Royal Caribbean Blog

It's normal to have a lot of questions about booking a cruise because of how personal the different options are during the booking process.

After all, cruise ships are a complex, all-in-one vacation that happens on the ocean, and it's your choice how you enjoy it.

And what should new cruisers know first about Royal Caribbean?

To find out, you won’t have to wade through Reddit posts or wait on hold to speak to Royal Caribbean representatives any longer. 

Here are answers to 8 questions a lot of people are sometimes too embarrassed to ask when it comes to their cruise.

1. Do I really need to pay gratuities?

When you book your cruise, you’ll find an additional gratuity charge will be added to your cruise fare, either before or after the sailing.

If you elect to prepay the gratuities, you’ll pay this in the final price before your sailing.

If not, you’ll receive a charge on your SeaPass account for each day of your cruise.

The service gratuity is currently $18 per person, per day, for guests in non-suite or Junior Suite staterooms.

For guests in Suites, the charge is $20.50 per person, per day.

Read more: Tipping on a cruise ship: what you should and shouldn't do

This charge is based on industry standards, charged for each guest as a way to reward crew members for their service.

While you can remove the gratuities from your account, it is not a good idea. It is split among all the crew members you will encounter on your cruise: waitstaff, bartenders, culinary services staff, stateroom attendants, and the hotel services team.

Because Royal Caribbean crew members work hard to provide exemplary service, these gratuities are a way to reward them.

These are required as part of your cruise fare, but it means that you don’t need to tip crew members individually unless you so desire.

Read more: 10 reasons why I didn't want to go on a cruise, but glad I gave it a try

2. How easy is it to fall off a cruise ship?

Whenever a guest does unfortunately fall off a cruise ship, it becomes a well-reported news story.

So it’s easy for first-time cruisers to fear such a tragedy happening to them.

How likely is it that you could actually fall off a cruise ship deck or balcony?

The reality is that it’s almost impossible to accidentally fall off a cruise ship.

All railings are built to be at least chest-high, around four feet tall. 

Incidents in which someone does fall off a cruise ship usually happen because they climbed on top of a railing or purposely jumped off.

As long as you are following Royal Caribbean rules, it's very unlikely that you could fall off a cruise ship into the ocean.

3. Is the water safe to drink on a cruise ship?

Given that a cruise ship floats and is unattached to typical plumbing systems on land, you might wonder if the tap water is safe to drink on board.

The answer is yes, all the water is rigorously distilled or purified according to sanitation standards approved by the U.S. Public Health Service.

The water is regularly desalinated, treated, filtered, and tested to confirm the water quality.

All Royal Caribbean ships are also inspected frequently for sanitation.

Read more: 15 free things to try on your next cruise

4. Is a Guarantee Cabin worth it?

When you book your cruise, you will have the option to choose your exact stateroom or go for a guarantee stateroom.

A guarantee cabin is when you select the cabin type you prefer (interior, oceanview, balcony, or suite), and Royal Caribbean assigns one to you at a lower price.

You are promised your chosen category of cabin, but give up the ability to choose the exact location.

Usually, cruise lines offer this option as a way to sell less-desirable cabins, and make sure a ship is filled before the sail date.

If you select this option, you will be assigned a specific cabin a few weeks before your cruise.

It’s a great money-saving strategy, but it means giving up control of the exact stateroom you cruise in.

To decide whenever it’s worth it, consider how flexible you are on the location of your cabin, and compare that with the deal you’ll get from booking a guarantee stateroom.

If the deal saves you a good amount of money, or if you’re open to multiple different cabins, booking guarantee is a great idea.

Read more: I took my first cruise ever and here's what I expected vs what actually happened

5. Do crew members sleep on the cruise ship?

Where do the crew members sleep when they’re done working?

Just like guests, the crew members sleep on board during a cruise. 

In fact, their contracts last months at a time, during which they are living onboard.

There are special crew quarters onboard, where crew members share a small cabin with one or more roommates.

The size of the cabins vary, but they run small—definitely smaller than the guest cabins.

Most crew cabins are around 120 square feet.

Crew members also have a separate set of amenities onboard, like a laundromat, crew gym facilities, hair salons, and a separate cafeteria and bar.

Read more: Royal Caribbean crew member reveals what it's like when joining a cruise ship

6. I'm really scared of being out on the open ocean. Am I crazy?

It’s normal to have a fear of the ocean, but some people worry that this might stop them from cruising.

The reality is that a cruise could actually be a great way to confront and overcome that fear.

Cruise ships are incredibly safe—the odds of dying on one are about 1 in 6.25 million.

Cruising is one of the safest forms of travel, especially compared to cars, which we use every day.

Vessels are very carefully built, regulated, and monitored. Ships receive frequent safety inspections, and most cruise lines go above and beyond government requirements.

Not only that, but cruise ships are very large—you won’t feel like you’re floating on the ocean.

They are more like huge hotels, where you’ll have too much fun to even worry about feeling scared.

You don't have to get close to the ocean at all. Instead, you’ll be able to admire its beauty from afar.

If you are afraid of traveling on a smaller boat, just avoid a cruise that uses tenders, which are smaller boats that transport you to shore.

You’ll have a fun, safe time on the cruise ship.

Read more: 15 things I look forward to every time I go on a cruise ship

7. How do I meet the Captain while I’m onboard?

The Captain is responsible for everything on the cruise ship, so will you have an opportunity to meet this important figure?

How interactive the captain is with passengers depends on the captain and the ship, each person is unique.

On some cruises, the Captain and Cruise Director hold a question-and-answer session for guests to ask about the workings of the ship.

After that event, there’s usually an opportunity to meet the Captain.

Some cruises also have a Captain’s welcome aboard reception, during which the Captain makes a toast and takes photos with guests.

To find the time and location of these events, you can check your Cruise Compass or Royal Caribbean app.

8. Will I be bored on a cruise?

Out of all the fears you may have about cruising, this one would be the most unreasonable.

A Royal Caribbean cruise is filled with an overwhelming amount of activities you can take part in, most of them being completely free.

The exact activities vary depending on the ship and sailing, but each day of your cruise is guaranteed to have a variety of activities.

If you’re looking for physical and sports events, check out a rock climbing wall, mini golf, the sports court, the FlowRider surf simulator, water slides, the zip line, ice skating, laser tag, or fitness classes.

If entertainment and shows are more your style, there are games, live music, theater and musical performances, comedians, acrobats, and karaoke nights.

For those who prefer to live on the edge and gamble, each cruise ship has a casino and bingo events.

More activities include nightclub events, movies, parades, tours, and educational classes.  And of course there are multiple trivia contests every day.

Besides all these activities, there are several pools and hot tubs, and a wealth of different venues to try.

Read more: Cruising with teenagers: Will they have fun on a Royal Caribbean cruise?

