yes…. but make sure it’s the right one

Like I said, I reached out to a few agencies and some didn’t reply and other just sent over a quote. So, I don’t really know if they are worth it or not. Perhaps, maybe I just reached out to the wrong ones at first.

But, if you find someone like Best Day Ever , it’s such a great experience. You are in great hands the whole way. I have probably sent at least a dozen friends over to them and they absolutely have had nothing but good things to say.

Now, when I send people over, if you just mention rookie moms, they will get you to one of their best agents.

• Recent Posts

• Using a Travel Agent for a Royal Caribbean Cruise… Is it Worth it? - December 7, 2023
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Royal Caribbean Travel Agent Resources

Royal Caribbean International is one of the cruise industry’s behemoths, offering active, family-friendly cruises to destinations around the world. The line’s 26-ship fleet (as of end of 2023) ranges in size from 2,400 passengers on its older ships to nearly 7,000 guests at full occupancy on its largest ship, Wonder of the Seas. (When Icon of the Seas comes out in 2024, that number will be closer to 7,500.)

The line is known for its active onboard atmosphere with such attractions as rock climbing, water slides, simulated surfing, vertical tunnel skydiving, ice skating, bumper cars, and more. The line also has a robust suite-life offering, particularly on its newer ships.

Destinations Visited Royal Caribbean International sails to destinations on six out of seven continents. Itineraries visit ports in Alaska, Asia, Australia & New Zealand, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada & New England, Caribbean, Northern Europe & the Baltic, Hawaii, the Mediterranean, Mexico, Pacific Northwest, Panama Canal, South America and South Pacific.

Royal Caribbean Travel Agent Site

Royal Caribbean’s Cruising Power travel agent website provides a wide-ranging toolbox of resources and tools that help advisors learn about and sell Royal Caribbean cruises.

You’ll find the following tools, functionality and resources on Cruising Power for agents:

• Planning Tools: Cruise Planner
• Booking Tools: Espresso, Flight Finder, Hotels, Shore & Land Excursions, Future Cruise Credit Redemption
• Sales & Marketing Tools: eQuote, digital brochures and asset library, physical collateral ordering, My Marketing Center
• FlexPay, which enables advisors to pre-schedule up to 10 automatic payments
• Royal Caribbean University
• Browse promotions and offers

Royal Caribbean Travel Agent Education Program RoyalCaribbeanUniverstity.com

Royal Caribbean travel agent training is available via Royal Caribbean University.

Royal Caribbean University is divided into micro-learning segments making it easier for advisors to navigate through the course at their own pace. Finishing the core curriculum courses earns advisors a “Bachelors of Adventure.” Finishing the core and advanced curriculum earns advisors a “Masters of Adventure.” Additionally, continuing education courses provide immediate training on brand-new products.

Graduates of Royal Caribbean University receive CLIA elective credits, and qualify for bonus commissions, onboard credits, complimentary VOOM Wi-Fi, monthly giveaways, and more. Plus, graduates can download special social media banners to show off their graduate status.

You can access Royal Caribbean University via the Cruising Power travel agent site using the same Royal Caribbean Cruising Power login you normally use.

Royal Caribbean Travel Agent Rates & Fams Royal Caribbean travel agent rates are available on most sailings, but vary depending on the occupancy level of each voyage. The lines sends emails with partner friends and family rates every week with the latest deals available to them. Plus, the offers section of LoyalToYouAlways.com always has the latest offers for advisors.

The line also offers FAM trips on an occasional basis. Trips are planned through local strategic account managers and are invite-only.

Royal Caribbean’s Seminar at Seas events are a hybrid of a travel agent FAM and training, and are also invite-only.

Royal Caribbean Travel Agent Sales Reps In the Americas, Royal Caribbean has five Regional Sales Directors and 65 Strategic Account Managers.

