Royal Caribbean Blog

Amazon Prime Day is among us - and there are some incredible deals to snag for your upcoming cruises and travels! 

Forget Black Friday because Amazon Prime Day is one of the biggest online shopping days of the year. In fact, the company stated that this year’s Prime Day is bigger than ever before. Thousands of items will receive substantial price slashes - some up to 80% off! 

Everything from 3-piece luggage sets to packing cubes and AirTags will be on sale. You will find some of our favorite must-have products that are on steep discount during the highly-anticipated Prime Day sale on Amazon. 

Of course, with thousands of items on sale this year for Prime Day, you might be overwhelmed trying to find the best deals. I was even a little overwhelmed while compiling this list! Lucky for you, we’ve researched all of the best cruise items on Amazon that you’ll find on sale this year during the Prime Day event. 

Prime Day begins today, July 11, and will continue for 48 hours through July 12. The sale is quick, so make sure to purchase those items you're eyeing before they sell out. As you can guess, Amazon Prime members receive the best discounts, but anyone can access deals for Prime Day, even without a membership. You can also elect a 30-day free trial for Amazon Prime if you want exclusive access to the best deals this year. 

Here are the best Amazon Prime Day deals for your upcoming cruise vacation that we found. 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. 

Luggage Deals 

Whether you plan to fly to your next cruise or you live close enough to drive, you will definitely need luggage to bring onboard. Investing in solid luggage has been a lifesaver for me, as I have been cruising more frequently. Amazon Prime Day has a slew of luggage with incredible deals on luggage sets and suitcases. Take a look below at some of the best luggage deals we found. 

One of the top luggage deals is this Samsonite Carry-On. This one is a 20-inch, hard side spinner available for 44% off. We’ve taken many cruises with just a carry-on, so having a solid suitcase for cruising is a must! 

• Link: Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels, Carry-On 20-Inch, Teal 
• Price: $89 (Originally $159.99)

It’s also a great time to buy luggage sets so you can have matching pieces. This is a top rated, 3-piece luggage set from Coolife. Brighter sets will be easier to spot at the baggage claim as well, which are available for the sale too! As a bonus, these have TSA built-in locks so you can ensure your belongings are safe at the airport and cruise terminal. 

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

Check out this 29-inch large spinner from Swissgear - one of the top names in the luggage game. This soft-sided, expandable luggage is perfect for checked baggage or a 7-night itinerary for a week's worth of clothes. It's on big sale during Prime Day too for 37% off and comes in multiple colors!

• Link: SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Roller Luggage, Black, Checked-Large 29-Inch
• Price: $107 (Originally $149)

Perhaps the best deal on luggage is this 2-piece hardshell luggage set from Rockland. For 70% off, you can snag this matching set with a carry-on sized suitcase and matching 28-inch suitcase! You won't regret snagging this set, which also comes highly-rated from thousands of reviewers. 

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

Another fantastic deal is from American Tourister with this 4-piece, upright luggage set. At 58% off the original price, this set could be perfect for your upcoming cruise if you are needing multiple pieces. 

• Link: American Tourister Fieldbrook XLT Softside Upright Luggage, Black, 4-Piece Set
• Price: $80 (Originally $189)

If you’re someone who loves to souvenir shop during your cruise, it’s not a bad idea to pack an expandable duffle bag to ensure you can get all of your new treasures home. This is especially important if you are someone who struggles to leave room in your packed suitcase for souvenirs. In fact, I've started to always pack an expandable duffle because I don't want to feel limited on cruises when it comes to shopping. 

• Link: adidas Unisex Defender 4 Medium Duffel Bag.
• Price: $31 (Originally $45)

Packing Cubes

Packing cubes have been all the rage for a while, but I didn’t start using them until last year. Now, I haven’t looked back. Not only can you stay more organized with your cruise packing, but you can usually squeeze more into your suitcase. Once you arrive to your cruise cabin, you can simply place your cubes in the drawers and shelves - unbelievably easy!

I’ve also invested in compression packing cubes, which save a ton of space in my carry-on. Here are some of the best packing cubes for Amazon Prime Day. 

Those waiting to jump on the packing cube bandwagon will want to take advantage of this amazing deal on an 8-piece set of cubes from Veken. For 37% off, you can have an entire set for your next cruise. This highly-rated set of packing cubes also comes in multiple colors.

• Link: Veken 8 Set of Various Colored Packing Cubes for Carry on Suitcase in 4 Sizes (Extra Large, Large, Medium, Small), Suitcase Organizer Bags Set for Travel Essentials Travel Accessories, Travel Bags Organizer for Luggage
• Price: $16.99 (Originally $30)

If you prefer the 6-piece set of packing cubes, Veken also has another sale during Amazon Prime Day. This is an absolute steal!

• Link: 6 Set of Various Colored Packing Cubes in 4 Sizes (Extra Large, Large, Medium, Small), Veken Packing Cubes for Carry on Suitcase, Suitcase Organizer Bags Set for Travel Essentials Travel Must Haves 
• Price: $16.99 (Originally $30)

Another highly-rated set of packing cubes comes from BAGAIL with 6 pieces and 3 different sizes is on sale for Prime Day. 

• Link: BAGAIL 6 Set Packing Cubes,3 Various Sizes Travel Luggage Packing Organizers
• Price: $20 (Originally $27.99)

If you’re looking to save extra space in your luggage, consider these compression packing cubes. I can attest personally that these are fantastic - I used them on a recent trip and I was shocked by the amount of space saved. 

• Link: Gonex Compression Packing Cubes, 3pcs/4pcs Expandable Storage Travel Luggage Bags Organizers. Organizers
• Price: $23 (Originally $33)

Here’s another set of 4-piece compression packing cubes I found for 25% off during Amazon Prime Day. This set includes 7 pieces and includes a toiletry bag for carry-on luggage too. 

• 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: $29 (Originally $39)

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. 

Apple AirTags have become increasingly popular since the airport chaos has continued to ensue. Being able to place an AirTag in your luggage allows you to track in real-time where your suitcase is, which is invaluable during flights. It’s also been proven helpful to see where your luggage is at the cruise terminal. 

Also, Apple rarely has sales on their products so snagging this 4-pack for 10% off is a great deal!

• Link: Apple AirTag - 4 Pack
• Price: $89.99 (Originally $99.99)

Apple AirPods are also an essential for cruisers and travelers. Wireless headphones have encouraged travelers to ditch their wired headphones and not looking back. For Prime Day, or

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)

You can purchase 2nd Generation AirPods for just $89 during Amazon Prime Day for 30% off the original price. 

• 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)

Everyone setting sail on a cruise should bring a portable charger packed 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. This one has built-in cables and it’s 40% off for Prime Day. 

• Link: VRURC Portable Charger with Built-in Cables,10000mAh USB C Power Bank, LED Display Slim Portable Charger,5 Output 2 Input Phone Battery Pack Compatible with iPhone,Samsung,Android.
• Price: $19.99 (Originally $32.99)

We all know cruise ships might not have many outlets available to charge all of our devices. My favorite go-to USB expander plugs into European outlets on cruise ships and provides 2 outlets, 3 USB ports and a USB-C plug-in. I take this on every single cruise and it’s fantastic - even better, it’s on sale for 28% for a 2-pack. 

• Link: [2-Pack] European Travel Plug Adapter, VINTAR International Power Plug Adapter with 1 USB C, 2 American Outlets and 3 USB Ports, 6 in 1 Travel Essentials to Most of Europe Greece, Italy(Type C).
• Price: $17.99 (Originally $24.99)

Another great deal for Prime Day is this extra long iPhone cord, measuring 6 feet long. This is perfect for your small cabin when there is only one available outlet on the vanity, so you can charge your device and still use it in bed. 

• 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.
• Price: $13.49 (Originally $18.99)

I am a huge fan of my electronics organizer. Keeping all of my cords and chargers in a single place has helped immensely with keeping organized both in my luggage and onboard in my cruise cabin. This one is on sale for just $7.64, which is 45% off the original price. 

