Q: Who is this cruise for?
A: For everyone! Families, couples, solo travelers, girls/guys trip! Royal Caribbean has something for everyone!
I will be on the trip as well, so if you're traveling alone, you will at least know 1 person!
Q: If I travel with the group, am I expected to do everything with the group?
A: Not at all! I'm hosting this group as a way for you to experience a new destination without feeling like you're navigating it on your own. I'll be available to make recommendations, suggestions, answer questions, etc. But please don't feel as if you don't have the freedom to enjoy your trip! This isn't an elementary school field trip; you have the autonomy to do as you please!
Q: I'm very interested! What documents do I need?
A: You will need a valid US Passport, with at least 3 months validity beyond your return date. For example, if you plan to travel back home the day the cruise returns to Rome, then your passport should be valid 3 months after this date. Currently, there is no visa requirement for US passport holders. However, by 2025, there will be a pre-travel authorization requirement for US passport holders. More information can be found on the European Travel Information and Authorisation System site. As that program rolls out, I will provide updates. It's also best to keep an eye on the Department of State website. That site will have the latest information on travel requirements.
Royal Caribbean also has a great Required Travel Documents hub.
Q: Are there payment plans?
A: Absolutely! After the initial deposit is paid to secure your stateroom, I can set up a payment plan for you that will divide the remaining balance into equal amounts. This will ensure that the total is paid in full by the final payment due date. Since the cruise isn't until June 15, 2025, you have until March 10, 2025 to pay it off!
Q: Where does the cruise depart from?
A: The cruise departs from the Civitavecchia cruise port, which is located ~50 miles from Rome, Italy. The closest airport is Fiumicino International Airport (also known as Leonardo Da Vinci Airport) (FCO). I recommend selecting a flight that lands in Rome the day before the cruise. Because most flights will be overnight, I recommend a flight departure date of June 13 because it will land in Rome on June 14.
Q: Will you help with flights?
A: Yes! One of the reasons I selected Royal Caribbean was because they have a fantastic Air2Sea program! The program allows you to book flights directly with the cruise line, and the best part is, the final payment date is the same final payment date as the cruise! This means you can secure your flight and have plenty of time to pay it off. To learn more about Royal's Air2Sea program, click below.
Q: If I fly into Rome the day before the cruise, where will I stay?
A: I plan to secure hotel lodging for the night before the cruise! Hotel details and costs will be provided about 7-8 months before the trip. Lodging should not come to more than $450/night per room (based on double occupancy) and will include complimentary breakfast. You can indicate on the Booking Form whether you'd like me to handle your arrangements or if you'd prefer to secure accommodations on your own.
Q: How will I get to and from the Rome airport and the cruise port?
A: I plan to organize transfers to/from Rome–Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino International Airport and transfers to/from the Civitavecchia cruise port.
Transfer details and associated costs will be provided about 7-8 months before the trip. You can indicate on the Booking Form whether you'd like me to handle your transfers or if you'd prefer to secure transfers on your own.
Q: Is travel insurance or travel protection available?
A: Absolutely! And it's also highly recommended! Royal Caribbean offers Travel Protection, which includes medical, baggage and evacuation coverages. But please note, their protection only covers the elements booked through their company. You can also use the link below to generate a quote from a third party insurance company, Allianz Travel Insurance, which may offer a more comprehensive plan. Allianz also has several FAQs to help you make the best decision. I am NOT a travel insurance agent, so if you need questions answered regarding travel insurance, I can connect you to one of Allianz's licensed travel insurance agents.
Most plans need to be purchased within a certain amount of time after initial deposit payment, so you definitely don't want to delay.
Q: Am I expected to tip, and are tips included in the cost of the cruise?
A: In order to compensate the crew for the amazing work that they do to ensure guests have a great experience, currently Royal Caribbean charges a service gratuity of $18 per day per person. You are able to pre-pay the service gratuities. The benefit of prepaying is that it protects you from any gratuity increases. If you've already paid, you will not be subject to this increase. If you choose not to pre-pay, Royal Caribbean will add the gratuities to your bill during the cruise.
Both travelers do not have to pre-pay. One traveler can still pre-pay even if the other chooses not to.
Q: What if I need special accommodations on the cruise?
A: Royal Caribbean is dedicated to making the cruise experience suitable for all. If you require an accommodation, please reach out to me as soon as possible so that I can assist with arrangements.
Q: What if the entire stateroom needs to be canceled?
A: If the entire stateroom is being cancelled before the final payment date, you're able to get a full refund of any costs paid to Royal Caribbean (minus travel protection and if you selected a non-refundable flight). That's the beauty of a refundable deposit!