Royal Caribbean Travel Agent Marketing Assistance Royal Caribbean provides travel advisors with a variety of marketing assistance from collateral to co-op dollars and participation in in-person events. The line also offers a suite of marketing e-tools on Cruising Power including My Marketing Center, a one-stop shop where advisors can, among other things, create their own customized and professional-looking flyers and brochures.

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What is the newly enhanced Loyalty Status Match Program? How do I qualify for it?

The Loyalty Status Match program gives you the best benefits at sea. Members can now receive one-for-one tier matching across all three Royal Caribbean Group brands: Royal Caribbean International ® , Celebrity Cruises ® and Silversea ® .

You must be 18 years of age and be enrolled in the loyalty program of each brand to qualify to have your status matched. 

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Earn loyalty rewards easier: Royal Caribbean launches cruise status match program

For Royal Caribbean cruise passengers, it pays to be a repeat customer.

Royal Caribbean Group announced a new loyalty status match program on Thursday, allowing guests to get equivalent status across its Royal Caribbean International , Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises brands.

“As we orbit around our customers, this new program gives them one center of gravity to orbit around us,” president and CEO Jason Liberty told USA TODAY in an email. “We are always looking for new ways to enhance our guest experiences across our portfolio. We have many loyal guests who sail with each of our brands, and now, we are giving them new ways to explore the world, with the right product to meet them for all of life’s moments.”

How does the Royal Caribbean Group Loyalty Status Match program work?

Passengers who are enrolled in more than one of the brands’ loyalty programs can get one-for-one matches. Faithful Royal Caribbean International guests who have moved through the ranks of its Crown & Anchor Society can try a cruise with Silversea for the first time, for example, and board with equivalent-tier status in the line’s Venetian Club – and enjoy the associated perks. Travelers can find more information on the company's website.

Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity already had some limited reciprocity, but the new program is more comprehensive.

“Our new Loyalty Status Match program will allow our loyal guests to try each of our brands, and a product will exist for them without compromise,” Liberty said. Guests’ status will be automatically matched within seven days of being enrolled in more than one brand's program.

When will the program take effect?

Passengers can access onboard benefits through the status match program starting with cruises departing on or after June 5.

What are the perks of cruise loyalty programs?

Cruise line loyalty programs give guests a number of perks that can help make travel easier and save them money.

Benefits for Celebrity’s Captain’s Club members, for instance, range from a special newsletter and welcome event to specialty dining discounts and complimentary laundry, among others. Liberty said during an earnings call in April that the company was seeing repeat guests more than 30% higher than 2019.

The status match program “not only rewards our loyal guests across the fleet but adds new ways for them to experience our products and see the world,” he said in the email.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

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Royal Caribbean Group Updates Its Status-matching Program — What to Know

Cruisers can now receive reciprocal benefits from all brands under Royal Caribbean Group.

Alessandra Amodio/Travel + Leisure

Royal Caribbean Group is making it easier for frequent cruisers to reap the benefits of their loyalty by matching their status across each of its cruise lines.

Starting June 5, Royal Caribbean Group, which owns Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea, will provide a one-for-one status match across any of its brands, the cruise company shared with Travel + Leisure . Status matching applies to members of Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society, Celebrity’s Captain’s Club, or Silversea’s Venetian Society.

Currently, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises provide some status matching, but travelers are not guaranteed the equivalent tier. Previously, Silversea was not included its status-matching program.

“We strive to provide guests with experiences within our portfolio of brands that meet them for all of life’s moments,” Jason Liberty, the president and CEO of the Royal Caribbean Group, said in a statement shared with T+L. “Each of our differentiated brands have passionate fans who take pride in the status they've achieved through repeat sailings. In a first for the cruise industry, our new Loyalty Status Match program rewards guests traveling across our brands, and this is one more step in our journey of transforming a vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations.”

As part of the initiative, passengers who travel with one of Royal Caribbean Group’s cruise lines will now enjoy reciprocal benefits associated with their equivalent status tier. For example, Diamond Crown & Anchor Society members who sail on a Celebrity ship will automatically receive the benefits that come with Elite Captain’s Club’s status.