While I was on a week-long spring break retreat, I noticed a few mistakes people were making. These mistakes can happen to first-time cruisers as well as experienced cruisers like myself.

I sailed on Harmony of the Seas, which is one of Royal Caribbean's biggest ships in the fleet.

From not making reservations for the production shows to showing up late for events, these mistakes can be easily avoided with some planning and preparation.

By telling you what I saw, I hope you will learn what not to do on your upcoming cruise. I hope my advice will help you have a more enjoyable vacation!

1. Not making show reservations as early as you can

Cruisers sailing on an Icon, Quantum, or Oasis Class ship need to remember to make show reservations before they set sail. These shows are typically the Broadway productions (like Grease on Harmony of the Seas), comedy acts, and various shows in Studio B, the AquaTheater, and Two70.

Reservations can be made on the Cruise Planner website before the cruise begins. You can wait to make reservations when onboard, but it’s recommended that you do it online rather than waiting to do it on the ship. You will most likely find that many guests make reservations before getting onboard, so if you wait, a show that you want to see may already be full.

Making reservations early ensures you will see the show you want, and it doesn't cost you anything! By making reservations early, you can select the date and time that works for your schedule. If you wait, you may be stuck with a show reservation that is too late or too early for your liking.

According to the Royal Caribbean website, reservations open on the Cruise Planner “on the first day of the month before the sailing.” So if your cruise is on June 15, reservations will open on May 1.

There was one show my friend and I were not able to make reservations for on the Cruise Planner. Luckily, when we got onboard on embarkation day, I checked the Royal Caribbean app and was able to quickly snag two seats that opened up for the comedy show on the second day of the cruise.

We were happy that we made reservations as soon as we could for all the other shows because at every show we went to, there was always a line of people waiting in the standby area to get inside the venue.

If you find yourself with no reservation, it’s advised to get to the standby line 30-45 minutes before the show. It’s common for some people who secured a reservation to change their minds and not show up. The earlier you are in the standby line, the more likely you will get in to see the show.

Read more: The 20 worst cruise mistakes that will ruin your cruise vacation

2. Not getting to shows or activities early enough

Speaking of long lines, another lesson I learned while on Harmony of the Seas is to get to shows and activities early to avoid crowds.

Not every event on Harmony of the Seas required a reservation. All of the main shows I mentioned earlier required a reservation (excluding one at the AquaTheater), but many of the daily activities were a free-for-all.

For example, there was one night when we wanted to go to the Finish That Lyric game show. My friend and I grabbed a drink and headed over to where the event was taking place a few minutes before the show started, but we were shocked to see that people were crowding outside of the venue. People could hardly get inside to see the game show, and once you were inside, it was impossible to find a seat.

This instance happened a few times where small venues would host popular events and it would become crowded rather quickly. If you want to attend an event and have a decent seat, I would recommend you get to the venue at least 20-30 minutes before it starts.

Read more: Harmony of the Seas review: What this cruise ship is like in 2024

3. Trying to do everything on the first day

Harmony of the Seas is a giant ship with so much to do, including the Ultimate Abyss, FlowRider, zipline, and more. Because our particular sailing had lots of people (we were sailing at nearly full capacity), there was often a line for these activities.

I noticed on the first day of the cruise, the line for the Ultimate Abyss was so long that it was wrapped around the FlowRider. I couldn't believe how many people were standing out in the hot sun waiting to go down the slide. My friend and I decided to do the slide on one of the sea days, and when we went, there wasn't a line! I think this was because we went at a random time of the day, around 2 p.m.

You don’t have to do everything on the first day of your cruise. You will have plenty of time to do everything the ship has to offer, especially if you are on a long cruise. On short cruises, though, you will probably feel the pressure to do everything on day one.

A tip I would recommend to cruisers is to try to do some of the free activities while docked in port. This means people will be off the ship and there will be fewer lines. Do keep in mind that many of the activities have different hours on sea days versus port days. On port days, the activities are usually open for only a few hours. In this instance, I would recommend doing these activities at times of the day when people are busy eating, like lunch or dinner time.

Also, to get an idea of what times activities are offered before embarking on your cruise, you can look at the daily compasses we have on our website. By planning ahead, you won’t have to miss out on experiencing all the fun activities onboard.

4. Not reserving a dining time for My Time Dining

When booking a Royal Caribbean cruise, you have the option between Traditional Dining or My Time Dining.

Personally, I always choose Traditional Dining because I enjoy sitting at the same table every night and being served by the same waitstaff. I love the ease of being able to walk in and go to my assigned table without ever having to wait to be seated.

When you select My Time Dining, you eat dinner in the Main Dining Room whenever you want; on Harmony of the Seas, it's from 6:30 to 9 p.m. You can choose to make a dinner reservation ahead of time or show up at the Main Dining Room and wait to be seated.

There are two lines for My Time Dining each evening: those with a reservation and those without. The line for no reservations was super long every night on my cruise! I overheard someone say they had to wait for an hour because the line went all the way through the Main Dining Room lobby and up the nearby staircase.

To avoid the chaos of the My Time Dining non-reservation line, I recommend making dinner reservations as soon as you can, whether before or during your cruise. This does somewhat defeat the purpose of being able to eat whenever you want, but if you want to avoid the long lines every night, making a reservation is much easier and could save you waiting a long time in line.

5. Only eating at the included dining venues

One of my favorite parts of cruising is enjoying all the food onboard. On Harmony of the Seas, there are so many places to try, but not all of them are included in your cruise fare.

While I normally like all the complimentary food, such as Sorrentos and Park Cafe, my two favorite meals during my cruise were at specialty restaurants.

On the first night of the cruise, we chose to eat at Jamie’s Italian for dinner. Because I am a Diamond Plus loyalty member, I was able to use the BOGO specialty dinner offer - this can only be used on the first or second night of the cruise.

The food at Jamie’s Italian was amazing and high quality. My favorite dishes were the arancini, truffle tagliatelle, and the chocolate brownie with caramel gelato.

During one of our sea days, my friend and I enjoyed Johnny Rockets for lunch. To eat here, it cost $15 per person. I haven’t eaten at Johnny Rockets for many years, so I thought it was fun to try something different. The food tasted great and I loved the BBQ chicken bacon melt, cheesy french fries, and super sundae.

While it's totally fine to eat at just the included venues during your cruise, I recommend you try at least one of the specialty restaurants for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. I don't think you will be disappointed!

Read more: I stayed in the cheapest cabin on Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas for $463 a night. Take a look inside my 172-square-foot cabin

6. Not following the rules

On the last day of the cruise, my friend and I were seated in the Royal Theater waiting for the late-night comedy show to start. As we were waiting, I saw two odd things occur. First, I saw two people in the front row get out their vape and blow big clouds in the air. They weren't even trying to hide it! Then a few moments later, a young woman ran up on stage and yelled something to the crowd. She was clearly intoxicated. Very quickly, a security guard took her off the stage.

