Royal Caribbean Blog

Welcome our guest writer, Mike Scudiero. Mike is a Royal Caribbean Blog reader who wanted to share his experience trying a Carnival Cruise after years of sailing with Royal Caribbean.

2023 has been the "Year of the Cruise Ship" in my household. Living in Central Florida certainly makes it easier and more affordable to cruise frequently, and we got the “bug” after a post-covid cruise with our kids in 2022.

Since then, we have taken six different Royal Caribbean cruises and have several more planned between now and early 2025. But tempted by attractive pricing and a rare visit to Bimini, we recently took a 3-day cruise on the Carnival Liberty.

Read more: Royal Caribbean vs Carnival: Which is a better choice?

While there were several things we both felt Carnival got right and perhaps stood out in a positive way compared to Royal Caribbean, the overall experience reminded us why we prefer Royal Caribbean and will continue to sail with them almost exclusively. 

Things Carnival got right

Before I point out the reasons Carnival left us frustrated and less likely to cruise with them anytime soon, let me first offer some positive reasons one might choose Carnival over a similar-sized and similar-length cruise with Royal Caribbean. 

Room numbering

While perhaps trivial, we liked that each side of the ship was divided for room number purposes by “odd” and “even.”

No matter which direction you came off the stairs or elevator when heading back to your stateroom, it was easy to look at the signs indicating which way to odd-numbered rooms versus even-numbered ones. 

Room comforts

On this cruise, we opted for the best-priced interior option Carnival had on this sailing. For the age and class of the ship and stateroom, we both felt the beds were more comfortable than a Royal Caribbean bed typically has been on an equivalent sailing.

Also, the mini refrigerator provided was very cold and seemed to be a better option than the coolers provided in Royal Caribbean staterooms, most of which never seem to keep bottled waters cold. 

Towels in room

We appreciated the Carnival method of placing two pool towels in our room up front.

Sure, they will hit you for $25 apiece if you keep them. Still, the idea of having them right there and easily swapped out by the room attendant made this process appear more seamless than on Royal Caribbean ships. 

Stateroom attendant

Even though it was quick, 3-day weekend cruise, our stateroom attendant was highly professional and attentive. He introduced himself on the first night with a firm handshake and asked what, if anything, we needed from him.

I haven’t always found this to be the case with Royal Caribbean, though it certainly seems this is a mileage-may-vary situation from ship to ship, and maybe even cruise line to cruise line.

Some dining options were better

While clearly not an across-the-board situation (more on this below), there were some food offerings that we found much more enjoyable than Royal options.

For example, the Blue Iguana taco bar we felt was tastier than El Loco Fresh. Guy’s Burgers, apparently a staple on all Carnival ships, was one of the best cheeseburgers I’ve had anywhere, let alone at sea. And Pirate Pizza we both agreed was superior to Sorrento’s. All of these options were free and highly enjoyable.

Adults-only pool area

While not necessarily better than the Solarium on Royal Caribbean, we did find the Carnival adults-only pool to be a great option for lounging, and both the pool and hot tubs themselves to be a tick better than the options found on the comparable Royal ships. 

Casino

There were pros and cons with the Carnival casino. On the positive side, the position in the ship – with windows overlooking the water on both sides – was a nice change and even included plenty of casual seating along each side.

A small stage was setup and typically had a guitar player performing each night to keep the vibe up. I liked that the craps table was open early each day and that tier points were visible in the Carnival Hub app minutes after you finished playing, whether at a slot machine or table game. 

The Modern Trio Project (ship violinists)

Lastly, the trio of professional violinists that perform in the main lobby each night should not to be missed on Carnival Liberty.

These talented musicians were amazing to listen to, and we hadn’t seen a performance of that caliber on a Royal Caribbean ship that wasn’t an actual theatre/production show. Hats off to those three folks for keeping everyone entertained for a few hours each night.

Things Carnival got wrong

Suffice to say, there were plenty of nice features and options available on the Carnival Liberty that might be difference-makers for those looking for something different.

That said, we found the shortcomings problematic enough that we missed the Independence of the Seas before even sailing away from Port Canaveral and watching it pass us in the open Atlantic a few hours later. Here are some of the reasons.

Beverage and table bussing service was slower or non-existent

Not only were the bar servers constantly in the weeds, seemingly unable to keep pace with demand, not once the entire cruise, in any bar or pool area, did we have a waiter or waitress come by to take a drink order. And along with that came the piling up of plates and cups on tables.

With Royal Caribbean, we find that we barely finish a drink before there’s a waiter coming to ask if we want another and taking our empty glass away. Not the case at all on Carnival Liberty, at least not this past weekend.

Limit of 15 alcoholic drinks per day and signing for every purchase…and Pepsi

At my age and weight, it’s quite possible for me to drink 15 drinks over the course of a day and not be too drunk to safely make it back to my room. The Carnival drink package that caps you at 15 drinks per day is not a good fit for everyone, and it made me appreciate that while Royal may charge more for their Deluxe Beverage Package, there is no such predetermined limit.

Add to it that Carnival requires you sign a receipt for every drink, even sodas and bottled waters, and it was another check in the box for Royal. If nothing else, the receipt issue slows down the overall service at crowded bars, leaving less time to enjoy your vacation.

Lastly on this section, I am the grandson of a Coca-Cola warehouse supervisor and have grown up with zero use for Pepsi products. Royal wins that battle for me all day, every day over Carnival. If you’re like me and dread the, “Is Pepsi OK?” response from servers when you ask for a Coke some place, Carnival isn’t for you.

Casino downsides

As I noted above, there were several aspects of the Carnival casino that I enjoyed, but there were some definite downsides.

For starters, if you’re an experienced Blackjack player, be aware that the tables on this ship were all using continuous shuffle machines, which adds to the house advantage. They were also paying out 6-5 on natural Blackjacks, another decided blow to the players.

The slot machines do not print out tickets when you cash out. Instead, they add the funds you left in the machine to your ship card, and you have to go to the cashier to cash out. Considering my wife ran down to the casino late on the last night when remembering that she had $100 on her card, it’s easy to see where many might forget, adding to the Carnival casino profit margin.

Stateroom problems

For a ship renovated in 2016, our interior stateroom on Carnival Liberty fell woefully short of our expectations. There was only one outlet in the room, with another tucked up in the ceiling corner above the sink in the bathroom.

Speaking of the bathroom, the décor itself was a stale green theme straight out of a horror movie and had a shower curtain instead of a door.

The deadbolt didn’t work in our room door, leading to some cause for concern safety-wise. And for an 8th floor room, it was rather noisy. Whenever the ship was sailing, we could hear the engine noise in our ears from the bed, as though we were in the bowels of the ship. Add to that the walls and doors seemed to allow for much more hallway noise in your room, and it’s easy to see where Royal just does better by us.

Buffet was subpar, even by mass market cruise ship standards

Look, I get it. The food at any cruise ship buffet is not going to rival a 5-star dining spot. Nonetheless, we found ourselves once again appreciating the comforts of the Windjammer on Royal Caribbean when we went to the Carnival buffet the first night.

The options were extremely limited and the quality regrettable. The next day for breakfast proved no better. It reached a point where we planned our remaining meals around the peculiar hours of Blue Iguana and Guy’s Burgers. 

Why we'll remain Loyal to Royal

For my wife and I and what we desire when cruising, the choice was clear, and we knew it the first night.

Royal Caribbean simply seems a cut above Carnival in most areas and worth whatever reasonable extra cost comes with this choice. From the specialty dining options to the staff service and the comforts of home we feel when on a Royal ship, the positive attributes Royal has make them a clear leader in mass market cruising.

While I try not to deal in absolutes and would not want to say “never again," with several other Royal cruises in my app on the horizon, the things we appreciate about our favorite cruise line are the reasons we will book almost exclusively with them in the years ahead.

Another Alaska cruise has been canceled on Radiance of the Seas because of a problem with the ship's engine.

Guests booked on the September 8th cruise received an update on Tuesday that their sailing has been cancelled due to time needed to complete repairs to Radiance of the Seas' engines.

This is the second sailing in a row to be cancelled.

Radiance of the Seas was scheduled to offer a 7-night Northbound Alaska & Hubbard Glacier sailing.

Royal Caribbean had intended to conduct this sailing, but evidently repairs will take longer than anticipated.

Reddit reader legilimensmaster posted a copy of the letter.

The email to guests stated they tried their best to get the work done, but need more time.

"As you may know, Radiance of the Seas' propulsion system experienced a technical issue. Our crew started working on restoring the system immediately and we deployed the best experts."