• Link: Electronic Organizer Travel Cable Accessories Bag,Electronic Organizer Case,Waterproof Electronic Accessories Organizer Bag for Power Bank,Charging Cords,Chargers,Mouse,USB Cable,Earphones Flash Drive.
• Price: $7 (Originally $13.99)

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 38% 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: $18.39 (Originally $29.47)

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. 

It can get very hot onboard your cruise, especially if you’re heading to the Caribbean in the summer. While the ship will be air conditioned just fine, you might want to invest in a portable, small fan to keep yourself cool.

• Link: JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan, 3 IN 1 Hand Fan, Portable USB Rechargeable Small Pocket Fan, Battery Operated Fan
• Price: $14.39 (Originally $24.99)

An absolute must for any cruise packing - LiquidIV hydration packets. I am truly obsessed with these. Between drinking, traveling and being in the sun, it’s easy to get dehydrated. These LiquidIV hydration multiplying packs help you stay hydrated. Just add to water! They come in tons of flavors and they’re easy to pack. 

• Link: Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier - Strawberry - Hydration Powder Packets | Electrolyte Drink Mix | Easy Open Single-Serving Stick | Non-GMO | 16 Sticks
• Price: $17.49 (Originally $33)

Rubber sandals are the perfect shoes for cruising! These are comfortable, stylish and quick to dry after days spent at the pool onboard. You can easily wear these to the beach during the day or onboard in the evening.  

• Link: Weweya Sandals for Women and Men - Pillow Slippers - Double Buckle Adjustable Slides - EVA Flat Sandal.
• Price: $26.55 (Originally $39.99)

Magnetic Hooks are considered a cruising essential for many. These hooks are easy to use in a cruise ship cabin because of the magnetic walls. You’ll have plenty of new hooks in the cabin for jackets, hats, bags, etc. Even better, these are on sale for Amazon Prime Day at 22% off. 

• Link: DIYMAG Magnetic Hooks, 25lbs+ heavy duty magnetic hooks cruise for hanging,
• Price: $11.99 (Originally $15.99)

There’s nothing worse than staining your clothes on vacation. These Tide To Go Stain removing wipes are easy to travel with and quick to remove stains during your cruise. 

• Link: Tide to Go Instant Stain Removing Wipes, 10 Count Wipes (Pack of 2)
• Price: $7.20 (Originally $12.99)

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!

Packing a pair of sunglasses is essential on a cruise vacation regardless of your destination. I love these sunglasses from Amazon because they are comfortable and classic! For Prime Day, they are 44% off - can’t beat that. 

• Link: SOJOS Trendy Round Sunglasses for Women and Men
• Price: $12.74 (Originally $27)

For your cruise, you’ll want to consider packing a lanyard with an ID holder. This will allow you to carry your cruise card around without worrying about it falling out of your pockets. The zipped pouch also allows you to put some cash, hand sanitizer, credit card, ID and more. This one is 50% off for Prime Day!

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

Packing a swim-up cover up is an essential for women on a cruise, as you’ll want something quick to throw on for the pool deck, buffet or excursion. I have this one from Amazon and it’s on sale for 31% off for Prime Day. It’s easy, comfortable and classic - it also comes in a ton of colors. 

• Link: Yincro Womens Chiffon Swimsuit Cover Up Beach Coverups for Swimwear
• Price: $19 (Originally $36)

Belt bags are everything right now and extremely popular for both men and women. This one is perfect for your upcoming travels. It’s the perfect size for onboard and ashore! For Prime Day, you can snag this one for 33% off. 

• Link: ODODOS Unisex Mini Belt Bag with Adjustable Strap Small Waist Pouch for Workout Running Traveling Hiking, Black.
• Price: $15 (Originally $23)

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: Navy Beach Bag, Mesh Beach Bag Oversized Beach Tote 9 Pockets Beach Towel Bag.
• Price: $15 (Originally $26)

Along with belt bags, fanny packs have been making a comeback in recent years! These pouches are perfect for cruising so you can conveniently carry all of your belongings without needing to carry a purse. This one is highly rated and comes in tons of colors. 

• 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: $12.77 (Originally $20)

For women, I also love to have an evening clutch for nights onboard the cruise ship so I don’t need to lug around a backpack or beach bag. This stylish one is perfect for Caribbean cruises and it’s on sale for 26% off. 

• Link: Aovtero Straw Clutch Purse Women Crossbody Bag Summer Beach Shoulder Bags Envelope Wallet Handbags.
• Price: $14.99 (Originally $23)

Finally, I always pack my tinted moisturizer with SPF to wear during my cruises. It's easy and comfortable while protecting my skin from the sun. The light tint adds the perfect amount of color! This tinted moisturizer from Neutrogena with SPF is on steep discount for 50% off. 

• Link: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Aging Perfector Tinted Facial Moisturizer and Retinol Treatment with Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Sunscreen with Titanium Dioxide, 20 Fair to Light, 1 fl. oz.
• Price: $9.79 (Originally $20.99)

Royal Caribbean wants to change how leftover food and other human biproducts are used so they can power the cruise ships of tomorrow.

Through a new set of technology, Royal Caribbean Group announced new initiates that include waste-to-energy systems, food waste applications and an expanded network of green hubs.

The three new initiatives are aimed at ensuring the company continues to decrease its environmental footprint.

Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO, Jason Liberty, celebrated the new initiatives, "Pioneering the first waste to energy system on a cruise ship builds on our track-record of waste management and furthers our commitment to remove waste from local landfills and deliver great vacation experiences, responsibly."

A new way to power cruise ships

Two new cruise ships will employ the cruise industry's first systems to turn solid waste directly into energy onboard.

Two systems will debut on on Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas and Silversea Cruises' Silver Nova.

Microwave-Assisted Pyrolysis (MAP) and Micro Auto Gasification (MAG) will take waste on board and convert it into synthesis gas (syngas) that the ship can directly use as energy. 

An additional bioproduct of the system, biochar, can also be used as a soil nutrient.

Combatting food waste

Royal Caribbean Group also announced it will reduce food waste across the fleet by 50% by 2025.

It plans to do so through five pillars of initiatives:

• Developing a proprietary platform to monitor food supply and accurately estimate how much food should be produced, prepped and ordered on a given day.
• Using artificial intelligence (AI) to adjust food production in real time.
• Introducing a dedicated onboard food waste role to monitor and train crew members.
• Tracking guest demand for specific menu items and adjusting menu preparation and ordering accordingly.
• Introducing a food waste awareness campaign in the crew dining areas fleet wide. 

The war on waste has already begun, as Royal Caribbean Group reports already it has been able to achieve a 24% reduction in food waste by focusing on the front end of the food system, which prevents and addresses many of the main causes of food waste, including inventory management and over-preparing.

Green Hubs

Another focal point of today's announcement is to strengthen responsible waste management practices.

Royal Caribbean Group announced "Green Hubs", which are a capacity-building program to identify waste vendors in strategic destinations that has helped divert 92% of its waste from landfills.

Now joining the Green Hub program is the Galapagos Islands, where Silversea became the first operator to gain certification in environmental management by diverting all waste from landfill. 

In all my years of cruising, I haven't lost any luggage from when the bags got on the ship to off the ship, and I think that is in part due to a few important steps I've taken to protect my bags.

Airlines are notorious for losing luggage, and it does occasionally happen with cruise ships as well. Anecdotally, it seems luggage is lost far less on a cruise ship than on an airplane, but the risk remains.

In order to better protect yourself against this possibility, I thought of all the things I do to reduce the chance your luggage will go astray in the first place.

Beyond these tips, you should never put anything super important in your checked luggage, such as passports, car keys, cash, medicine, or credit cards. Keep any precious items you have in your carry-on bag that you bring onto the ship.

Here are six tips to help keep a cruise line from losing your luggage.

1. Print luggage tags at home

Royal Caribbean provides you with luggage tags you can print before you leave home, and you should definitely do it.

While porters can provide luggage tags at the cruise terminal, the printable luggage tags are more identifiable and printed, rather than handwritten.

