Royal Caribbean Blog

What are things to bring on a Caribbean cruise that you might not bring on other cruises?

The Caribbean is a region that includes a multitude of beautiful islands and coastal areas, all near the Caribbean Sea and large systems of coral reefs.

The Caribbean is also known for balmy weather and comfortable temperatures, making the region a preferred cruising destination.

So, if you’re planning to join a host of cruisers who choose the Caribbean as their destination, how should you prepare?

No matter what area of the world you’re traveling to, it’s important to pack appropriately. We offer a full cruise packing list on our blog, but it’s important to be specific about the area of the world you are visiting. 

Read more: I've been on 12 Caribbean cruises, and I see passengers making the same 14 mistakes. Here's how to avoid them.

Since every place is different, you’ll want to prepare specifically for your journey.

What items are important to bring to the Caribbean? We’ll go over a selection of 23 important things to pack on your Caribbean cruise.

Read more: What to bring on a cruise to Alaska

Please note that we’ve linked items on Amazon, which contains an affiliate link. This affiliate link costs you absolutely nothing extra, but Royal Caribbean Blog makes a small commission if you purchase it. Shop more on our Amazon Storefront!

1. Sunscreen

Places close to the equator, like the islands of the Caribbean, are subject to stronger UV rays. 

And you’ll spend plenty of time in the sun on your visit: on the ship’s deck, at the beach or a pool, or exploring an island excursion.

The heavy exposure to the sun can leave you at right for a bad sunburn. Getting a severe sunburn could ruin even the best visit to the Caribbean, forcing you to stay indoors while you heal and miss out on the fun.

Be sure to plan ahead by protecting yourself with a strong, high-SPF sunscreen, such as Banana Boat Sport Ultra SPF 30.

It’s also best to pack reef-safe sunscreen to protect local coral reefs from being bleached by the chemicals inside your sunscreen. Mineral sunscreens are a great option to protect the environment around you.

2. Aloe vera

If you forget a high enough SPF sunscreen and end up with a bad sunburn, aloe vera gel is a natural healing method for soothing the burn, healing skin faster, and getting rid of that redness for any vacation photos. 

This could be important for a visit to a Caribbean island, as you’ll likely want to make the most of your time on the island instead of heading home to grab a salve.  

Read more: 22 unpleasant cruise ship problems you aren't prepared for

Amazon makes its own house brand aloe vera that should do the trick.

3. Insect repellent

You’ll be spending lots of time outdoors, so don’t forget an insect repellent.

Bringing your own bug spray to repel insects will prevent you from having painful bug bites and keep you focused on your fun excursions ahead.

You can buy a travel-size insect repellent to ensure it's handy to keep around.

4. Beach bag

A large bag, such as a tote bag, is a helpful addition if you're planning on seeing the beach on your Caribbean stop.

A beach bag should be big enough to hold towels, swimsuits, extra clothes, water, snacks, sunscreen, and more. We like the Tainehs Mesh Beach Tote Large Bag.

Make sure that you bring one with enough space to pack everything you need ahead of time.

5. Your seasickness medicine of choice

Whether you use Bonine, Dramamine, seasickness patches, or even ginger candies, it’s important to remember your seasickness medicine.

This is always helpful for your time spent on the cruise ship, but don’t forget that your boat adventures could continue in the Caribbean!

If you have a tender to take you ashore or any boat ride as part of your planned excursions, seasickness medicine will keep you feeling healthy.

6. Sunglasses or sunhat

Don’t only protect your skin from the sun—keep your eyes safe, too!

Wearing sunglasses will protect your eyes from UV rays and allow you to enjoy the beautiful sights on your trip.

If you wear glasses or would like to keep items off your eyes, try a sunhat instead for some extra shade.

7. Your own snorkel gear

If you’re planning on snorkeling at all in the Caribbean, consider bringing your own snorkeling gear.

This will save you money and time as you won’t have to purchase an extra set of gear. You’ll be able to jump right into the clear water and start searching for reefs and tropical sea animals. 

Especially if you’re planning multiple trips to the Caribbean, having your own snorkel gear is a great investment. 

9. Passport or ID 

While some Caribbean islands are U.S. territories (like the U.S. Virgin Islands), most of them are separate countries. 

Like with any international travel, this means that you will need to be prepared to deal with immigration on your visit. 

To be properly prepared, bring a passport or at least a valid ID and make sure that you are allowed on and off the island.

10. Breathable clothing

It's most likely that the weather will be hot and humid on your trip to the Caribbean. You should be prepared to sweat!

The best dress for this type of weather is flowy, breathable clothing (not necessarily short and tight).

Read more: Best travel clothes for women on shore excursions

Look for casual and lightweight pieces such as palazzo pants, open shirts, skirts, and other light clothing. 

Fabrics such as cotton, silk, and linen are best.

11. A swimsuit cover-up 

Of course, you'll want to go swimming and spend a lot of time by the beach on your trip. 

But don't forget about all the other fun excursions you can experience: shopping, tours, restaurants, parties, museums, and more.

To prepare for all the onshore experiences you'll have, be sure to at least bring a swimsuit cover-up or even a change of clothes.

Packing a simple cover-up like a T-shirt, jacket, or dress will ensure that you are appropriately dressed for any occasion you decide to join in.

12. Sandals or flip flops

If you’re not planning on doing much walking or sporty activities, I recommend some warmer, open-toed shoes like sandals or flip-flops. 

Shoes that are easy to slip on and off are best for beach days. And open-toed shoes will help your feet stay cooler in the hot weather. 

These Weweya sandals are very comfortable while still being stylish and should work well at the beach or in the sand.

Ultimately, pack a well-made, waterproof pair of open-toed shoes to help you stay dry, keep cool, and shake off sand.

13. Water bottle

We mention this item a lot in packing lists, but it's worth mentioning again for excursions out onto ports.

While you can, of course, purchase water from wherever you’re visiting, prices can be high in touristy areas. And it’s often inconvenient to stop your vacation to try to find a store.

Instead, keep yourself moving and saving money by bringing a packed water bottle ahead of time. You can fill it up at the Windjammer and other complimentary locations onboard, then bring it off the ship with no issues.

And since the weather will most likely be warm and sunny, it will be important to stay hydrated.

If you’d like to pack ice along in your water bottle, a Yeti or Hydroflask will keep your water cool all day long.

14. Walking shoes 

Some of my favorite shore excursions have been tours of different islands. 

On these tours, you can walk around and listen to the guy and explain some of the history and background while also seeing the sights and historical buildings around you. 

It's a great way to get some fresh air and some much-needed exercise in the middle of a sedentary cruise.

However, you'll want to be sure that you have the right kind of shoes for this excursion. Picking out a good set of exercise or walking shoes will help you have a great experience and keep your energy up during your tour.

15. Waterproof bags

From disembarking the cruise ship to relaxing at the beach, you'll still be interacting with the water for most of your trip. 

It's important that you keep your essentials safe by using a waterproof bag or at least a waterproof phone case.

Read more: 5 things I purchased for a cruise that I regretted buying

16. Rashguard

A long-sleeved athletic shirt, like a rashguard, can serve as a multipurpose tool for many needs. It can protect you from rashes, sunburns, chafing, and even jellyfish stings!

This is also a great option for water sports like surfing or jet skiing, which you’ll want to take advantage of on a visit to the Caribbean.

17. Sweater

This option isn't quite so intuitive, but pretty soon, you'll understand why it’s on the list. 

Tropical cruises can be quite warm during the day, but you'll find that the air conditioner pumps quite high on the cruise ship at night. 

It can get surprisingly chilly indoors on your cruise ship, so be sure to bring a sweater or a cardigan so that you aren't too cold while indoors. 

I find that the cabin and nighttime dining locations can be the coldest places on your cruise.

18. Long sleeve shirt and pants

Another lesser-known way of beating hot weather is by wearing long sleeves and long pants. 

Light-weight, long clothing can be most effective for protecting you from the sun and fending off bugs like mosquitoes.

If you’re doing any hiking or climbing, especially into the rainforest, consider wearing long sleeves and pants to protect yourself.

Your skin will thank you later!

19. Poncho 

Many tropical places experience a rainy season or a hurricane season that features heavy storms with lots of wind and rain.

In the Caribbean, this season could fall anywhere between May and October, with frequent, short thunderstorms on summer afternoons.

Considering that these storms arrive almost 6 months out of the year, it’s best to plan ahead by bringing a poncho or other rain gear. 

You never want to be stuck inside your cruise ship because you didn’t prepare for the weather!

20. Umbrella 

Personally, I don’t like wearing a poncho. 

