Royal Caribbean Blog

As someone that cruises every month on Royal Caribbean ships, there are things I'd never do on a cruise.

Of course there are plenty of Royal Caribbean policies and rules to follow, and those go without saying as things not to do on a cruise.

Through all of my cruising, I've discovered a few hard and fast rules for how to cruise to avoid problems later. There are some things I might not prefer, but recognize that's a "me thing". As an example, I prefer Traditional Dinner instead of My Time Dining as my cruise dinner choice.

But I have a handful of full-stop, no discussions allowed type cruise tips I'll tell anyone to follow because I think breaking them would set yourself up for a potential problem later.

Here are six things I'd never do on a cruise after cruising for 20 years and enjoying them as a passenger.

Ignore problems without asking for help

I get emails, message board posts, and Reddit threads filled with complaints from cruisers who come home after a cruise with problems that could have been resolved onboard the ship.

While not every problem you encounter on a cruise ship is something that can be totally fixed, I think too many cruisers tough it out and let it ruin their vacation.

If something is broken, disappointing, or not as you expected it, I'd start off by seeking the proper crew member to talk to about the issue. Then I'd escalate the issue before giving up.

Here are some examples. Let's say your stateroom is too hot because the air conditioning isn't cooling sufficiently.

First, start with your stateroom attendant. Alert them to the issue and then call the maintenance department (there's an extension on your cabin phone) to get someone in there.  Telling your cabin attendant keeps them in the loop of the issue for escalation later.

If the maintenance team comes and the issue isn't resolved, ask your cabin attendant to speak to the deck supervisor and explain the issue to then. Ask them to come in the room to see what you're experiencing and work with them.

Crew members are there to make sure your vacation is excellent, and they'll do whatever they can to assist.

Cruise without travel insurance

I think you're crazy to cruise without travel insurance given how many complexities exist in traveling today that I wouldn't want to leave things to chance.

Admittedly, I used to skip buying travel insurance when I was younger out of a combination of ignorance, being cheap, and high risk tolerance.  But that's changed and now the safety net a travel insurance policy provides seems like a must-buy for every trip.

Travel insurance covers so much more than your medical insurance includes, and most will take care of you in situations that aren't your fault.

Airline delays, lost baggage, a death in the family, unexpectedly losing your job, hurricane disruptions, and more are common scenarios that travel insurance kicks in for that you would otherwise be left without any compensation.

Cruise lines are sympathetic to people's unexpected plights in life, but they're under no obligation to offer last-minute refunds if someone gets sick, diagnosed with a severe disease, or an airline cancels all your plans.

Moreover, travel insurance also can go beyond covering the usual medical bills. Did you know cruise ship medical centers don't accept any travel insurance? It's all out of pocket and out of network service that you'll need to seek reimbursement for later.

Travel insurance is probably an extra cost you won't need, but if you do, it's the best investment you ever made.

Plan my tours to end at least a couple hours early

Any shore excursion or tour I take, I'll plan to be back to the ship at least two hours before the all aboard time.

While your time in a port of call is short, I don't play games with making it back to the ship on time.

As a general rule of thumb, I'll plan to be back to the ship two hours early.  I think this provides enough buffer for unforeseen delays or stops. Traffic, backups in security, or even a "we need to buy a souvenir at this store" stop are the sort of things I don't want to put us in danger of missing the cruise ship.

Of course, if we get back to the port area with plenty of time left, then I'm good with taking some extra time to hang out in the port area near the ship. As long as I can run back to the ship, there's far less risk involved with being that close.

Feed any animals

No matter how cute an animal looks or how much my kids think it would fun, I never feed any animals on a cruise ship.

The most common culprit are birds. I will never understand why some people think it's a good idea to feed seagulls and other birds food.

Wild animals don't understand "okay, that's enough". They get more aggressive because they want more (especially when you stop) and it tends to attract their friends that also want in on free food.

Plus, some animals will defecate when fed and that creates an entirely different issue.

Suffice to say, don't feed wild animals and leave the birds alone.

Limit myself to just the included food

I get it: cruise vacations aren't cheap and the food Royal Caribbean includes in your fare is pretty good and plentiful.  But, if I'm on vacation, I think limiting oneself on principle is a mistake.

While I'm not advocating going all-in on food that costs extra, I think you can splurge for a specialty restaurant, latte, or bucket of popcorn without financial strain.

On most cruises I take, I like a blend of included and specialty food. It's rare I only go for the extra cost stuff anymore because there are some fantastic included restaurants.

Wait until the first day to book my shows

If you're on a newer ship that offers pre-cruise reservations for shows, book them at all costs.

When I boarded Star of the Seas for spring break this week, there was a long line of people waiting at the box office to get a show reservation.

There's no cost to make a show reservation and it's pretty quick too. It just requires a little bit of advanced planning.

Considering how good Royal Caribbean's shows are, I wouldn't chance it to try to get into a show once onboard.

This was a busy week with Royal Caribbean news, and we have a summary of all of the news from this week to make certain you did not miss any of it.

How does a cruise vacation compare to an all-inclusive resort in Mexico?

Jenna's taken over 30 cruises, but she stayed in her first all-inclusive, but was worried she'd feel bored or "trapped" there.