This story is a reminder to all to follow the rules that are in place!

You are allowed to smoke and vape in designated areas on the ship, but certainly not in indoor venues like the theater. Don’t try to sneak in your cigarettes or vapes, even on your private balcony.

Also, know your limits when it comes to alcohol. While Royal Caribbean doesn’t restrict the number of drinks you can have, don’t go overboard and think you can do whatever you want, like run on stage!

Read more: Things that can get you kicked off a cruise ship in an instant

7. Trying to make an early flight after the cruise

If you flew to your cruise port, it’s recommended that you do not book your flight home any earlier than noon.

Of course, this varies where the airport is in relation to the cruise port. For example, you could probably get away with booking an earlier flight if you cruised from Port Everglades because the Fort Lauderdale airport is a quick 10-minute drive from the port. However, if you are cruising out of Galveston, as I did for Harmony of the Seas, it’s important to know that the Houston airports are much farther away from the port.

My flight was at noon on disembarkation day, so I got off the ship at 8 a.m. and was in the Lyft by 8:30 a.m. After an hour-long drive, I made it to the HOU airport in time for my flight.

My friend had an even later flight, so she opted to purchase the Royal Caribbean shuttle from Galveston to the IAH airport. This cost her $45, which was cheaper to purchase than a Lyft/Uber because it's an hour and a half drive. For context, my hour-long Lyft ride was around $90 with a tip. I was not able to purchase the shuttle to HOU because my flight was technically too early (at 11:50 a.m.).

On the bus, my friend overheard a family panic about potentially not making it to the airport on time for their flight at noon. The bus didn't leave the port until 9 a.m., and by the time they got to the airport, it was around 10:30 a.m. If there was a long line to check bags, or there was another delay, I am not sure if they would've made their flight!

To avoid extra stress on disembarkation day, try to book a later flight option. You can never be guaranteed what time you will be cleared to disembark the ship. Sometimes catching a Lyft or Uber can take longer than expected, too.

If you only have an early flight option, there are a few things you can do to get off the ship at the earliest possible time. If you choose a self-assist departure, you can carry off all your luggage yourself and not have to wait for your bags. You can get the earliest departure time as well, which on Harmony of the Seas was 8 a.m. If you are doing the regular departure, you can request the first time slot to get off the ship by doing so in the app or visiting Guest Services before disembarkation day.

Eating on a cruise ship is one of the major draws of this type of vacation, and there are plenty of great snacks to enjoy along the way!

From fancy specialty restaurants to complimentary snack stops, there's a cuisine for everyone to try.

But over the limited length of your cruise, you won't get the chance to try everything. Many ships have 8-10 dining venues onboard, so you'll never be able to try every dish at each one.

To maximize your time, you'll need to know the essentials that keep cruisers coming back for more.

We took to Facebook to poll our readers on their thoughts.

Through a post on the Royal Caribbean Dining Facebook Group, we asked users about their favorite snack on any Royal Caribbean ship.

We received hundreds of comments, with readers sharing dishes that they grab the first thing when they get onboard and meals that have them Googling the recipe when they get home.

Here are the top snacks in the whole Royal Caribbean fleet.

Coconut Ranger cookies

Kathleen Smith (and many other readers) shared that her favorite snack is the coconut ranger cookie.

Peggy Czerkies added that she brings Ziplock bags on her cruise just to tuck those cookies away and bring them back to the cabin.

The Coconut Ranger cookies are a fan favorite, a must-try snack that's offered at complimentary venues like the Park Cafe and Promenade Cafe.

Read more: Top 5 signature Royal Caribbean foods

The Ranger cookies are essentially chewy coconutty praline cookies. They can be made with whatever you have lying around, like oatmeal, or chocolate chips.

Royal Caribbean's version adds shredded coconut chips and coconut milk for the extra texture and flavor.

Cruisers love these cookies for their sweet, nutty flavor and chewy texture. Some commenters shared that they like to sandwich the cookies around a scoop of soft-serve ice cream for an extra kick of sweetness.

Sorrento's Pizza

Steve Cohen goes straight for Sorrento's Pizza when he needs a midnight snack.

Sorrento's Pizza is a Royal Caribbean staple, a complimentary pizza place open most of the day serving up New York-style pizza.

Specific times vary depending on the sailing and day, but Sorrento's is often open from 11:00 A.M. up until 2:00 A.M.

The venue is a casual, open-air space that is usually located somewhere central in the ship, like on the Royal Promenade.

Hot, gooey slices of pizza come in several flavors: cheese, pepperoni, Margherita, and Carnivore.

You can choose as many pieces and flavors as your heart desires.

Tuna sandwiches

The Park Cafe or Cafe Promenade is a small, complimentary venue often open in the afternoon, perfect for a late lunch or afternoon snack.

These areas serve up a variety of salads, fruits, and small sandwiches.

Nicole Decker likes the tuna sandwiches, calling them, "amazing for when we wanted something savory."

The sandwich selections change daily, so you can always keep coming back to find new favorites.

There are even gluten-free and other options for those who have dietary restrictions.

Read more: 10 unique foods you will find on Royal Caribbean

Kummelweck

The kummelweck is another favorite sandwich offered at the Park Cafe, Cafe Two70, and Cafe Promenade.

It's a Western New York tradition, a warm, sliced roast beef sandwich on a kummelweck roll.

The kummelweck is a cruiser staple, something that fans come back for over and over.

Ann-Marie Skiffington Butler called the sandwich "to die for," and many users echoed her sentiment.

Joe Bellardini wrote that he loves these sandwiches, and the Park Cafe is the "first place place I hit after boarding."

We lost count of all the comments praising this sandwich!

Roasted tomatoes

Debbie Brommeland Riefner shared a more unusual favorite snack: roasted tomatoes in the Windjammer.

The complimentary buffet on all Royal Caribbean ships serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the roasted tomatoes can usually be found at breakfast.

Debbie commented: "I could eat my weight in them for breakfast... weird because I don't eat tomatoes for breakfast at home."

These roasted tomatoes are a warm, savory favorite, perfect with bacon, eggs, or alone with a sprinkle of salt.

Feta-stuffed sweet peppers

Greg Burdine commented that his favorite snack is the feta-stuffed pimentos served at Vintages bar.

Vintages is a popular nighttime bar venue, decorated in dark and heavy woods, with a quiet elegant atmosphere.

The bar is known for its alcoholic drinks, particularly a selection of fine wines.

However, snacks are also served here at an extra cost.

The feta-stuff sweet peppers cost $2.50 and are made by stuffing pimentos (aka sweet cherry chili peppers) with feta cheese.

