Royal Caribbean Blog

When it comes to traveling with a young child, there are countless considerations that go into the planning process

Among the most essential parts is the packing list, which can make or break your family trip. Depending on where you are traveling, this list may vary, as some destinations will offer easy access to certain items, while others might require you to bring everything yourself.

However, when cruising, it is vital to pack anything and everything you might need over the course of your vacation, as cruise ships rarely carry baby and toddler items on board for purchase. While you might find what you need at a port of call, this isn’t always a guarantee, and tracking down essentials could disrupt your plans or your child’s comfort. As a result, it’s best to pack in abundance and prepare for all scenarios, so you don’t find yourself scrambling for supplies mid-cruise.

Recently, I embarked on a 7-night cruise with my 6-month-old baby and, after some trial and error, am confident that I perfected her packing list. Here is everything I packed, along with what I recommend for anyone planning to cruise with a baby or toddler.

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Cruise clothing must-haves for a baby

Naturally, the most important item for a cruiser of any age is clothing! Your child’s age, habits, and needs will help determine how many outfits you might need for your cruise. 

For our baby, we planned two outfits per day, with an additional three extra outfits as a buffer. We used almost every single outfit due to mealtime messes and the occasional diaper mishap. To ensure nighttime comfort, we packed pajamas for each night, totaling eight, which included one for our night at the pre-cruise hotel.

Since we were heading to the warm Caribbean, and our ship had a Baby Splash Zone, we brought three long-sleeved swimsuits with built-in UV protection. Keeping our baby’s sensitive skin protected from the sun was a priority, so we also packed three sunhats to swap out as needed. 

Read more: I took my 6-month-old on a cruise. This is the best ship for a baby, and I want to go on one again

Having more than one hat was helpful since one inevitably ended up damp or sandy after beach outings. For older toddlers who are walking, be sure to pack comfortable shoes, as cruise ships involve a fair amount of walking. If you’re planning for beach or pool time, consider swim shoes to protect their feet from hot sand or poolside surfaces.

To help preserve her clothing, we packed five bibs, as she’s currently in a heavy drooling phase, and we hoped they’d catch any spit-ups before they reached her outfit. 

Alongside the bibs, we included a selection of bows and headbands to accessorize. We also packed six burp rags, which proved invaluable for quick cleanups and saved us in many messy moments. These were particularly useful when kept in our diaper bag and stroller for easy access.

You will also want to look ahead in your cruiser planner before sailing to see if there are any theme nights you would like to participate in. Some typical themes you may find are White Night, Caribbean Night, Formal Night, and more.

However, you may also have more specific themes depending on when you sail. We cruised over Halloween, which meant we also had to pack our costumes to dress up while onboard. 

Sleeping arrangements

Living within driving distance of the port made it convenient to bring our own pack-and-play. I highly recommend the Guava Lotus Travel Crib if you’re in the market for a travel crib. It’s incredibly easy to assemble, folds down small, and comes with a durable carrying case. This fit perfectly in our large suitcase, making it easy to transport.

Most cruise lines offer a pack-and-play if you request one, and they’ll bring it to your cabin. However, reviews on these cribs are mixed—some receive full-sized cribs, while others get mini versions, and the condition can vary. 

Because of this uncertainty, we chose to bring our own pack-and-play, especially since we’d planned to pack our own crib sheets, which might not fit a mini crib. This decision gave us peace of mind, knowing she’d be comfortable and in a familiar sleep environment.

If you’re traveling with an older child who isn’t ready for a bed or pull-out sofa, inflatable toddler beds or bed rails are portable and work well for cruises. Certain inflatable toddler beds also fit under the blackout tents, which are a must-have for creating a separate, dark space for your child in the room.

Speaking of, one item I consider essential when sharing a room with a small child is a blackout tent. While there are many options available, we opted for the more affordable Hiccapop Black Out Tent, which worked perfectly for our needs. Not only did it take up minimal suitcase space, but it also helped us create a separate “room” for her. 

We could leave our cabin lights on while she napped, and our travel sound machine in the tent helped block out noises from the hallways. For parents of older children sleeping on the pull-out sofa, another option is using blackout curtains and metal hooks to create a temporary “room” around their sleep area.

In addition to the tent, we brought two sleep sacks, which our baby sleeps in each night. This familiar item helped create a sense of routine for her, which was essential in the new environment of a cruise cabin.

Everyday essentials to pack

As mentioned, you won’t find baby supplies like diapers and wipes for sale on most ships. This means you’ll need to bring enough diapers and wipes to cover the entire trip. To avoid running out or facing high costs, be prepared with plenty. As a point of reference, we found wipes in port at Roatan for $10—much more than what we pay at home!

One great tip is to use an empty diaper box as storage. We filled it with diapers, wipes, and other essentials, taped it back up, added a luggage tag, and it was delivered directly to our stateroom—just like our suitcases. This saved space in our main bags and kept everything organized.

When it comes to swim diapers, pack enough for each pool or beach day you have planned, especially if your ship has a Baby Splash Zone. Swim diapers aren’t allowed in regular pools onboard, but these splash areas are a great alternative and perfect for young ones.

For formula-feeding parents, it’s wise to bring more than you think you’ll need. We carried ours in our carry-on bag to avoid issues during embarkation and packed an extra can just in case.

For added convenience, you can email [email protected] about a month or two before your cruise to request distilled water in your cabin. Though ours wasn’t there when we first arrived, our stateroom attendant quickly brought it to us, and it was refilled as needed. This saved us from packing large water bottles for formula preparation.

We packed enough bottles and a compact bottle-cleaning kit, which has been a game changer. This kit includes a drying rack, cleaning brushes, and a soap container, all in a small case. It made keeping bottles clean on the go incredibly easy.

If you’re breastfeeding and need to store milk, request a medical-grade refrigerator, as the cabin coolers won’t keep milk at a safe temperature. 

For pumping, an extension cord might be necessary since most ships lack conveniently placed outlets. You can request this via the stateroom form emailed shortly before your trip. You can always ask your cabin steward once onboard, too. 

For parents deciding whether to bring a stroller, I’d recommend opting for a lightweight travel stroller over an everyday one. Cruise ship hallways can be narrow, especially when cleaning carts or suitcases are out. Our travel stroller was easy to fold, lightweight, and perfect for navigating the ship’s halls. Additionally, it had a decent compartment underneath, which proved useful for holding essentials.

Medications and toiletries

Another critical category is over-the-counter and prescription medication. While this applies to travelers of all ages, it’s especially important for babies and toddlers, as finding infant medications on board is unlikely. We packed infant Tylenol, gas relief drops, teething tablets, infant Benadryl, and baby cough syrup, just in case. These items take up minimal space, and having them gave us peace of mind.

Along with diapers and clothing, another must-pack item is sunscreen. While you can often find sunscreen available onboard, the ship’s shops aren’t always open when you might need them, and the prices can be quite steep. For example, sunscreen at Perfect Day at CocoCay costs $35 for a single bottle. 

We took extra care to bring sunscreen specifically suited for our baby’s sensitive skin. For her, we opted for an infant-friendly formula gentle enough to use multiple times throughout the day. For ourselves, we packed our usual spray sunscreen, which saved us both money and time during our vacation. Having our preferred brands on hand gave us peace of mind and kept everyone protected from the strong sun at sea and in port.

Read more: How to make your own DIY cruise first aid kit

One item we discovered to be invaluable was Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Stain Treater spray. We use this spray at home to keep her clothes looking fresh, and it proved just as essential during our cruise. With a baby, spills are inevitable, especially when trying new foods and snacks onboard. We found ourselves reaching for the stain remover frequently, and it easily handled the daily messes. 

Along with the stain remover, we packed a few packs of SinkSuds, anticipating that we might need to wash a few items in our cabin sink. As it turned out, we had a couple of accidents and needed to wash clothes more than once. The SinkSuds worked remarkably well in the small bathroom sink, helping us keep her clothes fresh even without access to a washing machine.

An inflatable tub was another must-have item that made our cruise experience much smoother. If you’re in a standard cabin, you will have just a shower and no tub, which can make bathtime tricky with a young child. Some parents may be comfortable showering with their little ones, but for us, it quickly became clear that our baby’s slippery spaghetti noodle antics made it challenging to keep her safe in the shower.

The inflatable tub fit perfectly inside the shower stall, giving her a safe space to enjoy a bath without the chaos of managing her in the shower. Beyond bathtime, this tub also served as a cozy, contained play space. 

We often set it up on the balcony, allowing her to sit safely while enjoying the views, or we’d use it inside the cabin to keep her occupied for a few minutes. 

The best part? It packs down almost flat, making it easy to store in a suitcase. I would recommend this for anyone traveling with a baby or young child who still needs a tub.

Extras we found surprisingly useful

Since our baby had only recently started trying solid foods, we decided to pack a few pureed pouches to make sure she’d have familiar options available. While the ship’s dining areas offered plenty of fruits, vegetables, and even some meats she could nibble on, having her favorite purees on hand gave us peace of mind. 

If you’re traveling with a toddler with specific food preferences, bringing a few of their favorite snacks can be a smart move, as it can be hard to find familiar items onboard. That said, the kids’ menus and options were impressive, and the crew went out of their way to accommodate requests when possible.

Along that note, disposable bibs were another fantastic addition. Babies can be messy eaters, and it’s not always possible to rinse out reusable bibs quickly between meals. Disposable bibs pack down incredibly small, and it was a relief not to have to worry about cleaning them after each use. 

In fact, we’ve added a few to our regular diaper bag for everyday use, since they’re so convenient in situations where we don’t have immediate access to a sink or washing facilities.

Disinfecting wipes was another essential item for us. Our baby is in a phase where everything she can reach goes straight to her mouth, and being able to sanitize surfaces like high chair trays and other communal items helped us keep things clean and safe for her. Having these wipes within reach was a huge help, as we didn’t always know when items had been last cleaned.

We also brought a packable swim float, which became a go-to item for days spent at the beach. As I mentioned earlier, when wet, our baby turns into a slippery noodle, making it hard to hold onto her safely. The swim float not only gave her a safe spot to enjoy the ocean on port days but also came with a canopy that provided shade from the sun. 

It even had a few attached toys that kept her happily occupied while we relaxed. This float was compact enough to fit in our luggage and took only seconds to inflate, making it a wonderful choice for a beach or pool day.

For anyone cruising with young children, I’d highly recommend bringing a rechargeable stroller fan. Living in Florida, we always have one on hand, but it proved especially useful on the cruise. It clipped to the edge of our stroller and kept her cool during warm port days, while fellow passengers often remarked how they wished they’d brought one too. Even on the ship, this fan came in handy in the sunniest areas.

While some might not see the need for this next item, small waste bags were absolutely essential for us. We keep these in our diaper bag anyway, but they were especially useful in the small cruise cabin. Since rooms are typically serviced once a day, used diapers can quickly start to smell in confined spaces. These bags helped contain odors and kept the trash clean, making for a more pleasant environment throughout our stay.

Read more: I went on a cruise with my baby and used the babysitting service multiple times. It was the best thing ever for parents

One of the most recommended items for family cruises is an over-the-door shoe rack, and while I was skeptical at first, it turned out to be incredibly useful. Babies and toddlers require a surprising amount of supplies, and cruise cabins are notoriously short on space and storage options. 

We used this shoe rack to organize her clothes, wipes, burp cloths, and toys, keeping all her commonly used items in one convenient spot. Having easy access to these essentials saved us time and hassle, especially when getting her ready for outings or mealtimes.

Another item that proved to be helpful was a pop-up hamper. While this is a good addition for any cruiser, it was invaluable with a baby onboard, as we went through multiple outfits each day. The hamper kept our cabin organized, and when it was time to pack up, it folded neatly into our suitcase.

Read more: 30 cruise cabin hacks that cruisers love

What to leave behind

One tip we picked up before our cruise was to take advantage of the Adventure Ocean Babies program, which some ships offer as a convenient onboard daycare service. If your cruise includes this option, you can safely skip packing extra toys, as they provide a variety of play options that you can rent out throughout the week. 

The daycare has a catalog of different toy bags designed to keep young ones entertained, and you can even swap them out mid-cruise if your child needs a change. This saved us a lot of space and effort! 

For instance, they had a light-up piano that kept our little one engaged—something we would never have considered packing ourselves. So, if you’re on a ship with this service, you can travel lighter knowing there will be fun, safe toys waiting for your child.

Packing takeaways and tips

At the end of our cruise, my husband and I went through all the items we’d packed to determine what we’d bring again and what we could skip next time. While we initially packed more than we probably needed, we found we used nearly every item, which felt like a packing success! 

After a bit of reflection, we decided we could reduce some of our clothing options, especially since we dined casually in the Windjammer buffet more often than we’d anticipated. Packing fewer dressier outfits and adding more comfortable daywear would have suited our actual cruise experience better.

The inflatable swim float is another item we’d bring again, though it may not be necessary for every family. It’s ideal for infants but only for children up to about 12 months, so families with toddlers may find it less useful. 

We’d also likely skip packing our own pureed foods in the future. With more confidence that we could find suitable food onboard, especially as our daughter continues to try more foods, we realized the ship’s offerings were more than adequate for her needs.

Another item that may not be necessary was bringing our own pack-and-play, which significantly increased our luggage load. Since we were within driving distance of the port and didn’t have to worry about flight weight restrictions, bringing this along made sense for us. 

However, if you’re flying or aiming to pack light, it’s worth considering the ship’s options. Many cruise lines offer complimentary or rentable cribs or pack-and-plays that can be prearranged, which can help lighten your load. Despite the extra bulk, the pack-and-play allowed our baby to sleep soundly in a familiar setup, so it was a worthwhile addition.

In the end, our baby essentials added up to an additional large suitcase, but it was worth it to have everything we needed at our fingertips. Packing for a cruise with a baby may feel overwhelming at first, but with each trip, you’ll get a clearer idea of what’s essential and what you can leave behind. 

For us, we’re satisfied knowing that—at least for one family member—we managed to avoid overpacking while still being fully prepared for a smooth, enjoyable cruise.

First-time cruisers may be scared of falling overboard, but veteran cruisers know there are far more frightening (and plausible) things to be afraid of on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

We wanted to find out the biggest fears among cruisers, so we posed the question to members of the Royal Caribbean Blog message boards. Over 40 cruisers responded, sharing their biggest rational—and irrational—fears.

Some cruisers are panicked at the thought of getting left behind in port, while others are more concerned about what they would do if they forgot their underwear at home.

Forget falling off a cruise ship—these are the 11 things cruisers are actually scared of while onboard.

Leaving their passport at home

If there’s one thing that can ruin a cruise vacation before it even begins, it’s forgetting your passport at home.

Lost luggage? Forgot your sunscreen? These mishaps may be unfortunate, but at the end of the day, items like clothing and toiletries are easily replaceable. Your passport, on the other hand, is the single most important item you need for a cruise vacation.

Related: Can I cruise without a passport?

Message board member BXcruiser mentioned how forgetting their passport at home is their ultimate cruise fear; they constantly check to make sure the passport is packed before leaving home.

User loki007 added to the discussion by explaining what happened when they once forgot their passport. Fortunately, they realized their mistake while staying at a hotel the evening before embarkation, but the 7-hour round trip drive to retrieve the passport was far from enjoyable.

Evacuating the ship in an emergency

Every cruiser knows they must complete Royal Caribbean’s safety drill on embarkation day, but for most, the thought of a real emergency never crosses their mind. Cruise ships rarely encounter major issues at sea, after all, and emergency evacuations are largely unheard of.

Nonetheless, there’s a reason that millions of passengers complete safety drills each year—an emergency is always a possibility. Whether the ship is taking on water or a fire starts onboard, some cruisers stress about what an emergency evacuation could entail.

Message board member Geezer Of The Seas expressed his concerns, stating that “somehow, I don’t envision the real thing going as smoothly as the drills the crews perform periodically.”

Being left behind in port

We’ve all seen videos of frantic cruisers sprinting back to their cruise ship before it leaves port. Dubbed pier runners, these cruisers are frequently the target of jokes in the cruise industry. Several Royal Caribbean Blog message board members mentioned missing the ship as their biggest cruise fear.

It’s important to be cognizant of time while in port, as it’s crucial to return back to the ship in time. With the exception of those on shore excursions booked through Royal Caribbean, the cruise ship will not wait for late passengers. Those guests who miss the ship’s departure will need to make their own arrangements to meet up with the ship in the next port of call.

Related: What happens if you miss your cruise ship?

Moral of the story? Keep an eye on the time in port, and make note of whether your ship is following the port’s local time or ship time to ensure you get back onboard with plenty of time to spare.

Not making it to the embarkation city

Not getting back to your cruise ship before it leaves a port of call is a common cruise fear, but what about missing your cruise ship’s first departure altogether?

User smokeybandit explained how their biggest concern is getting to the port in the first place, particularly during the winter. User JimnKathy shared a similar remark, stating how “I never feel comfortable until the plane lands at our port of departure. Commercial air travel is SO unreliable these days.”

One of our most tried and true cruise tips at Royal Caribbean Blog is arriving at your embarkation city at least one day before your cruise begins. Even still, some veteran cruisers remain wary of travel delays that could cause them to miss the ship despite proper planning.

Something bad happening at home

Royal Caribbean Blog message board user RockerDom31 mentioned how their biggest cruise fear is something happening at home, such as an injury or death in the family. Many cruisers can relate to this fear, and it’s important to always be prepared for the worst case scenario.

No one wants to think of an emergency occurring at home while on a cruise, but it’s always a possibility. To be prepared for the worst, we recommend purchasing travel insurance before your cruise.

Related: Travel insurance for a cruise: Why you need it

Many travel insurance policies offer trip interruption coverage in case of the death of a family member back home, which may cover costs associated with an early departure from your ship when possible.

Plus, travel insurance will keep cruisers covered if something happens to themselves on a cruise, whether a sudden illness or emergency medical evacuation.

Losing luggage before (or after) boarding the ship

Frequent cruisers are meticulous when packing for a cruise, ensuring they pack the perfect outfit for each formal night or a day at the beach. Yet what if your luggage goes missing?

For several users on our message boards, losing luggage takes the top spot on their list of cruise fears.

Member asquared17 wrote how one of their biggest fears is watching their luggage float on the water as the ship pulls away from the cruise terminal. Traveling Mike shared similar sentiments, explaining how he would have trouble finding well-fitting clothing at the last minute if his luggage were to be lost.

Related: 6 tips to help keep a cruise line from losing your luggage

PhantomWolf shared a tip for those with luggage concerns, recommending that cruisers place AirTags in their luggage prior to leaving for a cruise. This way, cruisers can track down their bags on the chance they are misplaced.

Bad weather before, during, and after the cruise

Everyone wants a cool breeze and sunny skies when cruising, but weather will always be somewhat unpredictable regardless of where a cruise takes place.

From heat waves in the Mediterranean to hurricane season in the Caribbean, cruisers often express concern about encountering bad weather on a cruise.

Board user SPS explained how bad weather is his biggest fear on a cruise. Storms, winter travel, and cooler-than-expected weather can cause travel delays, missed ports of call, and miserably cold days at sea.

Royal Caribbean tries its best to complete every itinerary as scheduled, but out-of-the-ordinary weather patterns can occasionally put a damper on even the most anticipated cruise vacations.

The bar running out of a favorite drink

On a lighter note, what if your favorite beverage is out of stock on a Royal Caribbean cruise?

You can try dozens of unique drinks onboard a Royal Caribbean ship, whether a classic Cucumber Martini or tropical-inspired Parrot Punch. Some cruisers, though, prefer sticking to their favorites.

Related: 21 drinks to order if you have a cruise drink package

Message board user Ryan79 stated how the scariest thing that could happen on a cruise would be “the bar running out of Kraken for my lava flow!” and, after 55 cruises, Mike45orlando mentioned that “all the bars running out of your beer of choice is our biggest nightmare.”

Fortunately, even if the cruise ship does run out of your favorite drink, there are more than enough other intriguing choices available.

Getting food poisoning

There’s nothing glamorous about food poisoning—no one wants to spend their entire cruise in the bathroom! As expected, many cruisers are fearful of catching norovirus or another gastrointestinal illness onboard.

User Pattycruise said her biggest fear is learning about multiple cases of food poisoning through her sailing’s Facebook group.

“Reading in the Facebook group for your sailing that numerous people have food poisoning... I had the ‘joy’ of norovirus on disembarkation day on one of those sailings.”

Our advice? Make sure to wash your hands frequently while onboard. It’s a good idea to carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer with you, too, which you can use after handling commonly-touched items like buffet tongs and door handles.

Losing car keys for the way home

In all the excitement of embarkation day, some cruisers may toss their car keys into the first convenient place they find in their luggage. Come disembarkation day, however, remembering where they put their car keys can be challenging.

Member Auto mentioned losing his car keys as one of his biggest cruise fears, having experienced this himself after one sailing.

“We got to the parking garage to go home and I can’t find the keys anywhere,” he explained. “After about 10 minutes of searching, I finally found them in a pocket of a backpack I have never used before (or since). Not a great feeling.”

For those driving to the cruise port, make sure to put your keys in an easy-to-remember place.

Looking at your bill at the end of the cruise

Finally, one of the scariest moments all cruisers can relate to is looking at the final bill at the end of the cruise.

While onboard, it’s easy to swipe your SeaPass card without much thought. Another $15 cocktail? Sure, why not! The $200 spa treatment is only $150 today? What a steal!

Related: How much does a cruise cost?

After days of spending—and treating yourself—comes the dreaded moment of receiving your final bill.

To avoid intense sticker shock at the end of the cruise, keep an eye on your onboard charges via the Royal Caribbean app. If the number frightens you just halfway through the cruise, that’s a great reminder to cut back on your spending.

One Royal Caribbean cruiser shared her cautionary tale about nearly losing hundreds of dollars to a phone scammer when attempting to book a drink package.

Unfortunately, scammers seem to be everywhere these days. From spam phone calls to unwanted emails, it’s hard to know when you might fall victim to the latest scam. As such, remaining diligent about potential scams when providing personal information or payment details surrounding your vacation is extremely important.

In fact, vacation scams are sadly on the rise, mainly driven by the rise of artificial intelligence. For instance, Booking.com reported earlier this year that travel scams have increased “anywhere from 500 to 900% in the last 18 months”.

When planning for your cruise vacation, it’s important to have the correct contact information and booking details. If you’re not careful, you can easily be scammed by many sophisticated criminals looking to steal your money. Here’s what happened to one cruiser and how you can protect yourself from falling victim to the same scam or similar tactics.

Royal Caribbean Phone Number Scam

One cruiser in the Royal Caribbean Information page on Facebook recently shared their near-miss experience with a scammer pretending to be the cruise line on the phone. In the post, the cruiser details the experience and warns others to be careful when calling the cruise line and providing payment information.

In the post, she shared, “I was almost scammed by a number I thought was Royal Caribbean customer service.  I was trying to buy beverage package.”

Because she was attempting to purchase the deluxe drink package for one guest and the refreshment package for the second, she was required to call the cruise line. This specific drink package arrangement cannot be made online. The number she called was found on Google.

Continuing, the Royal Caribbean cruiser explained how the person on the phone quickly became agitated when she started to ask about the high price. This was a red flag - and she began to question if she was being scammed.

“The thing that triggered it first was the price, as I was trying to buy one deluxe and one refreshment package.  For a 3-day cruise, the price was $681! So I questioned the price and the person got irritated with me,” she wrote.

The cruiser explained further, “I had my doubts because I did the math in my head and it was not [adding up].  So I hung up. Then searched the number again and it was a totally different number and different experience.  Be careful!”

Similar Stories and Other Victims

Many fellow cruisers commented on the post, including some who unfortunately had fallen for the same scam. “Same exact thing happened to me, but unfortunately I bought the scam,” replied one woman. Another commenter agreed, stating he also fell victim to the same phone scam when attempting to call Royal Caribbean.

Another person who nearly fell victim to the same scam detailed a similar experience. “This happened to us! We wanted to cancel [and] rebook an excursion for a cheaper price. We Googled Royal Caribbean [and] called the number we found.”

However, this woman explained one scammer attempted to threaten “cancelling” her cruise because a “final payment” was due on her reservation; however, she knew the payment was not due yet. When questioning the final payment date of her cruise, the scammer became irritated and “nasty” with the woman. Even after stating she had the cruise documents in front of her, the scammer insisted the payment was due or the cruise would be cancelled.

She warned, “I knew I was being scammed and started screaming at him, ‘You are trying to scam me’ [and] I hung up. I called the correct Royal Caribbean [telephone number] and they said it was not them, no payment was due. Be very careful what [telephone number] you call!”

In addition, another commenter shared a similar scam regarding their cruise reservation. “They tried to tell us that we had not paid "dock" fees. I am telling everyone I know, that's about all we can do - they asked us for a little over $400,” replied one cruiser.

Sadly, one first-time cruiser responded that she fell for this scam because she had never cruised before. “Same with me and I [fell] for it not knowing any better since it’s my first cruise,” she commented in response.

Lessons Learned

Although some of these cruisers identified the red flags before providing payment, others are unfortunately victims to scamming. With this in mind, it’s crucial to be diligent when making payments or providing personal information either online or over the phone.

First, always call the phone number provided on Royal Caribbean’s official website. Scammers pay big bucks to have their fake phone number appear on Google searches. You can also find the official phone number in your booking documents.

Typically, if you call one of these fake numbers, the “agent” will ask for some sort of payment before they can help you. This could be an embarkation fee, docking fee, or final payment. When you provide payment information, they will then appear to “help” you with whatever request you had. But, in the end, you’ll lose your money and end up with nothing booked.

Second, consider working with a travel agent who can handle your questions, concerns and requests. Travel agents will ensure you aren’t scammed and can handle all of your cruise requests. If something feels off, always double-check with the cruise line’s official channels before proceeding with payments.

Finally, look out for red flags and trust your gut. If you receive a call from "Royal Caribbean” requesting money, it’s probably a scam - especially if the person becomes agitated or angry. You should call the official phone number from the cruise line’s website to confirm any payments that need to be made.

If you’re planning a cruise on Utopia of the Seas, you may want to verify your cabin is in a good location before putting down the final deposit.

Utopia of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s newest cruise ship that launched in July 2024, has 2,834 staterooms for guests to choose from, including 572 interior cabins, 168 oceanview cabins, 1,918 balconies, and 176 suites. Although Utopia of the Seas offers short 3- and 4-night cruises, you’ll want to make sure your travel party picks the best cabin for your vacation.

Choosing the right cruise ship cabin can make or break your experience. You don’t want to be kept up all night or woken up early because of loud noises or lots of foot traffic.

Here are the cabins you should avoid booking on Utopia of the Seas.

Cabins below the pool deck

Cabins located on deck 14, one deck below the pool deck on deck 15, are subject to noises galore.

These cabins may seem like a convenient option since you'll be close to all the fun on the pool deck, but you’ll likely hear the sounds of deck chairs being moved early in the morning and the hustle and bustle of poolside activity throughout the day.

The pool deck on Utopia of the Seas is one of the main hubs of activity on the ship. While it’s the perfect place to enjoy the sun and attend one of the many pool parties onboard, cabins located beneath the pool deck hear constant noise. Not only that, but the Windjammer buffet is also on deck 15, so it will likely be noisy below this venue too.

Lastly, there is a large TV screen and DJ booth on deck 16 near a few balcony cabins on deck 14. These cabins, 14249-14253 and 14649-14653, will be quite noisy because it is near both main pools, the music, and TV.

If you value quiet mornings or plan to sleep in after enjoying activities late into the night, steer clear of cabins on deck 14.

Cabins near entertainment venues

One of the highlights of Utopia of the Seas is its wide variety of entertainment options, including lively shows, theatre productions, and more. If you want to avoid hearing music throughout the night, especially when you’re trying to sleep, avoid booking cabins above the Royal Theater and below Studio B.

While there are no cabins on decks 4 and 5, try to avoid booking cabins on decks 3 and 6. Cabins on deck 3 are below venues like Studio B, the comedy club, and the casino. Cabins on deck 6 are above the Royal Promenade, which is full of activity and noise. Deck 6 cabins in the forward of the ship are above the Royal Theater, which will be noisy as well. 

It may also be wise to avoid booking cabins near the Music Hall on decks 8 and 9 in the aft of the ship. Music Hall often hosts late-night concerts with music that may bleed into the halls and into the nearby staterooms.

Cabins next to Giovanni's terrace

Utopia of the Seas is the first Royal Caribbean ship to have an outdoor terrace at Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar. This terrace, located on deck 11, overlooks the Boardwalk neighborhood below.

There are two cabins next to this terrace that make you feel like you're part of the restaurant because you're practically on the terrace! These Boardwalk view balconies are cabins 11293 and 11693.

If you value privacy and don’t want people looking into your cabin every night while they're eating their meal, avoid booking one of these cabins.

Read more: Icon of the Seas vs. Utopia of the Seas: Comparing Royal Caribbean's newest and biggest cruise ships

Neighborhood interior view cabins

A unique cabin you can select on Utopia of the Seas is a neighborhood view cabin. These include cabins that overlook the Royal Promenade, Central Park, and Boardwalk neighborhoods. These neighborhoods are bustling areas of the ship featuring shops, restaurants, and live entertainment. Cabins nearby may experience noise from parades, parties, and music events, especially during evening hours.

The cabins you should avoid booking are the interior cabins directly above and below these neighborhoods. These interior cabins offer windows looking inward toward the ship’s neighborhood instead of the ocean. While these cabins provide an interesting view, they are subject to noise due to their placement near busy venues.

There are a few Promenade view cabins on deck 7 that are below Central Park and overlook the Royal Promenade. These cabins will be noisy from both the Promenade and Central Park, so definitely avoid booking these.

• 7185-7205
• 7587-7607

However, if you're a people watcher and don't like to be in the middle of the activity in the Promenade, you may enjoy the view from one of the above-listed cabins. 

There are also a handful of interior view cabins that overlook the Boardwalk neighborhood on deck 7, but are right above restaurants like Playmakers and Johnny Rockets. These cabins are 7319-7325 and 7719-7725.

Similarly, having a Central Park view interior cabin above a restaurant, like 150 Central Park, Chops, Izumi, or Park Cafe, could be prone to noise. Try to avoid these cabins on deck 9, including:

• 9177-9255
• 9577-9655

Read more: What a room on Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas looks like

Obstructed view cabins

Utopia of the Seas offers a variety of balcony cabins, but some come with less-than-ideal views due to structural elements blocking the way, like the Ultimate Abyss slide. While you may be able to get a good deal on one of these cabins, you may feel disappointed if you were hoping for completely unobstructed views.

Before selecting a cabin, you can try to Google search the cabin number and ship to see if others have posted about their experience in the obstructed cabin you're considering.

General cabins to avoid

If you haven't learned already, it is very important to do research before selecting your cabin on a cruise ship. In addition to these Utopia of the Seas-specific cabins, try to avoid booking these cabins as well.

Cabins towards the front of the ship

Cabins located in the forward of the ship tend to experience more movement than other areas of the ship, leading to a rockier experience. If there are rough seas, the movement can be even more noticeable.

Guests prone to motion sickness may feel uncomfortable in a cabin that is located too far forward. Additionally, these cabins may experience noise from the anchor when arriving at a port of call.

For those sensitive to motion, mid-ship cabins on lower decks offer the most stability.

Cabins near high-traffic areas

While it may seem ideal to stay close to elevators and staircases, cabins nearby may be susceptible to more noise. Cabins located near the elevators and stairs tend to experience heavy foot traffic from passengers passing by. The convenience of being close to these spaces is tempting, but you might sacrifice tranquility for accessibility.

Also, if you are traveling without children, it may be worthwhile to not book a cabin near the Adventure Ocean kids club on deck 14. Adventure Ocean is fantastic for families traveling with children, but cabins near this area may experience loud foot traffic from excited young passengers.

Interior cabins on deck 12 below Adventure Ocean include 12137-12153 and 12537-12553. There are also four interior cabins on deck 14 near Adventure Ocean and the Solarium that may experience noise and foot traffic. These cabins are 14531, 14533, 14535, and 14537.

Connecting cabins (if you are not in a group)

Connecting cabins, which are designed for families or groups traveling together, come with a shared door to the next cabin. These doors are not as soundproof as regular walls, and noise from your neighbors may travel through them.

If you’re not booking both sides of the connecting cabins, you may hear more noise from the adjacent room than you would in a standard cabin. Even though the door remains locked, knowing that another cabin is just a door away might be unsettling for some cruisers.

Guarantee cabins (if you care about location)

Selecting a guarantee cabin often means you can save money when booking a cruise cabin. But, when you elect for a guarantee cabin, you lose the ability to select where your cabin is located. That means you will most likely be assigned a cabin at the very front or back of the ship since these cabins are the last to be booked. This is a good option for budget-conscious cruisers.

There is a possibility you can upgrade your cabin via RoyalUp, but this doesn't always ensure a better cabin location than the guarantee cabin Royal Caribbean assigned.

All in all, avoid booking a guarantee cabin if you want to select where you want your cruise ship cabin to be during your vacation.

Cabins to avoid on other Royal Caribbean ships:

• Icon of the Seas cabins to avoid
• Wonder of the Seas cabins to avoid
• Oasis of the Seas cabins to avoid

How does sailing out of New Orleans impact your embarkation day experience?

The port you choose to depart from has a major impact on your cruise—and New Orleans, Louisiana, is one of the most unique U.S. cities from which Royal Caribbean sails.

Located just 90 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, New Orleans is a convenient departure point for cruises. Cruises out of New Orleans begin in the Mississippi River, exiting into the Gulf of Mexico hours later.

I sailed out of New Orleans for the first time last month, on a Brilliance of the Seas cruise.

Currently, Brilliance of the Seas is the only Royal Caribbean ship sailing from New Orleans.

My 7-night sailing departed from New Orleans and called upon Cozumel, Mexico; Georgetown, Grand Cayman; and Yucatan (Progreso), Mexico. On the first day of the cruise, I was surprised by how different the departure day was.

Embarkation day felt entirely different from Florida ports like Tampa or Miami, and it wasn’t just because of New Orleans' unique charm.

A cruise out of New Orleans is a great opportunity to explore the city

Pre-cruise, I was surprised to discover just how close the Royal Caribbean terminal is to the center of the city.

Royal Caribbean leaves from the Julia Street Terminal, which is just off Canal Street. The terminal is close to many famous sights; a short walk from the French Quarter, right across from the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, and next door to the Riverwalk Mall.

I spent the day before the sailing in a nearby hotel and wished I'd arrived even earlier in New Orleans.

This distinctive city offers plenty to explore and is conveniently close to the cruise terminal. I didn't expect it to be so easy to see New Orleans after flying in and not having a car!

I spent a day at the Riverwalk Mall, tried café au lait and beignets, and purchased some Nola souvenirs. But if I'd had more time, I could have explored the French Quarter, prioritized hearing live music, and tried more authentic Creole food.

Because I stayed in the Marriot Warehouse Arts District, embarkation day was a breeze. 

The Julia Street Terminal was just a short walk from the hotel, and porters took our bags right away.

We moved swiftly through the terminal and security, with staff efficiently checking our documents.

The embarkation day before the ship departed was a fun experience!

Embarkation day begins with sailing on the Mississippi River

As everyone boarded and began to fill up the ship, we could look outside and see the sights of New Orleans.

The ship’s position on the Mississippi River offered unique views, with the bridge and riverbanks visible on both sides.

As the ship departed, I realized that the first day of a cruise out of New Orleans felt more like a river cruise. The ship sails down the Mississippi River for almost eight hours before the ship reaches the Gulf of Mexico.

Our cruise departed a little later than usual, so it was almost evening by the time we started sailing down the river.