Moreover, printed luggage tags will save you time since you won't have to have the porter write out every single tag and then affix them to the bags.

Admittedly, it's just difficult to remember to print them. I often find myself completely not thinking about printing luggage tags until it is too late.

Luggage tags are available to print about 45 days before your cruise.

2. Prep bags in advance

Before you leave for the cruise terminal, take a few minutes to remove all existing labels and tags from your previous trips, like airline bag tags and any barcode stickers that get put on your suitcase. 

You want to make it as simple as possible for crew members to identify which bags are going on the ship and are from which sailing.

It's also a good idea to personalize your luggage so you can spot it easily. Stickers, duct tape, tassels, or whatever you can think of can make a big difference in making your luggage stand out, as well as ensure someone else doesn't accidentally take your bag.

3. Buy luggage tag holders

One of the best investments I ever made in my cruising career was spending a few dollars on plastic luggage tag holders (link contains an Amazon affiliate link, which costs you nothing extra).

The printable luggage tags work well enough, but they're made out of paper and can rip easily. There's a variety of companies that sell plastic sleeves designed for cruise ship luggage tags that you can simply slip in.

They're waterproof, clear, and easy to see.

Plus, plastic luggage tag holders are affixed to your bags by a steel hook that attaches to the bag.

4. Put your name on luggage tags

You want to identify your luggage with your name and contact information.

Royal Caribbean's luggage tags that you print out have a space for your name, so write that on every tag you print.

It's also a good idea to add a baggage tag on the outside of your suitcase with your contact information (and one inside in case the outside tag falls off or gets lost).

5. Buy AirTags

One of the best innovations for tracking your belongings to come out in the last few years are electronic tags, such as Apple AirTags.

These small tabs help travelers track their suitcases via Bluetooth.

The AirTag is a small, button-shaped tracking device that can be tracked using Bluetooth right alongside Apple devices in the Find My app.

A single AirTag will cost $28 and a 4-pack costs $79. If you have an Android phone, the Tile tracker costs $18.

While AirTags aren't GPS trackers that provide precise location information, they work well enough to have an idea where your luggage happens to be, especially if you're playing the "Is my luggage on the cruise ship yet" game.

Plus, you can use them for other trips and your flights to or from your cruise!

Read more: I tried AirTags to track my luggage on a Royal Caribbean cruise

6. Tip porters

It's customary to give the porters who take your luggage a few dollars for their service, and it's a wise investment.

I'm not insinuating that not tipping them means your bags will be cast aside out of spite, but just like bags you'd tip curbside baggage handlers at an airport, it's a good idea to tip the porters too.

On our recent cruise from Los Angeles, we discovered one piece of luggage was missing. Our porter immediately pointed us to the area with bags that had no tags, and sure enough, it was there for some reason.

You just need to tip them $1-2 per bag, and you'll get a smile back for the work they do to lug your stuff around.

Related: Should you use the porters to take your luggage on your cruise ship?

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Happy Sunday! I hope you are having a wonderful weekend and are ready to catch up on all the Royal Caribbean news from this week!

If you're ready to book a cruise on Utopia of the Seas, we have a preview of the staterooms you can choose from.

Royal Caribbean's next new Oasis Class cruise ship launches in summer 2024, and it has generated a lot of buzz already by starting off with short cruises instead of weeklong sailings.

Between the various categories of cabins on Utopia of the Seas, here's a guide to Utopia of the Seas cabins and suites.

Royal Caribbean News

• What it's like to cruise on Freedom of the Seas in 2023
• A look at Nassau's revamped cruise port
• I Drive for Uber and Lyft — Here are the biggest mistakes riders make
• 10 Great Reader Comments on Cruising

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 504th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, which is all about taking advantage of your visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay.

With so much to see and do at Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas, Matt shares tips and strategies for getting the most out of your day.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! 

New RCB Video: Your really dumb cruise ship dining questions

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Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — Your really dumb cruise ship dining questions — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

12 Alaska cruise mistakes you never want to make

After taking a number of Alaska cruises, Jenna still sees cruisers making rookie mistakes on their Alaska cruise.

Unfortunately, it’s easier than you think to make Alaska cruise mistakes that can ruin a trip or prevent you from experiencing Alaska to the fullest.

We compiled a list of Alaska cruise mistakes you can avoid and ensure your sailing is perfect.

Celebrity Cruises raises gratuities for second time in a year

Celebrity Cruises announced it will increase the automatic gratuity rate for guests once again.

Most cabins will see a 50 cent per day increase from the previous rates. Celebrity had previously raised gratuities in October 2022, just nine months ago.

The new rates go into effect on Tuesday.

How to beat seasickness on a cruise ship

No one wants to get seasick on their cruise. Luckily, there are easy ways to avoid getting seasick on a cruise ship.

There are a variety of regiments available that you can take either before or during your cruise to ensure you don't feel nauseated for long.

It's unlikely you will get seasick, but if you do, these tips will ensure you're prepared for the possibility.

You want to ensure that you make the most out of your upcoming cruise vacation, and a great source of knowledge is learning from those who have cruised before, whether on the same cruise line, ship, or just in general! 

The more you delve into the initial stages of researching, the more questions you may find yourself having. What, for instance, is the Cruise Planner, and how it is useful for your upcoming cruise?

Here are 10 reader comments for making the most out of your cruise and time onboard. 

Related: 22 things you should do before every cruise

Do the most important stuff first

Reddit user elsie78 advises that "everyone should pick the one thing, show, activity etc they want to do most and do it ASAP. That way if they, or the performer, gets sick they won't miss out by waiting since 'oh there's time to do that later.'"

You never know when unfavorable weather will strike and result in, for instance, the cancellation of an AquaTheater or ice skating show. 

If your reservations were for the last show of the cruise, you may find yourself out of luck!

Plan ahead and make reservations to the shows and activities that most interest you. That way, you will not have to be on edge during the latter half of the cruise. 

Related: 30 Do's and Don'ts for the first day of your cruise

Come prepared to meet new friends

"...one of the best things about cruising is the people you meet and the friends you make. Some you keep in touch with, some you don't but they all make each cruise experience different, memorable and unique," wrote Royal Caribbean Blog forum member monctonguy.

"I used to travel to the Caribbean for years and stay at [all-inclusive resorts] and I have to admit that it was rare to meet people at the resort that you hung around with during the week or even kept in touch with. However, right from my first cruise ever its been a great experience making and meeting new friends from all over. Have even made plans to cruise again with some of these people."

Do not be afraid to strike up a conversation with someone in the elevator, bar, or elsewhere on the ship! If you take a ship-sponsored shore excursion, you may even find yourself getting along with other group members.

In other words, you never know what great people you will meet onboard who have come from all different walks of life! 

It is okay to ask questions

There really is no such thing as a dumb question! 

"Most of the other people don’t know what they’re doing either. Put your pride in your pocket and ASK questions. The staff, as a rule, LOVE to interact and help - especially on RCCL. Oh, and relax," said Reddit user ClearlyConfusedHuman. 

If you get onboard and have questions about dining, shore excursions, disembarkation, youth programming, show reservations, the Crown & Anchor loyalty program, or literally anything else, head to the appropriate personnel; they will be happy to help you out! 

Utilize the cruise planner

Once you (or your travel agent) have placed the deposit for your cruise, you will gain access to Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner. Here, you will be able to make dining reservations, book shore excursions and spa treatments, and even get the infamous Deluxe Drink Package. 

Royal Caribbean Blog user SPS said, "My #1 tip (and many other peoples, too) is to purchase the things you want ahead of time. Buying items like Drink Packages, Dining, Excursions, etc. will be a good deal less money that purchasing them on board."

If you purchase something and notice that the price drops later, you can cancel for a full refund and re-purchase at the lower rate!

Related: Best Time to Buy A Royal Caribbean Drink Package

Watch a ship tour before you leave

If you want to be a navigational pro before you step onboard, take the time to watch a ship tour and familiarize yourself with the deck plans. 