They're a small, savory snack—the perfect pairing for a red wine, such as merlot.

Chocolate croissant

Royal Caribbean's chocolate croissants can be found around breakfast time, usually at the Windjammer or the Main Dining Room.

Read more: How Royal Caribbean's Main Dining Room works and what to expect

Rochelle Root Bushey loves the chocolate croissants, "so much that I pick up an extra at breakfast and save it for later."

Saving items for later is always a bonus of being on a cruise ship.

You can tuck your food into a Ziploc bag, or a napkin, or even just bring the plate back to your stateroom.

The food will be there when you're ready to enjoy it again.

Oatmeal raisin cookies

Melanie Lorino commented that she likes Royal Caribbean's oatmeal raisin cookies located at the Windjammer and cafes.

"[They're] never my go-to cookie but Royal nails it," she wrote.

Royal Caribbean's oatmeal raisin cookies are an extra-warm, extra-soft version of the familiar snack.

You'll be able to find them at almost any complimentary dining venue, such as the Windjammer, Park Cafe, or Cafe Promenade.

Read more: 11 things you should never do at a cruise ship buffet

Funnel cake

Another set of favorite Royal Caribbean snacks can be found off the ships and on Perfect Day at CocoCay.

The cruise line's private island has beaches, pools, chairs, and—more importantly—a variety of popular, complimentary snacks and meals.

Beth Ballard Bean commented that the funnel cake on CocoCay is her favorite.

It's a hot, deep-fried scramble of batter, topped with powdered sugar and served on a small plate.

You'll see lots of guests—from old to young—enjoying this free snack on Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Read more: What to do at CocoCay? 18 things to try on your visit

Buffalo chicken crunch roll

Katina Bradley commented that her favorite savory snack is the Buffalo chicken crunch roll.

Playmakers is the Royal Caribbean arcade and sports bar.

This venue is located on Freedom of the Seas, Icon of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, Star of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Utopia of the Seas, and Wonder of the Seas.

In addition to showing sports games and offering arcade machines, Playmakers serves casual finger food and beers at an extra cost.

The Buffalo chicken crunch roll is a crunchy wrap of chicken and melted cheese. It comes with buffalo and blue cheese sauce and is sold for $5.

Traveling to a completely new continent is an intimidating experience.

To help you prepare for your next European cruise, I’ll share 8 things I learned through experience.

My first trip to Europe happened last November, and I learned some important lessons from that cruise.

I sailed on Enchantment of the Seas for my first Mediterranean voyage.

Not only was this my first Mediterranean cruise, but it was also my first visit to the entire continent of Europe!

The 7-night sailing traveled to exotic locations at multiple ports: Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, Palma de Mallorca, and Barcelona.

As with any experience, I couldn’t have predicted the lessons I learned on this wintery cruise.

These are the 8 aspects that most surprised me, but all in all, my number one tip is to immerse yourself as deeply as possible in the culture, language, and unique sights.

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so don’t be afraid to experience everything you can!

Read more: What is the best time to cruise the Mediterranean?

1. Shore excursions are the highlight of a Mediterranean cruise

From Alaska to the Caribbean, different cruises have different attractions.

Nature lovers might select an Alaskan cruise, while those who love beaches and culture will choose a cruise to the Caribbean.

Each location has its own set of features to draw cruisers in, but you don’t always know what to expect until you experience the cruise.

When it comes to a Mediterranean cruise, the shore excursions at historical locations are really the draw. 

A sailing to the Mediterranean is like to have more port stops than a Caribbean cruise. 

I found that the majority of my budget for the cruise went towards shore excursions, with my focus zeroed in on seeing the local architecture, history, landscapes, and monuments.

Read more: Is it worth booking an inside cabin for a Mediterranean cruise?

2. Learn a few words of the local language to be polite

This is one tip that I didn’t follow, but looking back, I wish that I had. 

American tourists have an unfortunate reputation for being ignorant and rude, and it’s something I always try to be mindful of when I travel internationally.

I noticed that some people I encountered on my cruise gave me more of a cold shoulder when they heard my accent.

Of course, almost everyone I encountered spoke English, so that I could get around Greece and Spain without any trouble.

However, I wish that I had learned a few words in Greek to be more polite.

There’s no requirement to be fluent, but just learning a few phrases such as “please” and “thank you” goes a long way.

It shows politeness and knowledge, and after my cruise there, I could tell that I would be appreciated.

3. Most shops rely on cards instead of cash

When you begin preparing for your first cruise, you’ll see that many blogs and experts recommend bringing a selection of cash onboard.

However, this doesn’t necessarily apply to a European cruise. Most of Europe has phased out the use of cash, only using credit and debit cards.

Not only that but paying with a card also means that you don’t have to exchange any bills.

Most American cards work at any hotel, shop, or restaurant in Europe.

4. When it comes to cards, don’t bring American Express

As you pack your credit cards for a Mediterranean cruise, remember that most places don’t take American Express cards.

I had to find this out the hard way, as I was attempting to pay for souvenirs at a shop on the island of Mykonos, Greece.

The shopkeeper regretfully told me they couldn’t accept any American Express cards, so I had to find a different card to use.

As you prepare for your cruise, try to bring a different card type, such as Visa or Mastercard.

To save yourself more time and money, look for a card that doesn’t have foreign transaction fees, and let your bank know that you’re traveling.

With this preparation, you’ll have quick and seamless point-of-sale transactions in any country on your cruise.

Read more: I’ve been on 3 European cruises, and I see people making the same 12 mistakes: here’s how to avoid them

5. You’ll need a good pair of walking shoes

With shore excursions being the highlight of a Mediterranean cruise, you’ll also need to be prepared for the amount of walking they involve.

Walkable cities are the norm in Europe, and sometimes your tours will consist of long walks around a historical site or shopping area.

Not only that, but sometimes taxis are harder to find, so you may need to walk to get where you need to go.

For example, at ports of call on my cruise, I found that I had to walk from the cruise port or wherever the tender boat dropped us off, to the next area of interest.

If I wanted to get to the beach on Mykonos or find a restaurant in Athens, I needed to walk.

Considering all the walking you’ll be doing, it’s important to prepare by getting a good pair of walking shoes.

Some of the roads are older and cobbled, so planning ahead will protect your feet for a whole cruise of walking tours.

6. Have modest clothing on hand

When I researched the type of clothing I should pack for my Mediterranean cruise, I found classic lookbooks of flowing linens, wide pants, and comfortable white shirts. 

However, I also learned that packing some more modest clothing would come in handy for my cruise.

Greece is still deeply influenced by its Orthodox history and is home to many beautiful, historical churches.

No matter your religious beliefs, these locations are worth seeing, but before you enter, there are some important customs to be aware of.