Royal Caribbean added travelers who are already enrolled in multiple programs will also be automatically status matched across each of the brands within seven days. However, points won’t be combinable across brands.

Travelers earn status by sailing for multiple nights and receive benefits like discounts on alcohol, Internet packages, and more. 

While status matching is quite common for airlines , it is less so in the cruise world. But it’s not unheard of as competitor MSC Cruises similarly allows guests to request a status match with other cruise lines, hotels, or tour operators.

Related Articles

Royal Caribbean Group introduces industry-first Loyalty Status Match Program

Royal Caribbean Group announced that loyalty members from its three wholly-owned brands – Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea – will attain equivalent tier status on any one of its brands. This shared status adds to members’ existing benefits and unlocks new ways to see the world, with more than 50 incredible ships sailing to nearly 1,000 destinations across all seven continents.

Now, loyalty members have another reason to experience all Royal Caribbean Group has to offer, with a product to meet them for each of life’s moments. As the first major cruise company to offer loyalty status matching across its core brands, the Royal Caribbean Group Loyalty Status Match program allows members of Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society, Celebrity Cruises’ Captain’s Club and Silversea’s Venetian Society to enjoy reciprocal tier status no matter which brand they sail with.

Royal Caribbean Group’s industry-leading portfolio offers everything one could want in a vacation, including land-based vacation experiences through Perfect Day at CocoCay and Royal Beach Club collection, and its cruise brands Royal Caribbean International delivering thrilling vacations for the multi-generational and contemporary market, Celebrity Cruises elevating premium travel, and Silversea offering the finest ultra-luxury and expedition experiences.

“We strive to provide guests with experiences within our portfolio of brands that meet them for all of life’s moments,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “Each of our differentiated brands have passionate fans who take pride in the status they’ve achieved through repeat sailings. In a first for the cruise industry, our new Loyalty Status Match program rewards guests traveling across our brands, and this is one more step in our journey of transforming a vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations.”

The new program is part of Royal Caribbean Group’s ongoing commitment to deliver the best vacations responsibly. By aligning its three industry-leading brands and recognizing guest loyalty across the fleet, the Loyalty Status Match program aims to provide an unparalleled vacation experience that rewards guests. Program highlights include:

• Seamless Status Recognition : Members of Crown & Anchor Society, Captain’s Club and Venetian Society are now eligible to receive one-for-one status match across all three brands after enrolling in each program.
• Onboard Benefits : When sailing on each sister brand, guests can enjoy the onboard benefits offered by each brand for their equivalent tier status.
• Effortless Tier Matching : Guests already enrolled in multiple loyalty programs will be automatically matched across brands within 7 days to ensure guests receive their appropriate loyalty status.
• Enhanced Travel Experience : Status match enables guests to select from a broader and more diverse range of vacation experiences and destinations.

New status matching levels include:

Now, loyalty members can be status matched for upcoming travel on a sister brand. For example, a Venetian Society member with 250 VS Days and an upcoming sailing on Celebrity Cruises can enroll in Captain’s Club, which would give them Elite status once their loyalty accounts are connected.

The applicable terms and conditions are also changing to make clear how member data will be shared across the various loyalty programs and highlight other important legal terms. Please refer to the updated loyalty program terms and conditions for full details. Loyalty Status Match program terms also apply.

New benefits onboard for members who have their status matched will begin with sailings departing on June 5, 2024.

Construction begins on Royal Caribbean’s first Royal Beach Club

New President and CEO at Celebrity Cruises

Royal Caribbean Group partners with World Wildlife Fund

Royal Caribbean now allows cancellations up to 48 hours before sailing

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Watch CBS News

He fell ill on a cruise. Before he boarded the rescue boat, they handed him the bill.

By Bram Sable-Smith

Updated on: May 27, 2024 / 9:41 AM EDT / KFF Health News

Vincent Wasney and his fiancée, Sarah Eberlein, had never visited the ocean. They'd never even been on a plane. But when they bought their first home in Saginaw, Michigan, in 2018, their real estate agent gifted them tickets for a Royal Caribbean cruise.