Reddit user Koolaid_Jef advises, "Depending on length of cruise and size of ship, [watch] a tour video on YouTube. Most of the ships have them and it's a long video of someone giving a tour. That way you can make a short list of things you want to do or places you'll frequent!"

"I went on my first cruise last January on Liberty and it took a couple a few days to remember things quickly. My next cruise is in May on Oasis which is much much larger so I will definitely need a list myself!"

Never, ever arrive the same day as embarkation

"...

get to the port at least a day early," said Royal Caribbean Blog user MikeK.

"If there is a flight delay or your driving and car breaks down etc the ship will not wait for you. So start looking into a hotel reservation now."

If you book a flight the same day your ship leaves, you will have to adhere to a tight schedule of making the connection and landing on time, grabbing your bags, and then making to the port and through check-in on time. In short, there is little room to account for flight delays or cancellations, as well as any other unforeseen circumstance that may put a halt to your highly anticipated getaway. 

Related: The costly cruising mistake newbies make planning their first cruise

Don't get too tired too quickly

During the day, you might find yourself busy in port or trying to cross off everything on your onboard "to do" list. 

However, according to Reddit user Gabboiscoming, you should "pace yourself because the best things happen at night. Silent Party and Crazy Quest were the two highlights and both were 10:30 or 11pm."

If, of course, you are not into these types of activities, there is nothing wrong with retiring early! Likewise, it is acceptable to return to your stateroom for an afternoon nap if need be. 

Book via a travel agent 

Whether you are new to cruising or a seasoned veteran, you should never ignore the benefits of booking with a travel agent!

"The true value of a TA isn't what booking perks you can get, but having someone to deal with the cruise line for any issues, questions or problems that come up along the way," said Royal Caribbean Blog forum user smokeybandit. 

They, of course, can land you some pretty neat benefits, such as onboard credit, a specialty dining meal, and more. They are never guaranteed, though. 

The most important benefit of working with a travel agent is, in addition to their invaluable knowledge, having someone to act as your liaison with the cruise line.

They are also able to handle booking other add-ons to make your life easier, including pre-cruise hotels, flights, shore excursions, and more. 

Make sure you pack seasickness medication

"I wish I knew about my seasickness," wrote Reddit user maleheo.

"On my first cruise many years ago it hit me just before dinner and took me out for the rest of the night."

Even if you have cruised before, you never know when you will hit a rough patch in the seas. It is best to come prepared with whatever your preferred remedy is, whether that be medication or something more natural.

Related: How to avoid getting seasick on a cruise

Secure an early check-in time

There is no denying that you will be filled with pre-cruise jitters the day of embarkation! Why delay when you can officially put your phone on "do not disturb" and enjoy that first poolside cocktail?

Royal Caribbean Blog user JohnK6406 is a fan of early check-in: "I think the general consensus is it's best to grab an earlier boarding time so you can begin your vacation right away."

"Passengers that board earlier have an advantage as they generally have the best specialty dining reservation options (day/time). They also have the ability to book entertainment reservations for the main shows, as well as, other activities like Escape rooms, etc."

If you, for instance, reserve a dining package, you will need to speak with crew members once board to finish finalizing reservations. The later you get on, the fewer choices you will have when it comes to preferred dining times. 

If you have an upcoming cruise onboard Freedom of the Seas or are just curious as to what you can expect on this ship, we have a first-hand look at what's happening onboard.

Freedom of the Seas is a Freedom Class ship that was initially launched in 2006. In early 2020, she underwent Royal Caribbean's Royal Amplification program and received $116 million in upgrades. This means that if you sailed onboard prior to the pandemic, you would have had a different experience, as the ship received new venues, as well as updated some of their old ones. 

Read more: Freedom of the Seas vs. Liberty of the Seas

This was not my first sailing on Freedom of the Seas. My first-ever Royal Caribbean cruise was a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise back in 2011, so I was eager to see how the ship compared to my childhood memories. 

Here is a look into what it is like to sail on Freedom of the Seas in 2023. 

The boarding process

On embarkation day, I arrived just a few minutes shy of my check-in time of 12:30pm. I left my hotel, which was located near the Miami International Airport (MIA), at 11:30am and, after a quick stop at Target to pick up sunscreen, was at the terminal by 12:20pm. 

Related: The costly cruising mistake newbies make planning their first cruise

There was minimal traffic driving into the port, and I was able to quickly locate a porter and drop off my luggage. 

There was no line to enter the terminal, either. In fact, they were instructing people with check-in times as late as 1:30pm to go ahead and go inside. 

As soon as you enter the building, you ascend up an escalator and are greeter by port agents who instruct you to an available check-in agent who will scan your Set Sail pass, verify your travel documentation (i.e., passport or birth certificate/photo I.D.), and update your security image, if not done beforehand. 

Afterwards, you go through security and head up another set of escalators to get your embarkation picture taken and officially board the ship. 

To date, I think this was one of the quickest check-ins that I have ever had. Usually, I select the earliest possible time and am often seated before being able to board. Since I had a later time, I was worried that I would be faced with long lines. Within fifteen minutes of arriving at the terminal, I was onboard and exploring the ship.

Rather than go to the Windjammer for lunch, I opted to head up to the pool deck and grab something to eat from El Loco Fresh. There was a short line, but it as nothing like the nearby Windjammer. Plus, the timing worked out great because as soon as I finished lunch, staterooms were ready to be accessed.  

When sail away rolled around, I was able to easily find a spot on Deck 12, despite showing up a few minutes into the party. I had a great view of both the passing scenery and lively atmosphere on the deck below, which was pretty crowded. 

Disembarkation

The only other times I have cruised out of Miami have been onboard Symphony of the Seas. Both times were hectic due to the amount of people trying to leave the terminal (and port) at once. 

When I got my luggage tags, I was assigned group 37. On disembarkation morning, however, my app said that I was group 35. Rather than waiting until 9:15am, I was able to get off the ship around 8:40am. Within twenty minutes, I was outside waiting for a Lyft. 

Since there was less traffic that I anticipated, I only had to wait ten minutes for my ride to make its way to the pick-up spot. Overall, it was a smooth and quick disembarkation! 

Accommodations 

My home for my 4-night cruise was an interior stateroom located in the aft on the ship on Deck 8.

A few weeks ago, I stayed in another interior stateroom onboard Navigator of the Seas and am truly a fan of Deck 8 on Voyager and Freedom Class ships. It is only three decks below the pool deck and Windjammer and three above the Royal Promenade, meaning that I found myself using the stairs more often than the elevators!

Related: What it's like to cruise on Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas in 2023

While the cabin was dated (as expected), it was comfortable and had everything that I needed, from a mini-fridge to keep my bottled water cool, safe in the closet, and plenty of hangers for my clothes.

If I was traveling with another person, the lack of outlets would have frustrated me, as there were only two located on the desk. 

I was pleasantly surprised by the water pressure in the bathroom, both in the shower and the sink! It was probably the best that I have experience on a cruise yet. I did not have any issues with water temperature, either. 

Dining

Since everyone has different tastes and preferences, cruise ship dining is a subjective topic. My favorite meal may be someone else's least favorite! 

On this particular sailing, I skipped the Main Dining Room for dinner. Instead, I ate at the Windjammer, Sorrento's, Playmaker's, and Izumi Hibachi, my favorite of which was Izumi. 

Out of the complimentary dining venues that I ate at, my favorite were El Loco Fresh and Sorrento's. They make for great quick-service bites; however, you can also make a full meal at either place depending on what you get.

A few slices for dinner while on a cruise may not be appealing to some, but it was exactly what I wanted after exploring Nassau and having a late lunch in port. 

Bar food is a favorite of mine, so a stop at Playmaker's is a must on any ship that has it. This was my first time trying the wings, and I was a little disappointed. While they satisfied my need for something spicy, the chicken wings themselves were not the best quality. They were actually some of the smallest wings I have ever seen! 

Teppanyaki is one of my favorite dining experiences, whether on a ship or not. While onboard Freedom of the Seas, I ate at Izumi Hibachi for the first time. In the past, I have stuck exclusively to the sushi. 