Read more: My $1,800 stateroom on Royal Caribbean's Brilliance of the Seas has the worst shower curtain, but the balcony was perfect

However, I could still see the lights and buildings of the city. 

It was fascinating to watch the ship navigate the winding river bends and maneuver around boats and buildings.

Once the cruise ship passed New Orleans, we mostly were seeing industrial plants and refineries. Gray smoke and coal storage facilities lined both sides of the river.

While it was still cool to follow the winding path of the Mississippi River and see the lights from the riverbank, the refineries were a less pleasant sight.

Read more: 6 things I loved and 3 things I hated about my Brilliance of the Seas cruise

After dark fell, and we got tired of looking at factories, we stopped gazing out the windows. At a certain point, the novelty of sailing on a river instead of the ocean began to wear off, and it felt gloomy instead.

I began to miss the ocean’s vast open space and clear night sky when faced with riverbanks and refineries.

Weather can also have a huge impact on your first day

Choosing which ports to visit also means considering the weather for that time of year.

With such an active 2024 hurricane season, it wasn't a surprise that my cruise was affected by the weather.

The Brilliance of the Seas sailing right before mine had to change its itinerary due to Hurricane Rafael.

Although my November 9th cruise had no schedule changes, we were still influenced by some bad weather.

Even though the tropical storm was already weakening in the Gulf of Mexico, Louisiana still experienced rain and wind.

The storm was approaching New Orleans as our ship departed, causing some bad weather for embarkation day.

Our first night onboard was dark and gloomy—the boat rocked back and forth. The approaching winds were so loud that they whistled through the stateroom all night, making it hard to sleep.

Of course, many people know New Orleans for its vulnerability to hurricanes. Cruise ships are designed with safety in mind, so weather concerns shouldn’t deter you from booking a cruise from this port.

However, it was interesting to see how our sailing was affected by the weather in the region.

If anything, it's important to notice how the time of year and regional weather might influence your cruise.

For future cruises out of New Orleans, I might schedule a sailing in the spring or fall. Winter cruises to the Gulf of Mexico can often be affected by severe weather, such as strong winds or rough seas.

Read more: Ultimate Mexico Cruise Guide

Opening in 2025 is Royal Caribbean's first ever beach club, and it's going to take your beach day to a new level.

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is going to open in late 2025, and it's being built on a 17-acre site that is just about the most prime real estate in all of Nassau.

The plan is simple, but the promise is enormous. Offer an unfiltered beach day experience that hits every important factor for any tourist, while making it an unforgettable experience exclusively for Royal Caribbean cruisers only.

While Royal Caribbean has built private island experiences, it's never tried a limited-capacity and extra cost beach offering.  It's a lot like building its own shore excursion that is designed, built, and operated with the cruise line at the helm.

The proposed site masterplan is available online, and it shows a variety of experiences tourists can expect. It's clear they want to offer a little of everything, so no matter how much chill, swim, beach, pool, or adventure you want, there's going to be something for you.

There will be two different beaches

The heart of Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is a beach day experience, and you'll find two different spots to enjoy the beautiful Bahamian waters.

Located on both ends of the property, you'll find a sprawling beach that features chairs and umbrellas, along with upgraded spots for your day.

Each beach faces the north shore, so it's nothing but the open ocean views in front of you.

There are beach cabanas, hammocks, and bungalows available. Of course, the beach bar is not very far away either.

You'll also find a snack shack at each beach when you need something a bite to eat.

Three pools for another lounge choice

A tropical getaway can include a dip in the ocean or pool, and there are three different pools to choose from.

Each pool has a swim-up bar, and they're big too. This not only spreads people out, but each has its own vibe.  One pool has a DJ and swim-up bar combo, similar to the Hideaway Beach experience at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Another pool flanks the kids' water play area, and the other pool is located towards the end of the property.

There are also cabanas you can rent near the pools, so you don't have to go far from the fun.

New restaurants

Food is a big draw for any cruise experience, and there will be four different places to eat.

Royal Caribbean hasn't said what exactly the food offerings will be, but there will be "four island-style spots for quick bites and local fare."

One thing is for certain, Royal Caribbean wants to lean into the Bahamian culture as much as they can, so there will be a good mix of familiar and local options.

Artisan market

The sitemap shows there will be shopping opportunities that tie into the people of Nassau.

The artisan huts are in the center of the property, and it's an opportunity to highlight local crafts and businesses.

Fixing a problem cruisers have had for decades

A major reason Royal Caribbean is building its first beach club is to address a need its customers have told them for a long time.

Nassau is one of the most popular cruise ports, with Royal Caribbean pulling in around one million visitors each year. However, it ranks poorly among cruise ship guest surveys.

According to Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley, cruise ship passengers have, "come here many times before and there’s nothing new, fresh or innovative."

"There needs to be more product, more experience, more uniqueness, more options."

The result is a beach club that the cruise line thinks will solve problems across the board. It will give tourists the exact beach day experience they want, based on in-depth research.  That will improve the perception cruisers have of Nassau too.

For The Bahamas, they get a piece of the action as well. Royal Caribbean is creating an unique public-private partnership in which Bahamians will own up to 49% equity.

Individual Bahamians will have the opportunity to buy equity in the beach club and benefit from the profits. That's unheard of with a tourist beach day operation.  Certainly no hotel resorts around Paradise Island are offering that opportunity.

On top of all of that, 1% of gross revenue of the beach club will be invested in a new fund to develop other attractions around The Bahamas.

The big question for cruisers is the cost

If looking at the sitemap gets you excited, you're probably equally interested to know how much it will cost you to get in.

Royal Caribbean hasn't said anything about prices yet, and haven't put admission on sale yet. 

Almost certainly the admission cost will have variable pricing, which means the price will fluctuate based on which ship is in port and demand. That assumption is based on the fact that's how Royal Caribbean charges for all of its extra cost add-ons at its private islands.

The projected opening date is sometime between October - December 2025, according to a comment Mr. Bayley made recently.

Before setting sail on your cruise, you’ll first need to pack your suitcases with everything you need for the voyage. Some people get excited about packing for vacation, while others (such as my own mother) get extremely stressed about packing perfectly for their cruise.

Of course, even the most seasoned cruisers forget cruise essentials. Even after I’ve taken 50 cruises in my life, I still find myself occasionally forgetting items in my suitcase! I find that longer itineraries with varied weather are often the most difficult to pack for.

In the end, it’s impossible to pack perfectly, but it’s also important to have everything you might need onboard for a smooth cruise. Forgetting critical items can lead to unexpected costs and inconvenience during your vacation.

Additionally, cruises could be considered more complex to pack for compared to other vacations. For instance, guests need to consider themed parties, evening dress codes, daily attire, adventurous excursion requirements, travel attire, weather predictions, and onboard activities when packing for their cruise.

With the holidays approaching, it’s a great time to start planning for your upcoming travels with many cruise essential items on sale. Whether you’re embarking on your first cruise or you consider yourself a cruise veteran, there might be a few items you didn’t think about packing.

Recently, one cruiser asked followers on Reddit to share their packing regrets as they prepare for an upcoming cruise. The thread was titled, “What is an item you wished you had brought with you on your last cruise?”

The thread was posted by user @djwilliams100, who shared they were embarking on a 16-night cruise this week and wanted to see if they missed something useful to pack. The inquiry prompted hundreds of responses from fellow cruisers.

Many of these easy-to-pack essentials can mean the difference between a smooth vacation and scrambling to the overpriced onboard shops. Even better, many of these items are majorly discounted with Black Friday and Cyber Monday coming up. As such, it’s the perfect time to stock up before you embark on your next adventure.

Here are the top items that cruisers regretted not packing on their last trip, including why these often-forgotten essentials should be on your packing (and holiday shopping) list.

Please note: We receive a small commission when you purchase from our Amazon links below, at no extra cost to you. You can also check out our Amazon Storefront for other favorite cruise items.

Over-the-Counter Medication

Perhaps one of the most common responses from cruisers, many suggested packing a variety of over-the-counter medication. Getting sick on vacation is a huge bummer, but spending an absurd amount of money to get overpriced medication onboard or visiting the medical clinic for a hefty fee worsens the situation.

Whether you simply catch a head cold or you have a mild allergic reaction to a bug bite, having a variety of over-the-counter medication can make all the difference. Personally, I always pack my always-prepared “traveling pharmacy” with an assortment of medication. On every cruise, I’ve needed to use something in this pharmacy, from Immodium to Benadryl, sleep aids, NyQuil, and more.

“I bring a small OTC pharmacy for every ailment and a first aid kit. No way am I paying hundreds or thousands to visit the ship’s doctor,” proclaimed one cruiser.

Cold and Flu Medication

• Cherry Cough Drops, 160 count for $4.76 (20% off)
• Daytime and Nighttime Combo Pack: Cold & Flu Medication, 48 count for $12.50  
• Max Strength Mucus DM, Expectorant and Cough Suppressant Extended-Release Tablets, 42 Count for $13.47 

One of the top responses reads, “I think I overpacked, but 100% bring medicine cabinet type stuff! We both got cough/cold second to the last day and it came on hard - and we went through all of the medicine and then had to pay 6 dollars for 2 doses at the airport on the way home.”