They get hot and heavy when you’re experiencing a humid tropical rainstorm.

If you’re like me and prefer something lightweight that you can hold, an umbrella is a great option to help prepare for the rain. 

Read more: We asked our readers what one thing they wish they packed for their cruise

21. Water shoes

To help you prepare for all your possible water activities—from kayaking to boat tours—consider bringing a pair of water shoes.

This mesh footwear will protect your feet while allowing any water to flow through them instead of just pooling inside your shoe.

For more intense water activities, they’re a great way to make sure your feet are protected without getting soaked or slippery.

22. Power bank

Without a doubt, having a phone on you is important for any kind of travel.

You’ll be able to use it to find directions, get information on shore excursions, take photos of your beautiful surroundings, and even read books by the beach.

And having your phone go dead in the middle of a trip onto a foreign island could be the death toll to a lovely port day, depending on how much you were relying on it.

To prevent being cut off from your source of information, pack a phone charger or, even better—a power bank. I like this Anker portable charger as a good option.

Bringing a power bank will allow you to charge your phone anywhere without having to spend the time to find a compatible port. 

Many power banks fit right into your bag. I like to charge my phone in my bag as I’m leaving the ship and then unplug it when the charge is high and I’m ready to use it on the island. 

23. Portable fan

To help beat the heat, consider bringing a portable fan. Handheld fans that are small enough to fit in a bag still provide enough power to fan your face when it gets scorching.

Remember that you'll spend time on deck on the cruise ship on hot beaches, where you want relief from the heat. 

A handheld portable fan can be a helpful addition that provides instant relief and cool air.

Save this blog on Pinterest

What can you expect your cruise ship to look like?

The way a ship looks at night versus the day can sometimes be very different, and quite beautiful.

When the sun goes down, the ship's lights come on and its a stark contrast.

I especially appreciated the varied contrast between onboard views: whether morning or night, there was always something beautiful to see.

For my first cruise, I went on the largest cruise ship in the world because Wonder of the Seas embodied what's the latest and greatest from Royal Caribbean.

On such a large ship, there were many different beautiful structures and landscapes, and each one transformed with the time of day.

These 7 photos shows such contrasting examples of different locations on the ship and how each area transformed depending on the time of day. 

Read more: 11 things I wish I knew before setting foot on a cruise ship

Central Park was one of my favorite spots on the ship, a gorgeous on-board nature walk with plants, several dining venues, a bar, and a glass window perspective into the Royal Promenade below. 

When you shift your head up, you can also see the above decks, as displayed in these photos.

When I needed a quiet place to sit in the mornings, I came here. 

When I wanted to stare at the ship’s nighttime and listen to live music, I came here. 

Central Park provides a unique view of both the decks below and the ones above, lighting up the whole level at night.

No matter the time of day, it was a beautiful and peaceful place to relax. 

The pool deck became another favorite location for me. 

Of course, pools, hot tubs, ice cream stations, and multiple bars held its main draw for me.

However, it was also one of the highest points on the ship. 

This made the pool deck a great location to stand and look out into the ship, across the water to neighboring islands, or just to stare at the surrounding water.  

No matter the time of day, there was plenty to see: people around, beautiful decorations, and lights hanging from the deck.

This photo set exemplifies another bonus feature of the pool deck: the best view of the sky. 

Whether it was sunrise or sunset, this deck was the best place to see the sky’s changing colors. 

As dusk fell, too, we could watch carefully for the rising moon or shining stars. 

Especially on sea days when we were far from any lit islands, the night sky was incredibly clear. 

The right photo shows a glimpse of the crescent moon, but we were able to see many other night views during our time on the cruise. 

Deck 6 of Wonder of the Seas features the Boardwalk, several dining and shopping venues, the exit to the ultimate Abyss slide, and the AquaTheater.

The outdoor Boardwalk also has a Carousel and several shopping venues. The Playmakers bar and dining venue is located just opposite several shopping venues.

Further into the Boardwalk are several seating areas, a great spot where I could sit, relax, and chat with friends.

The Ultimate Abyss slide also exits right onto this area of Deck 6.

Finally, the deck features the AquaTheater, an outdoor ampitheater with the capacity for over 600 guests. 

The AquaTheater features unique showings of the water ballet, high-diving, and aerial performance, inTENse. 

The theater also presented complimentary movie showings throughout the cruise.

This Boardwalk is the perfect location to to walk around and talk, try the merry-go-round, enjoy a snack or a drink at Playmakers, or watch movies and performances.

As exemplified by these pictures, it also lights up at night, shining rainbow colors over the entire deck.

Another ever-changing feature on Wonder of the Seas is the rising tide bar.

Built like an elevator, but functioning like a regular drinks station, this bar boards on the Royal Promendade deck (Deck 5 on Wonder of the Seas) or Central Park, and passes up through Decks 5 to 7.

The oval-shape features glass barriers and a skylight for its stop on Central Park. 

Cushions chairs and stools allow you to sit, order a drink, and enjoy the view from the higher perspective.

Like a rising tide, the bar slowly inches forward. It constantly moves location on the ship, floating from each deck every half-hour.

This allows for a constantly-changing view both inside and out the bar.

Personally, every time I looked in the direction of the rising tide bar, I noticed it in a different location, changing the scenery inside the ship.

Read more: Ten Best Royal Caribbean Bars

Clear glass elevators on Wonder of the Seas allow for a wide-perspective view of the inside of the ship. 

From the elevators, I could see cruisers and employees and watch events going on. 

This also allowed us to keep track of our whereabouts, making it hard to get lost—even when inside an elevator. 

And, of course, we were able to enjoy the beautiful view from anywhere inside the ship. 

During the day, the elevators were lit up with natural light and views from below.

At night, we could see neon lights and parties happening all over the ship.

On a cruise, you can experience endless variations of views of the ocean, or neighboring islands. 

These photos show an example of that contrasting view. 

The left photo was our view of Sint Maarten on a port day, a morning perspective from the Windjammer buffet. 

The right was a nighttime view after a long day at sea, a perspective of just the wide ocean and the ship’s glowing lights. 

No matter what time of day, or where the ship was traveling, there was always something gorgeous to see onboard. 

Read more: 6 things to know before you book Wonder of the Seas

Amazon’s October Prime Deal Day is finally here - just in time for your upcoming cruise travels this fall and winter! You can snag some awesome deals for all of your travel and cruising essentials. 

Throughout the year, Amazon will host massive sales with steep discounts on thousands of items. You might imagine Black Friday as the best online shopping day of the year, but Amazon’s big October sale, called Amazon’s Big Deal Days, is one you shouldn’t miss. Thousands of travel and cruising essentials will receive substantial price slashes - up to 75% off. 

If you’re in the market for new luggage or headphones for your cruise, there are some great options to consider during the October Amazon Prime Day sale. With so many options on sale, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed trying to find the best deals. In fact, I was also a little overwhelmed scouring deals for this article list! 

Amazon’s Big Deal Days begins today, October 10, and will continue for 48 hours through October 11. This is a very quick sale, as most of Amazon's sales are, so you’ll want to make sure you purchase any items you're eyeing before they sell out. 

For this big sale, Amazon Prime members receive the best discounts. However, you can also consider activating a 30-day free trial for Amazon Prime to take advantage of the good deals.

Here we have compiled some of the best deals on Amazon for our favorite must-have cruising products. These are items that we recommend for your upcoming cruise vacation - many of which are popular in the travel and cruise industry. Some are even beloved by our Royal Caribbean Blog followers!

As a note, we receive a small commission when you purchase any items during Prime Day from the links below. This costs you absolutely nothing extra, but the small commission helps support our site.  As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Packing Cubes

I am a huge fan of packing cubes. While I heard other rave about them for years, I just hopped on the bandwagon last year. Now, I won’t travel without them! You can easily stay organized while also squeezing more into your luggage. It’s also extremely easy to unpack when you get on your cruise, as you can just remove the cubes from your suitcase and place them in the cabin’s drawers and shelves.

These have been the best selling packing cubes for our Royal Caribbean Blog followers - and for good reason. Here are the best deals we found for packing cubes on today’s Amazon Big Deal Days. 

If you’ve been holding out on purchasing packing cubes, consider snagging this 8-piece set of cubes from Veken. For 43% off, you can have an entire set of packing cubes for your next cruise. This is a highly-rated set of packing cubes. You can also find multiple colors. There is currently an additional 20% off coupon you can apply, which will bring down the price even more. 