"Despite our efforts, we were unable to complete the needed repairs to make it in time to Vancouver. As a result, we'll be canceling our Radiance of the Seas September 8th, 2023 sailing. "

As of the publishing of this article, Radiance of the Seas is still in Seward.

Royal Caribbean also apologized for having to cancel the cruise, "We know how much time and effort go into planning your cruise, and we're truly sorry for this disappointing news."

The problem began on the last night of the August 25th sailing before it concluded in Seward, Alaska, when guests reported hearing a strange noise overnight.  Radiance made it to Seward, but it became apparent the cruise had to be cancelled.

Unfortunately for the people booked on the September 1st sailing, they didn't know the cruise would cancelled until they boarded the ship that day.

Later on embarkation day, it was announced the sailing was cancelled.

Guests booked on the September 8th sailing received an email update on Monday to inform them that "repairs are underway and we are progressing to resolve the issue."

"At this time, we intend to sail as planned on September 8th".

The Tuesday update confirmed many guests fears that their sailing would also be impacted.

Compensation

Just like anyone booked on the September 1st sailing, those affected by the September 8th cancellation are entitled to a 100% refund, including taxes and fees, pre-paid packages and gratuities, amenities, shore excursions and any flights purchased through Royal Caribbean.

Additionally, to make up for this, passengers will also receive a 100% Future Cruise Credit (FCC) to be used towards a future sailing departing within one year.

Any non-refundable, pre-purchased travel fees will be re-imbursed (such as flight, hotel, train ticket or rental) car for up to $250 for domestic changes and up to $500 for international changes.

The problem with the cruise ship

We don't have many details as to the exact nature of the issue, other than the ship's propulsion system is damaged in some way.

Royal Caribbean's only official comment on the problem is that the ship's "propulsion system experienced a technical issue."

Radiance of the Seas has two Azipods, which are multidirectional pods that drive the ship and can be rotated 360 degrees and are have been the standard form of propulsion for all of Royal Caribbean's new cruise ships in recent years.

On the final night of the August 25th sailing, some guests reported hearing a noise that seemed to come from the direction of the engines. 

There's all sorts of speculation as to what the possible malfunction could be, but there's nothing but rumors at this point.

Given that Radiance is headed south, it stands to reason the ship needs to go somewhere else to conduct repairs.  Seward is not a major cruise port, so it may not have the personnel, parts, or both needed.

"We're gutted"

As you might imagine, anyone booked on on the cancelled cruise is likely disappointed and disheartened of the change.

"We're gutted. Months planning this trip to celebrate our 10 year anniversary down the drain with no time to pivot," is what SnuggleCookie posted on Reddit about the now cancelled cruise.

"This was so much more than a cruise or anniversary for us. It's been a hard couple of years and this trip has felt like our only light to look forward to."

"Absolutely devastated."

Growing up and into adulthood, I had the privilege of being able to travel to many different states and countries.

I fell in love with travel, marveling at how much you can learn and explore in a new place. I’ve been able to experience many different cultures and learn other languages. 

I believe that travel lets you discover more about the world and more about yourself at the same time.

In my lifetime, I’ve traveled by planes, cars, trains, scooters, and motorboats, but until this past month, I had never been on a cruise ship.

This August, I took my first cruise on Wonder of the Seas. I took my sister along on the sailing, and we traveled from Port Canaveral, Florida, to Perfect Day at CocoCay, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten.

On this cruise, I saw a part of the world I’d never been to before. Additionally, I found that being on a ship for seven days was a completely new method of travel. 

Cruising provided a distinct experience, different from my usual travels. Here are the 8 most notable differences between cruising and my previous traditional travel experiences.

1. Payments were quick and easy

Anytime I travel, I expect to use several methods of payment, including cash and card. During international travel, I also have to convert my cash into local currency.

In contrast, our cruise simply used our SeaPass for all payments, and all our ports of call used US currency. 

Payments were simple and easy, without requiring extra planning to convert cash.

2. The ship felt safe

As a young woman of color, I have to be extra cautious of my safety when it comes to travel. 

It’s essential to stay aware and alert. For example, I use special door locks at hotels and don’t share my location or travel plans.

However, I felt very safe on a cruise ship with security guards, lots of staff members, cameras everywhere, and private rooms with locked doors. We also felt reassured knowing that there was a medical bay located on deck 2 if we ever needed it.

Of course, I didn’t let my guard down completely—it’s always important to take precautions—but we felt very secure on our cruise.

3. The ocean was inescapable

The most significant difference between this cruise and my previous travels was the presence of the ocean.

Being in the middle of the sea meant constant movement. I experienced seasickness when we first set sail, but daily doses of Dramamine kept me feeling healthy for the rest of the cruise.

On the other hand, we also had a special view of passing boats and islands. The sight of the ship pulling into its ports was uniquely beautiful.

Despite the ship’s size, I did experience some moments of claustrophobia knowing that I was stuck on a boat in the middle of the sea—I couldn’t leave until the cruise was over. 

4. Everyone was friendly and welcoming

I was pleasantly surprised to notice how friendly and helpful everyone was. The crew members were lovely and kind, greeting us with "good morning"s and “hello”s throughout the ship.

The waitstaff in the dining areas were charming, and this open atmosphere extended to fellow passengers.

Contrasting other travels where you may explore an entire city, you start seeing familiar faces around the ship during a week-long cruise. Everyone uses the same dining halls, pool, and elevators, so it became common to recognize my fellow passengers.

I delighted in having conversations with everyone and exchanging smiles in the halls.

5. A wide variety of events onboard

In my past travels, I often visited one area with a few main goals in mind for that city. Orlando has Disney World, for example, or we’d visit Pattaya City, Thailand, for the beach.

But the cruise had many different activities, all on one ship! I was blown away by the options, from laser tag to ice skating, water parks, and more. 

In addition to that, we visited multiple ports with their own events and tourist spots.

It would be almost impossible to thoroughly prepare ahead of time for all the activities. But now I know for the future just how diverse my options will be.

6. Everything is scheduled for you on one app

Most of my previous travels have been very independent, combining ideas from Google, Tripadvisor, or friends in the area. This travel requires a lot of self-driven planning and forethought to get your activities in order.

But being on a cruise was utterly different. I found that all the activities were scheduled out for me in convenient proximity. I simply had to decide which events I wanted to attend.

I could even create and update my itinerary in the Royal Caribbean app. The app provides a full daily schedule and event details such as timing, location, pricing, and age restrictions. 

The Royal Caribbean app also has a free chat feature, which can connect you to other passengers even without Wifi. This allows cruisers to communicate, connect schedules, and plan their day all in one app. 

These features made my cruise so much more convenient. I could put down my planner and relax, just going along with the ride. 

7. The world is brought to you

The best way I can describe a cruise is that it feels as if the world's wonders are brought right to you. Usually, land travel feels like rugged exploration: you go out, find a location, and make the most of it.

On the other hand, a secure cruise ship has everything and everyone you need onboard. I was surprised by the diversity onboard, in both crew and passengers, that made me feel as if I was having an international experience.

I spent most of my teenage years living in Java, Indonesia, and I don’t usually expect to be reminded of the country unless I return.

But on our cruise, we met many Indonesian staff members, including our waiter and assistant waiter in the main dining room. It was an unexpected delight to chat with them in Indonesian and reminisce about the country. 

The passengers we met, as well came from all over: Toronto, East London, and Turks and Caicos, to name just a few. I enjoyed making new friends and learning all about their homes and cultures. 

8. Access to WiFi made the cruise less relaxing

Before the cruise, I purchased the Vroom WiFi package on one device for all seven days. 

Whereas other trips might require me to use my data plan or even to purchase an international SIM card, the package gave me access to a typical WiFi network, similar to what I might have at home.

The WiFi access was very convenient, easing my mind whenever I needed to research something quickly and allowing me to post photos on social media immediately.

It also allowed me to cast to the cabin’s TV and stream my favorite shows from my phone, a comforting way to relax during a long day.

However, I also found that the constant WiFi connection made the cruise feel less relaxing. We all know how consuming social media can be—a beach vacation just isn’t the same if you can instantly pull up your email. 

In the future, I think I would follow my sister’s example: she purchased the WiFi package for just one day (day 5, when we were cruising and not stopping at any ports). That allowed her to check any important notifications for that day and relax for the rest of the cruise.

Have you ever wondered how cruise ship captains live compared to other crew members?

On his last contract as Captain of Harmony of the Seas, Captain Johnny Faevelen, took to TikTok (@captainjohnnyfaevelen) to show viewers what his living quarters were like. 