“I ALWAYS pack Tylenol Cold and Flu. And if we don’t use it, new friends in the cruise having symptoms can use it (I’ve had this happen and people are SUPER grateful),” responded another cruiser.

Similarly, one cruiser agreed, “Definitely take cold meds! My son caught a bug the 2nd day of our cruise and I am thankful that I had the liquid-gels with me.”

“Cough drops and cough syrup. I felt fine except for the nasty cough (COVID test was negative) but everyone looked at me as if I was spreading the plague,” commented another cruiser.

Stomach Relief and Digestive Aid

• Loperamide Hydrochloride Tablets, 2 mg, Anti-Diarrheal, 24 Count for $3.19 (20% off)
• Pepto Bismol Chewable Tablets, 48 count for $8.45
• Stool Softener Laxative, Docusate Sodium 100 mg, Softgels, For Constipation Relief, 100 Count for $3.41 (5% off)

All of the delicious cruise food is a highlight for many, but sometimes your stomach doesn’t agree. Combine this with drinking alcohol and dehydration - and your stomach might not be feeling the best. Many cruisers regretted not bringing enough medication for these symptoms.

“Don't forget Imodium and Pepto because while you can get it onboard the markup is astronomical. And last time I got the runs and was glad I insisted on bringing Imodium,” wrote one responder.

Another replied, “TUMS really came in handy, I was giving out my supply like candy to my food-loving family group.”

“Pepto. It is very effective in helping prevent Montezuma’s Revenge (travelers diarrhea). Always travel with chewable Pepto tablets,” explained one cruiser.

Seasickness Medication

• Dramamine Motion Sickness Relief Less Drowsey Formula, 8 Count. $3.90 (35% off) 
• Non-Drowsy Bonine for Motion Sickness Relief, Travel-Sized - 16ct Raspberry Chewable Tablets. $5.94 (26% off) 

We always recommend cruise passengers consider packing seasickness medication. Rocky seas and rough weather can strike at any time, so it’s best to be prepared.

One commenter stated, “A better selection of seasickness treatments. I've now got ginger candy, sea bands, anti-sickness glasses and some Bonine for my next cruise. Don't want anything to ruin it.”

“Bring some seasick remedies like bonine pills, patches and ginger chews. We don’t get seasick but on high seas day after day it could get nauseous,” agreed one cruiser.

One cruiser even stated, “Motion sickness meds! I’ve been motion sick on one cruise ever and it happened to be the most recent one I went on. I’ve sailed in a hurricane and been fine but this last cruise was horrible…. Sometimes it just hits hard when you’ve never really had it be an issue.”

Insulated Tumbler or Coffee Mug

• 12oz Stainless Steel Insulated Coffee Mug with Handle with Lid, $9.99 (23% off)
• 20oz Tumbler, Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated, $9.99 (23% off)
• Stanley Classic Legendary Camp Mug, $18.99 (17% off) 

Another popular response from cruisers involved forgetting their insulated water bottle, thermos, or coffee mug. Cruise ships provide complimentary drip coffee, but the cups are extremely small and easy to spill. Moreover, insulated cups keep your drinks either hot or cold for extended periods.

In the replies, one of the top responses reads, “Travel coffee cup/water bottle. The coffee cups near the buffet are small and I like a cover on my cup so I can walk around and not spill.”

In response, another cruiser agreed, “Great for coffee, tea and frozen drinks! There's nothing worse than your margarita blowing over on the sundeck because it's in a cheap plastic glass that weighs nothing.”

“Many of my must haves are already mentioned but in addition, my Yeti so I can take my ice and soda everywhere with me all day and evening and it stays fresh,” replied one cruiser.

Binoculars

• Compact HD Binoculars for Adults and Kids High Powered, $29.99 (59% off)

One item you might not think to pack is a set of binoculars. But, many cruisers regretted that they did not pack a set of binoculars during their last cruise. You might spot wildlife from your cruise ship balcony or simply want to get a better look at the scenery during your cruise.

“Binoculars. I usually bring a pair, but I forgot once. If you have a balcony room, it’s nice to sit and stare at the ocean, but occasionally something catches your eye and you want to investigate.”

“We brought some cheap ones on the last cruise on a whim and it was excellent! Even out on the excursions it really added to the experience.”

“Seconding binoculars. We went on an Alaska cruise and didn't have any and feel like we missed out on seeing a lot of wildlife.”

Magnetic Hooks

• Neosmuk Black Magnetic Hooks,30lb+ Heavy Duty Earth Magnets with Hook for Refrigerator, Extra Strong Cruise Hook for Hanging, Magnetic Hanger for Curtain, Grill Black, 10 Pack for $5.93 (24% off)

Cruisers love magnetic hooks, but do you really need them? Many Redditors argued that you should never forget to pack magnetic hooks for your cruise. These would make a great stocking stuffer because of their small size, affordable price, and overall practicality for travel!

“Having magnetic hooks are great as the walls in your room are metal,” commented one person.

Another replied, “Magnet hooks. I hung them outside on the balcony and in the cabin. Excellent for swim suits, lanyards, and other small items.”

“Magnet hooks, especially for longer cruises. Helps organize the room better and perfect for dry stuff,” explained another cruiser.

Dish Soap

• Softsoap Liquid Hand Soap, 7.5 fluid ounce. $1.24 (38% off)

Another cruise essential that many consider a must-pack item is liquid hand soap or dish soap. Don’t feel like you need to do dishes on vacation, as we aren’t suggesting that! Instead, you can have some liquid soap to wash your hands in your stateroom if you prefer liquid soap over the typical bar soap. The soap is versatile for washing other items as well.

“Dish soap. I use it for so many things, washing my jewelry, cleaning my coffee mug, getting out stains. I forgot it on my last cruise,” said one responder. In agreement, another person stated, “Liquid hand soap - most ships have bar soap in the bathroom”

Entertainment and Reading Material

• Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus tablet, 8” HD Display, 32 GB, 30% faster processor, 3GB RAM, wireless charging, (2022 release), Gray. $59.99 (50% off)
• Apple iPad (10th Generation), 10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display, 64GB. $259. (26% off)

Although cruise ships have plenty to do, there are still many opportunities for downtime. Many responders regretted not bringing enough personal entertainment for their cruise. Some cruisers might not consider gameshows, bingo, and trivia to be their idea of relaxation. If you’re like me, you might prefer catching up on your favorite show or reading a book you’ve put off for a while.

“I downloaded movies from Netflix so I could unwind at night. It just brought some normalcy to the day. It's nice to be able to download as many as I want,” commented one cruiser.

One responder shared, “I wish I had downloaded more audiobooks and podcasts because the wifi I had did not let me use those apps last I sailed.”

“My tablet! I could have downloaded some movies, books and games,” stated one cruiser.

This year I tried my first Celebrity cruise after over twenty Royal Caribbean cruises, and there were a few things I wish I knew before setting foot onboard.

It’s easy to stick to the status quo when it comes to cruising. Even still, I always aim to try something new on every cruise vacation, whether trying a new-to-me cruise line or simply booking a type of cabin I haven’t booked before.

Exploring something new, of course, comes with learning curves. So when I booked my first-ever Celebrity cruise this past summer—a 7-night Norwegian Fjords itinerary on Celebrity Silhouette—I expected to encounter a few growing pains.

I wasn’t sure what to expect with the cruise line’s atmosphere, dining experience, and onboard activities, but I was excited to see what Celebrity Cruises was all about.

After my week onboard, these are the seven things I wish I knew before I set foot on a Celebrity ship.

Loyalty perks are plentiful, but be sure to read the fine print

Before I set foot on a Celebrity cruise, I made sure to match my loyalty status with Royal Caribbean to Celebrity Cruises. The two lines offer a status matching program, and my Diamond Plus status with Royal Caribbean meant I qualified for Elite Plus, the second highest tier in Celebrity’s Captain’s Club program.

As an Elite Plus member, I received excellent perks during my Celebrity cruise, including free drinks during the ship’s daily happy hour, access to exclusive events, and discounts on extras like specialty dining and wifi packages.

Even with these lucrative perks, I wish I knew to read the fine print of each loyalty benefit. The happy hour, for instance, only offers a very limited menu of beverages, and not every bar onboard participates in the daily event.

Related: Celebrity Cruises' Captain's Club loyalty program info, tips & secrets

In addition, while I could receive two complimentary bags of laundry with my status, I didn’t realize the benefit’s stringent limitations. As I was about to send a bag of dirty clothes to the ship’s laundry services on the fifth day of my cruise, I realized the benefit had expired—it was not offered within three days of disembarkation.

If I knew to read the fine print, I would have had a better idea of the ins and outs of each loyalty benefit.

I wish I knew not to wait until the end of the cruise to try new venues

Like most of today’s modern cruise ships, Celebrity Silhouette boasts numerous bars, lounges, entertainment venues, and onboard activities to keep passengers busy during their time onboard.