While the resort had some impressive amenities, the high price tag was hard to ignore.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean’s Cozumel beach club project will include new public beach access
• Carnival just copied Royal Caribbean’s plan to make cruise dinners faster
• Royal Caribbean just unveiled 2 new cocktail menus on its cruise ships
• El Niño watch issued, what it means for cruise ships during hurricane season
• 5 cruise complaints you can safely ignore
• I've cruised on Royal Caribbean ships for 20 years. Here are 5 things that live up to the hype and 2 I tell first-timers to skip
• Photos show what cruise ship midnight buffets used to look like
• I stayed in a 299-square-foot Junior Suite on a Royal Caribbean cruise. The extra space and loyalty points were worth it
• When can you book shows on Royal Caribbean?
• What a crew member cabin on Star of the Seas looks like
• I cruised Royal Caribbean and Norwegian. It's obvious why NCL is in desperate need of changes
• The deceptive cheap cruise offers that trick too many vacationers

New RCB Video: I'm Never Cruising From This Port Again

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — I'm Never Cruising From This Port Again (Not Royal Caribbean's Fault!) — and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel.

Royal Caribbean Brings "America’s Got Talent" to Sea

The popular talent show, "America's Got Talent" is coming to Royal Caribbean's Legend of the Seas with a new stage show this summer.

"America's Got Talent LIVE" will be the first time the franchise will debut at sea.

The show promises to bring the excitement of the Got Talent universe to Legend’s Royal Theater, with a mix of acts, including magicians, aerialists, musicians, and acrobats.

Port Canaveral is working on a fix to Royal Caribbean cruise parking that has annoyed passengers

Overcrowded parking has been a problem at Port Canaveral, but it should be fixed soon.

The port is constructing a massive 13-story parking garage that will add over 3,000 new spaces for those sailing out of Terminals 5 and 6.

It should be complete in a few more months.

This $10 accessory make Royal Caribbean embarkation way easier

Luggage tag holders are a simple solution to making sure your bags make it to your cabin.

They're cheap to buy, seem to last forever, and really work well at reducing the chances your luggage tags get ripped off accidentally.

They provide peace of mind that my luggage tag will remain intact during embarkation. Also, they hardly take up any space for packing.

New app feature added that could save you from missing your cruise ship

No one wants to be a pier runner, so a new feature in Royal Caribbean's app could help with that.

Guests spotted a new countdown feature in the app, along with a progress bar.

It seems this offers a very obvious reminder to anyone that may have lost track of time while in port.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

We've just released the 600th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast. In it, Matt shares etiquette advice for the Main Dining Room to avoid being "that guy".

You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via YouTube, iTunes, Google Play or RSS.

Royal Caribbean is rolling out two new drink experiences on its ships.

Periodically, the cruise line will offer new drinks or cocktails for its guests that coincide with special events, new brand partnerships, or as a way to offer more than just traditional cruise drinks.

One of these new offerings is a year-long celebration of cocktails and wines created by female master distillers and winemakers.

The other introduces a new Aperitivo Hour happy hour with discounted cocktails in select bars.

Here's what you can look for on your next sailing.

Royal Caribbean launches Aperitivo Hour happy hour

Royal Caribbean is leaning into an Italian tradition with a new happy hour option.

A new Aperitivo Hour being introduced on ships.

In Italian culture, apertivo is a pre-dinner "warm-up" held in the early evening to stimulate the appetite, typically featuring light, bitter-sweet cocktails like a Spritz or Negroni.

Available between 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, Ed Eiswirth, Royal Caribbean's Director of Beverage Operations, said there are five new cocktails that will cost $10 when ordered during happy hour at Vintages or Giovanni's Wine Bar.

What cocktails are included

The drink menu consists of:

• Aperol Spritz
• Hugo Spritz
• Miami Spritz
• Campari Spritz
• Negroni

New cocktails celebrating International Women’s Day

At the same time, Royal Caribbean launched a new drink menu to celebrate women-lead drink makers.

There's a limited-time drink menu celebrating International Women’s Day, which will be offered this year featuring 3 cocktails and 2 wines.

All of them were created with spirits or wines from female master distillers and winemakers. This is part of Royal Caribbean’s effort to highlight women in the beverage industry.

Spirits and wines featured

• Mijenta Tequila
• Woodford Reserve
• Appleton Rum
• Zolo Malbec
• Villa Maria Wines

The "Cheers to Her" menu has six drinks on it

• Strawberry Sunset
• She Shines
• Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc
• Coffee Boulevardier
• Desert Light
• Zolo Malbec

Where guests can try the new drinks

The new menus are available for an undisclosed amount of time, but here's what we know.

The Aperitivo Hour appears in Vintages Wine Bar and Giovanni’s Wine Bar. While the International Women’s Day cocktails likely offered fleetwide at select bars. The Schooner Bar would be a good guess for where you could find it.

Availability may vary by ship or sailing.

Royal Caribbean has been pushing recently to highlight drinks and cocktails that go beyond what most vacationers think of on a cruise. While there's nothing wrong with a pina colada or daiquiri, the cruise line has promoted and added many more drink options.

Plus, these new options are a great choice for guests who enjoy craft cocktails and wine experiences.

As an added bonus, the Aperitivo Hour provides a lower-cost drink option before dinner. This is helpful for those that do not have a drink package (although a beverage package covers these cocktails too).

Royal Caribbean recently partnered with a whiskey maker

The two new cocktail menus follow another recent partnership that was added with Pappy Van Winkle.

Available on ships with a Mason Jar (Allure, Wonder, and Utopia), there are new drinks for those that want top shelf bourbon whiskey.

The specialty curated collection of bourbons available at the restaurant includes Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year and 20 Year, Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13 Year, Sazerac 18 Year, and others. These offerings join Royal Caribbean’s robust beverage line and specialty cocktails.