Spoiler alert: Captain accommodations are nothing like the videos you have seen of the tight living quarters of those who have to share rooms and sleep on bunk beds.

Keep reading to see just how luxurious Captain Faevelen lived while he was commanding one of the world's largest cruise ships. 

Who is Captain Johnny Faevelen?

Captain Johnny is perhaps Royal Caribbean's best known Captain, primarily because of his flamboyant style. 

The Captain known for having a parrot and motorcycle, "We were encouraged many, many years ago to pop up unexpectedly and do something funny or something memorable. I have kind of followed that idea for many, many years."

According to Faevelen's LinkedIn, he is an experienced Royal Caribbean Officer with 45 years of international sailing experience, the last 26 of which he has been a Captain for Royal Caribbean International cruise ships. 

Previous ships he has worked onboard include Nordic Prince, Sun Viking, Sovereign of the Seas, Monarch of the Seas, Splendour of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, and, of course, Harmony of the Seas. 

When Harmony of the Seas set sail in 2016, she became the world's largest cruise ship, surpassing Allure of the Seas. Today, she is still one of the largest cruise ships at sea, followed only by Symphony of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, and -- in January 2024 -- Icon of the Seas. 

The ship measures a whopping 226,963 gross registered tons, 1,188 feet in length, and has a width of 215.5 feet. Any captain who mans a ship this big has to be more than experienced in order to keep everyone safe! 

Let's take a look at Captain Faevelen's living quarters

A Captain's room is surprisingly large, and it provides a lot more space than most cruise ship passenger cabins.

As soon as he opened the door, we are greeted by a spacious foyer.

To the right is the guest bathroom, and directly across the hall is the Master Bedroom. 

The Master Bedroom is complete with a queen bed, walk-in closet, flat-screen television, and large ensuite bathroom. 

You might be surprised to find a Captain's room just as nice looking as guest cabins.

The typical crew member room is much more spartan in design than what passengers enjoy, but the captain's quarters definitely look more like guest accommodations.

The Master Bathroom has a large shower and soaking tub, as well as an expansive vanity with plenty of storage.

There are no dual sinks, though. Imagine if all cruise ship bathrooms were outfitted this way! 

Non-suite cabins on a Royal Caribbean ship for passengers will have a sink, shower, and toilet.

The open concept main living area features a dining table that can seat four, as well as a sofa, loveseat, comfortable recliner, coffee table, and 55-inch television.

It is decorated with pictures and gifts from guests, which gives it a more personalized touch, rather than feeling like a suite that greets new passengers each week.

Just like a Grand Suite, Captain Johnny's room has lots of space.  Part of the appeal of a suite is to get more living space (along with the incredible suite perks). 

Most rooms on a cruise ship feel smaller than your average hotel room, but suites offer substantially more living space.

Plus, he has his Martin Guitar on display near the television, which allowed him to keep his brain and fingers moving when he had some free time! 

If you're unfamiliar with guitars, Martin Guitars are crafted of a higher quality, and they are rather expensive acoustic guitars.

It's a brand that's been around for a very long time, and they've carved out their section of the acoustic guitar market.

The living and dining area flows seamlessly into the kitchen. It, however, is not a standard kitchen that you would find on land. While there's no oven or range, it is equipped with a fridge, dishwasher, microwave, and toaster oven.

Fire is the biggest threat to any cruise ship, so open flames are major no-no.  It's why you can only smoke in designated areas, and will never see lit candles onboard.

If you look closely above the counter, you will see Captain Faevelen's collection of coffee mugs! 

Additional seating for two is available at the kitchen island's bar.

The amount of counter space that the Captain's quarters have is really impressive.  

Next to the television in the primary living area is a door that leads directly into the Captain's Office.

Like his personal quarters, he has pictures hung throughout to make it feel more homely. The Captain's Office is connected to The Bridge, which gave him possibly one of the shortest commutes ever! 

You might wonder why the Captain's room is so close to the bridge, and that's to make it as easy and quick for the Captain to reach the bridge at any time.

The bridge is where the Captain and officers navigate the ship. It's command central and somewhere passengers are not allowed to go, unless part of a pre-arranged tour.

Since the situation can change at any time, it's important the Captain be able to get to the bridge for any emergencies or important situations without having to wait for an elevator or walk up and down stairs.

Captain Faevelen's tour is not the first time a cruise ship Captain has gone to social media to give viewers an insider's look at their living quarters

In August 2020, Captain Kate McCue posted a TikTok about her living quarters! Since then, the video has amassed over 1.1 million likes.  

In 2015, Captain McCue made history as the first American woman to be named captain of a mega cruise ship when she became the commanding officer of Celebrity Summit. Plus, she was only 37-years-old!

Captain McCue made history as the first American woman to be named captain of a mega cruise ship. In 2015, she became the commanding officer of Celebrity Summit at only 37-years-old. 

Today, she is the captain of Celebrity Beyond, one of Celebrity Cruises' newest Edge Class vessels, and continues to post on social media to give viewers an insight into what being a captain is all about! 

Read more: Take a look inside a cruise ship captain's living quarters

Who a cruise ship Captain works with onboard

A cruise ship Captain is the person in charge of the ship, and it's why they are referred to as the "master of the vessel".

Of course, the Captain is supported by other officers in the operation of the ship.

While on the bridge, there's always at least two licensed officers, and one lookout. Usually, there's more people there, including the Captain.

Similar to an airplane, routes are often navigated by the ship's autopilot, until manual intervention is needed.

While many people imagine a cruise ship's bridge handing where a ship goes, it's also the primary hub for the ship-wide safety operations. Any emergencies or situations are managed from the bridge, and orders are given from there.

The Captain has many responsibilities, and it's why all of that duty gets you a really nice stateroom.

Social media star

Cruise ship captains are not usually known for having a big personality, but Captain Johnny certainly breaks that mold.

He has amassed over 115,000 followers on TikTok, where he shares glimpses of his work on cruise ships, golfing, and time at home.

In one video, he shared a look at the engine control room, which is usually a restricted area. He showed what the engineer on duty has to do in order to monitor the ship's operations, with a possible 40,000 alarms to track.

He also has a video where he gave crew members guitar lessons.

Off duty in his regular clothes, he guided other crew members in learning how to play.

The variety of content has endeared him to his viewers, and catapulted his viewers considerably.

We hope you enjoy your Labor Day weekend with friends and family! It has been a busy week of Royal Caribbean news and events, and we have a look back at everything that happened this week.

Celebrity Cruises makes significant changes to its inclusive cruise package.

​​Starting in October 2023, Celebrity Cruises will be removing gratuities from inclusive packages and onboard credit for guests staying in The Retreat. 

Celebrity Cruises will also be making changes to Aqua Class cabins, allowing guests to book these wellness-focused staterooms with just a cruise-only fare.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean cancels Radiance of the Seas sailing to due to propulsion problem
• Royal Caribbean revamps its nautical themed bar with new menu
• Adventure of the Seas review: What it's like to cruise on this ship today
• Save money on your next cruise with Royal Caribbean’s Labor Day Weekend sale 
• Icon of the seas plans to serve an over-the-top churro milkshake

Royal Caribbean Blog Video: Things on a cruise I hate, but everyone loves

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Everyone cruises differently! Matt shares some of his least favorite events on a cruise that everyone else seems to love.

You can subscribe to our Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube channel for more regular cruising updates. 

Our latest video shares reasons to avoid booking a cruise with a lot of sea days: 6 compelling reasons why.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

We’ve now released the 510th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast.

Not all travel insurance plans are the same, and you may want to research carefully before choosing one. Here, we interview Stan from TravelInsurance.com for advice on how to pick your travel insurance plan. 

We update our podcast weekly, so subscribe for more updates via iTunes, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or RSS.

You can also leave us a rating or review on iTunes, so go ahead and check out our links! We always appreciate your feedback.

I spent 7 nights in a 172-square-foot room on the world's largest cruise ship. Take a look inside my cabin

What does an cheap cabin look like on the current world’s largest cruise ship? Take a look inside this guarantee stateroom on a 7-day cruise on Wonder of the Seas. 

The room was clean and dark enough for a sound sleep. But when it comes to seasickness and noise, it pays to be wary of forward, inside cabins. 

6 reasons to refuse to upgrade your cruise ship cabin

It may be a dream of yours to upgrade to a larger, more lavish cabin. 

But there are downsides to placing a bid on a more upgraded suite.

It’s important to consider the room location and stateroom type you’re looking for. Also keep in mind the extra expenses and guesswork involved. 

And if you do move to a larger stateroom, you won’t earn those extra Crown & Anchor points.