Throughout my weeklong cruise, however, I found myself sticking to the same venues, whether catching a game at Craft Social—Celebrity Cruises’ sports bar—or enjoying a gorgeous view of Norway from the Sunset Bar.

It wasn’t until the final night of my cruise that I came across the Ensemble Lounge, a low-key, cozy bar offering live music and an elegant cocktail menu.

The Ensemble Lounge was far less busy than venues like the Martini Bar and Café al Bacio, and I was impressed by the performance from the instrumentalist and vocalist.

Related: Celebrity Cruises Drink Package Info, Tips, Pros & Cons

Almost immediately, I regretted not finding the lounge sooner, and it made me wonder what else I missed out on by sticking to the same familiar lounges all week long.

On my next Celebrity cruise, I’ll be sure to check out more venues around the ship at the start of the cruise rather than the end.

I wish I knew the price was comparable to Royal Caribbean

Celebrity Cruises is a premium cruise line, which is generally considered a step above mass market lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean.

Knowing this, I expected cruise fares on Celebrity ships to be moderately higher than those on Royal Caribbean. As someone who often cruises on a budget, I wrote Celebrity off as “too expensive” for my travel style.

Related: How much does a cruise cost?

As it turns out, my preconceived notions about Celebrity Cruises’ pricing was completely wrong. I began planning my European cruise, and I was surprised to see Celebrity’s pricing comparable to Royal Caribbean’s.

When I first booked the cruise, I paid just $1,830 for two guests in an interior cabin, which was comparable to the $1,858 I spent on a Royal Caribbean cruise to Europe two years prior. Although I ended up adding a third guest to the cabin and upgrading to a balcony, I was still impressed with Celebrity’s pricing.

I only wish I knew to check Celebrity Cruises’ prices for previous cruise vacations instead of assuming the premium line would be out of my budget.

I wish I knew about all of the live cooking stations at the buffet

One regret from my Celebrity cruise is that I didn’t know about all of the diverse cooking stations at Oceanview Cafe, the cruise line’s signature buffet.

Buffets are a staple on any cruise ship, but Celebrity’s buffet is particularly impressive, offering a wide selection of made-to-order cooking stations. Everything from a panini station to custom pastas and charred-to-order crème brûlées were available on Celebrity Silhouette.

Prior to embarking the ship, I didn’t realize the breadth of stations that would be available. I unknowingly overlooked these stations during my first few buffet meals, and it was only later in the cruise that I realized just how many choices were offered.
Next time, I’ll know to try all of the various stations to better customize my dining experience.

I wish I knew to try more restaurants

Speaking of dining, one of my regrets from my Celebrity cruise was not trying one of the cruise line’s specialty restaurants.

Like most cruise ships, Celebrity Silhouette offers a mix of restaurants that are included in guests’ cruise fares and those that come with an extra charge.

I often treat myself to specialty dining meals when cruising, but I decided against it on my first Celebrity sailing. Having already spent a hefty chunk of change flying to Europe and booking three nights in Amsterdam, I wanted to save money by sticking to included dining venues.

I stuck to this money-saving plan during my week onboard, but I occasionally found myself regretting my choice. It wasn’t until I got onboard that I realized the variety of specialty dining available, from technology-focused meals at Le Petit Chef to outdoor dining at The Porch.

Related: 5 savvy ways I saved money on my first Celebrity cruise

Prior to my cruise, I wish I knew I might want to try these dining options. If I had, I would have budgeted for a few specialty meals or purchased a dining package ahead of time.

I wish I knew there was limited storage in the cabin

I had few complaints about the spacious balcony cabin I booked for my Celebrity Silhouette cruise. Despite the cabin’s slight obstructed view, it was a comfortable place to rest and unwind during my week onboard.

Nonetheless, there was one aspect of my cabin I didn’t love—the storage space.

Related: 30 cruise cabin hacks that cruisers love

Although older cruise cabins tend to lack features like storage and ample electrical outlets, cabins on ships built after 2010 usually boast more modern features. Celebrity Silhouette was built in 2012, so I assumed there would be adequate storage space in the cabin.

Unfortunately, I was disappointed with the storage space available. While there were three drawers in the cabin’s dresser, the only other storage space—aside from the closet—were two shelves above the bed. I found these shelves too high for easy access.

Sharing the cabin with two relatives, it was difficult to keep our belongings separated and organized. Looking back, I wish I had brought easy-to-pack items like a hanging shoe organizer and magnetic hooks to keep the cabin less cluttered during the week.

Finally, I wish I knew to arrive at activities earlier

Having cruised with Royal Caribbean so many times, I’ve become accustomed to the cruise line’s regularly scheduled programming. Whether the Quest adult game show, Harry Potter trivia, or live guitar music at the pub, most Royal Caribbean cruises offer similar activities.

While onboard my first Celebrity cruise, though, I was pleased to see new-to-me activities when browsing the Cruise Planner. I was intrigued by activities like the Musical Murder Mystery game show and Olympic curling, and I couldn’t wait to try them out.

Yet if I had known beforehand, I would have arrived at onboard activities significantly earlier than I did. When I tried to attend the watercolor painting class, for example, I was turned away due to the activity reaching maximum capacity.

On my next Celebrity cruise, I’ll make it a point to show up to activities at least twenty minutes before they are set to begin.

There's a new stipulation tied to the free cruises Royal Caribbean gives away to its casino players.

Royal Caribbean offers incentive-based cruise giveaways where passengers that earn enough points on a given sailing can qualify for complimentary sailings.

Up until now, the cruises covered the fare of two guests, and passengers had to only pay taxes and fees.

Beginning with the December offers, the Casino Royale program has made some changes to what's included.

What's different is the offer is now cruise for one guest is complimentary, while the second guest discounted. It's essentially a buy one free, second cheap offer.

What's not clear yet is how much is the discounted fare exactly. Since cruise fares vary from sailing to sailing, the exact price could depend.

In reading the terms and conditions, it appears a solo cruiser would still have to pay for the second guest, "Recipients who sail as a single passenger without a guest in a double occupancy stateroom are responsible for the payment of the cruise fare for the second passenger, at the Casino discount rate. The Discount Stateroom Offer is not applicable to single occupancy staterooms.

The new "complimentary for one, discounted for the second" offering only applies to the 2,000 point and lower tiers. The 3,000 point and higher tiers are still listed in the traditional manner.

There's no word why Royal Caribbean has made this change.  There's no doubt Casino Royale's popularity among cruisers has been quite high, and it's arguably the best deal in cruising right now.

A positive change to the casino offers are free cruise offers at just 400 points, which is a significantly lower tier than ever before.

Royal Caribbean recently introduced an 800 point tier, but at 400, it makes the barrier to entry much easier.

Moreover, it appears there are newer ships and dates further out to book at the lower tiers.

How instant cruise reward certificates work

If you gamble in the casino on a Royal Caribbean ship, you can earn points for your play.  All you have to do is have your SeaPass card logged in before you start playing at a machine or table game.

Every Royal Caribbean ship features a casino equipped with table games, slot machines, and video poker. While the selection of games may differ slightly from ship to ship, and the size of the casinos can vary, their overall layout and offerings are generally consistent across the fleet.

Joining Club Royale is simple because every passenger is automatically enrolled, you just need to use your SeaPass card when playing.

For every $5 you wager in the casino, that is roughly equivalent to 1 point. On Video Poker, it's every $10. 10 points per hour playing $10-$15 blackjack.

The more you play and wager, the more points you earn.

There's a sheet at the casino host desk that lists all the cruise offers and point tiers available. You'll see two columns: money off or bonus offer.

The key is to earn enough points for any of the tiers, and make an open booking at NextCruise while you're still onboard.  That enables you to call Casino Royale after the cruise and book one of the sailings.

You need to book an open booking with NextCruise while onboard to be eligible for the bonus offer that's listed in the second column.

Instant certificates are typically valid for redemption within 30 days after your cruise. Sometimes, the casino will provide a physical certificate with a partial list of available cruises delivered to your stateroom. In other instances, the offer may not be available until after your cruise concludes.

Even after you get home, you can verify your instant certificate offer on the Casino Royale website.

Different from a targeted cruise offer

It's important to note the difference between an instant certificate earned from your play onboard versus an offer Royal Caribbean mails to you at home.

After playing in a Royal Caribbean casino, you may receive offers for free cruises. While the cruise line doesn't reveal exactly how these offers are determined, they are generally influenced by the number of points you earned during your last cruise and an assessment by the cruise line's system of your potential value as a guest if offered a complimentary stateroom.

It's impossible to anticipate who will get an offer, and the exact offerings will vary.  No matter what offer you get, you should book quickly because there are limited cabins available on a sailing at the casino rate.

There's no indication yet that these targeted offers have changed similar to the instant certificates.

Cyber Monday has brought a new round of big savings opportunities that piggyback on Black Friday for a Royal Caribbean cruise.

The best Cyber Monday deals could be your last chance of the year to bag a bargain find on cruises or add-ons. The shopping weekend officially kicked off on November 29 since Thanksgiving is pretty late this year. Although the sales-friendly holiday marks some of the year's biggest deals, Royal Caribbean has been offering early sales for most of November. While the Cyber Monday offer might just be a rebranded Black Friday offer, it's still when you can find some of our favorite items are on sale right now.

