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.

Going on a cruise ship can be confusing for a first-timer that has never sailed before.

You don't have to go very far to run into one of the often repeated myths that exist about what a cruise is all about. Many of these are rooted in experiences from decades ago, and quite a lot has changed in the cruise industry.

Cruise ships have gotten larger and more sophisticated.  Moreover, they've evolved past the generation of ships that people may remember.  Part of the issue is in many cases pop culture continues to portray cruise ships as if it's still the 1990s. Stereotypes are hard to break, and it perpetuates a certain expectation many people that have never cruised think about when they imagine a cruise vacation.

It's been my experience so many tropes about a cruise are outdated and misinformed preconceived notions that are quickly dispelled once you look into what the reality is truly like.

People that have cruised many times would be the first to tell you that a cruise vacation can vary greatly depending on the line you choose, cruise ship you pick, time of year, and a variety of other factors.  It's no different than if you were to take a trip to New York City: not every vacation there is the same kind of experience.

Before you write off a cruise vacation, here are the top ten commonly cited myths about a cruise and why they are plain wrong.

I'll get seasick

We will begin with a misconception that actually has some truth to it, in that while it is possible you could get seasick on a cruise, it's unlikely and easily preventable.

I've taken over 70 cruises and I have on a few occasions gotten seasick.  It's not ideal, but when it happens, there are easy ways to combat it.

First, you could prevent seasickness from ever occurring.  You can take over-the-counter medication, such as Dramamine or Bonine once a day to ensure the symptoms never begin. When I started cruising, I always followed this regiment and it always worked. These days, I don't take it preemptively, but if I do get queasy during the cruise, I'll pop one of the pills and very quickly start feeling normal again.

Another option is to ask your doctor for a patch that goes behind your ear that you'll wear throughout your cruise. It's another easy way to ensure you never get seasick.

There are a variety of homeopathic strategies too, such as ginger pills, eating green apples, peppermint, and even wristbands.

The reality is while you could get seasick on a cruise, the chances are quite low, especially if sea conditions aren't terrible.  A cruise ship is far more stable than a fishing boat that you may have been on, and it takes a lot to get a ships swaying.

If you talk to people that cruise a lot, they'll tell you in most cases, you cannot notice the ship moving at all and that instances of motion sickness are pretty low overall.

Only old people take cruises

There's an old saying that people that go on cruises are "the nearly dead and the newly wed", and it's a stereotype that comes from cruising in the 1970s or 1980s.

Cruise ships evolved from ocean liners, and in those days, the only people that could really afford to cruise were older people. It was expensive and took a great deal of time, which is something families didn't have a lot of.

Fast forward to the 1990s, and the cruise industry begins its pivot towards the family cruise market. Cruise ships become bigger and offer more to do than ever before.  With more ships comes more inventory and that helps lower prices (more on high prices later).

Family cruise travel really took off in the 2000s, and you'll find a great mix of ages on the mainstream cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean.

On an average Royal Caribbean cruise, you'll find guests of all ages. Toddlers, school-aged kids, teens, adults, seniors and probably a guy named Big Dawg Ron. You get a good mix of people so it never feels like one demographic dominates the ship.

In fact, Royal Caribbean designs its cruise ships to have something for millennials, baby boomers, gen-x'ers and gen-z. It's meant to provide a little of everything, and you get to decide what appeals to you.

Royal Caribbean's ships have kids club and areas of the ship designed specifically for kids and teens in mind.  Their new Icon of the Seas cruise ship has an entire area of the ship reserved just for young families.

Will there be retirees onboard? Absolutely.  But you will also find lots of other ages too, and probably way more young people than you thought would be there.

I'll feel claustrophobic onboard

In my experience, the top two reasons people have resisted going on a cruise are fear of getting seasick (see above) and the feeling they'll be trapped onboard.

It's difficult to convey in a blog post, but cruise ships are much bigger than you think. It's one thing to see a photo or even a video of a ship, but when you see them in person, you realize just how massive these ships are.

There are public decks and spaces you can go to, and I think you'll find the ship more like a city than a cramped space. 

From shows, to restaurants, to the pools, it's more likely you will not feel stuck.