Before you bid, keep in mind the top 6 reasons to refuse an upgrade.

30 Cruise cabin hacks that cruisers love

Cruisers trying to get the most out of a stateroom, whether it’s a smaller inside cabin or a luxurious balcony stateroom, will appreciate these top 30 cabin cruise hacks.

Compared to hotel rooms or apartment buildings, cruise ship staterooms can be much smaller. You also will stay in one cabin for the length of your cruise, whether that is 4 days, 7 days, or even longer. 

Follow these tips and tricks to make sure your cabin is a home away from home for the length of your cruise.

I just went on my first cruise — here are 15 things that surprised me the most about this type of travel

Cruising is a unique experience for each traveler, so first-time cruisers can struggle to envision what their trip will look like.

Even though I planned ahead, I found myself surprised by many aspects of the experience when I cruised for the next time.

Check out my review for the 15 most surprising things about my first cruise.

An issue with one Royal Caribbean cruise ship's engines has forced the line to cancel an entire sailing.

Guests booked on the September 1 sailing of Radiance of the Seas were informed on embarkation day that their cruise would have to be cancelled.

Royal Caribbean informed guests that the issue began as Radiance of the Seas was completing her open-jaw sailing to Seward, Alaska. On that sailing, the ship departed Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, sailed the inside passage to Alaska, and then concluded the cruise in Seward.

Royal Caribbean Blog reader Antonio Ceritelli shared the letter he received to inform him of the cancellation. 

"On our return to Seward, Alaska, Radiance of the Seas' propulsion system experienced a technical issue which impacts the ship's speed," a letter explained to passengers.

The letter did not specify exactly which aspect of the propulsion system was impacted.

"Unfortunately, our teams were unable to complete the needed repairs to be able to depart today on our sailing. As a result, we'll be cancelling this current sailing."

Radiance of the Seas was scheduled to offer a 7-night Southbound Alaska & Hubbard Glacier sailing.

Radiance of the Seas is a 90,900 gross ton Radiance Class cruise ship. She had her maiden voyage in 2001.

Radiance is a smaller ship by today's standards, and has a capacity of 2,466 guests at double occupancy.

She is 962 feet long.

In the meantime, guests can stay aboard Radiance as a floating hotel until Sunday, so they have time to figure out their travel plans.

There is no word yet as to if other upcoming sailings will be affected by the issue.

Compensation

Cancelling an entire cruise is quite a rare occurrence, and as a result, the compensation to make it up to passengers is their attempt to soften the blow of the news.

"We're truly sorry for this disappointing news," is what Royal Caribbean wrote in their letter to guests and expressed what those on the now cancelled sailing can expect to receive. 

Guests booked on this sailing are entitled to  a 100% refund, including taxes and fees, pre-paid packages and gratuities, amenities, shore excursions and any flights purchased through Royal Caribbean.

Additionally, to make up for this, passengers will also receive a 100% Future Cruise Credit (FCC) to be used towards a future sailing departing within one year.

The cruise line will also cover any pre-paid transportation change fees up to $600 USD.

Royal Caribbean will also assist in rebooking flights, regardless of if you originally booked your flights through the cruise line.

Since Radiance will act as a floating hotel in the interim, guests can enjoy the ship as follows:

• The bars will be open and all wine by the glass, beer, and spirits will complimentary.
• Complimentary internet services will be available onboard.
• A daily gratuity will be placed on your account based on your stateroom and the time you stay (pre-paid gratuities were refunded).
• Entertainment and activities for you to enjoy onboard
• A complimentary shuttle will be available to take into Seward. 

What's wrong with the ship?

Royal Caribbean's only official comment on the problem is that the ship's "propulsion system experienced a technical issue which impacts the ship's speed."

One cruiser aboard the ship, was told by Guest Service that one of the Azipod's has a problem, and that technicians from ABB are going to the ship to assess the situation.

Azipods are multidirectional pods that drive the ship and can be rotated 360 degrees, providing the ship maximum maneuverability and are have been the standard form of propulsion for all of Royal Caribbean's new cruise ships in recent years.

It's important to note that report is merely a second-hand report.

Another person that was on the previous sailing reported Radiance made it into Seward a couple of hours late due to the technical issue.

Not the first time this happened

An entire cruise cancelled due to a technical issue is quite rare, but not unheard of.

In 2018, Radiance of the Seas had an 11-night Australia cruise cancelled also due to a problem with the ship's Azipod propulsion system.

Other cruise ships have had propulsion issues that forced a cancellation or at least an itinerary change. It's more common for the ship speed to be affected and itinerary changed than the entire sailing cancelled.

Grandeur of the Seas had a propulsion issue cancel a cruise in March 2019.

Propulsion problems are not uncommon among cruise ships, resulting in slower speeds until the issue can be addressed in port. Anthem of the Seas had a similar issue in March 2017, Liberty of the Seas in 2015, Freedom of the Seas in 2014, and even Allure of the Seas back in 2013.

In short, it's a very rare occurrence for a propulsion issue to hamper a ship, and even rarer for it to cancel a cruise.

Importance of travel insurance

While the chances of your cruise being cancelled due to a technical issue like this are extremely rare, it's nonetheless a good reminder how important travel insurance is to any traveler.

Travel insurance is an optional add-on for any cruise that provides additional coverage should an unexpected event occur, including your cruise being cancelled.

It's far more common for travel insurance to be useful in other scenarios, such as a cancelled flight, lost luggage, loss of employment, death in the family, or injury on a cruise.

Travel insurance policies will greatly depend on the policy you select, and not every single scenario is necessary covered.  It's why it is important to review the policy before purchasing so you know what you're getting.

While Royal Caribbean's compensation is generous in this situation with Radiance of the Seas, it may not cover all of your travel expenses.

Airplane flights may cost more than Royal Caribbean will provide, and then there's other travel incidentals including hotels, prepaid tickets, rental cars and more.

Depending on your travel insurance policy, it may cover some or all of these added costs.

Like all insurance, it seems like a waste of money until you actually need the benefits.  If nothing else, travel insurance can provide peace of mind that should the unexpected occur, you'll be covered.

The next time you sail on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, the venerable Schooner Bar has a new menu.

Royal Caribbean updated the Schooner Bar menu with a new look, as well as new drink options to consider.

It's not uncommon for the cruise line to revisit menus from time to time, and offer new options.

Like any bar, the menu is a starting point for offering drink ideas.  It's not the limit of what the bar can make, and Royal Caribbean's bartenders can still make a variety of drinks not listed on the menu.

Read more: Top 10 cocktails to try on your next Royal Caribbean cruise

One goal of any new drink menu update is to give guests ideas for new drinks to try beyond the stereotypical cruise drinks.

The new menu should be available on most Royal Caribbean cruise ships.

A look at the new menu

The featured drinks have all been updated, with just one drink carrying-over from the old menu (Lavender Daquiri).

There is a large photo of one of the new drinks, and each beverage has a description of what is included in it.

The featured drinks are $14 each, with an automatic 18% gratuity added to the order. 

If you have a Royal Caribbean drink package, the drinks listed are included with the package benefits.

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

Here's a list of the featured drinks on the new Schooner Bar menu.

Parrot punch

Captain Morgan original spiced rum, campari, pineapple juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup 

Tropic Rye

jack daniel's rye whiskey, passion fruit and guava syrups, pineapple juice, with lemon and lime juice 

Desert pear margarita

Patron silver tequila, desert pear syrup, and lime juice 

Rol & Rye

Templeton rye whiskey, simple syrup, aperol, and lemon juice

Peanut Butter Tropic

Skrewball peanut butter whiskey, pineapple juice, bitters, and lemon juice 

Kentucky Summer

Buffalo trace bourbon, St-Germain elderflower liqueur, mint leaves, mango, and lime juice 

Sea & T

Beefeater gin, lagoon bay liqueur, simple syrup, lemon juice, and tonic water 

Irish Peach

Jameson Irish whiskey, peach, lemon juice, and bitters, with a dash of black pepper 

Southern Belle

Buffalo trace bourbon, blueberry puree, mint leaves, lemon juice, and soda water 

Lavender daquiri

Bacardi superior rum, lavender sirup, and lemon juice 

Tropical Sidecar

Hennessy V.S cognac, grand marnier with half sugar rim passion fruit syrup, and lemon juice 

Toasted marshmallow old fashioned

Buffalo trace bourbon, toasted marshmallow syrup, and cocoa bitters, served with 4 mini toasted marshmallows 

Rum old fashioned

Bacardi reserve ocho rum, coconut syrup, and bitters 

Just as with previous menus, there's still a selection of wines and liquors you can order as well.