• Link: Veken 8 Set Packing Cubes for Suitcases, Travel Essentials Bag Organizers for Carry on, Luggage Organizer Bags Set for Travel Accessories in 4 Sizes (Extra Large, Large, Medium, Small), Black
• Price: $16.99 (Originally $30)
• 20% additional coupon also applicable

If you prefer the 6-piece set of packing cubes, Veken is also having another sale during Amazon’s October Big Deal Days. Some of the colors are not on sale, so be sure to look at the price before purchasing. 

• Link: 6 Set Packing Cubes for Suitcases, Travel Organizer Bags for Carry on Luggage, Veken Suitcase Organizer Bags Set for Travel Essentials Travel Accessories in 4 Sizes(Extra Large, Large, Medium, Small)
• Price: $16.99 (Originally $27.99)
• 15% additional coupon also applicable

Another fantastic deal for packing cubes comes from OlarHike. highly-rated set of packing cubes comes from with 8 pieces. There is currently a 50% off coupon for the black set, with other colors available offering varying discounts. 

• Link: OlarHike 8 Set Packing Cubes for Travel, Luggage Organizer Bags for Travel Accessories Travel Essentials, Travel Cubes for Carry on Suitcases
• Price: $12 (Originally $24.99)

Those needing extra space might want to consider these compression packing cubes. These I can personally attest to. I have a purple set and I absolutely love them - they’re currently packed in my suitcase for my next cruise laster this week. I am always shocked by the amount of space saved. 

• Link: Gonex Compression Packing Cubes, 3pcs/4pcs Expandable Storage Travel Luggage Bags Organizers. Organizers
• Price: $23.99 (Originally $32.99)

There is another sale for a 4-piece compression packing cubes I found on sale for  45% off. This set includes 7 pieces and includes a toiletry bag for carry-on luggage too, so it’s a great deal for everything included. 

• Link: PFEYRPK Lightweight Compression Packing Cubes for Suitcases, Compressible Expandable Travel Packing Organizer with Clear Toiletries and Backpack Bag, Travel Essentials for Carry on Luggage 7 Set
• Price: $19.99 (Originally $39.99)

Electronics

We’ve compiled the following best deals for Amazon Prime Day electronics for all of your cruising needs. Everything from organizers, chargers and converters are on sale. 

One of the top deals for electronics is a set of Apple AirPods. Apple rarely has sales on their products so snagging this deal is a fantastic find! I also have a set of these Apple AirPods and they are the best headphones I’ve ever owned. Wireless headphones are an essential for cruisers and travelers these days.

The sale applies to Apple AirPod Pros with noise canceling for just $199, which is 20% off the original price.

• Link: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) Wireless Earbuds, Up to 2X More Active Noise Cancelling, Adaptive Transparency, Personalized Spatial Audio, MagSafe Charging Case, Bluetooth Headphones for iPhone
• Price: $199 (Originally $249.99)

There is also a sale for 2nd Generation AirPods. These are being sold for just $89 during October’s Amazon Prime Day. This is 31% off the original price - another great deal for Apple!

• Link: Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) Wireless Earbuds with Lightning Charging Case Included. Over 24 Hours of Battery Life, Effortless Setup. Bluetooth Headphones for iPhone-
• Price: $89 (Originally $129.99)

One of my cruise essentials is to bring a portable charger, which helps to keep electronics charged on the go. I’ve also found a portable charger can be useful overnight with the lack of outlets available on older ships. Most of the older cruise ships only have one or two outlets for everyone in the room to use, so this comes in handy. 

• Link: Portable Charger Power Bank 25800mAh, Ultra-High Capacity Fast Phone Charging with Newest Intelligent Controlling IC, 2 USB Port External Cell Phone Battery Pack Compatible with iPhone,Android et
• Compatible with iPhone,Samsung,Android.
• Price: $19.99 (Originally $49.95)

Unless you’re sailing on a new cruise ship, again, you might not have enough outlets available to charge all of your devices. This is our go-to USB expander that plugs into European outlets on cruise ships. It provides 3 additional outlets and 2 USB port. Honestly, I take this on every single cruise and it works great - even better, it’s on sale for 28% for Amazon Big Deal Days!

• Link: Cruise Power Strip No Surge Protector with USB Outlets - Ship Approved (Non Surge Protection) Cruise Essentials
• Price: $17.99 (Originally $24.99)

Another cruise essential is an extra long iPhone cord. This one is on sale and measures 6 feet long! An extra long cord is perfect for your small cruise cabin, especially if there is only one available outlet on the vanity. This allows you to charge your device while using it in your bed or on the couch. 

• Link: 3 Pack Apple MFi Certified Charger Cable 6ft, Lightning to USB Cable Cord 6 Foot, 2.4A Fast Charging,Apple Phone Long Chargers for iPhone 13/12/11/11Pro/11Max/ X/XS/XR/XS Max/8/7/6
• Price: $11.49 (Originally $18.99)

One of the best selling products for our followers during the last Amazon sale was this cheap electronics organizer. I am a huge fan of my electronics case as a place to keep all of my cords and chargers organized. This has helped so much with staying organized in my luggage and onboard in my cruise cabin. This one is on sale for just $7.54, which is 46% off the original price. 

• Link: Electronic Accessories Case, Universal Cable Cord Holder Organizer/Electronic Case, Waterproof Portable Cable Organizer Bag, USB Flash Drives Bag, Cable case Bag, USB Case Organizer,USB Charger Bag
• Price: $7.59 (Originally $13.99)

Cruising Essentials

Here’s a list of all your favorite cruise essentials that are on sale for Amazon Prime Day this year. From magnetic hooks to beach bags and collapsable laundry baskets, you can find some of our favorite cruise essentials below. 

One of the best selling products for our followers of all time is this set of cruise luggage tags. These allow you to print your luggage tags for your Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruise and place the tag inside a plastic holder. This prevents the tag from getting damaged or torn off, making it easier for your bag to make it to your stateroom. During this sale, the tags are 63% off!

• Link: Cruise Luggage Tags for Royal Caribbean & Celebrity Cruise Essentials in 2023-2024
• Price: $5.99 (Originally $15.99)

Another cruising essential is a set of Magnetic Hooks. In fact, these are considered a cruising essential for many people because the hooks are easy to use in your cruise ship cabin thanks to the magnetic walls. Now, you can easily hang jackets, hats, bags, etc. on your cabin walls. Even better, these are on sale for Amazon Prime Day at 31% off! 

• Link: DIYMAG Magnetic Hooks, 25lbs+ heavy duty magnetic hooks cruise for hanging,
• Price: $10.99 (Originally $15.99)

Finally, having a hanging travel cosmetic bag with a hanging hook is a huge space-saver in those tiny cruise ship cabins. These bags hang perfectly on the back of your cabin’s bathroom door, allowing you to save counter space. Bagsmart has one for 22% off. 

• Link: BAGSMART Toiletry Bag Travel Bag with Hanging Hook, Water-resistant Makeup Cosmetic Bag Travel Organizer for Accessories, Shampoo, Full Sized Container, Toiletries https://amzn.to/3O6MRUZ
  • Price: $22.99 (Originally $29.47)

I find that the perfect shoes for cruising are Rubber sandals - like these on sale!. These sandals are very comfortable while still being stylish. They are also quick to dry when you’ve spent your day at the pool deck or the beach. In the evening, you can wear these  onboard while you attend all of the events and entertainment.  

• Link: Weweya Sandals for Women and Men - Pillow Slippers - Double Buckle Adjustable Slides - EVA Flat Sandal.
• Price: $21.98 (Originally $39.99)

Luggage Deals 

Regardless of whether you are planning to fly to your next cruise or you live close enough to make the drive, you still need luggage regardless. This year, I’ve decided to invest in higher quality luggage (upgrading from the TJMaxx luggage section). Amazon’s Big Deal Days has quite a few different luggage options for sale, so be sure to check them out below. Here are some of the best deals we found.

One of the top luggage deals is this Samsonite Carry-On. This one is an expandable carry-on measuring 21 inches. The hard side spinner available for 17% off. We’ve taken many cruises with just a carry-on, so having a solid suitcase for cruising is a must! 

• Link: Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable with Double Spinner Wheels, Carry-On 21-Inch, Black
• Link: https://amzn.to/3RMCTuo
• Price: $149 (Originally $179.99)

If you need more than just a carry-on, it’s also a fantastic time to buy luggage sets so you can have matching pieces. This is a 3-piece luggage set from Coolife that has received rave ratings for 50% off. There are many colors available, although a brighter color will be easier for you to spot in the cruise terminal. Even better, these suitcases have TSA built-in locks. This means you can ensure your items are safely stored at the airport and cruise terminal. 

