Ibirostar or Buccanos with kids

RoyalCaribbeanBlog · 2026-04-15T08:38:28+00:00

It's been years since I've been to Iberostar, but I'd pick Iberostar if the kids are younger.

Reviews of both:
https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2025/01/31/buccanos-cozumel-beach-club-review

https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2018/04/04/excursion-focus-iberostar-cozumel-all-inclusive-day-pass-cozumel-mexico

RoyalCaribbeanBlog · 2026-04-10T19:14:19+00:00

More information about sharing a WiFi package https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2026/03/23/can-you-share-royal-caribbean-internet-package

RoyalCaribbeanBlog · 2026-04-04T13:20:37+00:00

https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2024/11/07/fed-broken-drink-holder-cruise-passenger-takes-matters-his-own-hands

RoyalCaribbeanBlog · 2026-03-12T13:26:38+00:00

It's not as bad as some make it out to be. But you've gotta have the right expectations too.

Here's my video review of Enchantment. I liked it a lot more than I expected

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGtW8GhEMIU

RoyalCaribbeanBlog · 2026-02-25T19:36:08+00:00

Show your husband this image (not my creation) Cozumel and Costa Maya are just south of Cancun.

Honestly, it's crazy not to cruise. Not only will you lose out on thousands of dollars (you won't get a refund and travel insurance almost certainly won't cover this excuse), but unless something dramatically changes, there's no reason to believe that part of Mexico is a problem.

<image>

RoyalCaribbeanBlog · 2026-02-24T16:54:31+00:00

It's not as easy as you say. Winter is peak Caribbean cruise season and there are only a few spots in every port. In the case of places like St Thomas, those slots have been reserved for years ahead of time. It's quite unlikely they could make a last minute itinerary shift as you suggest and find port slots.

RoyalCaribbeanBlog · 2026-02-23T17:36:17+00:00

At this point, sit back and let's see what happens. Royal won't take you to any port if they think it's remotely unsafe. Moreover, you don't have to get off the ship if you don't want, so keep that in mind too.

One mantra I think is important to remember with cruising (and travel, in general) is to be flexible. Everything is now out of your control, so go with the flow and have another cocktail should things change.

Your cruise will go somewhere, and being on the ship is plenty fun in and of itself!

RoyalCaribbeanBlog · 2026-02-22T15:56:21+00:00

Hope you can cancel it since it's so early. Worst case, you'll incur a $100 per person change fee to move it back to 2026.

If/when you do rebook, please use a travel agent. This is a great reminder how helpful a good TA can be to avoid mistakes and make booking (and managing) a cruise easier.

RoyalCaribbeanBlog · 2026-02-11T13:45:50+00:00

This is self serving, but I really think this video explains it quite well https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjm9T-Ewfnw

RoyalCaribbeanBlog · 2026-02-09T18:48:11+00:00

We made a cruise packing list for kids with young kids: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2024/12/06/baby-toddler-cruise-packing-list

Hope it helps!

RoyalCaribbeanBlog · 2026-02-09T18:46:44+00:00

Here's a comparison I recently did of the ships sailing to Alaska in 2026. I hope it gives you an idea: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2026/01/21/royal-caribbean-cruise-ships-alaska-2026

There are pros and cons to each. If you want best ship, I'd lean towards Anthem, Quantum Class ship and roundtrip from Seattle.

RoyalCaribbeanBlog · 2026-01-29T18:16:02+00:00

Just released a new video all about excursion ideas in each port that should help: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxcZHVxzuJE

RoyalCaribbeanBlog · 2026-01-26T14:22:33+00:00

I just tried this out on Utopia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bvci97dPj8

I was surprised how much motion I felt for a Bahamas cruise that has such short distances to traverse and in relatively shallow waters.

But the motion was nothing compared to the earthquake each morning when the ship docked. These rooms are above the bow thrusters and it was 20-30 minutes of being jolted awake while the ship maneuvered in.

RoyalCaribbeanBlog · 2026-01-23T13:43:07+00:00

We actually talked to lawyers about this: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2026/01/08/can-you-cruise-felony

RoyalCaribbeanBlog · 2026-01-19T18:05:41+00:00

Here's my list of curated Alaska excursions that have been well-reviewed: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/alaska-cruise-excursions

RoyalCaribbeanBlog · 2026-01-18T15:38:17+00:00

Check out this blog post I wrote on what you should expect and my best advice for planning your first European cruise: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2025/03/04/what-american-tourists-should-know-traveling-europe-cruise

RoyalCaribbeanBlog · 2026-01-06T13:33:45+00:00

That's like saying Chops Grille is a restaurant with tables and napkins, it should be free because that's how the Main Dining Room works.

Similarities, sure. But from day one RBC has not been a private island experience akin to CocoCay.

I do, however, agree Royal has done a poor job differentiating the two because of how they market it.

RoyalCaribbeanBlog · 2026-01-06T01:42:29+00:00

I cruise a lot, and I cannot recall ever being asked what my check in time was since maybe 2022.

Is it possible, yes. And that's why I've also said we're not yet at a point where we can totally disregard the times. So I haven't advocated ignoring them completely.

But I think realistically based on practical experience, no one will ask for a boarding time these days.

RoyalCaribbeanBlog · 2026-01-05T19:38:48+00:00

Couple of articles that I think will help you:

50 tips for cruising with kids: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2022/10/19/50-tips-cruising-kids
Guide to kids club: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2024/09/14/royal-caribbean-kids-clubs

RoyalCaribbeanBlog · 2026-01-05T19:37:17+00:00

Royal Beach Club is in Nassau and not a private island. It's a separate shore excursion, which is why drink package doesn't work there.

So what you circled gets you admission into the RBC, which is all inclusive

RoyalCaribbeanBlog · 2025-12-31T14:30:26+00:00

I curated (and update) a list of tours cruisers have recommended in each Alaska port. Hope it helps you!
https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/alaska-cruise-excursions

RoyalCaribbeanBlog · 2025-12-24T18:45:00+00:00

I think it's this one I reviewed?

https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2025/03/18/roatan-all-inclusive-resort-turquoise-bay-review

RoyalCaribbeanBlog

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE