Royal Caribbean Blog

Stay up-to-date with all the Royal Caribbean news from this week with our roundup of all this week's news.

One of the best things about Icon of the Seas could be coming to more Royal Caribbean cruise ships.

Passengers on Allure of the Seas noticed a Royal Caribbean team working on testing destination elevators.

Destination elevators are a more efficient type of elevator first added to a Royal Caribbean ship with Icon, and it's substantially reduced waits.

Royal Caribbean News

• First look at Royal Caribbean's new weekend party cruise ship
• New Royal Caribbean cruise ship to begin sea trials
• Royal Caribbean confirms cruise ship fixed its propulsion problem
• Passenger on 9-Month Cruise Is Half Done and Shares Surprising Things
• My Alaska cruise was cancelled after I boarded the ship
• 8 Royal Caribbean cruise questions guests are too embarrassed to ask
• I went on Harmony of the Seas cruise ship and these are the 7 mistakes I saw people make
• What is the wellness check?
• We asked our readers their favorite snack on a Royal Caribbean cruise

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 532nd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, previewing the new beach club concept.

Royal Caribbean has plans for two Royal Beach Clubs (Nassau and Cozumel). What are they and what can you expect?

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

I hate these things about a cruise

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 hate these things about a cruise — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Lessons Learned After Trying a Mediterranean Cruise

After a few Caribbean cruises, Calista tried a European cruise, and it was different in many ways.

Planning a Mediterranean cruise is unlike a Caribbean cruise in many regards, especially logistics within the trip.

Here are the important lessons she learned trying a European cruise.

Things I Don't Pay Extra for on Royal Caribbean Cruises To Save Money

Money saved by not spending it is more money to for your next cruise!

While a lot is included in your cruise fare, Royal Caribbean has a seemingly endless amount of add-ons that you can pay extra for to enhance your cruise experience.

Here are all the things you could skip paying for in order to save money for later.

Why you should book a 2025 cruise now

The days of waiting for a last-minute cruise deal might be behind us.

After last week's earnings call with investors, it's clear Royal Caribbean Group is seeing record demand that shows no signs of slowing down.

If you're going to take a cruise vacation next year, you should consider booking it now, rather than waiting.

Answers to your really dumb cruise ship dining questions

In case you're wondering, there's no shame in asking questions about eating on a cruise ship that you may be too embarrassed to ask.

What seems like basic knowledge to frequent cruisers can cause confusion for first time cruisers. So much confusion, unsurprisingly, leads to a lot of questions about dining on a cruise ship.

To make your first cruise experience stress-free, we’re answering 17 of your really dumb cruise ship dining questions.

What is Royal Caribbean's wellness check, and why is it required before your cruise?

The check-in process encompasses a few steps, with the wellness check being the final step.

Royal Caribbean’s app provides an efficient guide to checking in online. Similar to how airlines provide online check-in, you can prepare for your cruise all on the app.

Before your cruise, you can create an account on the app or website, and use your information to prepare for the cruise.

The cruise line heavily emphasizes the importance of completing all the steps of the check-in process before your cruise to make embarkation day as smooth as possible.  No one likes waiting in line, especially if they could get that time back being on the cruise ship.

Read more: 15 Royal Caribbean boarding process tips for a fast embarkation

For guests’ health and safety, the wellness check is one of those steps.

The wellness check involves a series of health questions

Essentially, the wellness check is to ensure you're not getting on the cruise ship in poor health. 

Unlike the rest of the check-in process, you can only do the wellness check the day before your cruise.

At noon on the day before embarkation day, you will receive a notification from the app to complete the wellness check and answer some required health questions.

Until you complete this questionnaire, a message in the app will read “not yet cleared to board.” All guests must complete these health questions to be allowed to board.

Again, adults can fill in the information for any passenger under 21 years old.

Royal Caribbean’s website states that “It is required that each guest answers the set of questions within 24 hours of arrival at the port for their sailing in order to qualify to board.”

Once you are prompted, open up the app by touching the notification.

The health questions will vary depending on the requirements of the port you’re sailing from. All the COVID-19 specific questions have been removed from the wellness check.

Be sure that you answer these questions accurately—you should be honest and keep in mind that you can’t change your answers after submitting.