To enter any church, patrons should be wearing modest clothing, with their shoulders, cleavage, and knees covered.

Even if you don’t plan on attending any churches, I recommend bringing along a shawl or jacket just in case. 

You never know when you might stumble upon a particularly beautiful or old church, and long to see the inside.

7. Try the food recommended by locals, not just the most well-known dishes

When it comes to the food in the Mediterranean, it’s hard to be disappointed.

I went crazy trying everything I could: cheeses, fresh fruit, olives, salads, and more.

But when you’re looking at the menu and deciding what to order, don’t go straight for the dish that you recognize first.

While the most well-known dishes are certainly good, I found that I discovered some unexpected gems when I asked the waitstaff or other locals what they recommended.

More Americanized dishes still tasted great—even the ingredients were better—but the meals that I tried based on local recommendations were heavenly.

This applies to venues onboard Royal Caribbean ships, not just land restaurants. The food onboard the ship was better than on any other sailing I’ve experienced. 

8. Download WhatsApp for the quickest communication

For Americans who may not be familiar with WhatsApp, I highly recommend that you download the app before your cruise.

A secure messaging platform, WhatsApp works to text and call your current and new contacts.

It also loads on WiFi, so this makes it a great option for travelers who don’t buy local data plans.

Additionally, many hotels, tours, and guides in Europe use a WhatsApp number for contacts.

For example, when my cruise stopped in Spain, I was left waiting for my pre-ordered taxi to arrive.

When the taxi driver was late, I began to worry that I would miss my flight home.

The website offered a WhatsApp number, which I was able to use to contact and confirm the driver was coming.

If I hadn’t already had the app downloaded, my trip to the airport could have been even more delayed!

Read more: My European cruise wasn't what I expected: here's why

A milestone in the construction of Royal Caribbean's sixth Oasis Class cruise ship is slated to begin next week. 

According to Saint-Nazaire Renversante's Facebook page, Utopia of the Seas is set to embark on her sea trials between May 6 and 7, with delivery scheduled for June 2024. However, they did warn that dates and times are subject to change. 

Sea trials allow certain navigation and technical systems to be tested that cannot be completed while the ship is docked. It's the final step of a ship's construction prior to being delivered to the cruise line and ensures that everything's in tip-top shape before officially joining the fleet. 

They're conducted with a combination of shipyard employees and crew members. 

Utopia of the Seas' maiden voyage is scheduled for July 19, which is ahead of schedule. When itineraries were first launched, the inaugural cruise was slated to depart on July 22. 

However, construction moved quicker than anticipated, so the vessel will be arriving at Port Canaveral earlier than originally planned. 

The new maiden voyage will be a 3-night sailing to Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, Afterwards, Utopia of the Seas will continue with her previously scheduled cruises, including the original inaugural 4-night sailing on July 22. 

Read more: "There will be nothing better on planet Earth": First look at Royal Caribbean's new weekend party cruise ship

Captain Gus Andersson shared an image of special sea trial gear on Instagram

"It’s beginning to look like…. Soon, but not yet published, Chantiers de l’Atlantique will take out Utopia to sea," Captain Andersson captioned the post. 

"Lovingly spoken of as the Seatrials, there are no [doubts] about them. Many tests that cannot be done while the ship is tied up to a pier [are] done during the time at sea. Always very interesting and also very rewarding, very few people get to do them, so you have a bond with other sailors who were on 'that' Seatrial."

Prior to Utopia of the Seas, Captain Andersson commanded Harmony of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, and Enchantment of the Seas, according to his LinkedIn. He also served as Staff Captain on Mariner and Allure of the Seas, as well as Chief Officer on Mariner and Splendour of the Seas. 

Utopia of the Seas is Royal Caribbean's first new build that specifically targets the short cruise market

Typically, when a new ship enters service, it begins with weeklong voyages. Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's first Icon Class ship, is a perfect example. Being the largest ship in the world, it wouldn't make too much sense to offer short sailings onboard this, currently, one-of-a-kind vessel. 

Having Utopia begin her career making 3- and 4-night sailings is specifically to attract first-time cruisers who are hesitant to make weeklong commitments. 

By embarking on a short cruise, guests will get a taste of the best that Royal Caribbean has to offer, including onboard amenities, entertainment, dining options, and its award-winning private island in The Bahamas. 

Read more: Utopia of the Seas restaurant and dining guide

Plus, Utopia will attract those loyal to the Royal Caribbean brand through the introduction of new experiences that cannot be found on any other ship in the fleet, including the first-ever immersive train car specialty restaurant. 

"There will be nothing better on planet Earth than having a phenomenal experience and party vibe onboard Utopia of the Seas," said Michael Bayley, President & CEO of Royal Caribbean International. 

From the lively pool deck to the brand-new Caribbean-themed cocktail bar, Utopia promises to deliver an unparalleled vacation experience to new and seasoned cruisers. 

Read more: Why are new cruise ships still being built?

Utopia of the Seas isn't the last Oasis Class ship

Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class debuted in 2009 with the introduction of Oasis of the Seas. Since then, the class has grown to include six ships, including the upcoming Utopia of the Seas. 

They recently placed an order for a seventh ship from the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard that's set to launch in 2028. 

Between now and then, however, cruisers can expect two more Icon Class ships to set sail, with Star of the Seas' maiden voyage scheduled for late August 2025. 

Could Royal Caribbean be working on bringing arguably the best feature from its newest cruise ship to other ships in the fleet.

Icon of the Seas introduced many new innovations that made a big difference in the guest experience, and the destination elevators have been a significant improvement many have noted.

The new type of elevators on Icon of the Seas are more efficient and that means far less waiting.

Read more: Icon of the Seas guide

Guests sailing on Allure of the Seas on Tuesday noticed one of the elevator banks looks a lot like a destination elevator bank from Icon of the Seas.

RoyalCaribbeanBlog reader Chris Birdsong shared photos exclusively with us of what he saw.

The elevators had temporary letters above each door, to indicate what assignment a passenger would have when requesting an elevator.

In addition, there was a destination elevator panel that looks exactly like the panels on Icon, where a guest indicates which floor they would like to sail to. 

Royal Caribbean has not officially announced any changes coming to Allure of the Seas yet.

According to Mr. Birdsong, Royal Caribbean's Product Development team is onboard Allure of the Seas conducting the test.

He added one of the managers mentioned that Utopia of the Seas will in fact have the destination elevators when it enters service this summer.

Why destination elevators work so well

Royal Caribbean knew with a ship the size of Icon of the Seas, they needed to improve the elevator experience because guests had complained about elevator wait times on the Oasis Class ships. Given Icon was going to be bigger, there was a need to address the issue.

Destination elevators aren't just a fad, they're a way to more efficiently tackle the issue of getting passengers between decks and that's been a traditional pain point on big ships.