Cyber Monday will undoubtedly offer even more savings opportunities and another chance to get in on discounts before the craziness of the shopping season winds down.

Here's what to expect with Royal Caribbean's Cyber Monday sale. This post will be updated with new Cyber Monday offers as soon as they are revealed.

Royal Caribbean's Biggest Deal Ever

Deal hunters will note that Royal Caribbean is calling its promotion, "Our Biggest Deal Ever".

The Cyber Week Sale combines three promotions into one.

Here's a breakdown of what's being offered. Keep in mind there are terms and conditions that apply, and you should refer to them before booking.

First up is Buy One Guest, Get Second Guest 60% Off & 30% Off on 3/4 Guest. 

That's combinable with a Kids Sail Free deal that runs between November 8 - December 9, 2024 on sailings departing on or after November 9, 2024. As usual, Kids Sail Free comes with a lot of blackout dates and fine print.

Thanksgiving Sailings (Departing between November 22, 2024 – November 29, 2024); (Departing between November 20 - November 28, 2025), Holiday Sailings (Departing December 20, 2024 – January 3, 2025); (Departing between December 18, 2025 – January 1, 2026), Spring Break Sailings (Departing between March 7, 2025 – March 28, 2025); (Departing between March 6, 2026 – April 9, 2026), Holy Week/Easter sailings (Departing between April 12, 2025 – April 24, 2025), Radiance Alaska Cruise Tour Sailings (Departing May 16, 2025 – September 12, 2025); Summer sailings (Departing between May 22, 2025 – August 29, 2025); Anthem of the Seas sailings (Departing November 21 – December 28, 2024) and Chinese New Year sailing on Anthem of the Seas (Departing January 27, 2025).

The added bonus promotion for Cyber Monday is the Cyber Week Sale, which adds up to $800 Instant Savings.

Cyber Week Sale is available between November 28 – December 2, 2024, on sailings departing on or after November 29, 2024, and provides an instant savings per stateroom, varying by stateroom category booked, sailing length as follows: 

• 5 nights or less
  • $100 for Inside and Ocean View
  • $175 USD for Balconies
  • $325 USD for Suites
• 6 nights or longer
  • $175 USD for Interior and Ocean View
  • $250 USD for Balconies
  • $800 USD for Suites

Cyber Monday sale on pre-cruise add-ons

Royal Caribbean is also offering discounts on some of its cruise extras.

The Cyber Week Sale runs on Cruise Planner and app purchases made between Friday, November 30 - December 11, 2024.

You'll find discounts on cruises that depart between November 13, 2024 – December 31, 2025.

It applies to all of its ships, except for Spectrum of the Seas sailings not from Singapore and group excursions.

• Beverage: Up to 50% off
  • Evian Water Package: 50% off onboard prices
  • Refreshment Package: 35% off onboard prices
    • Kids (12 and below): 50% off Refreshment
  • Classic Soda Package: 35% off onboard prices
    • Kids (12 and below): 50% off Classic Soda
  • Deluxe Beverage Package: Discount varies by ship.
    • Interior/Oceanview Stateroom: Additional 5% off Deluxe (excluding Asia and Reposition
      sailings).
    • Seniors (65+): 40% off Deluxe Beverage (excluding Asia and Reposition sailings)
    • Diamond & above CAS members: 40% off Deluxe Beverage (excluding Asia and Reposition)

• Shore Excursions: Up to 50% off
  • Wynwood Walls tour: 10% off onboard prices
  • Perfect Day Passes: 50% off onboard prices
  • Perfect Day & Labadee Cabanas: Up to 50% off onboard prices
    • Seniors (65+): 25% off Shorex (excluding Caribbean, Alaska & Europe sailings)
    •  Platinum & above CAS members: 25% off Shorex on Caribbean sailings
• Internet: Up to 55% Off

• Dining: Up to 50% Off
  • Unlimited Dining Package on 3N – 14N sailings: Discount varies by ship
• Photo Packages: Up to 65% Off
  • Photo Packages from 5 - 100 Photos: Discount varies by ship
  • Private Photo Session: 60% off onboard prices
• Onboard Activities: Up to 30% off
  • All Access Ship tour
  • Observatorium
  • Mission Control Apollo 18
  • Escape the Rubicon
  • EscapeU: Freshman Year
  • RipCord by iFLY Two Minute Experience
  • North Star Extended Experience
  • FlowRider Private Lesson
  • FlowRider Group Lesson 

• Bundles: Black Friday/Cyber Monday Exclusive
  • Perfect Day Bundles
    • Thrill Big Package
    • Chill Big Package
    • Party Big Package
  • Deluxe and Voom
  • Refreshment and Voom
  • Soda and Voom 
• Spa: Up to 30% off
• Gifts & Gear: Up to 45% Off
  • Strawberries with Champagne: 35% off onboard prices
  • Anniversary Decorations with Champagne: 40% off onboard prices
  • Happy Birthday Decorations with Chocolate Cake & Strawberries: 40% off onboard prices
  • Happy Birthday Decorations with Vanilla Cake & Strawberries: 40% off onboard prices
  • Happy Birthday Bright Style: 30% off onboard prices
  • Happy Anniversary Decorations: 35% off onboard prices
  • Bon Voyage Decorations: 30% off onboard prices
  • 9 Chocolate Covered Strawberries: 30% off onboard prices
  • White Wine and Cheese: 35% off onboard prices
  • Red Wine and Cheese: 35% off onboard prices
  • Soft Octopus Travel Set: 25% off onboard prices
  • Royal Caribbean Beach Towel: 40% off onboard prices
  • Inky Beach Towel (TicTacToe): 40% off onboard prices
  • Inky Beach Set: 35% off onboard prices
  • Inky Octopus Family Travel Set: 25% off onboard prices
  • Winter Blanket: 25% off onboard prices
  • Luxury Robe: 35% off onboard prices
  • Alaska Polar Bear Hat: 40% off onboard prices
  • Cooler Bag with Water: 35% off onboard prices
  • Cooler Bag with Coca Cola: 35% off onboard prices
  • Cooler Bag with Diet Coke: 35% off onboard prices
  • Cooler Bag with Bud Light: 35% off onboard prices
  • Cooler Bag with Truly: 35% off onboard prices
  • Utopia Blue/Pink Towel and Tumbler Set: 25% off onboard prices
  • Icon Blue/Pink Towel and Tumbler Set: 25% off onboard prices

5 of our favorite Cyber Monday deals

It's unlikely we'll see this level of discounts carry forward past Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday, so now is the time to get in on the best prices of the year.

Because there's so much variability with pricing, the actual savings will vary depending on your sailing.  Some people are seeing really low prices, while others not as much. 

Book a new cruise: It's easy to get hung up on the discounts Royal Caribbean has for its add-ons, but booking an actual cruise is a really good idea during Cyber Monday.

You can get up to $800 instant savings, and that's pretty much the most we'll see in a single offer at any time.

I think your best bet is to look forward to a cruise in 2026 or 2027 and start getting something booked now to take advantage of the sale. While you can absolutely start planning a new 2025 cruise, I think having cruises lined up even further out makes a lot of sense.

Drink packages: There's a good chance the lowest price you'll find for a Royal Caribbean drink package will be during this sale.

Prices for a drink package are as low as $54.99 per person, per day. Anytime you can get the Deluxe Beverage Package for less than $60 per day, that's a great price these days.

Remember, Royal Caribbean is charging at least $100 per day for the Deluxe Package onboard its ships, so waiting to book onboard would be a mistake.

Bundles: There are new bundles that Royal Caribbean is (allegedly) only offering for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

These bundles offer combinations of popular add-ons, combining a drink package, admission to an area of CocoCay, and even WiFi.

Internet access: I already loaded up on WiFi plans during Black Friday, but Cyber Monday is a good reminder to take advantage of lower prices on it now.

The advertised discount is "up to 55% off", and I've observed prices for a one device package as cheap as $15.99 per day.

The price range seems to be between $15.99 and $21.99 per day for a one device package, and those savings add up when you consider onboard prices for the same package start at $27.99 and could easily go up from there.

Specialty restaurant lunch: If you want to dip your toe into Royal Caribbean's extra cost restaurants, the sale price on lunch is really good.

I've seen prices during Cyber Monday for just $15.99 for Chops Grille lunch or Giovanni's or Hooked for $14.99 each.

The lunch menu is similar to the dinner menu, and it comes at a fraction of the cost.

You can still take advantage of a better price on cruise add-ons

If you’ve already purchased add-ons like an internet package or spa service for your upcoming cruise, be sure to check the price of the add-on under the Cyber Monday sale.

If the price is lower, you can cancel and rebook the add-on with no penalty up to 48 hours before your cruise date.

To check if your sailing has this new offer available, log into the Cruise Planner on Royal Caribbean's web site look for any available offers. Keep in mind that not all sailings may see the sale applicable, nor are all offers significantly cheaper than previously posted.

If you spot a better discount on something you already pre-purchased, you should be able to cancel the purchase and then re-purchase the same item under this promotion.