Over the years, the exact questions have changed.  When Royal Caribbean restarted sailings in 2021, there were many more questions. Most guests currently report they are being asked the following: 

1. Will you be 23 or more weeks pregnant at any point in your cruise?
2. Have you experiences any of these symptoms within the past 24 hours: Fever Chills, Muscle Aches, Fatigue, Sore Throat, Nasal Congestion, Runny Nose, Cough, Difficulty Breathing, New Loss of, Nausea, Vomiting, or Diarrhea?

You should answer the questions truthfully, as lying about it sets yourself up for disappointment onboard the ship should your condition worsen. Plus, you're putting others at risk by knowingly being sick and spreading germs.

Once you complete these questions, your wellness check is done!

Simply press submit and you will have access to your SetSail Pass.

From here, you can add it to your Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, or Samsung Pay for quick access on embarkation day.

If you are completing check-in on the Royal Caribbean website, you can print out your Set Sail Pass.

Your SetSail pass is your temporary card until you get your SeaPass on embarkation day. 

Even if you’re not able to add the SetSail Pass to your phone—or the battery dies—the check-in agents will still be able to look up your reservation.

At the cruise terminal, all you need to do is show up and proceed through security.

At the terminal, the gate agent may ask if your answers on the questionnaire are still accurate, or if you’re currently experiencing any cough, fever, or chills.

Either way, you’ve already completed your wellness check by answering the questionnaire on the app.

Will I be denied boarding if I answer "yes" to any of the questions?

If you answer yes to any question, the app will deny your ability to board, but that's not necessarily the end of the story.

If you accidently selected "yes" and instead of "no", you can call Royal Caribbean's Resolutions Department at 1-800-205-9812. Alternatively, you can simply explain your situation when you arrive at the cruise terminal.

If you're more than 23 weeks pregnant, it's not safe for you to go on a cruise. Cruise ships don't have the proper facility to care for a pregnant woman and/or her baby for someone that far along in their pregnancy.

One of the easiest ways to save money on your cruise vacation is by limiting your spending in the first place.

While a lot is included in your cruise fare, Royal Caribbean has a seemingly endless amount of add-ons that you can pay extra for to enhance your cruise experience.

However, new cruisers want to know: how can you tell which add-ons are important, and which will be a waste of your money?

As I’ve gained experience in cruising with Royal Caribbean, I’ve learned which add-ons are a waste of money, and what I can avoid spending on.

While I love to splurge and have a great cruise experience, some extra-cost items are only a waste of money.

With the knowledge of which ones are worth it, you can skip the scams and avoid getting a long bill at the end of your sailing.

In the end, saving money on unnecessary items allows you to spend more on other luxuries, or even to put towards your next cruise.

From specialty dining to shore excursions on Perfect Day at Cococay, these are the Royal Caribbean add-ons I never pay for.

Specialty restaurants

On my first cruise, I went crazy trying various specialty restaurants.

However, I’ve come to learn that the complimentary cruise cuisine is just as tasty!

Steaks at the Main Dining Room taste almost the same as those at the extra-cost Chops Grille, and the Windjammer has fried fish similar to what’s served at the Mason Jar.

Even when the dishes are different, the complimentary venues serve tasty food that you can't find at specialty restaurants.

Not only that, but dining at free venues like the Windjammer and the Park Cafe also grants you a lot of freedom to choose when you eat and what you wear.

You can often serve yourself, and avoid having long meals with eager waiters.

I’ve come to appreciate all the complimentary cuisine onboard Royal Caribbean.

And since reservations at a specialty restaurant can range from $30 to $200 per guest, I’m saving tons of money each time I choose to eat a free meal.

Read more: How does specialty dining work on Royal Caribbean?

Extra-cost activities

Royal Caribbean ships have countless onboard activities for guests to experience.

However, you have to stay alert, because not all these activities are free!

For example, I’ve gotten excited seeing a cupcake decorating or sushi-making class in my Cruise Compass schedule, only to find out that the classes cost over $30 per person.

To avoid spending money on activities that cost extra, make sure to double-check the prices in your Cruise Compass.

Instead of wasting your money, go ahead and find free activities, whether that’s lounging by the pool, watching a movie, or enjoying a workout in the gym.

