You want to ensure that you make the most out of your upcoming cruise vacation, and a great source of knowledge is learning from those who have cruised before, whether on the same cruise line, ship, or just in general!
The more you delve into the initial stages of researching, the more questions you may find yourself having. What, for instance, is the Cruise Planner, and how it is useful for your upcoming cruise?
Here are 10 reader comments for making the most out of your cruise and time onboard.
Related: 22 things you should do before every cruise
Do the most important stuff first
Reddit user elsie78 advises that "everyone should pick the one thing, show, activity etc they want to do most and do it ASAP. That way if they, or the performer, gets sick they won't miss out by waiting since 'oh there's time to do that later.'"
You never know when unfavorable weather will strike and result in, for instance, the cancellation of an AquaTheater or ice skating show.
If your reservations were for the last show of the cruise, you may find yourself out of luck!
Plan ahead and make reservations to the shows and activities that most interest you. That way, you will not have to be on edge during the latter half of the cruise.
Related: 30 Do's and Don'ts for the first day of your cruise
Come prepared to meet new friends
"...one of the best things about cruising is the people you meet and the friends you make. Some you keep in touch with, some you don't but they all make each cruise experience different, memorable and unique," wrote Royal Caribbean Blog forum member monctonguy.
"I used to travel to the Caribbean for years and stay at [all-inclusive resorts] and I have to admit that it was rare to meet people at the resort that you hung around with during the week or even kept in touch with. However, right from my first cruise ever its been a great experience making and meeting new friends from all over. Have even made plans to cruise again with some of these people."
Do not be afraid to strike up a conversation with someone in the elevator, bar, or elsewhere on the ship! If you take a ship-sponsored shore excursion, you may even find yourself getting along with other group members.
In other words, you never know what great people you will meet onboard who have come from all different walks of life!
It is okay to ask questions
There really is no such thing as a dumb question!
"Most of the other people don’t know what they’re doing either. Put your pride in your pocket and ASK questions. The staff, as a rule, LOVE to interact and help - especially on RCCL. Oh, and relax," said Reddit user ClearlyConfusedHuman.
If you get onboard and have questions about dining, shore excursions, disembarkation, youth programming, show reservations, the Crown & Anchor loyalty program, or literally anything else, head to the appropriate personnel; they will be happy to help you out!
Utilize the cruise planner
Once you (or your travel agent) have placed the deposit for your cruise, you will gain access to Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner. Here, you will be able to make dining reservations, book shore excursions and spa treatments, and even get the infamous Deluxe Drink Package.
Royal Caribbean Blog user SPS said, "My #1 tip (and many other peoples, too) is to purchase the things you want ahead of time. Buying items like Drink Packages, Dining, Excursions, etc. will be a good deal less money that purchasing them on board."
If you purchase something and notice that the price drops later, you can cancel for a full refund and re-purchase at the lower rate!
Related: Best Time to Buy A Royal Caribbean Drink Package
Watch a ship tour before you leave
If you want to be a navigational pro before you step onboard, take the time to watch a ship tour and familiarize yourself with the deck plans.
Reddit user Koolaid_Jef advises, "Depending on length of cruise and size of ship, [watch] a tour video on YouTube. Most of the ships have them and it's a long video of someone giving a tour. That way you can make a short list of things you want to do or places you'll frequent!"
"I went on my first cruise last January on Liberty and it took a couple a few days to remember things quickly. My next cruise is in May on Oasis which is much much larger so I will definitely need a list myself!"
Never, ever arrive the same day as embarkation
"...
get to the port at least a day early," said Royal Caribbean Blog user MikeK.
"If there is a flight delay or your driving and car breaks down etc the ship will not wait for you. So start looking into a hotel reservation now."
If you book a flight the same day your ship leaves, you will have to adhere to a tight schedule of making the connection and landing on time, grabbing your bags, and then making to the port and through check-in on time. In short, there is little room to account for flight delays or cancellations, as well as any other unforeseen circumstance that may put a halt to your highly anticipated getaway.
Related: The costly cruising mistake newbies make planning their first cruise
Don't get too tired too quickly
During the day, you might find yourself busy in port or trying to cross off everything on your onboard "to do" list.
However, according to Reddit user Gabboiscoming, you should "pace yourself because the best things happen at night. Silent Party and Crazy Quest were the two highlights and both were 10:30 or 11pm."
If, of course, you are not into these types of activities, there is nothing wrong with retiring early! Likewise, it is acceptable to return to your stateroom for an afternoon nap if need be.
Book via a travel agent
Whether you are new to cruising or a seasoned veteran, you should never ignore the benefits of booking with a travel agent!
"The true value of a TA isn't what booking perks you can get, but having someone to deal with the cruise line for any issues, questions or problems that come up along the way," said Royal Caribbean Blog forum user smokeybandit.
They, of course, can land you some pretty neat benefits, such as onboard credit, a specialty dining meal, and more. They are never guaranteed, though.
The most important benefit of working with a travel agent is, in addition to their invaluable knowledge, having someone to act as your liaison with the cruise line.
They are also able to handle booking other add-ons to make your life easier, including pre-cruise hotels, flights, shore excursions, and more.
Make sure you pack seasickness medication
"I wish I knew about my seasickness," wrote Reddit user maleheo.
"On my first cruise many years ago it hit me just before dinner and took me out for the rest of the night."
Even if you have cruised before, you never know when you will hit a rough patch in the seas. It is best to come prepared with whatever your preferred remedy is, whether that be medication or something more natural.
Related: How to avoid getting seasick on a cruise
Secure an early check-in time
There is no denying that you will be filled with pre-cruise jitters the day of embarkation! Why delay when you can officially put your phone on "do not disturb" and enjoy that first poolside cocktail?
Royal Caribbean Blog user JohnK6406 is a fan of early check-in: "I think the general consensus is it's best to grab an earlier boarding time so you can begin your vacation right away."
"Passengers that board earlier have an advantage as they generally have the best specialty dining reservation options (day/time). They also have the ability to book entertainment reservations for the main shows, as well as, other activities like Escape rooms, etc."
If you, for instance, reserve a dining package, you will need to speak with crew members once board to finish finalizing reservations. The later you get on, the fewer choices you will have when it comes to preferred dining times.