This high-end bourbon is something to appeal to those that prefer this sort of a drink.

Meteorologists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced that the likelihood of an El Niño developing by mid-summer has significantly increased — but what does that mean for the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season?

According to the NOAA Climate Prediction Center, a transition from La Niña to ENSO-neutral is expected within the next month, with a 55% chance that the ENSO-neutral conditions are likely to continue from May through July 2026. Afterward, there's a 62% chance that El Niño is likely to emerge and persist through at least the end of 2026. 

To understand what this means, it helps to look at the broader El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle, which comprises La Niña, ENSO-neutral, and El Niño. The three phases play a key role in global climate patterns, affecting everything from weather to wildfires, ecosystems, and economies. 

El Niño is a natural climate pattern marked by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean and occurs every 2-7 years. It weakens trade winds and changes global atmospheric patterns. 

On the flip side, La Niña is associated with cooler-than-average Pacific waters, which results in stronger trade winds and enhanced Atlantic hurricane activity. 

Whereas El Niño leads to wetter conditions in the southern U.S. and warmer, drier weather in the northern part of the country, La Niña causes colder and stormier winters in the northern U.S. and Canada, while producing drier, warmer winters in the South. 

For Florida cruisers, the resurgence of El Niño during the 2026 hurricane season is encouraging, as it could mean that there are fewer named tropical storms during the season's most active weeks. 

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. However, the busiest part of the season is typically August through October. If El Niño takes hold, this destructive period may see fewer storms, and thus impact fewer cruise itineraries. 

How does El Niño affect hurricane season?

Just because El Niño could reduce storm activity during the peak hurricane months doesn’t guarantee a quiet season. For example, Hurricane Idalia made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region as a strong Category 3 storm during the strong El Niño year in 2023. 

Official seasonal hurricane forecasts haven’t been released yet, but they will provide more insight into how the developing El Niño could affect the 2026 hurricane season. 

AccuWeather is scheduled to release its prediction on Wednesday, Mar. 25, followed by Colorado State University on Thursday, Apr. 9. 

Read more: What experienced cruisers do differently during hurricane season

However, La Niña is generally when Atlantic hurricanes are more favorable due to the stronger trade winds and reduced wind shear. This makes it easier for storms to form and intensify. 

Moreover, during El Niño, the atmosphere over the warm Pacific experiences a broad rising motion, which is offset by sinking air over the tropical Atlantic and Africa. The increased atmospheric stability over areas where storms are most likely to develop makes it harder for hurricanes to form and intensify, which often leads to fewer overall storms. 

"With a strong El Niño forecast to form, it's a good bet we'll see a below-average season in the Atlantic. Still, most El Niño seasons still have 1-2 high-end hurricanes," said Andy Hazelton, an associate scientist at the University of Miami’s Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies, in an X post. 

"Most of the time they recurve (like Erika 97) thanks to an enhanced subtropical jet, but occasionally you get a storm that sneaks through (like Betsy 65). While it's impossible to tell the details of individual storms at this range, the flavor of the season seems fairly clear: likely less activity in the Caribbean and deep tropics, with what does form mostly in the subtropics and East/Central Atlantic."

Are we in El Niño or La Niña?

Right now, we're still in La Niña. "La Niña continued in February 2026, with below-average sea surface temperatures (SSTs) persisting in the east-central equatorial Pacific Ocean," the Climate Prediction Center's recent Diagnostic Discussion reads. 

However, the equatorial subsurface has continued to rise, showing the above-average surface temperatures across the Pacific are getting warmer than usual. 

The discussion continues, "[T]he increasing odds of El Niño are supported by the large amount of heat in the subsurface ocean and the expected weakening of the low-level trade winds. If El Niño forms, the potential strength remains very uncertain, with a 1-in-3 chance that it would be 'strong' during October-December 2026."

Read more: Check these 5 things in your travel insurance policy before hurricane season

As Royal Caribbean nears the opening of its new beach club in Cozumel, Mexico later this year, they've made an announcement related to beach access.

As part of the company's dedication to community well-being and sustainable tourism, Royal Caribbean is developing new public beach access in the Zona Hotelera Sur area, a recent press release revealed. 

Public beach access in the Cozumel area has long faced challenges, including traffic conflicts, limited signage, and inadequate lighting. As such, relocating the path will ensure greater accessibility, improved safety, and enhanced facilities.

The cruise line plans to begin construction as soon as it obtains all of the necessary regulatory and environmental permits, with the current public beach access remaining open until the new facilities are fully operational.

Read more: We got our first look at Royal Caribbean's private beach club in Mexico

This new initiative aligns with Royal Caribbean's SEA the Future sustainability program. While the cruise line is focused on offering memorable vacation experiences aboard its fleet of ships and award-winning private destination portfolio, they want to do so in a way that sustains the planet, energizes local communities, and accelerates local innovation. 

Uplifting and upholding environmental preservation, economic development, and sustainability means that these destinations will be accessible and desirable for generations to come. 

"We are excited to bring the Royal Beach Club experience to Cozumel while ensuring that beach access, a right guaranteed under Mexican law, is available to all. This initiative reflects our dedication to creating shared value by improving safety, accessibility, and infrastructure for the community,” said Ari Adler Brotman, President, Royal Caribbean Mexico.

Royal Beach Club Cozumel is set to open in 2026

An official opening date has yet to be announced for the Royal Beach Club Cozumel. However, it's expected to open to cruise passengers in 2026. 