The chef was a lot of fun, and I was able to substitute sea scallops for beef tenderloin, meaning that I got to enjoy both lobster and steak! I thought that this meal was worth the splurge and would do it again, especially since I used my onboard credit for the majority of the cost and only paid $13.00 out of pocket. 

Entertainment

Freedom of the Seas does not have a Broadway-style production like some other Royal Caribbean ships do. That being said, they had offerings each night to satisfy those looking to catch a show.

The first night, I saw the ice skating show, FreedomIce.com. Perhaps it was because it was the very first show of the cruise, but, unfortunately, the skaters took quite a few falls. 

My favorite part of the show was the soloist who skated during Gwen Stefani's "Rich Girl." She was extremely talented and flawlessly landed each trick. 

The first production show that was offered in the Royal Theater was Marquee, which showcased a collection of Broadway songs. As expected, the quality was not that of their other Broadway-style shows, but it was an entertaining forty-five minutes. 

The following night was the only headlining act of the cruise: Mike Marino, a comedian who has performed on "The Tonight Show," "The Martin Short Show," "Comics Unleashed," and "The Boomed Show." While I have seen better comedians on ships, there were some jokes that had the crowd crying from laughing, including his impression of what announcements would be like if he was a cruise ship captain. 

The show on the last evening was Once Upon a Time. Personally, I preferred this production over Marquee. It highlighted different fairytales, such as Cinderella, Rapunzel, Pinocchio, Sleeping Beauty, and Little Red Riding Hood. 

Numerous different game shows were offered, too, including "Name that Tune," "60 Seconds or Less," "Majority Rules," "The Crazy Quest," "Friendly Feud," and "If You Know It, Dance It."

Onboard activities 

There was no shortage of things to do onboard Freedom of the Seas, from organized events to onboard activities. You will find a FlowRider surf simulator, Perfect Storm water slides, mini-golf, rock climbing, sports court, ice skating, and more.

The colorful resort-style pool deck cannot be found on many older ships, so Freedom stands out in this way. It definitely gives the ship a more tropical and "new" feel. 

When it came to organized activities, there were offerings ranging from trivia and sudoku to sporting competitions, bingo, laser tag, archery, and karaoke. Checking the daily planner is crucial to ensure that you do not miss out on anything that sounds intriguing to you, as the only announcements pertaining to activities were in the evenings to tell guests about the shows. 

My cruise had a single sea day, so I planned to get up early to find a comfortable seat in the Solarium. I was surprised when 11:00am rolled around and there were still open seats, albeit not a ton. 

Onboard internet 

With download speeds of 26.2mbps upload speeds of 5.92mbps, the internet was not as fast as what I had experienced on Navigator of the Seas a few weeks prior; however, it was sufficient to send and receive texts, browse social media, and more. 

Ports of call

Nassau, Bahamas

My 4-night cruise went to Nassau, Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay, with the first stop being in Nassau. I was most excited for this port, as the first phase of their $300 million port revamp opened just a few months ago. In the past, Nassau has been one of my least favorite destinations, so I wondered if this would change my perception. 

Now, the port is able to accommodate up to six cruise ships per day, including tree Oasis or Icon Class ships, meaning that the port can see up to 30,000 cruise passengers per day. Prior to the revamp, Nassau could accommodate 20,000 guests. 

After a short walk from the cruise berths, you enter a peaceful port area filled with local vendors selling anything from t-shirts to straw hats, alcohol beverages, jewelry, and more. You no longer have to exit the cruise port to do your souvenir shopping. 

Moreover, I appreciated the taxi stand inside of the port. If you want to take a cab to Atlantis, Cable Beach, or Baha Mar, all you have to do is walk up and get in the correct line.  

Related: Nassau, Bahamas opened the first phase of its cruise port revamp. Here's what's new and different

When, and if, you are ready to leave the terminal, you will exit right across the street from Pirate Republic Brewing Company, which has some incredible mozzarella sticks, and The Bahamas Shirt Company. When you are ready to return to your ship, you will enter the terminal from the same area. 

Between the new port area and the upcoming Royal Beach Club in 2025, I can see Nassau becoming a more desirable port of call. 

Perfect Day at CocoCay

This was my fourth visit to CocoCay; however, it was the first time that there was only one ship in port. This gave the island experience a completely different feel. No matter when you strolled up to the beach, you could find a seat on the third or fourth row. 

Plus, there were plenty of tables at the Chill Grill for lunch. In the past, there have been times where I have struggled to find an open seat!  

If you would like to do something a little bit more active than lounge on the complimentary beach chairs, consider booking the Thrill Water Park. Here, you can ride the tallest water slide in North America: Daredevil's Peak.

There are numerous other water slides, as well as a fun wave pool, to keep everyone in your party entertained all day. You are also able to exit and re-enter the park with the tap of your SeaPass card, so you can explore the island in between rides. 

Those who want a more exclusive experience should look into booking a day pass to the Coco Beach Club. This section of the island has plush seating, a sit-down restaurant featuring more upscale dishes, and even its own pool. 

There are countless ways to enjoy your day at CocoCay; just make sure you research your options ahead of time!

One of the most common concerns of first-time cruisers is feeling seasick. No one wants to spend their vacation nauseous and miserable, so knowing a few tips and tricks to prevent seasickness is helpful before your cruise.

You never know when rough seas will hit, causing you to feel the motion of the ship more than usual. 

The good news, however, is that seasickness is not nearly as common as you might think, and many passengers hardly notice the ship moving at all! 

Some of these methods require you to purchase remedies in advance. 

Here are our top ways to prevent and relieve motion sickness on a cruise ship so you can enjoy your cruise vacation as much as possible.

Editor's note: Royal Caribbean Blog makes no warranties with regard to the safety or effectiveness of any seasickness remedy. It is always best to consult with a physician prior to taking any medication, especially if you have existing medical conditions, are pregnant, or you are taking other medications.

Seasickness 101 

You will begin to feel the effects of seasickness if there is a conflict between your eyes, motion of the ship, and vestibular system located within your inner ear. By sending information to your brain regarding balance, motion, and the location of your head and body in relation to your surroundings, the vestibular system helps create a sense of balance and spatial orientation. 

To sum that up, the onset of motion sickness is when what you see if different than what your inner ear senses.

The symptoms of seasickness range from mild to severe, and you may find yourself suffering with anything from dizziness to fatigue, headaches, irritability, loss of appetite, rapid breathing, nausea, vomiting, and cold sweats. 

Thankfully, each ship is headed by a skilled captain, who will do everything possible to avoid unfavorable sailing conditions. Moreover, ships are equipped with stabilizer fins that are meant to help reduce the motion felt by passengers.  

Reduce, however, does not mean eliminate. 

How to beat seasickness

There are numerous methods, both medical and natural, that aid in curbing the symptoms of motion sickness. What works for someone, however, may not work as well for someone else. That is why it is best to speak to your primary care physician if you are worried about getting ill on your cruise. They will be able to provide the best advice that takes into account your age and current health. 

Over-the-counter medications

Bonine and Dramamine are two popular medications that can be bought at practically any drug store that both have the goal of preventing you from feeling motion sickness. 

Having been introduced to the market in 1949, Dramamine is the older of the two. It's active ingredient is dimenhydrinate, an antihistamine which has a side effect of drowsiness. 

Likewise, Bonine uses meclizine, another antihistamine. This medication came into medical use in the early 1950s to treat nausea and vertigo and advertises itself to be less drowsy than Dramamine. 

For children, Dramamine manufactures Dramamine for Kids, the only over-the-counter medication motion sickness relief formula for children between the ages two and twelve. Rather than containing 50mg of dimenhydrinate per dose, it only contains 25mg. 

If you forget to purchase medication before you leave home, go to Guest Services or the onboard medical center and ask if they have any free packets of motion sickness medication available. 

Speak with a doctor about getting a prescription for scopolamine patches

Unlike some other remedies, if you are interested in getting a scopolamine patch, you will need to speak with a medical professional prior to leaving for your cruise. These patches work by delivering scopolamine to your body slowly over the course of several days, with one patch lasting up to three days. 