If the entire stateroom is being cancelled, after the final payment date, penalties will be assessed as follows:
March 18, 2025 - 25% penalty per guest
April 2, 2025 - 50% penalty per guest
April 16, 2025 - 75% penalty per guest
May 16, 2025 - 100% penalty per guest
Q: What if I am sharing a stateroom and we are splitting the cost, and then the other traveler needs to cancel?
A: If a traveler has to cancel, but the remaining traveler still wants to cruise, the remaining traveler has two options:
1. Replace the traveler with another
OR
2. Pay double occupancy for the stateroom
When the traveler cancels, the remaining traveler must pay another $250 the same day in order to satisfy the full deposit. If the traveler is being replaced with another traveler, then that traveler needs to pay the $250 deposit the same day. Each stateroom must have at least a $500 deposit at all times.
For the traveler who cancels, if it is before the final payment date, you will receive a refund from Royal Caribbean. If the cancellation occurs after the final payment date, then you will either be penalized according to the cancellation schedule and lose that money, or will need to file a claim with the travel insurance company to recoup your monetary loss (in accordance with the travel insurance plan terms).
Q: I will be traveling alone. Am I still able to join the group?
A: Please do! The more the merrier! Pricing Details reflects pricing for a stateroom with two people. The Odyssey has a very limited number of staterooms for a solo traveler, but a solo traveler can still book a stateroom meant for double occupancy! Please reach out and I can give you pricing for a solo traveler.
Q: I'll be traveling with my family and we will need more than one stateroom. Can that be arranged?
A: Yes it can! Please use the link below to reach out with more details so I can assist.
Q: What if I get sick during the cruise?
A: Royal Caribbean takes the health and safety of all guests and crew very seriously! The cruise line has a Guest Health, Safety, and Conduct Policy which explains all procedures in place to ensure the health & safety of all. They also have several hand sanitizer and hand washing stations throughout the ship! Every Royal Caribbean ship offers limited professional medical services through licensed (international or domestic) physicians and nurses.
Q: What are shore excursions?
A: Shore excursions are activities that you can pay to do with the cruise line in each port. They're 100% optional, but they're a great way to explore the port. The top reasons to book a Shore Excursion are because it is convenient. There is an expansive variety with excursions for every type of traveler. Lastly, because when you book a Shore Excursion you have priority. Royal Caribbean ensures that you are the first off the ship in order to maximize your adventure time.
Through your Royal Caribbean cruise planner you can book shore excursions. You also can book shore excursions on the ship, but there may be less availability.
Q: I'm interested in extending my trip. Could you assist me with this?
A: Unfortunately, because I plan to focus my efforts on organizing the group cruise, I'll be unable to organize individual pre/post cruise plans as well. I never want the quality of my service to suffer. However, I'm happy to provide recommendations on how to make the most of your trip!
Q: How can I make sure I am prepared for the cruise?
A: The first thing you'll need to do is make sure you have the proper travel documents. I'll be sending out helpful information leading up to the cruise to help you prepare! This information will include packing checklists, instructions on creating a Royal Caribbean account, pre-booking activities in your cruise planner, best practices for airport travel, and much more!
Q: What is a dining package?
A: Odyssey of the Seas includes 9 complimentary dining venues. But for those travelers who want to elevate their experience, you can opt to purchase a dining package. This will allow you to enjoy dinner at a few of the 8 specialty restaurants onboard. If there's only one specialty restaurant you want to try, you can book reservations individually without needing to purchase a dining package. You can either purchase the dining package before the cruise through the cruise planner or onboard the ship.
Q: What is a beverage package?
A: On Royal Caribbean, ice water, coffee, tea, lemonade and juices are included in your cruise fare.
For those travelers who would like specialty coffee (There's a Starbucks onboard!), bottled water, alcoholic beverages, soda, and non-alcoholic specialty drinks, a beverage package might be for you! You can purchase individuals drinks on the ship at your leisure, but it may be a better value to purchase a beverage package.
Please note, for any guest wishing to purchase an alcoholic beverage package, all guests of legal drinking age in the same stateroom must purchase one as well.
All other beverage packages can be purchased by individual guests; however all packages are for single guest use and cannot be shared by multiple people.
You can purchase the package either before the cruise through the cruise planner or onboard the ship.
Q: Will there be internet available on the ship?
A: Royal Caribbean offers the fastest internet at sea! All travelers need to download the Royal Caribbean app before boarding the ship. You can utilize the app to keep abreast of ship activities, make reservations, and communicate with other cruisers without the purchase of an internet plan.
For those travelers who require internet access to check emails, stream videos, access social media sites, etc., you can purchase a Voom Internet plan either before the cruise through the cruise planner or onboard the ship.