Instead of pressing a button to wait for an elevator, guests push a button for which floor they want to go to and are assigned an elevator.

The change improves upon a problem that has plagued all cruise ships, and Royal Caribbean knew they couldn't go with traditional elevators on a ship planned to be even larger than the Oasis Class ships.

Read more: Icon of the Seas vs other Royal Caribbean cruise ships

In the development of Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer Jay Schneider saw three compelling reasons to improve cruise ship elevators.

He pointed out that firstly, elevators go through their own historical innovation and evolution cycle.

The second reason is the well-documented issues guests have waiting for elevators, "even with the elevators that we have on the Oasis Class, we still can struggle with lines."

Third, Icon has more passengers than any other ship, "so really being able to effectively move up to 7500 passengers seamlessly and solve for some of the problems that we've seen from our elevator technology on other ships, this is a big step forward."

Royal Caribbean first ran through a test of the destination elevators on Harmony of the Seas in 2017.

The result has been an overwhelming success based on our readers' comments.

Jennifer Goswami, Director Product Development at Royal Caribbean Group, recently spoke about how simple, yet important, destination elevators have been.

"Elevators, while kind of not always the flashiest of technology, have been an absolute smash hit for Icon," Ms. Goswami stated.

"When you're waiting outside of an elevator for three, four, five minutes, we call them microwave minutes where they feel like the longest minute of your life," she said.

Allure of the Seas upcoming refurbishment

The choice of the destination elevator test on Allure of the Seas is likely not a surprise, given the ship is due for a major overhaul next year.

We already know Allure of the Seas will go in for a refurbishment in 2025, and most likely getting the upgrades she was originally to receive in 2020.

Plans for upgrades to Allure were first announced in 2019 and to be completed in 2020.  It was an ambitious $165 million drydock as part of the Royal Amplification program.

Other cruise ships had already undergone similar upgrades, such as Voyager, Freedom and Oasis Class ships.

In early 2020, however, the pandemic postponed of the upcoming refits.

In February 2024, Royal Caribbean Group President & CEO Jason Liberty confirmed to Wall Street analysts the plans.

" We're always modernizing. " Liberty said. "We have Allure coming up and the actions we took on Oasis. Some of the learnings on Icon is going to be in the modernization of Allure of the Seas.."

"We are always updating our ships to make sure they stay relevant and competitive."

The hint that they would utilize "learnings on Icon" would be consistent with Icon's elevators, among other features.

Good news: Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas has made the necessary repairs to be able to resume cruises.

The cruise line was forced to cancel an Alaska cruise at the last minute on Radiance of the Seas due to a problem with the ship's propulsion.

The cruise line confirmed the issue has been resolved.

Guests booked on the May 3rd, 2024 sailing received the email they were hoping for that their cruise is a go.

Radiance of the Seas repairs complete

The email sent overnight said, "We're happy to share that our teams are finishing up the technical work onboard right on schedule and we'll be ready to welcome you on May 3rd, as planned!"

"Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we work to get the ship into tip-top shape for you. See you onboard Radiance of the Seas!"

The next sailing is an open-jaw 7-night sailing from Vancouver to Seward that will visit Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Sitka, and Skagway in Alaska.

The trouble began for Radiance of the Seas last week when a repositioning cruise between Los Angeles and Vancouver when the ship encountered some sort of an issue with its propulsion, as it became visible only one engine was being used.

Guests were informed the ship would need to sail at a reduced speed, and as a result, the ship would skip the rest of the planned stops and go directly to Vancouver.

Radiance of the Seas has two Azipods, which are multidirectional pods that drive the ship and can be rotated 360 degrees and are have been the standard form of propulsion for all of Royal Caribbean's new cruise ships in recent years.

Radiance made it to Vancouver, but then informed guests on the April 26 7-Night Alaska Glacier sailing they would sail a shortened cruise because an additional two days of repairs would be needed.

Passengers boarded only to be informed a day later their cruise had to be cancelled in order to carry out the necessary repairs. 

Those on the cancelled sailing were issued a full refund, plus a future cruise credit that can be used for a future sailing.

2024 Radiance of the Seas Alaska season

Radiance of the Seas will offer 7-10 night Alaska cruises in 2024 that can also combine with Land Tours to offer immersive visits to Alaska, including in-land destinations such as Denali.

Radiance is sailing alternating, open-jaw itineraries between Vancouver and Seward.

Radiance of the Seas can accommodate 2,466 guests onboard (at maximum occupancy), with more than 800 crew members working on the vessel.

Radiance will remain in Alaska waters until her September 20, 2024 sailing.

More about Alaska cruises

• 50 tips for planning your Alaska cruise
• How to choose the right Alaska cruise itinerary
• What is the best time to cruise to Alaska?
• What Is an Alaska Inside Passage Cruise?
• What to pack for a cruise to Alaska?
• Best things to do on an Alaska cruise

Work is underway to repair Royal Caribbean's beleaguered cruise ship.

Radiance of the Seas is in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada after making it there last week following engine trouble.

Royal Caribbean was forced to cancel the next sailing after realizing the repairs needed were more substantial than originally thought.

Late on Monday, guests booked on the next sailing were sent an email update indicating work is underway and a new update will be made by May 2.

"As you may know, Radiance of the Seas encountered a technical issue with its propulsion system, resulting in the cancellation of our April 26th, 2024, sailing," the letter said.

"Repairs are still underway, and our teams are working diligently to address this issue. We want to assure you that we are doing everything possible to resolve it as quickly as we can."

While there is no formal update to share as to when it will be complete, guests can expect another update this week, "While we continue to make progress, we understand the importance of keeping you informed and will provide you with another update by May 2nd."

What happened to Radiance of the Seas?

The saga of Radiance of the Seas began last week during her repositioning sailing from Los Angeles to Vancouver.

During that cruise, guests were notified of a “technical issue with one of its propulsion systems" and that the ship would skip all the ports of call in order to get to Vancouver at a slower speed.

Radiance made it to Vancouver and then initially would be delayed by two days so that the engine problem could be resolved.

Guests were notified that the ship would welcome passengers onboard. but that the ship would remain in Vancouver for two additional nights in order to give the crew time to fix the propulsion issue.

Guests boarded the ship on time, but a new update came out on Saturday that the sailing would have to be completely cancelled.

All passengers had to disembark by April 28.

Compounding the problem is that this exact issue seemingly occurred less than a year ago.

Radiance of the Seas suffered a propulsion issue last summer that resulted in two cruises being cancelled in order to make the necessary repairs.

Radiance of the Seas was scheduled to depart from Seward, Alaska on September 1, 2023 and Vancouver, Canada on September 8, 2023 for seven-night cruises along the Alaskan coast. Both voyages were canceled due to a technical issue with the ship's propulsion system.