If you're worried that you'll feel claustrophobic on a ship, you should understand there's so many to do onboard and many places to go.  Moreover, your ship will visit plenty of ports along the way, giving you an opportunity to disembark the ship and explore these countries.

With plenty of open deck space, it's easy to avoid that closed-in feeling. 

Cruises are too expensive

Whether based in the old days of cruising or an assumption from seeing the glitzy new ships, the idea that taking a cruise is expensive is truly incorrect.

A cruise vacation remains one of the best values in travel when compared to taking a land vacation.

Just like a land trip, prices will vary depending on a variety of factors, but when you consider a cruise includes not just a hotel room, but food, entertainment, and a means of which to get you to different ports, that's a lot for one price.

Read more: What's included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare

No matter your budget, there's a cruise you can afford.  There are cheap inside rooms on short weekend cruises, lavish suites, and plenty in the middle too.

Throughout the year there are different cruises you can take and in general, a Royal Caribbean cruise is affordable.  While there are pricey cruises (especially over holidays), bargain values still exist on many ships. The beauty of having 27 ships in the fleet is that there's likely something for everyone, and with a little research and flexibility, I'm certain you can find something in your price range.

Like all mass-market cruise lines, Royal Caribbean offers a module cruise experience. Your cruise fare gets you onboard with a certain set of amenities included, and it's up to you if you want to spend more to get a drink package, shore excursion, wifi, or some other extra.

Read more: What's worth paying extra for on a cruise?

Similar to a land vacation, you can take a cruise on the cheap or splurge with an over-the-top vacation. It's just important to remember a cruise is not inherently expensive.

I'll be bored

Similar to the concern of feeling trapped on a cruise, many people worry there isn't enough to do and they'll be bored.

I think this myth comes from all the imagery of people sitting by the pool and enjoying a sunny day.  Sure, that looks great, but what else is there to do besides sleep, eat, and hang at the pool?

The answer is much more than you ever thought possible.

Cruise ships offer a myriad of activities and onboard entertainment. There's water slides, rock climbing, zip-lines, ice skating, trivia, shopping, cooking demonstrations, dance parties, shows and so much more.

Browse a past schedule of activities from any Royal Caribbean cruise ship and you'll see an example of just how much there is to do in the morning, afternoon, and evening. One thing Royal Caribbean does better than many other lines is keep the fun going well into the evening.

Royal Caribbean also has full Broadway shows on some of its ships.  This includes Mamma Mia, Cats, Saturday Night Fever and more.  Other ships feature Broadway-style musical revues and dance performances.  All the shows on any Royal Caribbean ship are included in your cruise fare.

There are movies shown throughout the day and evening by the pool deck, karaoke to sing to, gambling in the casino, silent discos, DJs, live bands, and guitarists.

Royal Caribbean likes to compare itself to Las Vegas in terms of entertainment, and you'll find quite a lot of entertainment to keep you busy.

Most people that take a cruise will tell you there's simply more to do than they possibly can handle in just one sailing.  It's why so many people cruise over and over again.

I have to get dressed up

Another myth rooted in the old days of cruising is concern about a dress code.

While dress codes do exist on Royal Caribbean cruise ships, they are minimal and barely enforced.  Think of them as suggestions rather than hard and fast rules.

There's no dress code for what to wear around the ship, other than shoes and a cover-up for a restaurant.

It's really the dining venues that have rules about what you can wear and in practice, these are less stringent than you might think. The Main Dining Room has a daily dress code, and specialty restaurants have their own dress code. Regardless, you won't have to wear the same clothes you might wear to a prom.

Royal Caribbean's dress codes act more as guidelines than rules, and you will see most passengers wearing fairly casual clothing to meals.  For breakfast and lunch, there's really nothing more expected than not a bathing suit.  At dinner, there's a different expectation, but some passengers wear shorts while others get more dressed up. Most guys will wear jeans or slacks with a collared shirt.  Ladies are usually seen in a cocktail dress, blouse and jeans, or something else casual.

If you prefer to skip a sit-down meal all together, there's a buffet and other casual restaurants you can go to and grab something quick to eat too.

At the very least, you will not have to get dressed up if you don't want to. There are lots of options for meals, and outside of restaurants, there are no dress codes to adhere to on Royal Caribbean.