They are placed behind your ear around eight hours prior to when you need the medication to be in your system, making it more of a preventative measure. 

Purchase an acupressure band 

Acupressure pressure bands are a more natural remedy than over-the-counter medications. These wristbands work by applying pressure to the P-6 pressure point on your wrist. This is known to help reduce the feeling of nausea. 

These bands are not expensive, either. A single band can be purchased for less than $10 from Amazon. 

Choose the right stateroom during the booking process

The stateroom that you select can make a difference in how much you feel the rocking of the vessel. Rather than opt to save money on a guarantee cabin, you should choose one in a location that is less prone to feeling the ship's motion.

Staterooms that are located midship of the lower decks tend to feel less motion than those on higher decks or that are located in the forward or aft of the cruise ship. Moreover, since watching the horizon, as counterintuitive as it may seem, helps give you a sense of balance, you may want to consider booking a stateroom with either a balcony or exterior facing window. 

If you book an interior room, you will have to leave your cabin to head to a public space. 

Consider a port-intensive itinerary 

The more time you spend on and, the less you will have to worry about feeling the ship's movement while sailing. It is entirely possible to find a cruise with only one day at sea, even if it is 7-nights. 

Depending on your cruising preferences, you may even be able to find a sailing that spends each day in a different port of call. 

Not only will this reduce the amount of time onboard, but you will be able to cross off more destinations from your bucket list. 

Additionally, some bodies of water are more prone to strong winds and currents than others. These include the Bay of Biscay and Gulf of Alaska. The Caribbean can be hit with unpleasant weather during the latter part of hurricane season, too. That being said, any ocean can encounter unfavorable sailing conditions at any time.  

Watch your alcohol consumption

Whether you decide to splurge on a Royal Caribbean Deluxe Drink Package or not, you should watch your alcohol intake if you are prone to motion sickness; dehydration will not make the situation better. 

In fact, you should limit your caffeine, too. You want to try and drink as much water as possible. Moreover, staying hydrated will help with any digestive issues that may arise while onboard, as most passengers indulge on more fatty and fried foods than they normally would.

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

Drink peppermint tea or ginger ale

6-gingerol, an active compound found in ginger, helps to reduce the feelings of nausea. For that reason, it is one of the best natural remedies for seasickness. While you can sip on ginger ale, you can also look for ginger tea, candies, and supplements. 

Similarly, the antibacterial properties found in peppermint tea help reduce nausea, too. It can also help ease stomach cramps since it works to relax your stomach muscles. 

Eat green apples

If you'd rather munch on something versus sip on tea or ginger ale, try and locate some green apples. They contain pectin, a type of fiber which helps to settle the stomach. 

In fact, make sure you eat in general!

While nausea may make your appetite disappear, that does not mean you should skip out on eating. If you are unable to stomach large meals, try snacking on crackers, bread, bananas, soup, or any other plain food. 

You should also avoid eating things that cause upset stomachs. This means that you will have to pass on the spicy, greasy, and fatty foods for the time being. If taking it easy at the Windjammer for a single day means you will be back to feeling like your sooner, it is worth it!

Avoid sitting backwards or sideways

Try sitting in the same direction as the ship's movement, as sitting in the opposite direction can further confuse your body. Rather than sitting backwards of sideways, find a chair that is facing forward.

This may help alleviate some feelings of motion sickness. 

Limit the time you stare at your phone screen

When you start to feel ill while at sea, it is best to put your phone to the side. Likewise, reading can often increase the effects of motion sickness, even if you are reading a handheld copy. 

If you have smooth seas, feel free to head up to the pool deck and read away. If you encounter rough weather, though, you will want to save the book for later. 

What is mal de debarquement syndrome?

When you disembark your cruise ship, do not worry if your body needs some time to adjust to being back on land. Some people feel like their body is swaying when they get off the ship, and it is completely normal! 

If, however, it has been a couple of days and your symptoms are beginning to interfere with your day-to-day life, make an appointment to speak with a medical professional, as you may be suffering from mal de debarquement syndrome.

Your next visit to Nassau, Bahamas is going to look different than you might remember.

Nassau spent $300 million upgrading their cruise port, which is referred to as Prince George Wharf, with the first phase of this redevelopment opening to the public on May 27, 2023. 

The port is now able to accommodate up to six cruise ships per day, including three Oasis or Icon Class ships. This means that Nassau is now able to host 30,000 cruise passengers per day, increasing their capacity by 10,000. By the end of 2024, it is estimated that Nassau will see four million cruise visitors. 

Construction will continue throughout 2023 and 2024 as builders work towards finishing the second phase. 

While the walk along the pier felt similar to previous visits to Nassau, the most noticeable difference is as you prepare to exit. No longer are you immediately met with individuals pressing you for tours or taxi rides. Instead, you can enjoy a peaceful walk through a plaza with shops.

It is only when you exit and cross the road that you are met with hagglers. 

Here is what you can expect when you visit the redeveloped Nassau Cruise Port. 

Related: Best things to do in Nassau on a cruise

Taxi stand inside of the port

Almost immediately after exiting the berth area of the port, you are met with a dedicated taxi stand. This makes catching a cab to Atlantis, Cable Beach, and Baha Mar much simpler. Prior to reaching that point, there will be an individual ushering guests to the water taxi to Paradise Island if you would prefer to take that route.

There is also a separate line for those who wish to book a tour.

Related: Bahamas cruise guide

Emphasis on local shopping, artists, and culture

As you exit the berth area, you will see the Nassau Cruise Port Junkanoo Museum, which is an immersive experience that aims to share the story of the national cultural festival. 

Junkanoo is a Bahamian festival and street parade that takes place in late December of each year. It features music, costumes, and dancing. 

Moreover, the cruise port is filled with local vendors selling goods, such as straw baskets, jewelry, and more, meaning that you do not have to exit for your shopping needs if you do not want to. Further down, you will find actual storefronts. 

The Port Marketplace is where you will find these individual vendors. There are also places to grab a drink, with prices ranging from $8 for three shots to $15 for cocktails. Close to the exit, there is a gelato shop, which is a great option for those looking to cool down with a sweet treat either before or after spending the day ashore. 

If you are a fan of hair braiding, this is also where you will find an entire setup dedicated to just that. However, walking past, nobody was overly pushy. When I walked outside of the port near the Straw Market, I was approached multiple times and repeatedly spoken to, even when I disregarded their attempts to strike up a conversation.

As you walk through the Port Marketplace, you will stumble upon an exhibit highlighting Theodore Turnquest II, a freelance photographer at Nassau Cruise Port. 

"As a young adult living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)," the informational sign reads, "Theo's photography hobby has become a great source of comfort and an outlet to express himself creatively in recent years."

"Theo's photos are used on our social media channels, in presentations, and in other promotional materials, helping us to tell the story of Nassau Cruise Port. We truly value his work." 

Exiting and re-entering the terminal

When you exit the cruise terminal, you will find yourself near Pirate Republic Brewing Company and The Bahamas Shirt Company. This is the same place you will enter when you are ready to return to the ship.

From here, you can expect roughly a fifteen-minute walk to the Queen's Staircase and a ten-minute walk to Junkanoo Beach. 

In total, it takes roughly ten minutes to get from the ship to the exit if you do not stop for pictures or shopping. Depending on where you are docked, it could take even less time. 

While on Freedom of the Seas, the ship was docked near Zones 6, 7, and 8; however, the only available gangway was located in the aft, which meant that I had to walk all the way to and from Zone 8. 

Royal Caribbean's partnership with The Bahamas

In 2025, Royal Caribbean is set to open The Royal Beach Club, an exciting new option for cruise passengers visiting Nassau. 

The exclusive beach club will be located on Paradise Island, encompassing 17 acres of property, and be available only to Royal Caribbean cruise passengers for an additional cost. 

The pass will include beach club access, lunch, and beach chair rental. Certain extras, such as alcohol, soda, cabanas, day beds, and water sport activities, will cost more. 