The ship underwent repairs and was able to resume sailing with the September 15, 2023 voyage.

Propulsion problems are not uncommon

Cruise ships can run into mechanical problems, just like airplanes, buses, or trains.

In the grand scheme of how many cruise ships operate each week, breakdowns such as this are quite rare.

Radiance is not new, but Royal Caribbean invests a lot of money into routine maintenance.  However, engine problems will still occasionally happen.

Other cruise ships have had propulsion issues that forced a cancellation or at least an itinerary change. It's more common for the ship speed to be affected and itinerary changed than the entire sailing cancelled.

Radiance of the Seas is a 90,900 gross ton Radiance Class cruise ship. She had her maiden voyage in 2001.

Radiance is a smaller ship by today's standards, and has a capacity of 2,466 guests at double occupancy.

She is 962 feet long.

Utopia of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's sixth Oasis Class ship, is only a few short months from setting sail. The ship will make 3- and 4-night cruises from Port Canaveral to The Bahamas. 

As the company's first new build specifically designed for the short cruise market, there's a lot to look forward to, from a lively pool deck to new experiences meant to curate the ultimate party vibe. 

"There will be nothing better on planet Earth than having a phenomenal experience and party vibe onboard Utopia of the Seas," said Michael Bayley, President & CEO of Royal Caribbean International. 

Sailing onboard Utopia of the Seas will be a vacation experience that truly rivals any other destination on the planet. 

Pesky Parrot is the go-to spot for fruity cocktails 

Whether you're stopping in for a pre-dinner drink en route to the Main Dining Room or settling in for a night of lively conversation, Pesky Parrot will keep you coming back for more. 

In addition to tropical beverages made with rum, tequila, and gin, Pesky Parrot will feature other "surprises" that have yet to be revealed. 

This brand-new, Caribbean-themed bar will take the place of the Bionic Bar in the Royal Promenade. It's central location promises that it'll become a favorite destination for guests onboard. 

Read more: Utopia of the Seas restaurant and dining guide

Lime & Coconut will be at the center of all the action

Royal Caribbean's resort-style pool bar, which will have three locations onboard Utopia of the Seas, is going to keep the party going all day (and night) long. 

"Lime & Coconut is really going to open up the pool deck, and guests are going to be able to use the whole pool deck for their pool parties and their activations at night," said Julie Ansorge, Product Owner, Product Development for Royal Caribbean International. 

"[It] will really provide a space that has that ultimate pool party that the guests are looking for." 

The Vue, which first debuted on Wonder of the Seas, isn't far from the pool deck. This bar is perfect for those who want to enjoy a beverage and soak in all the amazing panoramic views of the ocean. You'll want to visit during sunset at least once! 

Other returning bars and lounges include the fan-favorite Schooner Bar, Music Hall, and the Attic, as well as Boleros, the Latin hot spot for dancing, that will feature an updated menu with new drinks. 

At Bell & Barley, the iconic English-style pub, guests will be able to build their own gin & tonics in addition to ordering one of the traditional favorites. 

Though alcohol is often at the center of every high-spirited party, Royal Caribbean promises that there will be plenty of non-alcoholic beverages to choose from, too, ensuring that Utopia can offer the perfect short getaway for all kinds of travelers. 

When Icon of the Seas launched in January 2024, the first-of-its-kind ship featuring brand new mocktails that Royal Caribbean thinks are worthy of rolling out fleetwide.

Read more: 2024 Royal Caribbean Drink Package Prices, Tips, Pros & Cons

Guests will be able to choose from a variety of specialty dining experiences, including the first-ever immersive train car experience

With a total of 21 dining venues onboard, it will be hard, nay impossible, to go hungry. In addition to some returning favorites, Utopia of the Seas will feature the first immersive train car restaurant, Royal Railway. This unique dining experience will combine adventure, food, and technology. 

Throughout the multi-course meal, you'll simultaneously be transported to different places and times, including America's Wild West and other remote destinations across the globe. 

The Mason Jar is another favorite that can be found onboard Utopia of the Seas. It's a "proven success," according to Laura Tchigladze, Senior Manager, Food and Beverage Operations Excellence for Royal Caribbean International. 

"The bar is packed, [and] you have a live band that is so fantastic it gets you out of your chair. The bar continues to serve the small bites that we know our guests absolutely love. The energy in that space is so exciting."

Serving both brunch and dinner, the Mason Jar is sure to entice passengers at all hours of the day. 

From Meemaw’s Fried Chicken N’ Waffles to delicious Sweet-Tooth Cinnamon Rolls, Fried Green Tomatoes, and Lobster N’ Crawfish, there's something to satisfy all cravings. 

Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade is one of the more relaxed specialty venues onboard, and it's more than just a spot to watch the latest sporting event. It's the ideal place to reconnect with friends and family over wings, juicy burgers, and more. 

Utopia of the Seas will have two impressive casinos 

Onboard, guests can try their luck at nearly 30 table games, as well as over 370 slot machines. Those who are part of Royal Caribbean's Club Royale loyalty program can continue to work their way up the ranks, possibly earning a free cruise! 

Gambling, however, is a risky endeavor, so please gamble responsibly!

Read more: I gambled enough in Royal Caribbean's casino to get free drinks and a cruise

Every sailing is scheduled to call on Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's award-winning private island in The Bahamas

"There is no better option for a quick getaway than the combination of Utopia of the Seas plus Perfect Day at CocoCay," said Claudia Diaz-Gonzalez, Associate Vice President, Product Development for Royal Caribbean International. 

In addition to everything exciting onboard, guests can continue the party ashore. Whether you want to hang out at the complimentary Oasis Lagoon pool, settle into some comfortable lounge chairs on the beach, ride the tallest water slide in North America at Thrill Waterpark, or splurge on the adults-only Hideaway Beach or Coco Beach Club, you're able to truly make your day at CocoCay, well, perfect! 

"When you combine Utopia with Perfect Day, there will be no vacation like it, and our intention is that people have such an incredible time that they'll come back again and again," said Bayley.

Read more: Hideaway Beach at CocoCay: cost, tips & review

This cruise has been the riskiest and most epic thing I have ever done in my life. Seriously. 10 out of 10, would do it again. Even though we haven’t been able to do everything we wanted to do it has still been 100% worth it. 

Out of all of the things in our itinerary that have changed, missing the World Wonder of Petra hit me the hardest. Still, getting to explore Africa is an amazing opportunity and I am here for it. We will get to Petra another time.

My husband and I both love to travel – especially to historically significant locations. I thought that this trip would cross many things off of our bucket lists. And maybe as a result we could book fewer trips. For me, it has been the opposite. Now I don’t want to stop traveling.