Balcony staterooms

The idea of staying in a stateroom with a balcony is tempting. You could have a private star-gazing area, a space to feel the wind in your hair, and dine in front of the sea.

Balcony cabins are also a little more spacious for couples or families who want more privacy.

But if you’re willing to give up these amenities, you can save hundreds of dollars.

Read more: Inside cabin vs. balcony room on a cruise ship

Let’s take an Alaska vacation as an example. Say you want to cruise from Seattle to Alaska on Anthem of the Seas. 

If you look forward to 2025, you’ll see that the 7-night May 30th sailing is listed at $838 per person for an interior cabin.

Jumping up to a balcony cabin raises the price to $1,291 per person—a $453 difference.

If you were to cruise with two people to Alaska next year, you’d save almost $1000 by booking an interior cabin instead of a balcony.

While the costs vary depending on the cruise, an interior cabin will always give you the cheapest cruise fare option.

Over my many cruises with Royal Caribbean, I’ve sailed the majority of them in inside guarantee cabins—and I plan to keep doing so.

Read more: I always stay in an inside cabin on a cruise ship. Here's why I actually like these rooms

Saving money with my cabin choice pushes me to explore more onboard the ship, getting out of the room and only returning to sleep. 

I highly recommend an inside room as an easy way to save money on a cruise. 

If you need to view the ocean or feel a breeze, just head out and up to the pool deck.

Spa treatments

The first time I saw Royal Caribbean’s spa prices, my jaw dropped.

I had considered booking a couple’s deep tissue massage until I saw that it cost more than $450 for 100 minutes.

In contrast, a 5-star spa located near my home offers the same treatment for less than $360.

Since then, I’ve opted out of booking any spa treatments on a Royal Caribbean ship.

Save your money, and choose a luxurious spa treatment once you’re back on land.

There are plenty of other activities you can experience on a cruise, including free spa tasters that are offered onboard.

If you need other ways to relax, try soaking in a hot tub, lying down on a sunny beach, or taking a nap in your dark cabin.

Your wallet will thank you.

Onboard shopping

Much like the Vitality spa, almost all the shops onboard Royal Caribbean ships have higher prices than on land.

Whether I’m looking at toiletries, medicine, or some new jewelry, I’m careful not to buy anything unless it’s absolutely essential or on sale.

Once, I forgot to pack seasickness medicine and decided to shop onboard.

I ended up buying an essential oil mix for around $15. Painfully, I had the same essential oils sitting (for free) at home.

Before you spend money in those onboard shops, consider whether you can buy those items anywhere else. 

I guarantee you, it will be cheaper.

Add-ons at CocoCay

Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas is a tropical paradise.

With bars, pools, beaches, waterparks, and even wildlife, there are endless adventures to experience.

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

However, there’s no reason to spend any extra money while visiting this island.

From tram rides to beaches, there are dozens of free activities and dining venues available.

I’ve stopped buying any shore excursions for sale on Perfect Day at CocoCay, having learned to save my money and enjoy the complimentary venues.

Coffee

As a coffee addict, I’m here to inform you that you don’t have to spend extra on Royal Caribbean coffee.

Yes, there are cafés onboard. These cafés usually serve Starbucks coffee, with a selection of specialty lattes and milks.

However, there’s no reason to waste money on extra-cost coffee, whether it’s hot or iced.

Royal Caribbean’s free brewed coffee is about the same quality, and you can request any special milk you need onboard.

Add your own sugar and milk or cream, and you have an adequate coffee drink.

Laundry 

Royal Caribbean does not provide any self-service laundry services onboard.

If you want to do any laundry throughout your cruise, you’ll have to pay extra.

The cost depends on which service you select, but the most basic service—a wash and fold package—costs $34.99 per bag of small clothing.

This cost can really add up, especially if you want to wash clothes for more than one person.

Instead of spending $35 per bag of clothing, you can save money by packing efficiently, and leaving the washing until after the vacation.

By packing lots of re-wearable, light clothing, I avoid doing laundry at all, making my cruise an even more relaxing vacation.

Another option is to pack detergent packets and do small clothing items in your sink.  There is a clothes line in the shower to dry your clothes.

I don’t have to worry about any household chores, nor do I have to pay someone else to do them for me.

When getting the best price for your cruise, getting the timing right is critical.