In addition to multiple different beaches, guests will be able to take a dip in a spacious swimming pool and utilize the water sports center. 

What makes The Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island stand out is that it will have a public-private partnership. This mans that Bahamians will be able to own up to 49% equity, and local businesses can take part in managing the majority of the experience.

Additionally, the construction phase and operation of the Royal Beach Club will create hundreds of jobs, with the economic impact estimated to be around $1 billion over the course of ten years.

Related: Royal Caribbean hires Bahamian business leader for head of new Bahamas beach club

When completed, this will give passengers sailing on Royal Caribbean ships to Nassau an option to enjoy a more relaxed day. With Nassau Cruise Port accommodating thousands of passengers from different cruise lines, the island can feel rather busy at times. 

In fact, the port broke its own record in 2023. On February 27, 2023, the port welcomed over 28,500 passengers on six different ships. 

I cruise to Alaska every summer, and I always see passengers making the same few rookie mistakes.

After five cruises to the 49th state, I’m familiar with the ins and outs of Alaska cruises. I know exactly what I should pack, which excursions I should book, and what to do in each cruise port.

For most first time cruisers to Alaska, however, this is not the case. Many of these passengers make rookie mistakes that can easily be avoided, whether packing incorrectly or unintentionally missing out on breathtaking views.

As someone who sails to Alaska often, I wanted to share the most common mistakes I see cruisers making on Alaska cruises so that you know what to expect.

Be sure to avoid these mishaps to ensure your cruise is as memorable and stress free as possible.

Booking shore excursions in every port

Alaska cruises offer some seriously intriguing shore excursions, from whale watching tours to helicopter rides over glaciers. There’s no doubt these excursions lead to an unforgettable day, but it’s not necessary to book an excursion in every port.

One advantage of Alaska’s small ports is that they offer plenty to do without needing an excursion or transportation from one place to another.

Most ports have walking trails, downtown shopping, and museums within walking distance to the cruise port. You can visit raging waterfalls, hike through the rainforest, and learn more about the state’s culture without spending much (if anything) extra.

Related: Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise guide

If you want to venture away from downtown, you can always book shuttles to destinations like Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau or the Fortress of the Bear rehabilitation center in Sitka. Booking transportation on your own versus as part of a shore excursion not only gives you more flexibility, but lower prices, too.

Shore excursions are great for activities you cannot experience as easily on your own, such as kayaking tours and flightseeing experiences, but you can experience a lot of the state’s highlights on your own as well.

Worrying too much about the weather

“It’s going to rain every day!”

I’ve heard this sentence more times than I can count from those visiting Alaska for the first time. While preparing for an Alaska cruise, it’s tempting to check the weather forecast, but take it with a grain of salt.

Alaska’s weather can change rapidly from one moment to the next. At 7AM you may find yourself freezing with high winds and rain whereas at 1PM you might have to take off a layer because it’s too hot.

Related: When is the best time to cruise Alaska? Month-by-month guide

I always recommend packing layers for an Alaska cruise for this very reason. If you have the appropriate layers (a base layer, warm layer, and waterproof layer), you will be prepared for any type of weather condition.

It’s important to remain flexible, nonetheless, and to mentally prepare yourself to feel uncomfortable—it’s unlikely you’ll encounter ideal weather conditions in every port.

On a recent visit to Juneau, for example, I rode a bicycle to Mendenhall Glacier. On route to the glacier we rode in favorable conditions, with temperatures in the mid 60s and a slight breeze.

On the way back, we encountered heavy rainfall and were drenched by the time we made it back downtown. Sure, we were uncomfortable and our clothes were beyond filthy, but it didn’t ruin our cruise experience by any means.

Worrying about the weather will cause you unnecessary stress. As long as you wear and/or pack appropriate layers for each port day, everything should go smoothly.

Packing too warm of clothes for cruises in the middle of summer

One mistake I see many first time Alaska cruisers make is packing clothes more suited for Antarctica than southeast Alaska. As shocking as it sounds, you can feel uncomfortably warm on an Alaska cruise in the middle of summer.

In fact, my most recent Alaska cruise in mid June had me sweating more often than shivering. I could not believe the high temperatures we encountered—in Juneau it was nearly 80 degrees fahrenheit!

Needless to say, I immediately regretted wasting packing space with several sweaters, pullovers, and jackets. Most warm layers went unworn during the cruise, and I found myself in need of a lightweight t-shirt to avoid overheating!

Related: Alaska cruise packing list: What to pack for your sailing

If you’re cruising to Alaska in the middle of summer, I would avoid packing an excessive amount of warm layers. There’s no need to pack a parka, wool socks, and extreme weather gloves.  While you should definitely still pack a few warm outfits, be sure to pack lightweight layers like t-shirts, long sleeve shirts, and, yes, maybe even a pair of shorts.

If you’re cruising to Alaska during the shoulder season (the beginning or end of the season), disregard this advice: you’ll definitely want the majority of your suitcase to be warm layers.

Thinking balcony rooms are necessary

Many first time cruisers to Alaska are under the assumption that they must book a balcony cabin for an Alaska cruise. Having a balcony cabin means you can enjoy Alaska’s scenery from the comfort of your stateroom, so it’s an extremely popular cabin choice on Alaska itineraries.

Booking a balcony cabin is certainly nice, but it’s not necessary in order to enjoy an Alaska cruise. I’ve cruised in an interior cabin on all five of my Alaska cruises, and I have no regrets about this decision. 

Related: Interior vs Balcony staterooms on a Royal Caribbean cruise

One of the unique aspects of cruising Alaska is sailing through the narrow inlets of the state’s Inside Passage. As your ship travels through Alaska, you can view the state’s huge mountains and islands on both sides of the ship.

Most balconies only have views of one side of the ship, meaning that by watching scenery from your balcony, you are missing out on half of the scenic views! Because of this, many cruisers find themselves heading to the pool deck or the helicopter pad anyway in order to have a wider view of the outdoors.

If a balcony room is in your budget, there’s no harm in booking one for an Alaska cruise. If it’s a stretch for your bank account, book an interior room and allocate additional vacation savings towards add-ons like shore excursions instead.

Eating dinner in the Main Dining Room during sailaway

Enjoying meals in the Main Dining Room is a staple part of any cruise vacation, but I hardly ever eat in the venue on Alaska cruises.

The Main Dining Room on Royal Caribbean ships is a gorgeous space, with most ships featuring a multi-story, opulent dining venue. However, there are limited tables by the windows, so only a small percentage of passengers dine with a window view.

While your ship sails through Alaska, you’ll want to be near a window or outside view as often as possible. If you have early dining, which is around 5PM, your dinner may coincide with the sailaway in Alaska’s cruise ports.

Related: Dinner on Royal Caribbean: Early Dinner vs. Late Dinner

Some of the most beautiful cruising occurs as your ship leaves port. The sailaway in Skagway, as an example, travels through the Inside Passage for several hours, passing massive glaciers and mountain ranges along the way.

If you’re eating in the Main Dining Room during sailaway, there’s a good chance you’ll miss some of the best scenery of the trip.

If your ship’s sailaway is at the same time as dinner, I recommend skipping dinner in the Main Dining Room and eating at the Windjammer buffet instead. Unlike the dining room, the Windjammer has large windows around the whole venue, allowing you to dine with a panoramic view of Alaska’s scenery.

Waiting too long to disembark the ship in port

One of the biggest mistakes I see passengers making on Alaska cruises is waiting too long to disembark their ship in a port of call.

Generally speaking, the earlier you disembark your cruise ship on a port day, the fewer crowds you’ll encounter in port. It’s not uncommon for there to be four or five cruise ships in busy ports like Juneau, which means 10-15,000+ passengers may disembark their ships on any given day.

Related: Local's guide of what to do in Juneau, Alaska

Alas, Alaska’s small, quaint cruise ports can feel crowded quickly, with peak crowds appearing around 11AM - 1PM. As passengers finish a morning shore excursion or disembark the ship after sleeping in, most walk the streets of each port's downtown, leading to higher crowds.