Bad things always happen on cruise ships

If you watch the news, you'd think there's always someone "falling" off a ship, power outage, fire, or some other calamity. Unfortunately, the reality of the safety of cruise travel is completely misconstrued by the mainstream media in so many examples.

Let's be clear: statistically, cruising is a very safe vacation.

No one falls off a cruise ship unless they are doing something they're not supposed to or are somewhere they are not supposed to be (such as getting on top of a railing).

Cruise ships are regularly inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard (and other maritime agencies of other countries). Plus, every cruise ship has its own team of engineers and mechanics to keep the ships working properly. 

Crew members drill on every sailing to ensure they know what to do in case of an emergency.  When you go on a cruise, you'll see this in action likely while your ship is docked in port. Ships have fire doors, water-tight sections, sprinklers, smoke alarms, and firefighters to deal with any issue.

Have there been incidents on cruise ships? Of course, just like there have been airplanes or buses that have crashed. They're the exceptions, not the norm.

I have to eat with strangers

I don't blame you if you are not interested in having meals with strangers. It's your vacation, and the last thing you want is an awkward meal with random people.

Today's big ships have lots of flexibility so you do not have to eat with strangers if you don't want to.

If you choose to eat at any specialty restaurant or casual dining venue, you will only eat with your own party (with the exception of the Hibachi specialty dining, and to be fair, it's like that on land too).

Royal Caribbean also offers My Time Dining, where you can eat in the Main Dining Room on your schedule and be seated with just your group. Cruisers who choose this format can head to dinner any time within set hours to get a table by themselves (or with a group if they like).

The traditional dining option in the Main Dining Room could seat you with someone else you don't know.  This is the option where you have dinner every night at the same time with the same table and wait staff.

You can request a table to yourselves for traditional dining by requesting it before the cruise.

If you are booked in traditional dining, you should contact Royal Caribbean prior to your cruise to make the request. Send an email to [email protected] about 2-3 weeks prior to your sailing with your request.  This strategy usually works for most people. 

Read more: How to not eat with strangers on a Royal Caribbean cruise

I can't eat healthy

Eating healthy on a Royal Caribbean cruise is far from an oxymoron.  Rather, it is a state of mind that is definitely achievable with the right kind of planning, and a little motivation.

Being on vacation is an excuse for some people to indulge more than they would at home, and you'll find no shortage of sweet and savory foods.

Ultimately, it's up to you how healthy you eat on a cruise, because there are plenty of healthy choices and ways to control portion size. While cruises are well-known for their amazing indulgences, there are just as many good for you choices too (but no one really writes articles about those).

Every menu has healthier choices you can order, in addition to salad bars, made-to-order cooking stations, and vegan and vegetarian options.

Just like any restaurant you go to near your home, there are healthy and not-so-healthy choices you can order.  But if you want to avoid gaining weight and eat smart, you will find those options too.

Cruising isn’t real travel

The myth that cruising doesn't provide an immersive or compelling experience like land travel does is simply a case of snobbish opinions within the travel industry.

You will find authentic experiences in the places your ship visits that don't visit the typical tourist spots. The cruise line will provide as many shore excursions as possible that cover a variety of things to do, including the tacky and adventurous.

Plus, you don't have to take a cruise line excursion at all. You could get off the ship and explore on your own and discover your own off-the-beaten path spot.

Some cruises offer overnight visits, but most have enough time to get a taste of what the city or town you visit has to offer.

A cruise is what you make of it, and the same is true of the places you can visit on land. You could choose to see the top tourist spot in town, or hop on a bus and visit a local market.  It's an open-ended choice and offers as much cultural immersion as you'd like.

Cruise ships have rules and breaking them can result in serious consequences.

It's rare that you will encounter a scenario that gets you in trouble with the cruise line's guest policy, but you might be curious to know what you can and cannot do onboard. Royal Caribbean takes the safety of everyone on its ships seriously, and there are plenty of regulations related to how guests (and crew members) should conduct themselves.

While everyone can make a mistake, there are consequences to actions, and if the cruise ship determines you're a troublemaker, you could find your cruise coming to a sudden end. A slip in judgement could result in someone being left behind at a port of call, rather than returning home, and it would be that person's obligation to figure out how to get home.