Spirits

Whiskey & Bourbon

• Balcones Rye 13.99
• Balcones Straight 13.99
• Buffalo Race 10.99
• Bulleit 11.99
• Canadian Club 9.99
• Crown Royal 9.99 
• Fireball Cinnamon 9.99
• Gentleman Jack 12.99
• Jack Daniel's 10.99
• Jack Daniel's Rye 10.99
• Jameson 10.99
• Makers Mark 11.99
• Rittenhouse Rye 10.99
• Skrewball Peanut Butter 10.99
• Seagram's 7 9.99
• Templeton Rye 10.99
• Tincup 10.99
• Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch 10.99
• Woodford Reserve 10.99
• Yellow Rose 10.99 

Cognac

• Hennessy V.S 10.99
• Remy Martin VSOP 12.99 

Scotch 

• Chivas Regal 12 10.99
• Dewar's White 9.99
• Glenfiddich 11.99
• The Glenlivet 12.99
• Johnnie Walker Black Label 10.99
• Johnnie Walker Double Black 11.99
• The Macallan Quest 12.99
• The Macallan Lumina 17.99
• The Macallan Terra 20.99
• The Macallan Enigma 39.99 

Aperitif 

• Aperol 10.99
• B&B 10.99
• Campari 10.99
• Fernet-Branca 10.99
• Jagermeister 10.99
• Pernod, 10.99
• Pimm's 10.99 

Liqueurs

• Baileys Irish cream 10.99
• Chambord Black Raspberry 10.99
• Cointreau 10.99 
• Disaronno Amaretto 10.99
• Drambuie 10.99
• Frangelico 10.99
• Grand Marnier 10.99
• Kahlua 10.99
• Midori Melon 10.99
• Sambuca 10.99
• Southern Comfort 10.99 

Vodka

• Absolut 10.99
• Absolut Citron 10.99
• Absolut Vanilia 10.99
• Belvedere 12.99
• Grey Goose 13.99
• New Amsterdam 9.99
• Stoli 10.99
• Stoli ElIt 12.99
• Tito's Handmade 10.99 

Rum 

• Bacardi 10.99
• Bacardi Reserva Ocho 12.99
• Captain Morgan Original Spiced 11.99
• Goslings 11.99
• Kraken 9.99
• Leblon Cachaca 10.99 
• Malibu 9.99
• Myers's Original Dark 9.99
• Pusser's Navy 12.99
• Pyrat XO 13.99
• Ron Zacapa 12.99 

Gin 

• Aviation 10.99
• Beefeater 10.99
• Beefeater Pink 10.99
• Bombay Sapphire 11.99
• The Botanist 11.99
• Hendrick's 12.99
• Tanqueray 10.99 

Tequila & Mezcal

• 1800 Resposado10.99
• Avion Silver 11.99
• Ilegal Joven 10.99
• Jose Cuervo Gold 9.99
• Jose Cuervo Silver 9.99
• Patron Anejo 13.99
• Patron Resposado 12.99
• Patron Silver 11.99
• Zignum Silver 11.99

Beers

• Amstel Light 7.99
• Blue Moon Belgian White 7.99
• Bud Light 7.49
• Budweiser 7.49
• Coors Light 7.49
• Corona Extra 7.99
• Daura Damm (Gluten-free) 7.99
• Dos Equis 7.99
• Fosters Oil Can (750mL) 9.50
• Heineken 7.99
• Miller Lite 7.49
• Paulaner Weiss 7.99
• Red Stripe (473mL) 8.25
• Stella Artois 7.99 

Other 

• Strongbow Hard Cider 7.99
• Truly Hard Seltzer 7.49
  • Wild Berry, Pineapple, Strawberry Lemonade
• White Claw Hard Seltzer 7.49
  • Mango 

Non-alchoholic

• Heineken 0.0 6.99

Red wines

• Castle Rock, Pinot Noir 11/42
• Estancia, Pinot Noir 12/47
• Terrazas De Los Andes, Malbec 14/56
• Robert Mondavi, Merlot 12/45
• Castle, Rock, Cabernet Sauvignon 9/35
• Chateau D'Aussitres, Cabernet Sauvignon 9/33
• Kendall-jackson, Cabernet Sauvignon 11/42
• Torres, Crianza 11/42

Sparkling 

• Chandon Brut 12/58
• Ruffino Prosecco 11/55

White/Rosé

• Beringer White Zinfadel 8/29
• Chateau D'esclans Rosé 14/55
• Conundrum 16/61
• Danzante 10/40
• Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 12/54
• Robert Mondavi Sauvignon Blanc 11/43
• Penfords Chardonnay 9/35
• Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay 11/42
• Chateau D' Aussieres Chardonnay 9/33
• Robert Mondavi Chardonnay 11/42

Read more: 8 mocktails to try on your next Royal Caribbean cruise

While cabin sizes and amenities can vary, staterooms onboard a cruise ship are much smaller than traditional hotels on land. Even ocean view and balcony rooms will be smaller than what you might be used to!

This is meant to be your home away from home for your cruise, so you want it to be as comfortable as it can be! There are some tips and tricks to make your stay in your stateroom as enjoyable as possible, even if you only plan on using it as a place to rest and recharge for the next day. 

Here are 30 cruise cabin hacks that cruisers love to help you efficiently utilize the space you have in your cabin.

Please note that we’ve linked items on Amazon in the article, which contains an affiliate link. This affiliate link costs you absolutely nothing extra, but Royal Caribbean Blog makes a small commission if you purchase the item through the link.

Do not book the cheapest cabin

While it is natural to want to extend your vacation budget as far as possible, sometimes there aren't things worth saving money on-- namely, an interior stateroom. 

For some, this type of cabin is perfect, especially if they won't be in the room that often. They are, however, the smallest rooms onboard and do not offer any natural light or ocean views. This is usually what people are seeking when on a cruise!

Rather than book the cheapest possible room, do some research as to which cabin category works best for you and your travel party. 

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

Research where you want your cabin to be located 

After you've decided if you want an interior, ocean view, balcony, or suite, you will need to determine where you want your cabin to be located on the ship. 

If you have a certain preference, you should avoid a guarantee stateroom. This means that Royal Caribbean will assign you your exact cabin a little bit before sailing, rather than you being able to control exactly what deck and position it's at. 

Those who value convenience, for instance, may want to stay somewhere midship. Equally important, they're great staterooms for people who are worried about sea sickness, as they tend to feel less movement than cabins located in the forward (front) or aft (back) of the ship. 

Related: The 5 best cabin locations on a cruise ship

Two cabins are usually better than one, even if it means sacrificing a balcony

To save money, you may be debating fitting as many people into a single cabin as possible. Just remember that you'll be living in tight quarters with these people for the entirety of your cruise. To be safe, consider booking two staterooms. 

The two bathrooms in two interior rooms might be worth giving up the balcony, especially when you can just head out to the top or Promenade deck whenever you want to take in the surroundings. 

Make sure that you pack a European power adapter and/or Royal Caribbean approved power strip

Cruise cabins, especially those on older ships, are not equipped with many charging ports. In fact, you should not be surprised if you find that there's one European and two American outlets on some ships like Freedom and Navigator of the Seas. 

Even if you only have two people in your cabin, you may start bickering over who gets to charge their phone, smart watch, etc. at any given time. 

To better prepare, you can either purchase a European power adapter or cruise line approved power strip. 

Related: The clever reason to bring a European power adapter on your cruise ship

Bring a long charging cable, too

Newer cruise ships are equipped with USB plugs beside the bed. Older ones, however, have their outlets condensed to the vanity area, meaning that they aren't conveniently located if you want to use your phone in bed while it is charging. 

The longer the charging cable you have, the better off you will be. Of course, you'll want to be careful navigating the cabin at night; you do not want to trip over the cord! 

Utilize packing cubes

Packing cubes are great investments because you can use them on any vacation!

They will help to keep your suitcase organized, whether you are bringing a carry-on or checked bag. Plus, when you get to your stateroom, you can simply pull the packing cubes out and place them in the closet or inside of drawers, minimizing the time that you spend unpacking.

Unpack and get comfortable as soon as you can

Speaking of unpacking, as soon as you find that your suitcases have been delivered, go ahead and get settled in. Take time to unpack as early as you can. This way, you won't have to worry about it during sail away or any other fun embarkation day activities. 

The time in which luggage is delivered varies. Usually, though, they can be found outside your cabin within a few hours after you check-in. Just in case it runs late, it's a good idea to pack a change of clothes in your carry-on bag. You don't want to go to dinner in a t-shirt and shorts! 