Like the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, the next private destination is designed to operate as an extra-cost shore excursion, unlike the complimentary access guaranteed to everyone visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

The main idea behind the new beach club is to give guests easy access to breathtaking ocean views and a curated beach experience unlike any other. 

At the Royal Beach Club Cozumel, patrons will find everything from swim-up bars to oceanfront pools, private cabanas, snorkeling opportunities, local street markets, tequila tastings, cooking classes, and more. 

Pricing and day pass availability have yet to be revealed by the cruise line. 

Luggage tags are a small but essential part of Royal Caribbean’s embarkation process. If you’re looking for a way to keep your tags secure, protected, and easy to attach, luggage tag holders are a simple solution.

When you arrive for embarkation day, you will send off your checked bags with the cruise porters at the terminal. Every checked bag must be clearly tagged so it can be routed through the ship’s luggage system and delivered to the correct stateroom. After your luggage is whisked off by the porters, you won’t see it again until it’s delivered to your stateroom later that day.

In this way, your printed luggage tag is pretty crucial, as it's the only way the cruise line knows where to deliver luggage. Your luggage tag is essentially the only thing tying your suitcase to your stateroom. If it gets lost or damaged along the way, your bag can be delayed while crew members work to track it down. And you definitely don't want to add unnecessary stress to embarkation day by wondering where your suitcase ended up.

Even after years of cruising, I still find myself printing luggage tags at the last minute. This often involves a quick stop at the hotel concierge to print the tags and hunt down a stapler before heading to the cruise port. In fact, I’ve even arrived at the cruise terminal without printed luggage tags after completely forgetting them.

For many years, I never saw the value of luggage tags for a cruise. I would simply print my luggage tag and either tape or staple it to my suitcase. I never really thought twice about it, until one rainy embarkation changed my entire perspective.

While boarding our cruise in Sydney, Australia last fall, it was pouring rain all morning. Luckily, my dad had packed extra luggage tag holders that I borrowed before heading to the port. As we made our way through the terminal, I was relieved that my luggage tags were secure and protected from the rain. Other passengers had damaged luggage tags that weren’t legible because they were so soaked!

After this experience, I have continued to use luggage tag holders for my Royal Caribbean cruises. They provide me with peace of mind that my luggage tag will remain intact during embarkation. Also, they hardly take up any space for packing.

How Royal Caribbean’s luggage tags work

Royal Caribbean provides luggage tags in your pre-cruise electronic documents after your online check-in is complete. Luggage tags can be found in your eDocs, which are specific to your ship, sailing date, and stateroom. 

Guests are encouraged to print multiple copies of their luggage tags in case of damage or last-minute changes. You’ll fill in your name on each tag as well.

If a luggage tag is forgotten at home, porters at the terminal can still provide generic tags on embarkation day. However, Royal Caribbean recommends printing and securing your tags in advance to avoid delays. Generic tags also lack the color coding and location information crew members rely on, which can slow down how quickly your luggage makes its way to your stateroom.

Royal Caribbean’s luggage tags are printed on paper and designed to be attached to bags before boarding. This allows luggage handlers to sort thousands of bags efficiently and deliver them throughout the ship within hours of embarkation.

When a luggage tag is damaged, illegible, or torn off, this system can fail. Suitcases and bags without readable tags may be delayed, manually inspected, or temporarily set aside until crew members can identify the owner. While most bags eventually arrive, the process can take significantly longer, sometimes well into the evening on embarkation day.

Although Royal Caribbean doesn’t require any luggage tag holders, they are extremely useful. For this reason, you’re likely to see many other passengers at the cruise terminal utilizing them. And after years of cruising, I would consider them a cruise essential.

A protective luggage tag holder keeps the paper tag sealed and securely fastened to the bag handle. They also reduce the risk of tearing or loss from the baggage handlers. More importantly, it helps ensure your luggage moves smoothly through the system and arrives at your stateroom as quickly as possible.

If you’re looking to invest in luggage tags for your Royal Caribbean cruise, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve compiled our top choices for Royal Caribbean luggage tags and holders that you must have for your next cruise.

Note: Affiliate links are used throughout this article. If you purchase using the links provided in our article, we receive a small commission. This helps support our website and doesn’t cost you anything extra! You can also check out our Amazon Storefront for all of our cruise essentials and favorites.

1. Highwind 4-Pack Cruise Luggage Tag Holder

Link: Highwind 4 Pack Cruise Luggage Tag Holder for Suitcases - Compatible with Celebrity 2025 Royal Caribbean Luggage Tag Holders Travel Essentials Cruise Lanyard

Price: $6.99

This is one of the best-selling cruise essentials from our Amazon Storefront. Cruisers love how easy and convenient these are to use, and they have thousands of 5-star reviews!

Cruisers describe these luggage tag holders as well-constructed and secure, with strong cables that stay in place. Many people also mention their durability, ease of use, and snug fit for Royal Caribbean's printed luggage tags. This makes them a reliable option for embarkation day and luggage handling.

In addition, these tags can apparently be used for other cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line and Disney Cruise Line. If you’re wanting a versatile luggage tag holder, this is a great option to consider! Also, there are multiple options for purchasing, including 4-packs and 8-packs. Some options also include ID lanyards — another cruise staple for many!