Vacationers are used to seeking last-minute deals on cruises when planning their cruise, but bookings for cruises has been so red-hot for the past few months that new booking records are being set and then eclipsed regularly.

In a call with Wall Street analysts, Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty shared how 88% of cabins for all of 2024 are booked up, leaving spares choices for a 2024 cruise.

"We only have about 12% load factors left to build for the year," Mr. Liberty said during an earnings call with Wall Street analysts.

That leaves very few rooms left for this year's cruises, but the incredible demand this year is opening the door for Royal Caribbean to take advantage of this by raising prices even more next year.

"That will provide opportunity for us to a degree this year. But what that I think means in terms of the opportunity into 2025 and beyond is very appealing," he went on to say right after sharing the fact about load factors.

Later in the meeting, Mr. Liberty pointed out that new cruise bookings for 2025 would soon eclipse bookings for this year, "we're getting close to the point where we'll soon be taking more bookings for '25 than we are for 2024."

Why you should book a 2025 cruise now after Royal Caribbean's comments in their meeting

If there's one takeaway for cruisers from Royal Caribbean Group's earnings call, it's that new cruise bookings aren't slowing down, and you're going to be competing with more people than ever for a cruise.

Here are the big reasons why you should book a 2025 (or 2026) cruise following last week's meeting:

More people than ever are cruising

The cruise market is attracting new cruisers more so than ever before. 

The amount of people who have never taken a cruise and booked one grew by 16% year over year. On top of that, the rate of repeat customers returning is over 30% higher compared to 2019. 

When you have loyal customers coming back over and over again and add onto it a healthy serving of new customers, it leads to very full cruise ships.

Read more: Millennials are taking over cruise ships

High demand means higher prices

Cruise ship inventory is fixed, so as inventory drops, prices tend to go up.

Cruise fares can change at a moment's notice based on demand, which means as more cabins are booked up for a given sailing, the price of remaining cabins can go up.

In May 2023, Mr. Liberty divulged the company withholds cabins to manage prices and ultimately drive up revenue.

"We used to kind of put everything out there and all the suites would be sold basically right off the bat. And then you would kind of work your way down to the inside cabins," he explained.

Read more: What are the different types of cabins on a cruise ship?

"Now we hold back inventory and we release it, based off of the much more sophisticated revenue management models that we have today."

With this approach to pricing, you can expect higher prices the closer to the sail date you get.

Generally speaking, the best prices for a cruise are when a new sailing is put on sale and all the cabins are open to book. Inventory is at its highest, and prices only go up as rooms get booked.

Cruise itineraries are usually released around two years in advance. The first batch of new cruises go on sale around November and December, and the rest come out in February, March or April.

In short, booking a 2025 cruise now is probably going to get you a lower price than if you wait.

Read more: 15 ways to get a deal on a cruise

Less cabin choices later

Prices aside, the other reason to book a 2025 cruise now is to get the stateroom type you want.

One major disadvantage to waiting for the last-minute to book a cruise is you're at the mercy of the leftover cabins that haven't sold yet.

Suites are usually the first cabin category to sell out, because there are relatively far fewer than any other cabin category.  Those that would be in the market for a suite would want to book earlier than ever to be able to get one.

Moreover, other desirable cabins that are not in a bad location or simply offer enough space for everyone also sell out quickly.

Read more: The rare cruise ship cabins that everyone wants to book immediately

Being able to get the right stateroom choice that you prefer is a compelling reason to lock in a booking now.

Bottom line

In just the last two quarters, Royal Caribbean Group has reported gangbuster demand for cruises, and that trend doesn't show any signs of slowing down.

Higher demand means it's less likely there will be a last-minute deal and more likely sailings will sell out far earlier than usual. 

Consumers looking to secure a cruise vacation in 2025 will want to act quickly in order to head off higher prices down the road while getting the stateroom category they prefer.

And if you're really smart, you'll book that early 2026 cruise now too.

A propulsion issue forced Royal Caribbean to cancel an Alaska cruise after guests boarded, including Kayla Hildebrandt.

The April 26 sailing of Radiance of the Seas was scheduled to sail a 7-night Alaska cruise, but an issue with the ship's propulsion caused initially a delay of departure, and then a full cancellation.