• Link: Coolife Luggage 3 Piece Set Suitcase Spinner Hardshell Lightweight TSA Lock
• https://amzn.to/3tmsLON
• Price: $159 (Originally $300)

One of the best deal on luggage that we found is this 2-piece hardshell luggage set from Rockland. For 62% off, you can purchase this matching set with a 28-inch carry-on sized suitcase and the matching carry-on. The set comes with thousands of positive reviews, too.

• Link: Rockland Melbourne Hardside Expandable Spinner Wheel Luggage, Blue, 2-Piece Set (20/28)
• Price: $102 (Originally $340)

Another great deal from Coolife is this stylish 3-piece luggage set — which has some of the best luggage deals during Amazon’s sale. This set includes a carry-on spinner, along with a matching weekender duffel bag with a sleeve to attach to the trolley. The set also includes a matching cosmetic bag. 

• Link: Coolife Suitcase Set 3 Piece Carry On Hardside Luggage with TSA Lock Spinner Wheels (White, S(20in))
• Price: $90 (Originally $299)

Cruise Accessories and Bags

You’ll definitely want to pack a variety of bags for your cruise vacation, including a beach bag, clutch for dinner and a bag to use for in-port exploration. Here are some of the best deals for Amazon Prime Day that would be perfect for your cruise!

For your cruise, you should consider packing a lanyard with an ID holder. Having this kind of ID holder will allow you to carry your cruise card around without needing to worry about it falling out. This one has a zipped pouch, so you can also put some cash, credit cards, hand sanitizer, ID and more. For Amazon Big Deal Days, you can get this one for 50% off.

• Link: Vera Bradley Women's Cotton Zip Id Case and Lanyard Combo.
• Price: $21 (Originally $42)

You’ll want to have a nice beach bag to use for your cruise if you’re heading somewhere beach, like the Caribbean. This is perfect for your excursions, beach days and pool lounging on the ship. For 42% off, this beach bag is a great purchase and comes highly rated!

• Link: Tainehs Mesh Beach Tote Large Bag 2023 Upgrade for Women with Multiple Pockets for Family Travel Swimming Waterproof Pool Bag
• Price: $11.49 (Originally $16)

You probably already know that fanny packs have been making a strong comeback! These pouches are perfect for cruising because they allow you to conveniently carry all of your belongings. This one is highly rated and comes in tons of colors - perfect for men and women

• Link: MAXTOP Large Crossbody Fanny Pack with 4-Zipper Pockets,Gifts for Enjoy Sports Festival Workout Traveling Running Casual Hands-Free Wallets Waist Pack Phone Bag Carrying All Phones.
• Price: $11.99 (Originally $20)

Finally, for my cruising ladies, I always pack an evening clutch for nights onboard. I hate having to lug around a backpack or large purse. This one is super cute, partial and perfect for your upcoming Caribbean cruises.

• Link: Aovtero Straw Clutch Purse Women Crossbody Bag Summer Beach Shoulder Bags Envelope Wallet Handbags.
• Price: $12.99 (Originally $23)

Many people looking to cruise automatically think of embarking and disembarking from Florida, whether it’s Miami, Orlando, or Tampa, to name a few. But did you know you can cruise out of Galveston, Texas?

Located southeast of Houston, Galveston offers Royal Caribbean cruises year-round. Royal Caribbean recently built a new port here in November of 2022, which cost $125 million. This new port allows larger Oasis Class ships to sail out of Galveston. Galveston is a popular cruise port for those living in Texas, as well as nearby states like Oklahoma and Louisiana.

Read more: What you should know about cruising from Galveston instead of Florida

For the rest of 2023, Voyager of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas will sail out of Galveston. There will be a few ships cruising out of Galveston in 2024, including Jewel of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas, and Harmony of the Seas.

I had never cruised out of Galveston, but when I found a cheap, five-night Western Caribbean sailing on Voyager of the Seas, I decided to give it a try. My dad joined me on this cruise - he was also curious to see what it was like to sail from Galveston since he had never been either.

If you are cruising out of Galveston for the first time, my experience may be helpful for you as you plan your upcoming cruise!

First, we had to plan how we would get to Galveston

I quickly found out after embarking on Voyager of the Seas that many cruisers were from Texas. This makes sense, as Galveston is in close driving distance. Since my dad and I live in South Dakota, we had to fly to the closest airport to Galveston, which is Houston. (Though I did meet a family onboard that drove from Iowa!) 

There are two airports in Houston: George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). When looking at airfare on Delta for both airports, they were similar in price.

HOU is located in south Houston whereas IAH is in the north. Because Galveston is south of Houston, it made more sense to fly into HOU, and that is what my dad and I ended up doing.

If you have the choice between these two airports, try to fly into William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) because it will be quicker and cheaper to get to the Galveston port. This is unless you are able to find a flight from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) that is significantly cheaper.

The day before our cruise, we flew to Houston and got a hotel near the airport

My original plan was to fly to Houston and get a Lyft or Uber to Galveston so we could be near the port for embarkation day. When I was looking at hotel prices, it was a lot more expensive to stay in Galveston, so we decided to stay in Houston where the prices were much cheaper. It seemed as though most hotels were at least $50 or more a night in Galveston versus Houston.

We ended up booking a hotel near the Houston airport so we didn’t have to drive far. It was easy to get a shuttle to the hotel via the free airport shuttle they offered.

I planned on ordering a Lyft or Uber the next day to take us from Houston to Galveston, but my dad wanted to look into booking an independent company shuttle

When we arrived at our hotel, we told them we were there for a cruise. They gave us a card that said, “Cruise ship shuttle: $20 per person each way (no port fees).” This intrigued my dad, so he decided to give them a call to get it scheduled. 

Lo and behold, the price was not $20 per person. It was actually going to be $60 per person! I was confident that a rideshare would not be more than $120 one way, so this shuttle option was a no-go for us. 

However, an independent shuttle is an option for those traveling with a larger group because the fare is usually cheaper with more people traveling. It just wasn’t ideal for the two of us.

Royal Caribbean does offer a shuttle from the HOU airport to Galveston, but this didn't make sense for us since we were not going to the port directly after arriving at the airport. We also didn’t want to wait around for others; we wanted to leave on our own schedule.

We decided to stick with my original plan of ordering a Lyft or Uber the next day.

On embarkation day, it was easy to get a rideshare to Galveston

As I suspected, it wasn’t a problem at all to get a rideshare from our Houston hotel to Galveston. At 10 a.m., I requested a Lyft and we were picked up within 15 minutes. The total cost of this Lyft was $61.25 including a tip.

Since it was Saturday morning, I wasn’t sure how long it was going to take to get to the port. The ride was 50 minutes in total. Traffic was not bad at this time of the day, but it did get busier as we got closer to Galveston. 

Not long after getting in the Lyft, both my dad and I got a notification on our phones that we could start the mandatory safety briefing. This was the perfect way to kill some time on the way to the port. I highly recommend you watch the safety briefing video as soon as it is available to you so you don’t have to do it once onboard.

After crossing the bridge into Galveston, traffic started to pick up. This was around 11 a.m. There was stop-and-go traffic for about a half mile before we arrived at Terminal 10, Royal Caribbean’s new terminal.

Something to note about Galveston - it appeared that there weren't many hotels close to the port. I mainly saw beach homes. I would assume it would be easier to find an Airbnb or Vrbo than a hotel if you were looking to stay in the area.

If you are driving to the Galveston port, there are parking options close by. At Terminal 10, there are three lots where you can park. You can expect to pay around $20 to $25 per day. According to the Port of Galveston website, “Rates are based on availability.” We also drove by and saw a sign for $70 for private parking near the ship, but it didn’t specify the number of days for that amount, so who knows if that was a better price.

When we arrived at the Royal Caribbean terminal, it was unclear where to go next

Our Lyft dropped us off right at the front entrance of the terminal. Our luggage was swiftly picked up by one of the many porters anxiously ready to help us. All of the porters were easily identified because they were wearing tropical shirts. 

After the porters took our big luggage, we were unsure of where to check-in. There was a sign for The Key and Suites/Pinnacle guests, but not one for everybody else. We asked one of the employees about where to go and they pointed us in the right direction. 

I was not expecting such a long line to get inside the terminal, but this was due to a United States Coast Guard inspection.

We were shocked to see the long line winding around outside. One of the employees was explaining to everyone that there was a Coast Guard inspection going on and that was the reason why the line was so long.

I had received at least three emails from Royal Caribbean about this Coast Guard inspection before embarkation day. One of the emails said, “To ensure we have a smooth boarding process, we kindly ask that you please arrive during your selected arrival window.” We definitely could have come even earlier if we wanted to because of the long line. 