Cruise On: 4-Pack Luggage Tag Holders

Link: Cruise On Royal Caribbean Cruise Luggage Tag Holder (4 Pack) – Fits All Royal Caribbean Ships, Durable Travel ID Holders for 2026-2027 Cruises, Clear Waterproof Cruise Essentials

Price: $12.99

Another great option is this 4-pack of luggage tag holders from Cruise On. Customers consistently describe these luggage tag holders as high quality and perfect for Royal Caribbean cruises. Reviews note the sturdy plastic construction and heavy-duty cables, which keep their Royal Caribbean luggage tags secure and protected throughout embarkation.

In addition, people also appreciate how easily Royal Caribbean's printed tags fit inside the holders and report that they hold up well over multiple cruises.

6-Pack Royal Caribbean Luggage Tag Holders

Link: Cruise Luggage Tag Holder for Royal Caribbean Ships & Celebrity, 6Pack Clear Tags Cruise Travel Essentials for 2025-2026

Price: $6.99

If you're wanting a pop of color on your luggage tag holders, look no further! Cruisers describe this 6-pack of Royal Caribbean luggage tag holders as durable and easy to use. Many also note that they hold up well over multiple cruises with little visible wear.

Reviews also highlight the luggage tag’s secure, well-fitting design for Royal Caribbean's printed luggage tags. Many reviewers mention how these tags are consistently useful and functional during embarkation. Moreover, most travelers consider them a worthwhile purchase and recommend them for cruisers. However, these tags will not work with other cruise lines, so you'll only want them for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity cruises.

Seavilla 8-Pack of Luggage Tags

Link: 8 Pack Luggage Tags Travel Essentials & Cruise Essentials for Royal Caribbean & Celebrity Cruise Ships by SEAVILIA

Price: $6.99

Those wanting a few additional luggage tag holders should consider this 8-pack from Seavilia. Cruisers frequently describe these luggage tags as well made, including the sturdy wire fasteners and durable plastic construction. Reviews also note that the tags stay securely attached throughout the cruise and hold up well during embarkation.

Many travelers appreciate how Royal Caribbean's luggage tags fit neatly inside. Also, several mention that they show little to no wear by the end of their cruise, even after multiple sailings. The brand also offers multi-pack options, with quantities ranging from 8 to 40 holders.

6-Pack Luggage Tag Holders + 3 Lanyards

Link: Royal Caribbean & Celebrity Luggage Tag Holders With Cruise Lanyards - Zip Seal Clear Holders and Badge Holders for Ship Cards (6 Tag Holders + 3 Lanyards)

Price: $8.99

This bundle includes two cruise essentials: Royal Caribbean luggage tag holders and three matching cruise lanyards. This makes it a convenient option for both embarkation day and onboard use!

The clear tag holders fit Royal Caribbean’s printable tags perfectly and attach securely with braided steel rings. In addition, the lightweight lanyards include detachable clips for easy access to your SeaPass card. Both pieces are water-resistant, helping protect printed luggage tags and cruise cards throughout your vacation.

Cruisers describe these luggage tag holders as both practical and reliable during their vacation. Many mention the durable vinyl sleeves, which help protect printed tags and keep them neatly in place. Reviewers also mention the ease of use and secure attachment, noting that the holders stay put while still being simple to remove when needed. Several reviewers also note that they feel the quality justifies the price, especially for frequent cruisers.

4-Pack Colored Luggage Tag Holders and Lanyards

Link: 4 Pack Clear Cruise Luggage Tag Holder for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Ships, 2 Pack Cruise Lanyards and Waterproof ID Badge Holder Suitable for Cruise Card, Cruise Essential Travel Accessories

Price: $9.99

This is another bundled option if you're looking to invest in luggage tags and cruise lanyards for your vacation. These luggage tags are made from durable PVC that holds up well in the wet, unpredictable weather. The water-resistant material helps protect printed information from moisture during transit. These luggage tags are sized specifically for Royal Caribbean printable luggage tags, along with Celebrity Cruises’ luggage tags. Some reviewers also mentioned these tags worked for their Norwegian cruise.

Finally, the set also includes tropical-themed cruise lanyards with a waterproof ID holder. This will keep your SeaPass card dry and easily accessible throughout your entire vacation. 

6-Pack Luggage Tag Holders, Lanyards, and Magnetic Hooks

Link: Cruise Accessories Works with All Cruise Lines Cruise Travel Essentials Cruise Luggage Tags for Royal Caribbean Ships and Celebrity, Cruise Luggage Tags for Carnival Cruise Ship (12)

Price: $13.99

This is the ultimate cruise-essentials purchase with luggage tag holders, lanyards, and magnetic hooks! Most cruisers describe these cruise accessories as very useful for their vacation. To start, magnetic hooks can be used in your Royal Caribbean cabin, as the walls are usually magnetic. These hooks allow you to hang small items directly on your wall, which can save space and keep your cabin organized.

Similarly, these luggage tag holders are designed to fit luggage tags for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises. The zip-top seal helps keep paper tags from getting wet or tearing, and the thicker plastic feels sturdy enough for the way luggage is handled on embarkation day. 

Not to mention, many consider lanyards to be a must-have items for cruises to keep your card secure throughout the day. You'll be carrying your SeaPass everywhere you go, so it's important to have your card in a secure place.

14-Pack Colorful Luggage Tag Holders

Link: ME.FAN 14 Pack Cruise Luggage Tag Holder for Royal Caribbean & Celebrity, Clear Cruise Tags Holder - Waterproof, Reusable, Zip Seal, Cruise Essentials

Price: $9.99

If you’re looking for a larger set of luggage tags for your Royal Caribbean cruise, this is a great option. These are highly rated with reviewers stating these tags are well-made and reliable. Many note how they like the colorful design!