After two years of delays due to the coronavirus pandemic, they set sail in December 2022.

The couple chose a cruise destined for the Bahamas in part because it included a trip to CocoCay, a private island accessible to Royal Caribbean passengers that featured a water park, balloon rides and an excursion swimming with pigs.

It was on that day on CocoCay when Wasney, 31, started feeling off, he said.

The next morning, as the couple made plans in their cabin for the last full day of the trip, Wasney made a pained noise. Eberlein saw him having a seizure in bed, with blood coming out of his mouth from biting his tongue. She opened their door to find help and happened upon another guest, who roused his wife, an emergency room physician.

Wasney was able to climb into a wheelchair brought by the ship's medical crew to take him down to the medical facility, where he was given anticonvulsants and fluids and monitored before being released.

Wasney had had seizures in the past, starting about 10 years ago, but it had been a while since his last one. Imaging back then showed no tumors, and doctors concluded he was likely epileptic, he said. He took medicine initially, but after two years without another seizure, he said, his doctors took him off the medicine to avoid liver damage.

Wasney had a second seizure on the ship a few hours later, back in his cabin. This time he stopped breathing, and Eberlein remembered his lips being so purple, they almost looked black. Again, she ran to find help but, in her haste, locked herself out. By the time the ship's medical team got into the cabin, Wasney was breathing again but had broken blood vessels along his chest and neck that he later said resembled tiger stripes.

Wasney was in the ship's medical center when he had a third seizure — a grand mal, which typically causes a loss of consciousness and violent muscle contractions. By then, the ship was close enough to port that Wasney could be evacuated by rescue boat. He was put on a stretcher to be lowered by ropes off the side of the ship, with Eberlein climbing down a rope ladder to join him.

But before they disembarked, the bill came.

The Patient: Vincent Wasney, 31, who was uninsured at the time.

Medical Services: General and enhanced observation, a blood test, anticonvulsant medicine, and a fee for services performed outside the medical facility.

Service Provider: Independence of the Seas Medical Center, the on-ship medical facility on the cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean International .

Total Bill: $2,500.22.

What Gives: As part of Royal Caribbean's guest terms , cruise passengers "agree to pay in full" all expenses incurred on board by the end of the cruise, including those related to medical care. In addition, Royal Caribbean does not accept "land-based" health insurance plans.

Wasney said he was surprised to learn that, along with other charges like wireless internet, Royal Caribbean required he pay his medical bills before exiting the ship — even though he was being evacuated urgently.

"Are we being held hostage at this point?" Eberlein remembered asking. "Because, obviously, if he's had three seizures in 10 hours, it's an issue."

Wasney said he has little memory of being on the ship after his first seizure — seizures often leave victims groggy and disoriented for a few hours afterward.

But he certainly remembers being shown a bill, the bulk of which was the $2,500.22 in medical charges, while waiting for the rescue boat.

Still groggy, Wasney recalled saying he couldn't afford that and a cruise employee responding: "How much can you pay?"

They drained their bank accounts, including money saved for their next house payment, and maxed out Wasney's credit card but were still about $1,000 short, he said.

Ultimately, they were allowed to leave the ship. He later learned his card was overdrafted to cover the shortfall, he said. Once on land, in Florida, Wasney was taken by ambulance to the emergency room at Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale, where he incurred thousands of dollars more in medical expenses.

He still isn't entirely sure what caused the seizures.

On the ship he was told it could have been extreme dehydration — and he said he does remember being extra thirsty on CocoCay. He also has mused whether trying escargot for the first time the night before could have played a role. Eberlein's mother is convinced the episode was connected to swimming with pigs, he said. And not to be discounted, Eberlein accidentally broke a pocket mirror three days before their trip.

Wasney, who works in a stone shop, was uninsured when they set sail. He said that one month before they embarked on their voyage, he finally felt he could afford the health plan offered through his employer and signed up, but the plan didn't start until January 2023, after their return.