For the next 30 minutes or so, we stood in the heat with hundreds of other cruisers. The line moved slowly but we were thankful that there were fans outside that sprayed us with water. 

As we got close to the inside of the terminal, the line started to move much faster. Once inside, there were escalators and elevators to take us up to the security area.

When we entered the terminal, the intercom announcement was going, but it was confusing because it was listing Crown and Anchor categories that could go off into specific directions. We couldn't understand what it was saying, so we stayed in line with everybody else. The line was moving very fast at this point and we didn’t hear the announcement again to try to understand what they were saying.

Once inside the terminal, the check-in process was a breeze

After we went up the escalator, we checked in and then went through security. This was very quick and efficient.

The first thing we did after stepping foot on Voyager of the Seas was find our muster station. We had to go to the Star Lounge, located at the front of the ship. A scan of our boarding pass and a little presentation later, we were ready to start our vacation!

Looking back, if the Coast Guard had not been doing their inspection that day, the embarkation process would have been around 15 minutes instead of 45 minutes like it was for us. Our check-in time was at noon. We arrived at the terminal around 11:30 a.m. and we didn't get on board the ship until about 12:15 p.m. I was very impressed with the embarkation process even with the delay.

When disembarking, know that you can request a Lyft or an Uber at the Galveston terminal

I once again was prepared to request a rideshare when our cruise was done to take my dad and I to the Houston airport.

On the last day of the cruise, you will receive a “Tips for an Easy Departure” document along with other information to prepare you for getting off the ship. On this document, it stated that, “Taxis are usually readily available outside the terminal. Lyft is the only rideshare available in Port of Galveston.”

The next day, I kept this in mind when we disembarked Voyager of the Seas. I requested a Lyft since this was supposedly my only rideshare option. After waiting for about 15 minutes, no one picked up my request for a ride to the airport. I decided to try Uber and see what would happen. 

After requesting an Uber, I was selected pretty quickly and our driver picked us up within a few minutes. I thought it was strange how Royal Caribbean said only Lyft was an option when I was easily able to request an Uber instead.

If you were wondering, the Uber ride was an hour long to the HOU airport and cost $65.77, including a tip.

In the future, I would definitely consider another cruise that leaves from Galveston

Galveston is the perfect cruise port for those who live in the South. Though I live in the Midwest, I would select Galveston again as a port to cruise in and out of. I wouldn't necessarily go out of my way to cruise out of Galveston, but my decision would primarily be based on the cruise itinerary, ship, and price.

Royal Caribbean’s new terminal is beautiful and the check-in process was fast and efficient.

If you happen to have a Coast Guard Inspection before your cruise like we did, be sure to pack a little extra patience!

While a cruise ship vacation usually conjures up all sorts of fun activities, getting lots of sleep is an undeniable must-do as well.

Whether you want to catch up on sleep you missed, or just enjoy not having to set an alarm and seeing how late you can sleep-in, getting plenty of rest is important to a lot cruisers. After all, you want to recharge and feel relaxed during your time off.

Everyone has different sleep patterns, and you might find it a challenge to get quality sleep in a different bed than you're used to while your ship slowly moves through the ocean.

I've heard lots of advice on the topic, so I wanted to share some of the best strategies for getting the sleep you really want.

Ask for mattress topper

A very subjective topic is how firm is too firm for a mattress. It's a relative matter of opinion, but there are some that really want a plush bed.

I sleep just fine on Royal Caribbean's beds and look forward to how good they feel, there is an option for those that don't like any kind of a firm mattress.

You can ask for a mattress topper as soon as you meet your room attendant on the first day.

On some ships, you'll get an egg foam mattress topper, but newer ships may have a nice cooling mattress topper.  Your mileage may vary.

Keep in mind there are a limited supply, so ask early on your cruise to ensure you get one.

Bring white noise machine

Whether you're used to falling asleep at home to the sound of a fan, radiator, or television, a white noise machine might be a good investment.

There are many devices on the market to buy. Some just download an app for their smartphone that can play the music on loop (“bedtime fan” from App Store is one that a reader recommended).

The LectroFan white noise machine is one such device, and it could be what you need to sleep peacefully (and it can be powered by USB). (This link contains an affiliate link, which costs you absolutely nothing extra to use while supporting this site).

Turn down the air conditioning

I find I sleep better in a colder cabin than a warmer cabin, so consider adjusting your air conditioning between day and night.

During the warmer summer months, it can get very hot out and that sunlight can radiate into your room, even if you have the balcony door closed.

I recommend turning the air conditioning down before you head out for dinner to ensure there's plenty of time for the cabin to cool down.

You could also pull the curtains closed to your balcony to block the sunlight.

Bring ear plugs

You never know what kind of noise issues you may have in a hotel room or cruise ship cabin.

Someone snoring, creaking sounds, or just random sounds in the night could wake you up and that can be very frustrating.

A good pair of ear plugs can be a game-changer for keeping you asleep longer.

The Flents Foam Ear Plugs come highly recommended by our readers because they fit well, muffle noise, and you can still hear your alarm go off in the morning. (This link contains an affiliate link, which costs you absolutely nothing extra to use while supporting this site).

Book a cabin above or below other cabins

If sleeping well is important to you and you want to minimize the chances of noise bleed, pick a cabin that is one deck above and below other cabins.

Some cabins are underneath a public venue, and these cruise ship cabins should be avoided. Noise from patrons in the venue, or crew members moving furniture could ruin your evening slumber.

Read more: Royal Caribbean cabins to avoid

Look at a deck map and ensure you're seeing other cabins one deck higher or lower than your room, and you should be good.

Book an inside room

If you really want the best sleep on a cruise, try booking an inside cabin.

Since inside cabins have no natural light sources, as soon as you turn off the lights, it will get pitch black in your room.

You won't know if it's 3am or 3pm in there, which makes it ideal for people that want to sleep well.  Plus, there's no heat coming in from your balcony!

As an added bonus, an inside cabin will cost much less than a balcony.

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

Buy a USB fan

Along the lines of a noise machine, a USB powered fan could be all that you need.

A noise machine is great, but it can be pricey. Plus, if you're used to a fan, you may also be used to the air movement it generates on top of the noise.

This USB and battery operated fan is one such model you could easily bring along.

It's worth noting you could ask your stateroom attendant for a fan.  They have a limited supply, so if having a fan is mission critical for you, then I would be proactive and bring one yourself.

Ask for extra pillows or blankets

Maybe your sleep routine is to be rolled into the shape of a human burrito, or you just like to have more pillows than anyone else.

Your stateroom attendant should be able to provide these for you.

Try to keep your normal nighttime routine

Keeping a familiar routine is another good tip for making sleep better, especially if cruising with kids.

Try to keep your pre-sleep tasks going while on a cruise, such as taking a shower, having a glass of milk, or reading in bed.

It's tempting to try to "do it all" on a cruise and run from activity to activity, but giving your body clues it's time for bed with some familiar tasks could be the ticket to ensuring sleeping well on a cruise too.

Royal Caribbean has a reputation for offering incredible activities on cruise ships, which includes its 10-deck-high slide.

The Ultimate Abyss has quickly become a hit with guests who flock to give it a try.

Towering 150 feet above sea level, it is a dry slide that sends guest plummeting down a 10-story slide.  To say it is a thrill ride on the high seas would be an understatement.  We felt it was our intrepid duty to try this gargantuan slide out ourselves, and report back what it is all about.

What is Royal Caribbean's Ultimate Abyss?

The Ultimate Abyss towers 150 feet above sea level at the aft of and offers a 100 foot drop.

The Ultimate Abyss is made up of two separate cylinders, a reflection of one-another, each with a diameter of approximately 2.6 feet and constructed of stainless steel.

Guests will twist and turn from deck 16 all the way down to deck 6, where they will exit on the Boardwalk.

It's only available on the Oasis-Class ships, with the exception of Allure of the Seas.

As if a 100 foot drop was not scary enough, there is a glass platform at the ride launch area to remind guests just how high up they are. Prior to going down the Ultimate Abyss, guests can take one last look at the Boardwalk, which is 10 decks below them, and then count their blessings and slide down.

During the ride down, you could reach a speed of up to nine miles per hour as they twist and turn in a serpentine-like movement.

There will be a new Ultimate Abyss on Utopia of the Seas, as Royal Caribbean wants to take back the title of the longest dry slide at sea.

How to ride

The entrance to the Ultimate Abyss is located on deck 16, near the very back of the ship.  It can be found by simply walking all the way to the aft of the ship on deck 16.