Do not be afraid to ask your stateroom attendant for more hangers 

There's some stuff that you might not want to keep tucked away in a packing cube all week, though. You will want to hang your evening attire, so it does not get wrinkly. If you are worried about not having enough hangers, don't worry! 

All you have to do is ask your stateroom attendant, and they will be more than happy to provide you with more. 

While there are organizational hacks, make sure that you don't overpack 

I'll be the first to admit that I often fall victim to overpacking. I don't know what I'll want to wear in the evenings, so I'll bring a couple of options. Even after a dozen cruises, this is especially true for shoes. 

If you and everyone else in your travel party overpacks, you might find your cabin to be bursting at the seams with stuff. This is never fun when you want a comfortable, clean place to return to each nice to relax and recharge for the next day. 

Take some time to really think through your outfits and what you'll need. It's okay to re-wear a dress or two throughout the cruise. 

Secure everything valuable in the cabin's safe 

You can never be too safe, especially with your important documents. When you get to your cabin, you should take everything important out of your carry-on bag, such as passports, birth certificates, credit cards, cash, etc., and place it all inside your safe.

It should be unlocked when you arrive, but if you run into any issues, simply flag down your stateroom attendant, who will be happy to assist you. 

You will not need to worry about carrying any form of I.D. or card onboard to order drinks or pay for any other incidentals, as your SeaPass acts as both! You'll just need to remember to grab cash, I.D., etc. before you disembark in port, as your SeaPass only works onboard. 

Store your suitcases underneath your bed

Once you have finished unpacking your bags, push them underneath your bed! This is a great place to keep them during your cruise, as you won't have to worry about tripping over them or having them roll around in your closet. 

Depending on how many people you have staying in your room and the total number of suitcases you have, you may want to bring stacking suitcases. These pieces of luggage fit inside of one another, meaning that less floor space is taken up.

Other items can be stored under the bed, too

Depending on how many bags you're trying to fit under your bed, it's likely that you can store more there-- think backpacks, shoes, etc. The key to being comfortable in a stateroom is to utilize all the available storage space. 

This also may help the closet feel more organized, as you'll have less cluttering it up. 

Consider bringing magnetic hooks to help keep everything organized 

Did you know that the walls on most cruise ships are magnetic? One way to utilize this is to bring a pack of magnetic hooks. This will give you extra space to hang towels, lanyards, hats, bags, and more.

They are cheap, too! You can purchase a pack of six from Amazon for around $6.

Make sure you read reviews before purchasing any, though, as you want them to be strong enough to hold whatever you are wanting them to! Matt from Royal Caribbean Blog once purchased a pack of refrigerator magnets and was disappointed when he needed to use two to hold his hat. 

Leave your towels at home

There are some things that you shouldn't pack when preparing for a cruise vacation. Save room in your suitcase and stateroom by leaving all towels at home, both beach and bath!

You will be provided with unlimited towels on your Royal Caribbean cruise. Your bath towels will be replenished daily by your stateroom attendant.

Similarly, you are able to check out towels on the pool deck or when disembarking the ship with your SeaPass. Just note that each towel that you fail to return will incur a $25 charge on your onboard account! 

Since you cannot bring an iron, steam your clothes in the shower

Another item you'll have to leave at home is your steamer. When my friend went on her first cruise with me, she was so disappointed when her luggage was delivered, and her steamer was not there! 

Your clothes don't have to be wrinkly, though. I personally like to turn on the shower and hang my garments in the restroom for a few minutes. This is a quick, easy, and time-effective solution, so long as nobody else in my travel party needs to be in the bathroom. 

I also always bring some wrinkle-release spray. A travel-size 3-in-1 bottle is only around $6 from Amazon! 

Purchase a motion sensor nightlight

Unlike if you were staying in a city like New York or Chicago, you won't get any light pollution at night seeping into your stateroom. Rather than turning on the bathroom light at night, many cruisers prefer to leave a motion sensor nightlight in the restroom. 

Whether you don't want to awaken your cabin mates or simply dislike a bright light at night, this is a great light that can be attached it to any wall or door in your stateroom. And like the magnetic hooks, it can be repurposed after your vacation at home. 

Related: I tried the best inside cruise ship cabin hacks to see how well they worked

You can ask your stateroom attendant to remove furniture

Want to increase the amount of floor space that you have? Once you have had a proper introduction to your stateroom attendant, you can ask them to remove furniture from your cabin, such as a nightstand or coffee table.

Only two in the cabin? Split the bed into two for more floor space

Another way to make your stateroom feel larger is to split the beds into two. This gives you more space to move about the cabin and, specifically, in between the beds, rather than having to squeeze around the desk to climb into bed. 

When I am traveling with friends or family, I prefer to split the bed. However, I cruise solo quite a bit, and since I am the only person in the room, I don't mind sacrificing floor space to have a larger bed to myself. 

Make sure that you bring your own toiletries, including hand soap

Don't bank on finding any travel-sized shampoo or conditioner bottles on your cruise. 

Another difference between land-based hotels and cruise ships is that ships do not provide any kind of toiletries inside of your bathroom, other than a body wash/shampoo duo. 

Additionally, the onboard stores have a limited selection, meaning that if you have a preferred brand or scent, you may not be able to purchase it! Be smart and pack all of your own toiletries in advance. 

Moreover, Royal Caribbean does not provide liquid hand soap in staterooms. Instead, you'll find a little bar of soap. If you have a preference, you'll want to plan ahead for this, too. Oftentimes, liquid soap leaves your hands feeling (and smelling) better than the bar provided. 

Related: Best things to bring on a cruise under $10 I always regret forgetting to bring

Sleep in and have coffee delivered to your cabin 

Do you want to have a relaxing start to your morning without having to shuffle your feet to Cafe Promenade or the Windjammer for coffee? Well, you can order room service! This is complimentary during certain hours of continental breakfast in the mornings. 

It's nice if you have a balcony, as you can wake up to a knock on your door and head outside to sip on your coffee while watching the ship either pull into port or glide across the ocean on a sea day. 

Once you've finished, you can head out to get breakfast (if you didn't want that delivered, too!) and begin your day. 

Instead of a collapsable laundry hamper, just bring a trash bag

If you're like me, you don't want to keep your smelly clothes around all of your clean ones. I hate designating a single drawer to my dirty clothes, too, as it fills up pretty quickly, especially on a week-long cruise. 

I also find that collapsable laundry hampers take up excess space, both in the stateroom and closet. You can create your own "DIY" hamper by simply bringing a trash bag. This way, you'll have a designated space for your laundry!

Another solution is to just use your suitcase that's underneath the bed. The only annoyance about this is that you will have to constantly pull it out and push it back under.  

Bring air freshener for the bathroom

No matter how many people are staying in your cabin, the smaller-than-usual bathroom can hold any stench for longer than you can imagine. 

A 2fl oz bottle from Amazon is only $10. You'll thank yourself for throwing this in your carry-on bag (yes, it is TSA friendly)!

To save space in the bathroom, use silicone travel bottles and leave your full-sized products at home

You will also want to leave all of your full-sized toiletries at home. Space in cruise ship bathrooms is limited, especially in the shower. Sometimes, there is only a shelf or two. 

Buy a travel-size kit with silicone bottles from Amazon for less than $10 that you can refill before each vacation that you take. You can fill them with products like shampoo, conditioner, hair gel, lotion, and more. 

Pack over-the-counter medications and create a medicine drawer (or cabinet)

Nobody wants to think about getting sick on vacation, but it does happen to even the best of us! Even if you don't get ill, you never know when you might drink one too many drinks at night or suffer from a dehydration headache. 

Cruise ships have a limited inventory of over-the-counter medications, and they're pretty costly, too. 

I always pack my own "DIY" pharmacy with things like Advil, DayQuil, Dramamine, sore throat drops, Antacids, and eye drops. This way, I know I have medication that is easily and readily accessible the second I feel like I need it. 

Add some personality to your stateroom by decorating your door

A cruise tradition that many first-timers don't know about is decorating the exterior of cabin doors. It's a fun way to add some personality to your room and help you locate it amongst a sea of individual doors on a seemingly never-ending hallway. 

There are a million ways that you can decorate your cabin; you don't have to be celebrating anything in particular. Maybe you have a drink package and want to purchase a funny warning magnet or just want a cute nautical theme to celebrate family time together.

Reusable water bottles are helpful to keep water in your mini-fridge

Most staterooms onboard Royal Caribbean ships do not come pre-stocked If you want water or anything to satisfy a late-night quench without having to leave your cabin, you'll want to fill up a reusable water bottle at a quick-service joint, whether that's Cafe Promenade, Park Cafe, or the Windjammer. 