They also lacked travel insurance. As inexperienced travelers, Wasney said, they thought it was for lost luggage and canceled trips, not unexpected medical expenses. And because the cruise was a gift, they were never prompted to buy coverage, which often happens when tickets are purchased.

The Resolution: Wasney said the couple returned to Saginaw with essentially no money in their bank account, several thousand dollars of medical debt, and no idea how they would cover their mortgage payment. Because he was uninsured at the time of the cruise, Wasney did not try to collect reimbursement for the cruise bill from his new health plan when his coverage began weeks later.

The couple set up payment plans to cover the medical bills for Wasney's care after leaving the ship: one each with two doctors he saw at Broward Health, who billed separately from the hospital, and one with the ambulance company. He also made payments on a bill with Broward Health itself. Those plans do not charge interest.

But Broward Health said Wasney missed two payments to the hospital, and that bill was ultimately sent to collections.

In a statement, Broward Health spokesperson Nina Levine said Wasney's bill was reduced by 73% because he was uninsured.

"We do everything in our power to provide the best care with the least financial impact, but also cannot stress enough the importance of taking advantage of private and Affordable Care Act health insurance plans, as well as travel insurance, to lower risks associated with unplanned medical issues," she said.

The couple was able to make their house payment with $2,690 they raised through a GoFundMe campaign that Wasney set up. Wasney said a lot of that help came from family as well as friends he met playing disc golf, a sport he picked up during the pandemic.

"A bunch of people came through for us," Wasney said, still moved to tears by the generosity. "But there's still the hospital bill."

The Takeaway: Billing practices differ by cruise line, but Joe Scott , chair of the cruise ship medicine section of the American College of Emergency Physicians, said medical charges are typically added to a cruise passenger's onboard account, which must be paid before leaving the ship. Individuals can then submit receipts to their insurers for possible reimbursement.

He recommended that those planning to take a cruise purchase travel insurance that specifically covers their trips. "This will facilitate reimbursement if they do incur charges and potentially cover a costly medical evacuation if needed," Scott said.

Royal Caribbean suggests that passengers who receive onboard care submit their paid bills to their health insurer for possible reimbursement. Many health plans do not cover medical services received on cruise ships, however. Medicare will sometimes cover medically necessary health care services on cruise ships, but not if the ship is more than six hours away from a U.S. port.

Travel insurance can be designed to address lots of out-of-town mishaps , like lost baggage or even transportation and lodging for a loved one to visit if a traveler is hospitalized.

Travel medical insurance, as well as plans that offer "emergency evacuation and repatriation," are two types that can specifically assist with medical emergencies. Such plans can be purchased individually. Credit cards may offer travel medical insurance among their benefits, as well.

But travel insurance plans come with limitations. For instance, they may not cover care associated with preexisting conditions or what the plans consider "risky" activities, such as rock climbing. Some plans also require that travelers file first with their primary health insurance before seeking reimbursement from travel insurance.

As with other insurance, be sure to read the fine print and understand how reimbursement works.

Wasney said that's what they plan to do before their next Royal Caribbean cruise. They'd like to go back to the Bahamas on basically the same trip, he said — there's a lot about CocoCay they didn't get to explore.

Bill of the Month is a crowdsourced investigation by KFF Health News and NPR that dissects and explains medical bills. 

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Bill Of The Month

He fell ill on a cruise. before he boarded the rescue boat, they handed him the bill.

Bram Sable-Smith

On the last full day of a Bahamas excursion, Vincent Wasney had three epileptic seizures. While being evacuated, he received a bill for expenses incurred during the cruise. Kristen Norman for KFF Health News hide caption

On the last full day of a Bahamas excursion, Vincent Wasney had three epileptic seizures. While being evacuated, he received a bill for expenses incurred during the cruise.