There is no means of signing up in advance, simply enter the queue when the ride is open and wait your turn.  In addition, there is no waiver to sign to participate.

You must be at least 44 inches tall and weigh no more than 300 pounds.

As you get closer to the entrance, you will be instructed on how to ride properly.  The important thing to know is to keep your elbows in and legs straight.  Not following these instructions can lead to a nasty (and painful) burn on your arms during the ride.

Right before climbing the stairs to the slide entrance, guests will take a mat that they will ride in.  At the top, the mat is placed at the very beginning of the slide, and the guest will enter the mat, placing their feet and most of their legs in the mat opening.  Then, grab the mat handle, lean back and head down when instructed.

During the ride, guests descend at a rate of up to nine miles per hour, through a variety of twists and turns.  While the slide is dark inside, there are spontaneous audio effects played at different parts of the ride, along with lighting effects.  All of this combines to provide a multi-sensory thrill.

At the conclusion of the ride, you will come to a stop along a long straightaway on the Boardwalk.  Step out, grab the mat and place it in the receptacle for used mats.

There is an on-ride photo option, where guests can get a photo of themselves that is taken just as they are about to end the slide ride.

How much does it cost to ride the Ultimate Abyss?

There is no cost to ride the Ultimate Abyss. It's free!

What's it like to ride?

The Ultimate Abyss lives up to its billing as a multi-sensory thrill ride.  Most guests that ride agree it is not as scary/intense an experience as one might think by looking at the slide.

The amount of turns, and the angles at which they occur, contribute to slowing guests down to a pace that is far more tolerable than a simple plunge.  It is quite common to be apprehensive at the top of the slide, but we found the ride down to be slower than we expected (which is not a bad thing).

Rides on the Ultimate Abyss are complimentary, and offered during most times of the day.  Lines certainly can develop for the Ultimate Abyss, especially on sea days and in the afternoons. To ensure a short wait, try to ride just as the ride opens or during dinner hours (after 5pm).

Ultimate Abyss is a lot of fun to ride, and definitely worth a few rides over the course of a cruise.  It is easy to get apprehensive about the experience, but the ride is big on fun and not as intense as one might imagine.

Which cruise ships have the Ultimate Abyss?

• Oasis of the Seas
• Harmony of the Seas
• Symphony of the Seas
• Wonder of the Seas
• Utopia of the Seas

Allure of the Seas does not have the Ultimate Abyss yet.

I hope everyone reading this is having a wonderful Sunday and enjoying some time this weekend with friends, family and some good food too.  Here is a summary of all the Royal Caribbean news from this week in one easy-to-read blog post for your convenience!

Royal Caribbean has announced the name for its newest Icon Class ship. 

After Icon of the Seas launches in January 2024, plans will continue for its sister ship. Royal Caribbean plans to launch three ships in the new Icon Class. 

Royal Caribbean added a selection of names to a social media vote on Twitter in January 2023.

The winning name, and the name of the next Icon Class ship is Star of the Seas. 

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean cancels Israel cruises due to attacks on Israel
• Propulsion issues slow two Royal Caribbean cruise ships
• Royal Caribbean gives its top cruisers a crystal block gift. Here's how to get one
• What happens when you test positive for Covid on a cruise ship in 2023? Family shares their experience
• I’m a travel agent. Here are the 6 most popular Royal Caribbean ships my clients are booking for 2024

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 515th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, which has a review of Ovation of the Seas cruise from this summer.

Our guest stars, Domanic and Casey, share their experience on their first Alaska cruise. 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.

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

Video: What REALLY happens when you're late getting back to a cruise ship

{"preview_thumbnail":"/sites/default/files/styles/video_embed_wysiwyg_preview/public/video_thumbnails/XDrfowLsWT0.jpg?itok=fg88BSuf","video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDrfowLsWT0","settings":{"responsive":1,"width":"854","height":"480","autoplay":0},"settings_summary":["Embedded Video (Responsive)."]}

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise!

Our latest YouTube video answers the question: What really happens when you’re late getting back to a cruise ship? Will you be left behind onshore, or will the whole ship wait for you?

Check out the link to view it: What REALLY happens when you're late getting back to a cruise ship and be sure to subscribe, too. 

Trying Royal Caribbean's oldest & smallest ship, Grandeur of the Seas, was better than we envisioned

Allie recently had the chance to try Royal Caribbean’s oldest and smallest ship, Grandeur of the Seas.

While Grandeur receives criticism for its age and size, Allie decided to go ahead and experience a refurbished cruise on this ship. 

Grander receives many negative reviews about sailing in 2023, but Allie found that it was actually better than expected. 

13 things I wish I'd done differently on my first cruise, from avoiding seasickness to eating at different venues

How can you learn to save money and make the most out of a cruise experience? For Calista, it took a personal experience with a cruise to give her some important tips. 

Calista recently went on her first cruise on Wonder of the Seas. 

After experiencing a cruise for herself, she learned a lot of essential lessons to help improve her cruising experience and preserve resources while doing so.

From packing to avoiding seasickness to eating differently, a little introspection reveals the top 13 things she wishes she had done differently.

Should I book my flight through my cruise line?

What is Air2Sea, and should you use it?

When you book a Royal Caribbean cruise, you will receive the option to book your flight directly through the cruise line. 

This article analyzes whether this is a better option as opposed to booking your flight on your own. 

From prices to travel delays, Jenna relays the pros and cons of booking your flight through Royal Caribbean‘s Air2Sea.

After 17 Royal Caribbean cruises, my family and I tried MSC Cruises for the first time and here’s what we liked and didn’t like

After experiencing a total of 17 Royal Caribbean cruises, Jenna and 12 members of her family planned a sailing on the MSC cruise line. 

Since the prices are lower, the larger group chose to sail on an MSC cruise.

For just $593 per person, Jenna experienced a one week cruise on an MSC ship. 

She compares prices, cruise planning, cabin, amenities, dining services, customer service, ocean views, kid, friendly activities, and more between Royal Caribbean and MSC, going over what she liked and disliked about her experience on a new cruise line. 

Royal Caribbean has canceled at least two itineraries on Rhapsody of the Seas due to Saturday’s surprise attacks by Gaza militants.

On Friday evening, Royal Caribbean announced that the October 9, 2023 and October 13, 2023 sailings on Rhapsody of the Seas were both canceled. Both of these itineraries were scheduled to set sail on round-trip itineraries from Haifa, Israel in the coming days.  

The cruise line stated, “We’ve been closely monitoring the geopolitical situation in Israel. With your safety and well-being in mind, and in conjunction with our Global Security Department, we've decided that we must cancel our October 9, 2023 and October 13, 2023 Rhapsody of the Seas sailings.”

Rhapsody of the Seas was originally scheduled to sail on a 4-night and 5-night itinerary to Cyprus and Greece from Haifa, which is located in the northern region of the country. Both of these itineraries are now canceled and guests will receive full refunds. 

Currently, Rhapsody of the Seas is sailing off the coast of Santorini, Greece and was scheduled to return to Haifa on October 9, 2023. It is unclear at this time where Rhapsody of the Seas will sail given the unrest in Israel. 

Royal Caribbean stated that guests affected by the canceled sailings on Rhapsody of the Seas will receive a 100% refund, including taxes and fees. In addition, all refunds will be processed for pre-paid packages, gratuities, amenities and shore excursions. 

Those who purchased airfare through Air2Sea will receive an automatic refund, along with those who purchased Royal Caribbean’s Travel Protection. Guests who used Future Cruise Credit will receive a refund for new funds paid above the certificate amount and Royal Caribbean will also reinstate the original certificate.  

There has been a new wave of violence in the region due to the surprise attacks on Israel by Hamas terrorists. However, this isn’t the first time cruise lines have changed course due to unrest in the region. Historically, these incidents have turned cruise ships away.

Because of the attacks by Palestinian militants, the Israel government has now declared war. Rockets were fired indiscriminately into Israel and gunmen were also sent into Israel's territory. There has been a longstanding history of unrest between the two sides, one that has spanned decades. As such, traveling to the region has always come with some level of risk, although cruise lines are quick to make decisions for safety purposes. 

Celebrity Apex and Odyssey of the Seas impacted too

Rhapsody of the Seas is not the only ship that has been impacted by the unexpected attacks in Israel. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises also announced on Saturday that itinerary changes would be made to the current sailings on Celebrity Apex and Odyssey of the Seas. 

Celebrity Apex was sailing to Haifa, Israel as its next port stop before the itinerary change was announced. One guest on Celebrity Apex posted on a message board that the ship’s scheduled stops in Israel are now canceled. 