You may recall in 2019 an incident where someone thought it would be funny to video himself jumping off the balcony of his Royal Caribbean cruise ship.  He was summarily kicked off the ship while it was still in Nassau, Bahamas and he was banned for life.

In fact, it wasn't just him that got kicked off, but everyone in his group too.

Obviously jumping off the balcony of a cruise ship is an extreme example, but there are other things you absolutely cannot do that you should be aware of so there's no confusion about what you can and cannot do on a cruise ship.

Guest conduct policy

There's a multitude of reasons you could be taken off a cruise ship, and it's spelled out in the guest conduct policy.

Every cruise line has a code of conduct that is outlined in the cruise contract that every passenger agrees to when they book a cruise. The cruise contract outlines what you can and cannot do onboard, as well as consequences. It also covers billing issues, such as cancelling a cruise and refund options.

The ship's Captain and security team can make an assessment if you're in violation of these rules. Consequences vary, but being escorted off the ship is one possibility.

Anyone that is removed from the ship is not entitled to any kind of refund or compensation for the lost time. It's as Gene Wilder once said in the role of Willy Wonka: you get nothing!

"I didn't see any cruise contract!"

Actually, you did, but may have not chosen to read it.

When booking a cruise on Royal Caribbean's website, it's one of the required selections to make that you comply with the contract.  Travel agents should also convey these terms to you in the booking process to review.

There's a lot more to the cruise contract than rules about kicked off a cruise ship. There's information about what happens regarding itinerary changes, billing discrepancies and more. 

In general, it's a good idea to read through the contract to understand what you're agreeing to when you sail on a cruise ship.

Things that will get you kicked off

In reading through the cruise contract for U.S. guests, there's a few notable situations that could get you taken off your cruise ship.

Keep in mind these are simply what's listed, and it's ultimately at the discretion of the Captain and the cruise line how to handle it.

Drugs

Among the list of prohibited items you are not allowed to bring on a cruise ship are illegal drugs, and that can get you in serious trouble.

"Passengers who bring on board dangerous items, marijuana in any form, or any illegal drugs or controlled substances are also subject to immediate disembarkation or denial of boarding."

Just because you are legally allowed to have otherwise illegal drugs (i.e. medical marijuana) where you live does not mean you are allowed to bring them on a cruise ship.

Cruise ships adhere to the laws of the countries you visit, and that supersedes local laws where you are from.

Dangerous behavior

Whether fighting with other cruisers, deliberately entering restricted areas on cruise ships, or damaging cruise ship property and violating serious safety rules, you can get kicked off the ship.

Royal Caribbean's policy covers pretty much anything that a guest does that is perceived to be dangerous.  The policy allows the line to confine someone to their cabin, or take them off the ship.

"When in the sole opinion of Carrier or the Captain the Passenger’s conduct or presence, or that of any minor for whom the Passenger is responsible, is believed to present a possible danger, security risk or be detrimental to himself or the health, welfare, comfort or enjoyment of others."

If it sounds vague, it's because Royal Caribbean cannot anticipate every possible scenario that could play out, so it gives the ship leeway in being able to determine who is a danger.

Engaging in a physical altercation, bothering fellow passengers on the pool deck, or assaulting a crew member may lead to being confined in the ship's holding area, commonly known as the brig or cruise ship jail. Additionally, such behavior could result in fines, forced disembarkation, or even a ban from the cruise line.

Heath Policies

While all cruise lines have rolled back nearly every Covid-19 policy from 2021-2022, the cruise contract still has verbiage in there in case onboard rules needed to be altered or amended.

Much of the policy is about what the cruise ship is allowed to do in terms of mitigating the spread onboard, and escorting a guest off the ship to stem the spread of the virus is an option.

"Passenger understands that Carrier’s COVID-19 Policies and Procedures may or will include (but are not be limited to): confinement of Passengers to cabins, quarantine or emergency disembarkation of Passenger if, in Carrier’s sole discretion, such steps are necessary to prevent or slow the spread of COVID-19."

Crew members can be kicked off too

It's not just passengers that have rules about being kicked off, because crew members can be removed from a ship as well.