What is going on now that we are halfway through? We reached day 137 when we arrived in Kuala Lumpur. The half-way point in our 274 day journey with Royal Caribbean on Serenade of the Seas on this Ultimate World Tour. So much has happened in the last four and a half months, I’m not even sure where to start.

Most of the people I’ve talked to that are doing the full nine months are an adventurous sort. We might all be doing this for different reasons, but the element of adventure is there for all of us. Most of us have put our lives on hold to do this. Some of us sold homes and cars. Some are working on the ship. Many of us are crossing multiple items off of our bucket lists. Some of us have had our trips unfortunately cut short.

Steve was forced into retirement due to a heart attack in late 2022, and I didn’t retire until a few months before the trip started. So what “regular life” looks like for us is going to be completely different than it used to. We have some things to take care of when we get back. And I am sure once we return home, more things will come up that we will need to stick around for. But I know that after a few months, I will want to be on the move again.

For me, the Ultimate World Cruise has been life changing. And I expect this will continue over the next four and a half months.

One of the biggest after-the-cruise plans for us, is that I am writing a book. I got a lot of grief on social media for the username “frugal vagabond” for a person on a trip that so many people think is out of their reach. When I looked around at my fellow passengers though and saw how many young – and clearly not independently wealthy people that were here, I had to get their stories. 

So I interviewed several of my cruise mates and I am writing a book that tells all of our tales of how we were able to make this happen. Most of the people are here for the full nine months.

That takes dedication, planning, and a willingness to sacrifice in most cases. Not just from a financial perspective, but also from a time perspective. I want people to know that if they have a real desire – they can do things like this too.

Follow Leah on her TikTok and Instagram

Don’t like: Missing out on several locations due to weather or wars

Before the cruise even started, the itinerary was changing due to world conflicts. That has continued and as most know, required a completely different route for our circumnavigation. 

Also, when we were going around the southern point of South America, weather kept us from stopping at several tender ports. What can you do? No ones fault. Just disappointing. I still want to go to all of the places we have missed.

Do like: Royal Caribbean coming up with alternatives for the original itinerary items we missed

The top thing I like, of course, is getting to explore Africa instead of the Mediterranean locations. It looks to be an incredible opportunity and I can’t wait. 

Missing out on Machu Picchu was a big disappointment. But the cultural locations we were able to explore in Cusco and the shows they set up for us in Lima were amazing last-minute substitutes.

Don’t like: Mean people

If you are following more than one content creator that is on the Ultimate World Cruise, then you know that there have been multiple incidents of mean people. 

You are never in a place surrounded by perfect people. But on the few cruises we did before starting the world cruise, everyone was happy and living the vacation vibe. 

This trip has been different from the start just due to the long duration and expectations of the people on the ship. Jokes were made in the beginning about this being a massive social experiment and sometimes it really feels like it is.

Do like: Lifelong friends and new family

Being so close to lots of new people also has an upside. Really easy to get together, and get to know like minded and adventurous people from completely different backgrounds. I feel like I have made new lifelong friendships with many of the people in the content creator group. 

Also with some of the staff, and with various individuals and couples we have gotten to know on excursions, dinners, at the casino, and while having drinks. Time will tell if they really will be lifelong friendships. 

I do know that I have at least two new “family members” though. My new brother Anthony, and a new sister Renee. From the beginning we have helped and supported each other through our content creators group, but after four and a half months, I can’t imagine not having these two people in my life and not talking to them regularly and following along with wherever life takes them once the cruise is over.

Don’t like: Overly crowded excursions

I get it, this is a popular cruise, and the places we are going are atypical for a Royal Caribbean ship. 

I am not sure if most Royal Caribbean excursions are like this, but picture if you will: 40 people on each bus. Each excursion has at least three of these busses. And there are 2-3 other excursions with similar numbers that are going to at least some of the same location as yours. And since there is a limited time in each port location, there is a lot of overlap. 

So at least 120 or as many as 360 of your best friends from the ship getting dumped for 20 – 40 minutes trying to explore. Limited time to actually “see” anything. Trying to get a few videos, pictures, learn something about the location, and enjoy it. 

I really wish they would rotate the busses a bit better. And on this same idea, spending too much time in busses. Most of the “cool” locations are so far away from the port, this is necessary, but still not fun. Also, not enough time in each of the ports.

Do like: The incredible things we have been able to see

Despite wishing things could be different with regard to how the Royal Caribbean excursions are handled, this itinerary has allowed us the opportunity to see so many incredible things in the world. 

I don’t think I have the words to describe all of the amazing places. Never did I think I would ever go to China. Or if I did, get to actually go to the Great Wall. We did that. 

Christ the Redeemer in Brazil? We did that. Chichen Itza? We did that. Antarctica? Well, we sort-of did that. I didn’t get to put my toes in the water or step on land there, so in my book, it doesn’t count. Most of the other passengers think that it does. 

Too many places to list them all out. Curaçao and Bonaire? I had no idea how beautiful the water there would be. Subic Bay? I was picturing an abandoned and dilapidated naval base. It was nothing like that! Beautiful. And a testament to the locals who volunteered to keep it maintained and operational while they got a plan in place to utilize what was left behind.

Don’t like: Inconsistent communication of vital information

From the beginning, information on the Ultimate World Cruise that was disseminated by Royal Caribbean has been inconsistent and frustrating. That has continued throughout this cruise. 

Shoreside versus ship personnel have different information and they don’t seem to share. Not everyone has access to the same information, further confusing passengers. 

Even though the World Cruise is new for Royal Caribbean, cruising isn’t and most of us feel they should be much better at it than they are.

Do like: Social sharing

Poor communication skills have given me the opportunity to share the information I have access to with the world and providing a service to those both on the ship and off. 

This also helps my follower/subscriber counts and views. People are interested in hearing the details – even if it doesn’t directly affect them. I think I probably have several followers who are related to people on the trip and they find information on my socials about their relatives. It is a service I am happy to provide.

Don’t like: The constant noise on the ship

If you are following any of the content creators on this ship, you have probably heard this complaint. The noise. Everywhere. All the time. 

I do love the layout of the Serenade. I only have one other ship to compare it to – the Adventure of the Seas. But in my opinion, the design of the Serenade is much better. It’s too bad it doesn’t have a Flowrider, but that’s another issue.

The one bad part about the Serenade design is the openness of the Centrum. The noise that reaches this area flows up from Deck 4 to 12. It is annoying and problematic.

Do like: Changes to make the ship livable

Did you know that we have doctors and dentist on board? 

This is a long trip, with a majority of passengers in the senior citizen demographic. I really appreciate that Royal Caribbean recognized that having doctors and a dentist on board would mean that people would have access to care and that without it, many people would be forced to leave the ship for on-land care and perhaps miss important destinations, or even the rest of the trip. 

And of course this is an opportunity for Royal Caribbean to make additional money from the services they provide. A win-win for everyone.