Reviews also highlight the overall build quality, including screw-on enclosures that keep tags securely in place. Many travelers note that their luggage tags remain protected and intact throughout embarkation. Royal Caribbean cruisers add that printed tags fit well inside the holders and appreciate how easy they are to attach, remove, and reuse on future trips.

While there are many things people will complain about on a Royal Caribbean cruise, some are opinions you can safely ignore.

The internet is a great resource for learning about just about anything, including a cruise vacation. It can also help a lot with finding the right cruise, shore excursion, or activity onboard. Heck, this entire website is built around that premise.

I like to read through others' experiences on cruises, but there are some things you probably shouldn't make a buying decision off of because you read a negative experience online.

Some subjects are simply too subjective, and a cruise is so personalized. Unlike a review that criticizes Enchantment of the Seas for not having nearly as much to do for families as a newer ship, a dismal review one person have may have more to do with that person's likes and dislikes than an objective viewpoint.

Before you make any rash decisions, here are five complaints about cruises I wouldn't take to heart.

How comfortable the beds are on a cruise ship

Let's start with an easy topic that is so subjective, you may as well stop reading as soon as you see the topic: beds.

There are all sorts of complaints that Royal Caribbean's mattresses are too firm, too soft, too lumpy, or simply not what they prefer in bedding.

This is why the entire mattress industry has been built around different firmness levels. Everyone will never agree on what's the right level of firmness.

Personally, I prefer a firmer mattress, and I sleep well on Royal Caribbean ships. So clearly they work for what I prefer, but there are others that have a different feeling.

Don't forget you can ask for a mattress topper to help make it softer.

Ultimately, don't freak out if you see someone complaining about the comfort level of the beds. It might not be the as wonderful to sleep on as your luxury mattress at home, but it does the job.

Cruise ship reviews

If I had to pick one kind of complaint you should never use as the basis for any decision, it's cruise reviews.

You'll find plenty of negative reviews on Facebook and Reddit talking about how some ship is horrible, but I've been on those ships and I scratch my head how they had such a worse experience than I did.

The issue is a cruise ship has so many ways you can experience it.  For example, you could stay in your cabin all cruise and only order room service, but someone else could spend all day in the casino. 

There's simply too much variation on what you can do on a cruise ship to use a review as the basis for booking or not booking it.

Most often, bad cruise ship reviews stem from unrealistic or uninformed expectations. People writing cruise ship reviews aren't trained reviewers: they're dads that thought a ship should have free WiFi and less trivia events because "that's what it's like at Marriott".

What one person considers a deal-breaker, might be exactly what another cruiser loves about the vacation. Add in variables like weather, itinerary changes, and individual service interactions, and two people on the same cruise can walk away with totally opposite impressions.

Royal Caribbean cruise ships are not copies of each other.  Even within the same ship class, you'll find stark differences between each vessel. 

There's nothing wrong with reading ship reviews to see specifics that people liked or didn't like. Online reviews tend to reflect personal preferences more than an objective measure of how good a cruise actually is.

The stage shows around the ship

Royal Caribbean is known for their entertainment as being a differentiating factor from other cruise lines. Specifically, they're a market leader in the onboard shows.  But that doesn't mean everyone loves them all.

A great example of why show reviews shouldn't be taken as the gospel truth is the Broadway show, "Cats" on Oasis of the Seas. Perhaps no other show has such divided views among fans that either despise the show or love it.

I've told readers I can't stand magicians, jugglers, or ventriloquists because they're all the same and bore me.  But I know there are lots of people that love these shows too.

I try to go into every show I've never seen with an open mind, and I think you should give a show a try. You might love a show that gets lambasted by someone else. 

All those food reviews

Nothing is more synonymous with subjective than food reviews. After all, the word "taste" is used for both review and experience.

I would guess the top complaint among all cruisers is centered around food on a Royal Caribbean cruise. 

I could write about how much I loved a particular restaurant and there will be plenty of readers who claim it's a terrible restaurant, they have better food at home, or they didn't like the food at all.

To be fair, I slammed the specialty restaurant Hooked for years, but then tried it again and liked it much more than I ever expected. 

If you're a classically trained chef and know how lobster thermidor should be served, bravo, I defer to your opinion. But since I think most of us are just people eating on a cruise, food reviews are just someone's random opinion.

I like to give any restaurant a chance because it might be my new favorite. Pier 7 is another good example of a restaurant others panned, but I really liked because I gave it a try.

How crowded a ship felt

A study by the University of Tokyo looked at how people judge how crowded a place is, and it found that people perceive how crowded a space feels largely based on the gap between the speed they want to move and the speed they’re actually able to move in a crowd.

This boils down to everyone has a different definition of how crowded is too crowded.

I won't pretend Royal Caribbean ships aren't crowded at times, or that you can easily get a pool chair at noon on a sea day. Those are valid complaints and definitely things I've experienced.

The difference is crowds ebb and flow, and I certainly wouldn't say it's a poor experience when it happens.  Unless you have your own private ship, there's going to be crowding of some kind.

You could argue a crowd means energy, which is important if you want a party atmosphere or are looking to socialize.

So reading "my ship was crowded" doesn't really mean a whole lot in the grand scheme of what makes that ship a fun vacation or not.

If you're wondering when you can book shows on Royal Caribbean, the answer depends on your ship, sailing date, and when reservations open in the Royal Caribbean app.

The problem is shows aren't available to book immediately. Royal Caribbean opens reservations for its shows much closer to the sail date.