Crew members are not allowed to fraternize with guests or invite them into crew quarters. It's one of the best known strict rules for crew members, and it prevents them from engaging in any romantic activities with passengers.

The reason this rule exists is because everyone employed on the cruise ship essentially represents the cruise line itself.

If a crew member is removed from a ship, they will very likely lose their job as well.

Crew members must also adhere to other aspects of the code of conduct, which includes rules against vandalism, illegal drugs, attendance and more.

Bottom line: Be respectful

It's unlikely you'll ever be escorted off a cruise ship for breaking these sort of rules, but it's important to be aware of what is expected of you when booking a cruise.

Ignorance is never an excuse, and that holds true on cruise ships.

As long as you don't start a fight, follow instructions given by crew members, and don't act in an inappropriate way, you'll probably be fine. 

In all my years of cruising on Royal Caribbean, situations like this have rarely occurred where I've been close enough to become aware of them, but they do occasionally occur. Just like in your hometown, there's always going to be someone who stirs the pot, and there are recourses on a cruise ship for bad behavior.

As they say, don't be that guy, and you'll have a great vacation.

Alexa H. Bluth is a writer, living in Sacramento with her husband, two sort of well-behaved teenaged daughters and two not-at-all well-behaved dogs. She took some time to write this guest post entry about what she's learned to share with other first timers who are anxiously awaiting their embarkation date.

In summer 2019, I stepped foot on my first-ever cruise ship gangway, headed with my husband and pre-teens on a new kind of adventure.

This was a bucket-list trip to Alaska on a beautiful ship with all the bells and whistles. I researched the daylights out of it. I stressed over every detail, watched hundreds of YouTube videos, and memorized ship deck plans. It was overkill, to be sure, although some of that planning did come in handy. 

The cruise was an amazing, life-changing experience, but not because of any of the reasons I’d anticipated. It was the unexpected surprises and the unplanned moments that hooked me for life on cruising.

Cruises are fun and unique. You can travel to several different destinations, while only unpacking once. The feeling of a comfy stateroom and ready-made dinner plans after a long day exploring is priceless. The people in general - both crew members and fellow travelers - are typically interesting and friendly. Once you’re fully soaked in the music, game shows, and ocean breezes, it’s impossible not to have fun.

I’ve learned much since that first sail away to Alaska. Here are some lessons and tips in hopes that you, too, will love your first cruise. 

Do some basic research

On our first cruise, I wanted to know every granular detail beforehand, but by our third I was more relaxed and wanted to be surprised by some things.

I don’t advise overdoing it. Some basic research can be of help and will ignite excitement for your trip. You can read blogs and watch YouTube videos about your specific ship. You’ll even find room tours of the specific category of stateroom you picked.

Dig deep enough and you can find detailed deck plans and dining menus and daily activity newsletters from previous sailings. All of this can be a bit much, but there are a handful of areas that I do advise researching before and after booking your first cruise.

Before booking, research where the stateroom you’d like is located on the ship, and what generally are the activities and food options the ship offers to make sure it will meet your needs. The ideal room location will be midship, surrounded by other staterooms on all sides (including above and below), near-ish to the elevators but not right next to them, and not directly under a pool deck, buffet or dance club.

Ships vary from older, smaller ships with traditional activities and fewer crowds, to mega ships with trapezes and ice skating rinks and bumper cars, oh my!

After booking, find out if you need to make reservations for dining or entertainment before you board. These things do book up.

It also helps to know: How to get to the pier on embarkation day (and parking options if you are driving), what excursions are offered in your ports of call, and the basic ship layout.

You don’t need to memorize every deck but at least it’s helpful to know if your room is near the aft or forward elevators. On our most recent trip, I dug up where we needed to go once on board to get show and dinner reservations and we headed there the moment we got on board  By the time we had our reservations all set, the lines were out the door and we were glad we’d done that research.

Learn some lingo

You don’t need to memorize a whole new vocabulary. Just a few terms, including stateroom (cabin), MDR (main dining room), aft (back) and forward (self explanatory), and port (left) and starboard (right).

Also you will do a “muster drill,” usually by watching a video on your phone or in your stateroom and going to your designated “muster station,” which is the spot where you’d gather in an emergency. 

Bring incidentals

When packing for your cruise, you will want to make sure that you bring things like sunscreen, ibuprofen, bandages, diapers, etc.