Instead, Celebrity Apex will apparently have an overnight in Cyprus and an extra overnight in Egypt, as the ship was already scheduled for one overnight in Egypt on its current itinerary. 

In addition, Celebrity Apex’s next sailing on October 16, 2023 will replace Israel ports with stops in Greece, including Mykonos, Santorini and Rhodes.

“I personally am feeling not so bad...... We will of course be extremely disappointed to miss Israel, truly a once in a lifetime chance for us - but to not have 3 sea days as a replacement is welcome, considering the tragic circumstances under which this had to be done” said one passenger scheduled to sail on the next Celebrity Apex itinerary.

Odyssey of the Seas, which is also sailing in the Mediterranean on a Holy Land itinerary, has made adjustments due to the sudden unrest in the region.  Another passenger currently sailing on Odyssey of the Seas posted on a Royal Caribbean Blog message forum that the ship would no longer visit the Israeli ports. 

The passenger shares how captain made a ship-wide announcement, “That we will not visit Israel due to the geopolitical situation, decision taken together with security experts and in view of the safety of passengers, staff and ship.” 

Odyssey of the Seas is now scheduled to visit Bodrum, Turkey and Limassol, Cyprus instead of its scheduled stops in Haifa and Ashdod in Israel. Guests received letters in their stateroom regarding the updated itinerary.

Other cruise lines are making arrangements for sailings scheduled to visit Israel as well. In fact, passengers on Holland American’s Nieuw Statendam from HAL were already docked in Haifa when the attacks took place. Passengers were quickly recalled back to the ship. Passengers only had about three hours in the country before being recalled to the ship for safety.

At least one sailing to Israel has been changed due to attacks by Gaza militants on Saturday.

A surprise attack on Israel by Hamas terrorists has brought a new wave of violence in the region, and these sort of incidents have historically meant cruise ships turning away.

UPDATE: A passenger on Odyssey of the Seas posted on the Royal Caribbean Blog message boards that Odyssey will skip Israel as well.

"The captain just announced (paraphrasing here) about half a hour ago, that we will not visit Israel due to the geopolitical situation, decision taken together with security experts and in view of the safety of passengers, staff and ship."

The passenger said while disappointing to have an itinerary change, he thinks it was the right choice, "I at least would not have felt safe there right now."

Instead, Odyssey is going to Bodrum in Turkey and Limassol in Cyprus.

Royal Caribbean offers Greek isles cruises on Rhapsody of the Seas from Haifa, Israel, which located in the northern part of the country.

The cruise line has yet to make a change to Rhapsody's upcoming itineraries.

Rhapsody of the Seas is currently in Santorini.

Royal Caribbean had to cancel cruises in 2021 from Israel due to unrest in the country.

Odyssey of the Seas was scheduled to sail from there, but sailings were cancelled once the attacks began there.

In fact, in countries where civil unrest occurs, Royal Caribbean typically cancels cruises to err on the side of caution.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday that his country was “at war” because of the attacks by Palestinian militants. A barrage of rockets was fired indiscriminately into Israel,  and gunmen were sent into Israeli territory. It's the latest chapter in a bloody saga between the two sides that has lasted decades.

Celebrity Cruises cancels too

The Celebrity Apex is one such ship, which was scheduled to visit Israel this week.

A passenger onboard Apex posted on a message board that their itinerary has changed because of the attacks, "The captain recently announced that all stops in Israel were cancelled. "

"We are now heading to Cyprus and will overnight there.  Then we will have a sea day and arrive in Alexandria, Egypt a day early and have an extra day (now a total of 3 days) in Egypt."

Celebrity is not the only line that has changed plans.

Passengers on Holland America Line's Nieuw Standendam were already in Israel, but were quickly recalled back onboard.  A passenger posted, "three days in Holy Land has become three hours."

Royal Caribbean is known for having the biggest, most technologically advanced cruise ships at sea. The cruise line's advertisements are filled with families having adventure-packed vacations on Royal Caribbean’s most exciting ships. Everything in Royal Caribbean’s marketing is colorful and upbeat, with the promise of offering a fun-filled cruise vacation for your whole family. 

In fact, the cruise line’s newest ship, Icon of the Seas, will be making her highly anticipated debut in January 2024. The massive ship will take the coveted title of being the biggest ship in the world, clocking in at an astonishing 250,000 gross tons and holding close to 8,000 passengers. 

With all the hype around the newest and biggest ships, you might forget that Royal Caribbean offers cruises on substantially older and smaller vessels. The fleet’s oldest ships can be found in the Vision Class of cruise ships, which offer an entirely different Royal Caribbean experience than you might imagine. 

Currently, the oldest ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet is Grandeur of the Seas, which was built nearly 26 years ago in 1996. Although Royal Caribbean announced in 2019 that the ship would be sold, the pandemic altered the course of these plans. Now, Grandeur of the Seas will continue to sail for Royal Caribbean for the foreseeable future.  

Given her age and size, many are quick to scoff at the thought of cruising onboard Grandeur of the Seas. Who would want to spend their time and money sailing on a ‘rust bucket’ or ‘worn down’ cruise ship?

Well, I took one for the team and decided to book a short sailing onboard Grandeur of the Seas. I was hesitant to spend my time and money on a cruise ship that many wouldn’t even consider sailing on. But, I’ve sailed on Grandeur’s sister ships, Vision of the Seas, Enchantment of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas, so I had some realistic expectations about the experience.

After sailing on Grandeur of the Seas, I found this old and small ship to be quite charming, nicely refurbished and well maintained. Others on the cruise shared how the ship holds a special place in their hearts, fondly referring to Grandeur of the Seas as, “Lady G”. 

Here’s how our experience onboard Royal Caribbean’s oldest and smallest ship was better than we envisioned.

While Royal Caribbean has been known for its ship design and advancement, it’s hard to believe Grandeur of the Seas was innovative at one point in history.

Royal Caribbean has been pushing the boundaries when it comes to cruise ship size for decades. In fact, the cruise line has held the title of biggest cruise ship in the world since 2006. 

Most agree that Royal Caribbean’s push towards innovation is one of the biggest contributors to the cruise line’s success. This has undoubtedly helped establish the company as one of the world’s leading cruise lines. 

But, back in the 1990s, innovation looked a lot different than it does today. Nearly three decades ago, Royal Caribbean was building ships for its new Vision Class. These vessels would debut as some of the biggest cruise ships in the world, measuring a modest 73,000 gross tons. While still not tiny for today’s standards, these ships offer an entirely different cruise experience.

When Grandeur of the Seas was first built, the ship was known for its sleek ship design, which featured a thoughtfully-designed layout. Other features included advanced technology onboard and widespread, panoramic views of the ocean. 

We read many negative reviews about sailing on Grandeur of the Seas in 2023, which had us questioning whether we wanted to book our cruise or not.

Looking online, it seemed as though people either loved sailing on Grandeur of the Seas or they absolutely hated it. Many websites cite Grandeur of the Seas as the worst ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, such as US News & World Travel.

Many felt the ship was boring and outdated. One person described the ship as, “old and raggedy” on Cruise Critic. Another felt like the ship only catered to an older crowd onboard without much to do. 

“The Grandeur of the Seas is the worse ship I’ve ever been on by FAR. It was rumored that this ship was going to be retired a few years ago and it should have,” said one upset reviewer.

I’ve also heard rumbles from other cruisers that Grandeur of the Seas was the worst cruise they had been on. Even our very own Matt from Royal Caribbean Blog said he considers Grandeur of the Seas to be Royal Caribbean’s worst ship!

Needless to say, my sister and I were a little hesitant to book this cruise. No one wants to spend their time or money just to experience a disappointing vacation. It had also been more than five years since my last time sailing on a Vision Class ship, so I was also eager to see what the current experience was like.

My sister and I booked a 4-night sailing from Tampa to visit Cozumel; our itinerary also featured two sea days. This was plenty of time for us to experience everything Grandeur had to offer, including dining, entertainment, activities and more. 

From the minute we stepped onboard, we were welcomed into the warm and inviting Centrum. 

The Centrum is a glass-covered atrium at the heart of Grandeur of the Seas and features multiple places to sit, most of which offer beautiful views of the sea. My sister and I found the Centrum to be one of our favorite places onboard during the cruise. We never had an issue finding a place to sit, even during boarding day. 

The first morning, we sipped on our coffee while watching the ocean pass by. I had forgotten this design feature on Vision Class ships - and it's one of the best aspects of Grandeur of the Seas. The glass panels allow so much natural light. You won’t forget that you’re on a cruise ship, unlike Royal Caribbean’s biggest ships. I find that on Oasis-class ships, it’s very easy to forget that you’re sailing on a cruise ship because it’s so massive and the indoor spaces lack natural light. 