If you have a drink package, use it to stock your mini-fridge

Alternatively, if you have a drink package, you can go to a bar and ask for a bottle of water, Powerade, or even a Red Bull to put in your fridge. You can do this throughout the day, so you start to build up your supply and don't have to ask for a bottle each time you return to your cabin. 

You can, of course, do this without a drink package; however, you'll pay individually for each drink, and this can add up pretty quickly! 

Bring a shoe organizer to hang over the closet or bathroom door

To help organize toiletries, shoes, jewelry, and more, bring a shoe organizer. This can be tossed over either a closet or bathroom door to help not only increase the amount of storage that you have, but also help everyone keep their belongings organized. 

It's easy for cabins to start to get messy a few days into a trip, especially if you have three or four people sharing a single bathroom.

Download television shows and movies ahead of time to watch at night or when recharging during the day

If you are hoping to watch the latest episode of your favorite television show while on your cruise, you'll have to either download it beforehand or wait until you return! 

Cruise ships have a limited number of television channels. Per Royal Caribbean's website, "RCTV includes a 29 channel in-stateroom TV system," so you are going to be able to catch up on live news, as well as find a movie or show that seems intriguing enough. 

The latest films are not often available for free. You can, however, always browse through their pay-per-view offerings. 

If opting for self disembarkation, you do not have to pack your bags the night before

Veteran cruisers know that you only have to set your luggage out the night before your cruise ends if you want assistance with your luggage. 

This is a popular option because, let's face it, who wants to lug a 50lb suitcase off the ship themselves? If you have a reasonable amount of luggage, though, you can worry about finishing packing the morning of disembarkation, rather than having to decide what you'll need to leave out for that night and the next morning. 

Guests carrying off their own luggage are also able to get off the ship first, while those with bag tags will have to wait until their assigned departure time. 

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There is a lot that goes into planning the world's largest cruise ship, including a lot of new drink choices.

When Icon of the Seas launches in January 2024, she will surpass Wonder of the Seas as the largest cruise ship in the world, meaning that you will find both first-at-sea and new-to-brand experiences onboard. 

With over 15 bars and lounges dispersed throughout all eight neighborhoods, you are certain to find something new to enjoy, including new beverages and spins on Royal Caribbean favorites. It is all about choice, convenience, and variety. 

"Our incredible beverage team really have embraced the neighborhoods. Whether it's Surfside or Central Park, the experience with beverage will leave our guests wanting more," said Jason Liberty, President & CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean reveals 15 bars and nightlife spots on new Icon of the Seas cruise ship

Over 150 drinks were tested. Onboard Icon, you will find 60 brand-new cocktails

Experts in architecture, food and beverage, entertainment, and more came together for months of research, mockups, and testing. Every part of the experience was considered, starting with the space. The ship was laid out to make sure that it made sense, as well as to get a sense of the venue's physical feel, in order for the team to help understand the needs of the operation. 

Alex Palmeri, Manager of Beverage for Royal Caribbean International said, "...what we found is that the options are endless for Icon of the Seas, so we've really had to hone in on what's going to be the best approach for our guests."

As this Icon has been marketed as the ultimate family vacation, it makes sense to offer a variety of drinks to appeal to everyone: kids, adults, and even those with sophisticated palettes. 

The result? A mix of traditional beverages, as well as revamped cocktails and those the cruise line are dubbing "Iconic cocktails," which will only be available on Icon Class ships. Plus, every single bar will have a non-alcoholic section on the menu that has been specifically chosen for the theming of the venue. 

Lemon Post

In Surfside, you'll find Lemon Post, the first bar that has been created for the whole family to enjoy. Have you ever wanted to build your own lemonade? Well, here you can!

According to Palmeri, this is her favorite venue onboard Icon due to the number of fresh juices and flavor profiles available. It really is trying to appeal to all generations! 

To create this venue's Iconic beverage, the team started with crafting the mocktail. Once that was finalized, they were able to reconstruct it to add the alcohol. 

Desserted

In the mood for a sweet treat? Head to Dessert, a milkshake bar that offers some crazy concoctions! The highlight on the menu is the Churro Milkshake with Cinnamon Toast Crunch on top. 

Other options are topped with cakes and cookies; however, you can opt for classics, too, such as a simple vanilla or chocolate milkshake. 

Adults will also love boozy milkshakes to try!

The Hideaway

The Hideaway's focus is going to be delivering an elevated beach club experience-- think a top-notch DJ and people flowing in and out of the pool with a drink in hand. 

In order to accomplish that, the bar's focus will be champagne-based cocktails. Examples of possible drinks include Conch If You Are, which will be made with Prosecco, St. Germain, and Lemon, as well as Summer 75 made with gin, Prosecco, and citrus. 

Lime & Coconut

The Lime & Coconut is not a new bar. In fact, it has become a fan favorite! For the first time, though, there will be frozen drinks bar with flavors that appeal to all flavor profiles.

Plus, you can mix and match as you see fit! They'll even have some combinations on the menu if you are unable to decide. 

Swim and Tonic

The cruise line's first-ever swim-up bar, Swim & Tonic, is going to have a drinks menu that plays on the bar's name. All beverages embrace tonic, meaning that they're all tonic-based drinks, like Limoncello & Tonic and Whiteport & Tonic. 

Don't expect your standard gin & tonic, though.The beverage team got creative in how they integrated tonics with different spirits!

Lou's Jazz 'n Blues

Here, you can expect to find classic cocktails with a jazzy spin-- think of cocktails inspired by the largest jazz cities in the world! 

Take the B Flat Negroni, for example. Rather than using gin, campari, and sweet vermouth, this drink will be crafted with gin and a lighter version of vermouth. 

Bubbles

You will not be able to take a leisurely stroll through Central Park without passing Bubbles, the walk-up champagne bar that will have mimosas, bellinis, champagne mojitos, and more at your disposal. 

Why not grab a glass of bubbly while listening to one of the live musicians to wind down after a fun day exploring everything this one-of-a-kind ship has to offer?

1400 Lobby Bar

During the day, 1400 Lobby Bar will serve up some tropical juice-based drinks. The evening menu will transition into more sophisticated offerings, like manhattans and old fashioneds. 

One important part of the planning process was ensuring that each venue onboard has its own personal identity. To accomplish this, three icons in the beverage industry were brought in: Tony Abou-Ganim, Kim Hassarud, and Cat Miltenberger.

Each individual worked on bars in different neighborhoods to help make sure that they all have their own distinct flare. 

Abou-Ganim, for instance, helped develop 1400 Lobby Bar. 

The Overlook

Located in the AquaDome, the Overlook is the perfect place to relax and escape from the hustle and bustle of other neighborhoods.

The "Iconic drink" of this venue is the Overlook (Aquadome) Spritz, which will be crafted with Don Q Coco Rum, Living Coral Sparkling Rosé, Lagoon Bay Icelandic Orange Bitter, Reàl Coco Cream of Coconut, lime juice, and soda juice. It will be garnished with an edible orchid! 

Rye & Beam

Ree & Beam is going to spruce up the classic espresso martini. Rather than a traditional martini, this coffee lover's go-to can be topped with sweet vanilla foam, creating different layers of experiences within a single beverage. 

Those under the legal drinking age (or who don't want a cocktail early in the morning) can opt for the cinnamon coconut cold brew, which can be topped with the same sweet vanilla foam.

Plus, you will find a few tea-based cocktails here, too.  

Point & Feather

Point & Feather is Icon of the Seas' English Pub located in the Royal Promenade. Compared to other pubs, passengers of Icon will find that Point & Feather has a brand-new layout to be able to host dart tournaments, as well as feature a live guitarist at the center of all the action. 

Opposite of Swim & Tonic, their cocktail menu will be gin based, and you will be able to order cocktails crafted with different flavored gin. 

Cantina Fresca

Nothing goes with tacos like a cold Mexican beer or margarita, right? Thankfully, Cantina Fresca will be located close to El Loco Fresh, and they will be all about margaritas!

Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade

Like Lime & Coconut, Playmakers is not new; however, the space onboard Icon of the Seas makes it the largest Playmakers ever!

Here, you will find drinks with over-the-top presentations, like a Bloody Mary with interesting garnishes served inside the infamous helmet!

Schooner Bar

While peanut butter and pineapple sounds like an unlikely combination, you might find your new favorite drink on the Schooner Bar's new menu. 

I took my first cruise this past week on Wonder of the Seas, a 7-day trip sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida, to Perfect Day at CocoCay, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten.