Some items will be available in the ship’s main gift shop or in a vending machine near the medical facility, but what is available there and at the ports will be pricey. Onboard, there is often a limited supply, too. You won't find a full pharmacy, so it is best to bring everything from home. 

Don’t overpack

I have overpacked on each and every cruise. I always end up with clothes and shoes I never wear.

For warm weather cruises, you likely will wear the same shorts/dress/bathing suit repeatedly, and you definitely don’t need multiple outfits per day.

Cruises aren’t as formal as they once were, so you can even wear the same breezy outfit you wore to explore during the day to dinner if you want (just no swimwear, tank tops, or flip flops). You also don’t need to go gadget and gear crazy.

But do bring some heavy-duty magnetic hooks to hang things likes hats and sweaters on the metal cabin walls, a non-surge protector outlet extender with USB ports, and binoculars (you’ll love spotting dolphins, whales, and other cruise ships, which is weirdly exciting when you’re on a cruise). 

Decorate your stateroom door

Because, why not? Get into the spirit. Magnets and magnetic dry erase boards with fun messages are perfect to adorn metal cabin doors. You can mark special occasions with door decorations too. Plus, it helps you to easily identify your stateroom in those really long hallways.

Expect to get a little lost onboard, at least for the first couple of days

Cruise ships are like massive, confusing floating cities. But every ship has plenty of maps and, again, crew members around to help. Plus, you get the hang of it after a few days. 

Prepare for crowds

Crowds are inevitable in the elevators on embarkation day and after shows, in the buffet at peak lunch and breakfast hours, and at the guest services desk (a ship’s equivalent to a hotel’s “front desk”) pretty much all of the time.

But after the first day of the cruise, people disperse to various spaces, and the elevators aren’t so crowded. And there always are quiet spots onboard, often along the outside decks away from the pool, in the far aft of the ship, or in adult-only areas.

Related: How to beat the crowds on your cruise ship

Go to the sail away party

I mean it. Go. Even if it’s not your style to do the Cupid Shuffle, grab a glass of champagne or fruity drink and a spot along the top deck railing. It is impossible not to catch the spirit while listening to party music, watching people dance, and experiencing the ship gliding away from the pier (bonus if it’s at sunset!)

Go to the welcome aboard show

It’s typically either advertised specifically as a welcome show, or it will be the earlier (and more family friendly) showing on the first night of the evening headliner, such as the comedian or magician.

This is a fantastic opportunity to see the cruise director and cruise staff for the first time and to absorb the excitement of the fact that you’re on a cruise!

Be mindful of showtimes when planning meals

Ships feature a headline show each night, which typically are Broadway-style shows, magicians, musicians, or comedians. The headliners usually are shown at around 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., so though 6:45 is a lovely dinner time, it won’t work if you want to see the earlier and typically more family-friendly show.

Get the streaming internet package if you can

Cruise internet is notoriously slow, so if you can spring for the “fastest” and unlimited package, do. If your whole party has iPhones, you will be able to iMessage each other while onboard, and you can use FaceTime and FaceTime Audio to connect with folks back home.

You can post about your adventures on social media, or stream your favorite movie before bed. Of course, you still can unplug if you wish, but you’ve left your options open.

Research drink packages before you buy

They might be worth it, they might not. It depends how much they cost and how much you drink.

For us, on Royal Caribbean the unlimited drink package wasn’t worth the cost because we only ordered about two alcoholic drinks a day, but it was well worth getting the soda package because it included premium coffee drinks (hello, vanilla latte!) and mock-tails.

We also got our kids the soda package-- Nothing is more fun for kids than to be able to belly up to the bar anytime they want and flash their room card for a Shirley Temple or strawberry daiquiri. Honestly, don’t underestimate the ability of a paper umbrella or pineapple wedge to make a kid’s day.

Related: 2023 Royal Caribbean Drink Package Info, Tips, Pros & Cons

Watch the morning show on your stateroom television

Cruise lines typically have a channel on your stateroom television that offers a morning show that replays for most of the morning, featuring the cruise director highlighting some of the day’s activities or discussing logistics such as time changes and information about the day’s port.