In the evenings and during sea days, the atrium transformed into an entertainment venue for shows and live music. I remember my cruise on Vision of the Seas featured an aerial, acrobatic show in the Centrum, which was stunning! During our sailing, there was no atrium show offered and it appears these shows are no longer running on Vision-class ships. This is a shame, as it was a unique entertainment option and utilized the expansive space. 

Our sailing seemed to host a rowdier crowd, perhaps because Grandeur of the Seas offers cheap sailings.

One of the biggest surprises for this sailing was how rowdy our cruise was. Everyone was there to party! Honestly, you could have fooled me that this was a Carnival cruise with how many people were on the cruise to let loose and have a good time. I’ve never seen so many tables filled with empty beer and booze glasses!

This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but I was surprised to find a party crowd onboard. While many people worry about cruising during spring break, I had never thought about bachelorette and bachelor parties looking to cruise before the fall wedding season begins. My sister had just returned from a cruise the week prior, and she also found many wedding parties onboard celebrating the bride and groom. 

As such, the bars were constantly packed and I felt like the bartenders could not keep up. Everyone seemed to have the drink package, which kept the bartenders scrambling. Since Grandeur of the Seas only has a few bars overall, this meant they were always packed! 

But, the ambiance onboard was also very energetic with a younger demographic onboard. All of the interactive events - like the Love and Marriage Game Show and karaoke - were very fun and entertaining with this crowd. 

I envisioned that Grandeur of the Seas might attract an older crowd, but this wasn’t the case at all. Perhaps this is because our sailing was very cheap, around $466 each. For locals, this is a cheap getaway and the dates would be perfect over the weekend. 

I was particularly concerned about our stateroom’s condition, which we envisioned would be very outdated.

Last summer, I sailed onboard Carnival Ecstasy, which was the oldest ship in Carnival’s fleet at the time. The ship was built in 1991 and our cabin was very outdated. The worst part was the bathroom, which featured blue, squishy flooring and a toilet that was so close to the wall, we had to sit sideways. 

We had booked an inside cabin guarantee for this sailing and ended up in cabin 3505. Our stateroom was located at the very front of the ship on Deck 3. Inside cabins are typically barebones, although you have everything you need for a comfortable stay.

My sister and I were pleasantly surprised by the cabin’s good condition. The stateroom was 142 square feet, which is relatively small. The beds were very comfortable and we appreciated having a loveseat for additional seating. There was plenty of storage between the vanity’s drawers and the closet; we had more than enough space for our 4-night sailing.

The bathroom was the biggest surprise - in a good way! I was surprised to see the bathroom with light woodwork and white flooring. Most of the older ships that I’ve sailed on from the 1990s have colorful, yet outdated, bathrooms for their staterooms. For example, I sailed on Norwegian Sun this spring, which is one of Norwegian’s oldest cruise ships, and our bathroom was lime green!

The shower was the worst part of the bathroom, as it was oddly shaped like a trapezoid. The clingy curtain made the shower feel even more cramped.

Of course, it was also relatively small and we noticed there was little counter space to share near the sink. Because our bathroom also lacked any shelving, the counter became cluttered quickly. Honestly, the bathroom in our stateroom was in great condition and exceeded my expectations. 

The food onboard Grandeur of the Seas did not leave us disappointed, much to the contrary of others. 

One of the biggest complains we saw online was about the food onboard, with many complaining about the Windjammer’s quality and selection. “The food tasted like it was prepackaged. Horrible food selection,” stated one review.

During this sailing, we dined one evening at Giovanni’s Italian and then the other three evenings in the main dining room. Our specialty dining experience was excellent - my sister and I both loved our meals. We heard from many others onboard that the main dining room had a rough evening on the first night, with many people complaining about the food.

When we tried the main dining room for the first time, we were hesitant to see what others were talking about. However, we had delicious food and great service. Our neighbors, who did not like their meals on the first night, said the second night was much better. We also liked our meals on the other evenings in the dining room. 

The Windjammer buffet was more hit or miss. The first day, my sister had some pasta and pork that tasted very bland. I enjoyed my hot dog, but it’s hard to mess up a hot dog! We went back a few other times throughout and agreed the quality was hit or miss. I found there to be ample selection, but some items tasted better than others.

We also tried the other complimentary dining spot onboard, Park Cafe. This was located in the Solarium and served up pizza, salad and sandwiches. We grabbed lunch and snacks here during the cruise, and we thought the food and selection was decent. 

Overall, the highlight for us was specialty dining - as it should be when you pay extra for an elevated dining experience! However, we enjoyed our dinners in the main dining room even though this seemed to be a point on contention for others. The Windjammer was not our favorite - and the design of the space also lead to a hot and stuffy atmosphere. We did not spend much time in the Windjammer because of this. 

You won’t find dazzling entertainment onboard, but there were still plenty of activities and things to do.

You might be used to Royal Caribbean’s ships being filled with waterslides, zip lines, surf simulators and endless onboard thrills. However, Grandeur of the Seas is nothing like this. The top deck features one main pool and a few hot tubs. Nearby is the adults-only Solarium, which has another pool and hot tub. There is also a rock climbing wall on the aft of the ship.

But, I still think you can find plenty of things to do onboard. The entertainment staff is running activities and hosting events shows all day. You can find trivia, movies and game shows throughout the day, The sea days also feature the Men’s Belly Flop Competition and Sexiest Man competition, which are a hoot on the pool deck. 

In the evenings, entertainment is more limited when it comes to production shows. Some evenings only had one showtime for a certain production. We were able to see a comedian one night followed by a singing and dancing production by Royal Caribbean’s singers and dancers. Another night featured an impersonator as the headlining act. 

We enjoyed all of the shows onboard Grandeur of the Seas and never felt like we were bored. Were these shows absolutely jaw-dropping and life-changing? Not exactly. But, we still felt engaged and entertained.

I can see how a longer itinerary could feel more limited in this sense. A smaller ship is more limited in general for entertainment - and Royal Caribbean is known for having some of the most unique shows at sea (ice skating spectacles and high-diving shows, for example). If you’re looking to see the best of what Royal Caribbean offers for entertainment, you’ll want to sail on a newer and bigger ship.  

You might not find much pizzazz onboard, but Grandeur of the Seas shines with her simplicity.

I wanted to keep an open mind about our Grandeur of the Seas cruise. In all honesty, I’ve never disliked any of the 38 cruises that I’ve been on. My parents used to always say, “If you can’t find something you like on a cruise, there’s something wrong with you and not the cruise!”

In general, I’ve found this to be true. I prefer to focus on the positive aspects of a cruise experience, even if the ship is old and small like Grandeur of the Seas. 

Even still, I had low expectations for what the ship’s condition would be, along with what kind of cruise experience this ship would offer. Reading so many bad reviews had me and my sister a little hesitant about whether we would feel that our time and money spent was worthwhile. 

My sister and I were mostly looking to relax and enjoy being pampered for a few days. We wanted to have fun and sip a cocktail by the pool. In fact, this was one of the most relaxing cruises I’ve had in a while. I took a nap every single day - and I actually came back feeling refreshed. I’ve sailed on some cruises where I feel like I did so much that I needed a vacation from my vacation, but this was not the case.

Having a more simple cruise was just what I needed. There was no pressure to do everything and see everything because Grandeur of the Seas is more about just enjoying the sea life. Sometimes it is nice to disconnect from reality on a cruise and take advantage of the many quiet spaces onboard.

This was another lesson to take reviews with a gain of salt. I was impressed with Grandeur’s overall condition - honestly.

I anticipated that Grandeur of the Seas would be in similar condition to my recent experience on Carnival Ecstasy (with broken mirrors, rust everywhere and duct tape on the windows), but this was not the case. I would even argue that Grandeur of the Seas was in better condition than my last Royal Caribbean cruise on Jewel of the Seas over the summer.

We could tell the ship had been maintained very well - and we could even hear the constant maintenance throughout our cruise. There were not obvious signs of rust or wear and tear unless you were purposely looking for them. In general, the ship did not look its age. 

Would I want to do a transatlantic cruise on Grandeur of the Seas? Probably not. For a longer sailing with more sea days, I would want to be one a bigger ship with more modern amenities available.

For a short getaway, I thought Grandeur of the Seas was perfect. I would definitely book another cruise onboard without hesitation, although I would probably look for a port-intensive or destination-focused sailing. If you are looking to make Grandeur of the Seas your moving hotel while spending most of your days in port exploring, I think the ship’s size and age is perfectly suitable.