If you want to beat the crowds on an Alaska cruise, disembark your ship as early as possible. While this might require setting an alarm earlier than you would prefer, it’s worth it for the early morning exploring without the crowds.

Only considering roundtrip itineraries

There are two options when it comes to Alaska cruises: one-way itineraries and roundtrip itineraries.

Roundtrip itineraries travel roundtrip from either Seattle, Washington or Vancouver, British Columbia, starting and ending in the same port. One-way cruises, on the contrary, travel in one direction—from Vancouver to Seward, Alaska and vice versa.

Many first time cruisers to Alaska book a roundtrip itinerary for convenience. In most cases, it’s easier to start and end in the same port, as it makes booking flights and/or driving to the cruise port much easier.

Nonetheless, one mistake I see passengers make on an Alaska cruise is only considering roundtrip itineraries. Of my five Alaska cruises, I sailed on four roundtrip sailings and one one-way cruise. The one-way cruise was, by far, the better itinerary.

A one-way cruise allows you to visit more ports and glaciers in Alaska, including those that are further away from the lower 48 like Hubbard Glacier. Additionally, traveling in one direction means you can extend your trip in Alaska’s interior to visit sites like Denali National Park & Preserve.

Before booking an Alaska cruise, be sure to consider the pros and cons of a one-way itinerary over a roundtrip sailing.

Not researching what to do before arriving in port

Each Alaska cruise port offers its own set of must-sees and dos, and one of the worst mistakes you can make when planning an Alaska cruise is not researching what to do in each port.

On my recent cruise to Skagway, I planned to hike to Yakutania Point, a lookout point with a stunning view of the Taiya Inlet. When it came time to disembark in port, I realized I had not yet researched how to get to the trailhead, and upon reaching town, my phone had no cell connection.

An emergency trip to the local library for wifi eventually led me to finding the trailhead, but I wished I had done more research ahead of time to avoid this unexpected scenario.

While you don’t have to book excursions in every port, we still recommend having a general idea of what to expect in each Alaska port. Whether you’re interested in a day hike in Sitka or museum visit in Ketchikan, it’s a lot easier to research things to do before you disembark the ship in port.

Eating only on the ship

Alaska is home to delightful, fresh cuisine—the state is famous for its fish, king crab, and reindeer meat. If you’re a seafood lover, one of the worst mistakes you can make on an Alaska cruise is eating only on the ship to avoid paying for food in port.

Although most food on a Royal Caribbean cruise is complimentary, I always suggest budgeting for a meal in port. Whether you grab a few fish tacos from a food truck or enjoy a sit-down meal in port, spending ~$20 for a tasty meal of Alaskan specialties is well worth the cost.

Related: Where to eat like a local on your Alaska cruise

Flying in the same day the cruise begins

Like any cruise destination, a huge mistake many passengers make is flying to their embarkation port the same day the cruise begins.

I always fly to my cruise ports the day before my cruise. Arriving a day early eases the stress of travel by ensuring I have enough wiggle room in the case of flight delays or cancellations.

Related: The costly cruising mistakes newbies make planning their first cruise

Not only that, but arriving early means I can enjoy a day in Seattle or Vancouver before my Alaska cruise. I always take this time to dine at a nice restaurant, go for an evening walk, and catch up on rest before embarkation day.

Time and time again, I see passengers booking flights the same day as their cruise. Not only is this risky, but it makes the first day of your cruise extra stressful. Instead of spending embarkation day sipping a cocktail stress-free, you’ll most likely be jet lagged and ready for a nap.

Forgetting binoculars

You can only get so close to Alaska’s scenery and wildlife while visiting on a cruise, but using binoculars makes you feel so much more connected to the state’s magnificence.

A common mistake many passengers make on an Alaska cruise is forgetting to bring binoculars. You can find a cheap pair of binoculars on Amazon for around $30, and believe us: it‘s well worth the small cost.

Related: What should you bring on an Alaska cruise?

I spend an embarrassing amount of time looking through my binoculars on an Alaska cruise—I’m on whale watching duty, as I like to call it. Whether spotting whales or viewing glaciers close-up, binoculars undoubtedly make an Alaska cruise more immersive.

Not using Port Valet in Seattle

If your Alaska cruise ends in Seattle, you should take advantage of the port’s luggage valet program.

Luggage Valet is a helpful, complimentary service offered by the Port of Seattle and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. This service enables passengers to bypass check-in and baggage drop at the airport by completing these steps on their cruise ship instead.

If you sign up for luggage valet, you will receive a luggage tag near the end of your cruise. When you place your suitcase (with the luggage tag attached) outside your cabin door on the last night of the cruise, you will not see the suitcase again until you arrive at your home airport.

Luggage Valet transfers your suitcase directly from the ship to the airport and onto your plane. There’s no need to travel from the cruise terminal with the luggage yourself, and this is a huge time (and stress) saver for many passengers.

You can enroll for the service ahead of time or once onboard—a sign up sheet will be delivered to your stateroom during the cruise.

More Alaska cruise tips:

• How to choose the right Alaska cruise itinerary
• Alaska cruise whale watching guide & tips
• How far in advance to book an Alaska cruise
• What is the best time of year to see wildlife in Alaska?

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Celebrity Cruises is increasing their gratuities for the second time in less than one year. 

Gratuities are service charges that go towards different crew members, such as the dining, bar and culinary services staff, stateroom attendants, and other hotel services teams.

Effective July 11, 2023, the automatic gratuity rate for all stateroom categories will increase: 

• $18.00 USD per person, per day for inside, ocean view, and veranda staterooms, increasing from $17.50.
• $18.50 USD per person, per day for Concierge Class and AquaClass staterooms, increasing from $18.00. 
• $23.00 USD per person, per day for guests of The Retreat, increasing from $21.00. 

The new rates will apply to all new bookings, regardless of sail date.

The gratuity increase only applies to cruisers who have not chosen an All Included or Always Included fare, as gratuities are included in the cost of those fares.

Retreat and AquaClass bookings made on or after July 14, 2022 are also exempt from automatic gratuities.

You are able to go to Guest Relations while onboard the ship to have the gratuity rate adjusted if you choose. 

Second increase in less than one year

Celebrity last increased their gratuities in October 2022. At the time, the rate for inside, ocean view, and veranda staterooms increased from $15.50 to $17.50; $16.00 to $18.00 for Concierge Class and AquaClass staterooms; and $19.00 to $23.00 for The Retreat. 

This means that they have raised their gratuity rate over 15% in just nine months. 

Note at the bottom of Celebrity's FAQ page, they state that the gratuity amounts are subject to change. 

What doesn't the automatic gratuity cover and how do they work?

The automatic gratuity does not cover onboard purchases, as it is a service charge that goes to the crew members. 

Per their website, there will be a 20% gratuity will be added to all beverage and mini bar purchases, as well as and beverage packages.

Similarly, an 18% gratuity will be added to all spa and salon purchases, as well as specialty dining cover fees, specialty dining packages that are purchased onboard, and room service.

If you do not prepaid for your gratuities, you will find a daily charge on your onboard account. 

If you do not wish to settle gratuities at the end of your cruise, whether that is via card or cash, you can prepay them before it begins. If you do not add them to your initial reservations, you may do so up to 48 hours prior to your sail date by calling Celebrity Cruises or speaking with your travel agent. 

Related: Should you prepay gratuities for a Royal Caribbean cruise?

Will Royal Caribbean also increase their gratuities?

Celebrity Cruises is part of Royal Caribbean Group, which also owns Royal Caribbean International. At the time of writing, Royal Caribbean has not announced any increases to their gratuities. 

They last raised their rates in September 2022, with standard cabins (i.e., Junior Suites and below) increasing from $14.50 to $16.00 per day and suites from $17.50 to $18.50. Prior to 2022, the last time that they raised their gratuities was in January 2018. 

Celebrity is not the only cruise line that has increased their gratuities in 2023. Carnival raised their standard rate from $14.50 to $16.00 and suite rate from $16.50 to $18.00 in April. In fact, most cruise lines have seen an increase within the last year, whether it be late 2022 or early 2023.