Before my cruise, I made sure to do lots of research, planning everything from my outfits to where I would eat each night.

I made every kind of list possible: packing lists, to-do lists, checklists—and even created a full itinerary, planning every event down to the hour. 

Of course, I should have remembered to ultimately expect the unexpected. 

After my cruise, I realized there are many things one can plan ahead of time, but there’s no way to perfectly control your experience. Diving in and being flexible is the best way to ensure you have a good time.

Despite my extensive research, there were many things that surprised me about this new type of travel. 

1. Everything was easy to figure out

Once we arrived on board, I quickly realized that the trip would be much easier than I expected. Most of my planning turned out to be completely unnecessary.

Staff members were ready and willing to help us, guiding me through any questions or concerns I had. 

For example, I was completely confused about the safety briefing we had to complete on day one. But as soon as we got onboard, crew members guided us to our muster station, where the staff told us how to open the briefing and complete it on the app.

The procedure was entirely painless, and we finished the briefing in just a few minutes. 

I could even ask questions through the app’s chat feature, which utilizes an AI to assist but connects you to a crew member online if the AI cannot answer your questions.

This feature was so convenient; any question I had was answered immediately, and I would have been able to connect to it even without the WiFi package. 

2. The app became my helpful cruise guide 

Along with my surprise about the ship’s accessibility, the Royal Caribbean app far exceeded my expectations. 

Remember that intense itinerary I made before the trip? As it turned out, I didn’t need it at all: the app has a feature where you can simply select an event and add it to your schedule.

Not only that, but the app also includes information on when and where each event is, any price included, what you may need to bring, and if there is any age limit.

Additionally, the app allows you to chat with other cruisers using their full name. This works without WiFi, so I could still coordinate with my sister, who did not purchase the WiFi package. 

We could even make a group chat with friends we met onboard and plan which events to attend together. 

The app can also connect your schedules with other cruisers so my sister and I could create and access the same calendar.

Something to note, however, is that the chat feature is blocked for cruisers from the EU, so our friends from the UK could not connect and chat with us.

3. International travel was incredibly simple

As someone who has traveled to other countries, I was shocked at how easy cruising made the process. No visa, passport, or even ID was required when we visited St. Maarten; they simply checked our SeaPasses on the way back onto the ship. 

Disembarking onto American shore was also simple. I brought my passport, so I just had to get my picture taken for identification. My sister brought her birth certificate and had it checked. After that, we picked up our luggage and were good to go.

4. Some of my favorite meals were included in the fare

From an array of options at the Windjammer to classy dinners in the main dining room, we were blown away by the quality of the food and service.

The fact that the Windjammer and main dining room were included in our fare made the experience even more amazing. My sister ordered escargot, for example, at no extra charge.

We also purchased the 3-night specialty dining package and visited Izumi Hibachi, Wonderland, and Mason Jar. All were incredible, with disarmingly friendly service and diverse food choices. 

Read more: 21 Tips for the Best Cruise Ship Main Dining Room Experience

5. The performers were more talented than I could have imagined 

Although I’d already planned to attend the shows before my cruise, I was surprised by the sheer amount and quality of the different shows. 

There was something for everyone, from ice skating to comedy to acapella music. I was amazed by how many different performers must be onboard and how each seemed passionate and skilled in their work. 

My favorite was InTENse, which included a dazzling combination of water stunts, lights, dancing, tightrope walking, and diving. 

I also couldn’t get any reservations for shows before the cruise, so I expected them to be sold out with no way to get in. But seeing each show was no problem: more reservation spots opened up, or I just showed up and could grab a seat. 

6. I enjoyed the parties but found the DJ disappointing 

Although my expectations weren’t too high on this front, I love a good party or nightclub, so I was excited to see what the cruise offered.

The ship’s nightclub was open every night, with a resident DJ and one special event: the RED experience. 

Although I enjoyed each event, I was left disappointed by the music. With such a wide variety of cruisers, I’m sure it would be hard to please everyone, but I would have appreciated more modern music with better transitions between songs.

Most of the DJ’s selections seemed to come from the early 2000s and were poorly mixed, to the point of playing the same song multiple times a night. 

Considering how amazing the show’s performers were, I was surprised the cruise didn’t have an equally impressive DJ.

My favorite parties were the silent disco nights, where guests were given headphones with two channels. We could select which music channel we listened to, giving everyone more options and a sense of camaraderie between people on the same channel.

7. The ship was overwhelmingly large

Our cruise was, of course, on the world’s current largest cruise ship, and I could tell. 

The size blew me away—I was quite overwhelmed my first few days. The ship has 18 decks, multiple pools and hot tubs, an entire Boardwalk and Central Park, and many shops and restaurants.

Thankfully, maps were located everywhere, and it became easy to find my way around, but even seven days didn’t feel like enough time to explore every corner of the ship.

8. It's hard to escape the ocean

It goes without saying that the most significant difference between a cruise and the travels I’ve done in the past is the ocean. It is a very unique experience to be traveling in the middle of the ocean.

Being on the sea meant that we were constantly moving. Looking down from higher decks, we could see the water, other ships going by, or even islands we were passing.

I did experience some seasickness on the first day but was able to recover quickly by taking Dramamine once a day. 

Although the ship was huge, I also felt a few moments of claustrophobia since you can’t get off until port days or the cruise’s end. 

9. I didn't pack for the wide variety of activities 

Although I tried my best to plan ahead and pack for any and every occasion, I could not have predicted the sheer amount of different activities available.

I had no idea we would have the option to do laser tag, ice skating, various parties, water parks, slides, and so much more. 

And that’s just on the ship—many options for shore excursions would also require different items packed. 

I probably could not have packed for every event, but my best advice would be to bring as many different outfits as possible.

10. Friendliness from crew and cruisers

Although I did expect quality customer service from a luxury cruise line, I was surprised at the level of friendliness and kindness displayed by crew members all over the ship. 

We couldn’t walk down the hall without a “good morning” from everyone we passed. Our waiters in the main dining room and specialty restaurants were hilarious and charming, and I shared smiles with all the staff at the Windjammer. 

The atmosphere was infectious and seemed to spread to fellow cruisers, too. I had conversations everywhere, on the elevator or while waiting in line.

During a week-long cruise, you start to see some familiar faces, and I was delighted to remember them and say hi every time. 

11. Frequent, sometimes confusing, announcements

Compared to other forms of travel, I found that my cruise had much more frequent announcements, such as check-ins from the captains or invitations to events from the activities director.

There were even a few announcements in code that I had to research, such as “alpha alpha alpha,” which indicates a medical emergency on Royal Caribbean ships. 

While these announcements were surprising initially, I appreciated the frequent updates over time. 

12. Finding time alone

I'm someone who often needs time by myself to decompress, which can be challenging when traveling with friends or family.

I didn’t expect much alone time on a ship with over 5,000 passengers, but I was pleasantly surprised.

The ship’s size ensured I could always find a space to myself, such as in Central Park or the Solarium in the mornings. Especially on port days, when more people were exploring the shore, I had plenty of peace and quiet. 

13. The weather can make or break a Perfect Day at CocoCay

Day 2 of our cruise was dedicated to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island. 

Through my previous research, I understood that most of the activities and food on the island were included in our fare, but I was surprised to see how many things that included. There were multiple beach and pool locations, beach chairs and umbrellas, and a wide variety of complimentary food and drinks.

However, the day started out cloudy and looked even worse as the afternoon approached. My sister and I packed up around 1:00pm, not wanting to get caught in any rain.

On an island like this one, made up of pools and beaches, the weather turned out to have a huge influence on our experience there.

14. The drinks were expensive

The first few times I ordered a drink, I had to hide my expression at the high price. 

I had to keep in mind that the price came with the tip already factored in, but most alcoholic drinks I had onboard came to $16.50 each time, which added up over seven days.

Read more: Royal Caribbean drink prices

I chose not to purchase the drink package beforehand and didn’t end up drinking enough to have justified the purchase. Still, every time I ordered a beverage, I found myself cringing a little. 

15. I booked an inside cabin that left me feeling seasick 

Before my cruise, I heard that cruisers can feel the most seasick in the very front and back of the ship. I didn't expect to get seasick myself, but our guarantee stateroom had other plans for me.

Since we opted for a cheaper assigned room, we were given an inside cabin in the very front of the ship. The room was surprisingly rocky, leaving me feeling dizzy and nauseous. 

The front location also came with a lot of noise, constant banging and clanging from the anchor and the waves. Nevertheless, the room was kept clean daily and I was still able to sleep soundly.