The last-minute cancellation disrupted the well laid out plans of those booked on the cruise, but it's difficult to fathom the impact unless you were directly affected.

Kayla shared her perspective of the experience, as well as what to consider for anyone else in the future who might experience something like this.

When a Cruise Gets Cancelled – Making the Best of It

As the years have gone on, there are two main times of year I tend to cruise: 

1. in late April/early May for my birthday 
2. in late September/early October, for our anniversary. 

This year – I decided I wanted to do something a bit more adventurous – a cruise to Alaska on a Radiance class ship, which is my favorite class.

Little did I know at the time – but this would truly become a bit of a roller coaster adventure. 

Spoiler alert: It turned out fun anyway.

Pre-Embarkation

Due to a bit of hectic work travel, I wound up heading out to Vancouver about 12 hours after arriving home to Cincinnati from Halifax on a business trip. This resulted in both severe overpacking and a significant loss of sense of the current time. Nonetheless, we made it out to Vancouver without issue. 

I had seen the emails from Royal Caribbean indicating that Radiance of the Seas had been having issues, but I thought nothing of it at the time. Ship issues aren’t super uncommon, and in more than 25 cruises, I’d never had one actually cancel over simply changing the itinerary. 

My husband and I agreed to go along with it and see what happened. We enjoyed an incredible pre-embarkation meal at Elisa in downtown Vancouver and our stay at the Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver.

Embarkation Day

We boarded during our 10 AM boarding window as scheduled, and again, without much concern. We made our way through the pin-ball boarding process that seems to be Canada Place in Vancouver and sat in the rows with the rest of our excited cruisers.

While we were waiting, one of the managers announced in the rundown about boarding that he expected that the required repairs wouldn’t be completed today – but he hadn’t received anything official yet. This is the first point that I started to think, “we’ll be seeing changes.” 

I’ll also admit, with all the work travel, I hadn’t thought to check online (as I normally would have) to see what had happened on the previous sailing. Either way – we agreed: just go with the flow and got on board.

On the Ship

For this cruise, we booked into cabin 3500, an ocean view cabin all the way forward on the starboard side of the ship. 

While not quite a balcony like I constantly hear recommended for Alaska sailings, we had a huge bright window that allowed us to check out what was going on directly outside and get some sunlight in the room. 

The room had tons of space – even with the amount I had overpacked, I had no issue unloading and finding space for all our things. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of clever storage on the Radiance class. I’d happily book this category again to save a few dollars to put towards fun excursions.

Once we had a quick chance to explore the ship and sit down to grab lunch at the Windjammer, we finally got word that we’d be missing Juneau and staying in Vancouver an extra two days.

While my initial thought was to spend some time exploring Vancouver, the staff quickly clarified that we would all need to stay on board due to customs regulations. 

Again, no problem. This was also our first cruise that we had not done a drink package of any kind and having given up alcohol a few years ago, we were pretty happy about the option for Pellegrino and Diet Coke while enjoying our stationary time on board. 

We proceeded to enjoy the rest of our first day by getting a deep tissue massage, grabbing dinner in the dining room, and heading to bed early. After coast-to-coast travel, I was very tired.

We knew that we’d be shifting a bit down the coast to a quiet cargo port overnight but waking up to the misty and rainy mountain views that surround Vancouver still made for quite a sight. 

After some breakfast and coffee in the Crown Lounge, we settled in for a movie day: back-to-back viewings of Dune 1 and 2, with a break in between for lunch and a nice walk around deck 5. Even when stationary on a ship that is undergoing repairs, it still makes for a relaxing afternoon. 

During our lunch walk, they announced that Wi-Fi would be free for the next two days. This is when it hit me something big was about to change.

It was halfway through Dune 2 that the captain finally announced that the cruise was cancelled. 

I’ll admit, I felt very sad at that moment. This was my birthday cruise, and a trip I had been looking forward to through months of work stress. 

In that announcement, the Captain included all the important details: we’d need to disembark the following morning, and Royal Caribbean would be issuing a letter to all cabins very shortly with details (we saw that letter on our door within the hour). 

The very first thing I did was to book a hotel for the next night and change our flights around to get back home.

After some processing time, I realized it was a reminder that things aren’t always going to go to plan, and things like this aren’t in our control. The only choice we get is how we react to it. 