Without a reservation, you will have to wait in the standby line for the show. That isn't inherently a problem, but it requires you to show up earlier and there's a risk of not making it in.

If you have the option to make a show reservation, here's when and how to book them so you can see all the performances onboard.

Royal Caribbean's policy isn't always accurate

The official policy is you can book a show on a ship a month before your cruise, but in practice, it's not always the case.

"Show reservations open on the first day of the month before sailing," is what the cruise line has on its website.

That means if you had a cruise in July, shows would be available to book on June 1st.

In my experience, show reservations don't always open exactly then. More often, there are discrepancies for when shows actually become available, and that's likely why you searched the internet to find an answer to this question.

I recommend starting to look for show reservations up to 60 days before your cruise is scheduled to set sail, because there's no consistency when Royal Caribbean actually opens up reservations to book.

Furthermore, there's no notification function to alert you that shows are open to book. It requires you to proactively log in and check to see if show reservations are available yet.

This is why a lot of cruisers will join a roll call for their cruise so that they can crowd-source when one person spots shows open to book.

Only Icon, Oasis and Quantum class ships require pre-reservations.  Other ships don't offer reservations because it's not needed.

Reservations can be made online up to 4 days before the sail date. After that, you'll need to wait to make a show reservation onboard.

New ships are even less predictable when shows are available to book

Royal Caribbean is consistently inconsistent with opening show reservations online, but it's worse with a new ship.

Legend of the Seas launches this summer and will offer a brand new musical onboard, Roald Dahl’s "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."

There seems to be an extra lag factor with opening reservations on any new ship because apparently the onboard process of loading everything associated with a new ship requires extra time.

How to pre-book show tickets

Once reservations are open, it's free and easy to make a reservation.

You can use the Royal Caribbean app or My Royal Cruise website to book them by going to the Entertainment section.

Each show will appear, and from there you can select a show time.

There's no cost to make a pre-show reservation.  Reservations are available on a first-come, first-booked basis.

If you're staying in Star Class, you don't need to make show reservations because your Royal Genie will arrange seating for you.

If you bought The Key, you still need to make a reservation for the show.  The difference is there will be a section of seats held back for guests who bought The Key up until a few minutes before showtime.

If you're sailing with friends or family and want to book them tickets, all you need is is their reservation number and the last name of the primary guest.

When you go to make a reservation, there's an option to add other passengers.

What if all the shows are sold out?

If you missed the chance to book a show, you're not out of luck to actually see the shows.

Periodically check back if more reservations are available. It's unlikely, but sometimes more shows are added or people cancel their reservations.

Once you board the ship, I would recommend going to the box office on your ship. You can ask a crew member where it's located, but there are usually extra tickets held back to be offered onboard.

Likewise, the Royal Caribbean app once connected to the ship Wi-Fi may be able to access those extra seats.

Let's assume none of those tips worked, now what should you do? Get in the standby line!

Every show has a standby line, which begins letting people in once you're about 15-20 minutes before the show is scheduled to start.

The reality is people book up show reservations early because it's free and they want to get reservations just to have them.  But once they're on the ship, they're busy, tired, and distracted.  So there are a lot of no-shows to performances.

In my experience, if you can get in the standby line at least 30 minutes before the scheduled performance, there's a good chance you'll make it in.

Have you ever wondered what it is like to live and work on the world's biggest cruise ship?

At the heart of every cruise vacation is the ship's hardworking crew members. From the housekeeping team to bartenders, dining room wait staff, and entertainers, it would be impossible to have a smooth sailing without the crew. 

Life on board as a crew member is exciting and demanding. Most crew members work long hours and live in tiny cabins below the passenger decks. In return, however, they meet people from dozens of different countries and build lifelong friendships. 

Ex-crew member Bryan James recently traveled aboard Star of the Seas with his girlfriend, Jaidyn, while she was finishing her contract. 

Although he is no longer working as an entertainer aboard cruise ships, James continues to document his life on his well-known YouTube channel, which has amassed over 500k subscribers. 

His channel is filled with behind-the-scenes glimpses of life on board, as well as some cruise secrets from experienced sailors that will help you plan the ultimate getaway. 

In a recent video, Jaidyn briefly shares a look inside her crew cabin before signing off and starting her next chapter: relocating to Arizona with James. 

Read more: Crew member reveals that uneaten food on cruise ships isn't always thrown away

Better Crew Rooms on Icon Class Ships

When Icon of the Seas launched in January 2024, she was filled with record-breaking firsts, including the largest waterpark at sea, the first-ever elegant supper club restaurant, a brand-new enclosed AquaTheater, and a complimentary food hall. 

However, below deck, Royal Caribbean's team designed a completely different world for the 2,000-plus crew members who keep the ship running around the clock. Dubbed the "Crew Neighborhood," this hidden area spans four decks and functions like a miniature city-within-a-city, with everything from an indoor and outdoor pub, a dedicated game room, a gym, a mess hall, and even a salon. 

Another highlight of the new Icon Class ships is the redesigned crew accommodations. During the early stages of the class's conception, the cruise line sent out surveys to crew members asking them what they'd like to see aboard Icon, and at the top of the list were better cabins.

Icon Class vessels are the only cruise ships to feature unique L-shaped crew cabins. Other added features include privacy curtains, enhanced finishes and materials, and easier-to-climb beds. 

"This [L-shape] accommodation allows each crew member to have their own private space where they can really relax and have their own time," said Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO.