Vincent Wasney and his fiancée, Sarah Eberlein, had never visited the ocean. They'd never even been on a plane. But when they bought their first home in Saginaw, Michigan, in 2018, their real estate agent gifted them tickets for a Royal Caribbean cruise.

After two years of delays due to the coronavirus pandemic, they set sail in December 2022.

The couple chose a cruise destined for the Bahamas in part because it included a trip to CocoCay, a private island accessible to Royal Caribbean passengers that featured a water park, balloon rides, and an excursion swimming with pigs.

Bill of the Month is a crowdsourced investigation by KFF Health News and NPR that dissects and explains medical bills. Do you have an interesting medical bill you want to share with us? Tell us about it !

It was on that day on CocoCay when Wasney, 31, started feeling off, he said.

The next morning, as the couple made plans in their cabin for the last full day of the trip, Wasney made a pained noise. Eberlein saw him having a seizure in bed, with blood coming out of his mouth from biting his tongue. She opened their door to find help and happened upon another guest, who roused his wife, an emergency room physician.

Wasney was able to climb into a wheelchair brought by the ship's medical crew to take him down to the medical facility, where he was given anticonvulsants and fluids and monitored before being released.

Vincent had had seizures in the past, starting about ten years ago, but it had been a while since his last one. Imaging back then showed no tumors, and doctors concluded he was likely epileptic, he said. He took medicine initially, but after two years without another seizure, he said his doctors took him off the medicine to avoid liver damage.

Wasney had a second seizure on the ship a few hours later, back in his cabin. This time he stopped breathing, and Eberlein remembered his lips being so purple, they almost looked black. Again, she ran to find help but, in her haste, locked herself out. By the time the ship's medical team got into the cabin, Wasney was breathing again but had broken blood vessels along his chest and neck that he later said resembled tiger stripes.

Wasney was in the ship's medical center when he had a third seizure — a grand mal, which typically causes a loss of consciousness and violent muscle contractions. By then, the ship was close enough to port that Wasney could be evacuated by rescue boat. He was put on a stretcher to be lowered by ropes off the side of the ship, with Eberlein climbing down a rope ladder to join him.

But before they disembarked, the bill came.

The patient: Vincent Wasney, 31, who was uninsured at the time.

Medical services: General and enhanced observation, a blood test, anticonvulsant medicine, and a fee for services performed outside the medical facility.

Service provider: Independence of the Seas Medical Center, the on-ship medical facility on the cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean International .

Total bill: $2,500.22.

Shots - Health News

A mom's $97,000 question: how was an air-ambulance ride not medically necessary.

What gives: As part of Royal Caribbean's guest terms , cruise passengers "agree to pay in full" all expenses incurred on board by the end of the cruise, including those related to medical care. In addition, Royal Caribbean does not accept "land-based" health insurance plans.

Wasney said he was surprised to learn that, along with other charges like wireless internet, Royal Caribbean required he pay his medical bills before exiting the ship — even though he was being evacuated urgently.

"Are we being held hostage at this point?" Eberlein remembered asking. "Because, obviously, if he's had three seizures in 10 hours, it's an issue."

Wasney said he has little memory of being on the ship after his first seizure — seizures often leave victims groggy and disoriented for a few hours afterward.

But he certainly remembers being shown a bill, the bulk of which was the $2,500.22 in medical charges, while waiting for the rescue boat.

Still groggy, Wasney recalled saying he couldn't afford that and a cruise employee responding: "How much can you pay?"

They drained their bank accounts, including money saved for their next house payment, and maxed out Wasney's credit card but were still about $1,000 short, he said.

Ultimately, they were allowed to leave the ship. He later learned his card was overdrafted to cover the shortfall, he said.

Royal Caribbean International did not respond to multiple inquiries from KFF Health News.

Once on land, in Florida, Wasney was taken by ambulance to the emergency room at Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale, where he incurred thousands of dollars more in medical expenses.

He still isn't entirely sure what caused the seizures.