So, after chatting in the Centrum over Heineken 0.0s, we made a couple decisions:

• We’re going to stay in Vancouver for an extra 2 days to explore the city.
• We’re going to use our FCC to book a New Year’s Eve cruise – something else we’ve always wanted to do, and something to look forward to on my first winter break of graduate school.

By the time we talked through our plans for Vancouver and for our new sailing, we were giddy and wanted to spend the rest of our time on board the ship to the fullest. 

We wound up having an insanely fun dinner at Izumi (big shout out to Ronald, Jelly, and Adonis!) and set to enjoy the rest of our time in Vancouver, a city we wound up absolutely loving.

Final Thoughts

If I could go back in time and have a do-over, I don’t think there’s much that I would change. 

While I’m still very sad I didn’t get to see Alaska this year, I believe I’ll have another opportunity to go, and this cancellation provided an additional opportunity to get to know Vancouver, which is truly a very cool city.

Additionally, I would gladly book Radiance or one of her sister ships again.

The experience provided was my own and while I felt that we handled it well in the circumstances we had, I felt bad for others that traveled in from Europe or Australia for the experience. That’s a lot of travel time sunk into an experience that you didn’t expect to have changed so significantly. 

Most others we encountered onboard carried a positive attitude around the experience, which also impacted our attitude on how we moved forward. Passengers I encountered discussed their alternate plans with us almost happily, though based on the constant line at Guest Services and other voices overheard in the Crown Lounge, I don’t expect that that was everyone’s experience. 

Similarly, the crew being in limbo and the uncertainty of when they’d be able to work with incoming passengers again was a bit sad to see.

I feel that the compensation provided by Royal Caribbean was fair. While we haven’t had the refunds hit our credit card yet, nor have I gone through submitting our hotel and taxi receipts quite yet (not to mention the travel insurance aspect), I do know there’s a lot to process and that this will likely take some time. 

I’m grateful for the promise of a full refund, the paid hotel for the couple of days in Vancouver, as well as the future cruise credit. It took a lot of the sting out of a significant change of plans. 

While onboard, I really do think the ‘open bar’ policy made a difference, even for us as non-drinkers. Since we weren’t at sea, the casino and shops remained closed and the number of bars available were limited, but it was still fun to see people making the best of their vacation together.

Vancouver Recommendations

If you ever find yourself with a few extra days in Vancouver, here’s some suggestions:

• Visit the Vancouver Aquarium
• Explore the sights on foot or on bike around Stanley Park
• Check out Granville Island Public Market
• Take a food tour around Gastown
• Book some local dining – Elisa and Nightengale both offered incredible meals

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

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

And what should new cruisers know first about Royal Caribbean?

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

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

1. Do I really need to pay gratuities?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All Royal Caribbean ships are also inspected frequently for sanitation.

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

4. Is a Guarantee Cabin worth it?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. Do crew members sleep on the cruise ship?

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

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

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

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

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

Most crew cabins are around 120 square feet.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. Will I be bored on a cruise?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Not making show reservations as early as you can

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. Not getting to shows or activities early enough

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

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

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

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

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

3. Trying to do everything on the first day

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

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

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

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

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

4. Not reserving a dining time for My Time Dining

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

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

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

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

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

5. Only eating at the included dining venues

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6. Not following the rules

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

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

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

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

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

7. Trying to make an early flight after the cruise

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Coconut Ranger cookies

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

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

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

Read more: Top 5 signature Royal Caribbean foods

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

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

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

Sorrento's Pizza

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tuna sandwiches

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kummelweck

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

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

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

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

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

We lost count of all the comments praising this sandwich!

Roasted tomatoes

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

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

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

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

Feta-stuffed sweet peppers

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chocolate croissant

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oatmeal raisin cookies

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

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

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

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

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

Funnel cake

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

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

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

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

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

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

Buffalo chicken crunch roll

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

Playmakers is the Royal Caribbean arcade and sports bar.

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

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

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

Traveling to a completely new continent is an intimidating experience.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Shore excursions are the highlight of a Mediterranean cruise

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Most shops rely on cards instead of cash

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6. Have modest clothing on hand

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. Download WhatsApp for the quickest communication

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read more: Utopia of the Seas restaurant and dining guide

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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