Read more: Photos show the secret crew-only areas on Icon of the Seas

Cruise Ship Crew Quarters on Star of the Seas

During her time on Star of the Seas, Jaidyn shared one of the new L-shaped crew cabins. Although the space isn't large, the redesigned accommodation feels more comfortable and private.

Jaidyn had the top bunk, complete with a grey privacy curtain, while her roommate slept on the lower bed positioned just below. The innovative layout creates a little separation between the two sleeping areas, with each crew member also having their own flat-screen television. 

The compact cabin also features built-in storage, ensuring that every inch of space is maximized and used efficiently. The built-in closet has hanging space, as well as small shelves for folded clothes, shoes, and other personal belongings. 

Directly next to the closet is a small staircase that leads up to the top bunk. These stairs make it easier and safer for crew members to climb into bed.

There are additional built-in drawers near the cabin's entrance door, too, along with a small desk with two shelves above it. Crew rooms typically have an attached ensuite bathroom. Jaidyn, however, doesn't show it. 

Finally, in the short room tour, Jaidyn explains that crew members are required to leave clean linens when departing the ship. 

"Here's everything that I'm kind of leaving behind for the next group of girls. We have to have clean linen, clean shower curtain, all of that," she says. 

Overall, the cabin isn't as grand as Star of the Seas' Royal Loft Suite, but it’s designed with practicality and comfort in mind for those spending long stretches of time at sea. 

Royal Caribbean just made it harder to miss the ship on port day.

Missing the ship is every cruiser’s nightmare. If you’ve ever wondered what happens if you miss a cruise ship, the rules are pretty strict.

A recent update to its app has a new countdown feature that makes it clearer what time you need to be back on the ship while in port.

Royal Caribbean Blog message board user Twangster shared screenshots while using the Android version of the app on Icon of the Seas as the ship was docked in Cozumel, Mexico.

In the final hour before all aboard time, the app sends a new warning notification counting down.

Making it easier to know to get back on the ship

In any port, passengers are told what time they need to be back on the ship before it departs. Of course, time flies when you're having fun and losing track of time can occur.

Passengers that are late to the ship can delay sailaway and even result in being left behind. That's not what the cruise line or passengers want.

The latest update adds a countdown timer and indicator bar how much time is left before the official all aboard time. That's the deadline to be back on the ship.

In every port, the all aboard time is posted on signs as you walk off the ship, as well as published in the Cruise Compass and Royal Caribbean app.

Don't confuse "departure time" with "all aboard" time. If you arrive at the gangway at the departure time, the ship will likely be gone. 

The all aboard time is typically 30 to 60 minutes before the scheduled departure. The idea is to get everyone onboard so the ship can depart on schedule.

With the new feature, at one hour before sailaway, a new notification appears. Similar to how an airline app will pop up with a warning when boarding will begin and then continuously update when different boarding groups are ready to go.

It's a small update, but a new way to easily convey (and remind anyone still ashore) to hurry back onboard.

What happens if you miss all aboard time on a cruise?

All aboard time is the deadline for passengers to return to the ship before it departs a port. If you miss that time, the cruise ship will usually leave without you. Guests who miss the ship must arrange their own transportation to the next port of call and are responsible for any travel costs.

In practice, it's up the ship's Captain if they'll wait for you or not.  Depending on the circumstances, the Captain may be more willing to wait.

In the case of passengers booked on a Royal Caribbean shore excursion, one advantage they have is the excursion can call the ship and remain in contact to alert them that they're behind schedule.

Royal Caribbean advertises anyone that books a tour through the cruise line is guaranteed to make it back onboard.

"When you book a shore excursion through Royal Caribbean, we guarantee that if your tour is delayed, the ship will wait for you. In the unlikely event that your tour is significantly delayed, and the ship cannot wait, we will make all the arrangements for you to return to the ship at no expense to you."

However, there is no such guarantee if you're running late on your own.

"The ship will not wait for any guest faring on their own, as it is their responsibility to be onboard before the ship's scheduled departure time."

I have one piece of advice for anyone that gets stuck and is running late, based on what a cruise ship Captain once recommended.

On the back of your Seapass card is a phone number to call in the case of an emergency.  The Captain of Voyager of the Seas once said it's best to call that number so you can convey how late you are.

There are no promises, but if you're in a taxi running 10 minutes late, letting Royal Caribbean know may convince the Captain to wait the few extra minutes for you to return.

But don't rely on this as a back-up option.  I recommend always planning to return to the ship at least 2 hours before the all aboard time.

Other tips for not being late to the ship

While the new app feature is a great addition, here are a few other tips for ensuring you're never on the wrong side of sailaway.

Set an alarm

I recommend planning to be back onboard the ship at least two hours before sailaway so that you have a buffer for traffic, emergency bathroom breaks, and other unforeseen circumstances.

Setting an alarm on your phone is a good idea so you don't overlook the fact you're coming up on when you need to return.

Set your phone or watch to ship time

Before you leave the ship, make sure your phone or watch is aligned with the ship time.

Ship time refers to what time the ship is following. If you're passing through different time zones, or the country you're in doesn't observe daylight savings time, the local time might be different.  And many phones will automatically adjust to the local time without notifying you.

You can always find the official ship time in the top left corner of the Royal Caribbean app.  It's also the time you'd see on any clock on the ship.

Double check it before stepping off the ship.

Avoid over drinking

Not to be the party pooper, but if you're drinking to excess, it's easier to lose track of time.

If you've seen enough "pier runner videos" over the years, you've seen people that are clearly inebriated trying to make it back on the ship.

Have a good time in port, but stay in control so you don't end up the subject of a TikTok short.