On the ship he was told it could have been extreme dehydration — and he said he does remember being extra thirsty on CocoCay. He also has mused whether trying escargot for the first time the night before could have played a role. Eberlein's mother is convinced the episode was connected to swimming with pigs, he said. And not to be discounted, Eberlein accidentally broke a pocket mirror three days before their trip.

Wasney, who works in a stone shop, was uninsured when they set sail. He said that one month before they embarked on their voyage, he finally felt he could afford the health plan offered through his employer and signed up, but the plan didn't start until January 2023, after their return.

They also lacked travel insurance. As inexperienced travelers, Wasney said, they thought it was for lost luggage and canceled trips, not unexpected medical expenses. And because the cruise was a gift, they were never prompted to buy coverage, which often happens when tickets are purchased.

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The resolution: Wasney said the couple returned to Saginaw with essentially no money in their bank account, several thousand dollars of medical debt, and no idea how they would cover their mortgage payment. Because he was uninsured at the time of the cruise, Wasney did not try to collect reimbursement for the cruise bill from his new health plan when his coverage began weeks later.

The couple set up payment plans to cover the medical bills for Wasney's care after leaving the ship: one each with two doctors he saw at Broward Health, who billed separately from the hospital, and one with the ambulance company. He also made payments on a bill with Broward Health itself. Those plans do not charge interest.

But Broward Health said Wasney missed two payments to the hospital, and that bill was ultimately sent to collections.

In a statement, Broward Health spokesperson Nina Levine said Wasney's bill was reduced by 73% because he was uninsured.

"We do everything in our power to provide the best care with the least financial impact, but also cannot stress enough the importance of taking advantage of private and Affordable Care Act health insurance plans, as well as travel insurance, to lower risks associated with unplanned medical issues," she said.

The couple was able to make their house payment with $2,690 they raised through a GoFundMe campaign that Wasney set up. Wasney said a lot of that help came from family as well as friends he met playing disc golf, a sport he picked up during the pandemic.

"A bunch of people came through for us," Wasney said, still moved to tears by the generosity. "But there's still the hospital bill."

The takeaway: Billing practices differ by cruise line, but Joe Scott , chair of the cruise ship medicine section of the American College of Emergency Physicians, said medical charges are typically added to a cruise passenger's onboard account, which must be paid before leaving the ship. Individuals can then submit receipts to their insurers for possible reimbursement.

He recommended that those planning to take a cruise purchase travel insurance that specifically covers their trips. "This will facilitate reimbursement if they do incur charges and potentially cover a costly medical evacuation if needed," Scott said.

Royal Caribbean suggests that passengers who receive onboard care submit their paid bills to their health insurer for possible reimbursement. Many health plans do not cover medical services received on cruise ships, however. Medicare will sometimes cover medically necessary health care services on cruise ships, but not if the ship is more than six hours away from a U.S. port.

Travel insurance can be designed to address lots of out-of-town mishaps, like lost baggage or even transportation and lodging for a loved one to visit if a traveler is hospitalized.

Travel medical insurance, as well as plans that offer "emergency evacuation and repatriation," are two types that can specifically assist with medical emergencies. Such plans can be purchased individually. Credit cards may offer travel medical insurance among their benefits, as well.

But travel insurance plans come with limitations. For instance, they may not cover care associated with preexisting conditions or what the plans consider "risky" activities, such as rock climbing. Some plans also require that travelers file first with their primary health insurance before seeking reimbursement from travel insurance.

As with other insurance, be sure to read the fine print and understand how reimbursement works.

Wasney said that's what they plan to do before their next Royal Caribbean cruise. They'd like to go back to the Bahamas on basically the same trip, he said — there's a lot about CocoCay they didn't get to explore.

Emmarie Huetteman of KFF Health News edited the digital story, and Taunya English of KFF Health News edited the audio story. NPR's Will Stone edited the audio and digital story.

KFF Health News , formerly known as Kaiser Health News (KHN), is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF — the independent source for health policy research, polling, and journalism.

• medical bills
• broward health
• travel insurance
• cruise ship
• royal caribbean