I confess, there was nothing more relaxing for me than sipping my morning mocha and watching the morning show. 

Don’t be afraid to order another appetizer, entree or dessert in the main dining room

No-one will judge you, except perhaps your own family.

I’m not advocating wasting food; I simply am saying that it’s widely accepted in cruising to order a couple of courses in the main dining room, no questions asked. So go ahead and try the cheesecake and creme brûlée if you can’t pick just one.

Don’t be afraid to ASK

Ask for what you need, from directions to the soft serve machine to a couple extra pillows for your bed.

Need help or advice? Tap your fellow travelers. Experienced cruisers love to offer advice, even a little too much sometimes, and there will nearly always be a crew member within a few feet from you that will be willing to help.

Relax and go with the flow

Inevitably, something irritating will happen. A rude cruiser will swoop in front of you to grab a roll at the buffet or someone will cut you off to jump onto the elevator you’d patiently awaited.

A show you wanted to see might be sold out or a port might even get canceled because of weather.

Things won’t go exactly as planned. They just won’t. But the more you try to see the bright side and enjoy the positives, the better your overall experience will be.

Be prepared for people to try to sell you stuff

Onboard, you’ll be hawked drink packages, photos, canvas tote bags, art, and jewelry.

You’ll get lots of pieces of paper with your daily planner advertising jewelry sales and art auctions. Just toss ‘em if you aren’t interested.

On many beaches while in port, there are streams of vendors selling bracelets, hair braiding, and photos with iguanas. Jewelry store salespeople tend to be zealous in trying to get you to come in and be dazzled by their sparkly stuff.

In most if not all cases, a friendly but firm “no thank you” typically does the trick.

Do cruise-line sponsored excursions in ports

Rather than trying to go out on your own, it’s worth to book a Royal Caribbean shore excursion that has built-in transportation to your destination, fewer logistics to plan, and peace of mind knowing you are guaranteed to get back to the ship on time.

Note: the ship does not wait for late travelers in port. It will leave you if you miss all-aboard time.

Don’t be shy! Chat up your room steward and other crew members

Crew members come from all over the world and many have fascinating stories.

On our most recent cruise, one tween boy sat at a bar for the better part of an hour, entranced by the bartender’s tales about the ships he’d worked on and the places he’d been.

A fun activity for kids is doing a “country scavenger hunt,” where you bring a list of countries and, for the duration of the cruise, they look for crew members from around the world (crew members’ home countries will be printed on their name badges). It’s like the license plate game for the high seas! 

Also chat up fellow cruisers! Cruises come with a special camaraderie, more so in my opinion than other types of travel. Don’t be afraid to ask where someone is from or how many cruises they’ve been on, or to compliment their matching T-shirts.

You could learn some tips, make new friends, or at least mitigate the drudgery while waiting in line for something.

Participate!

Go to the game shows and activities (and show up a little early to get a good seat). If these look silly, it’s because they are silly, but they’re also fun and entertaining.

I especially like the Newlywed Game-style shows, but I caution against bringing younger kids to this (or even older ones because, let’s be real, they don’t want to sit with their parents listening to people talk about making whoopee).

Get your kids involved from day one

Encourage (bribery works) your kids to participate in activities in the kids and teens clubs and take part in the family activities such as scavenger hunts and game shows. On each of the cruises we’ve taken, my daughters met friends from various places with whom they’ve kept in touch after the trip.

Bring a lanyard

The best kind are the ones that stretch, with a plastic card holder attached. This will conveniently hold your SeaPass card, which you use to buy anything onboard (and obviously to open your stateroom door).

If you forget one, you can visit the gift shop once your ship has set sail and purchase one. 

Prepare for the pool deck reality

I imagined a cruise would be mostly spent by the pool, or in the pool, or at the pool bar. I was wrong.

The pools are very crowded and the hot tubs are often, if not always, jam packed. If the weather’s nice, deck chairs generally are nearly all occupied or saved with towels. My kids still swam and had fun doing it, and I still managed to visit the pool bar a few times, but it was anything but serene.

Related: How to beat the chair hogs on your cruise ship

Don’t obsess about “marquis” activities such as onboard sky-diving, zip-lining, or go-karts

These are what you’ll see in the cruise line commercials, but they sometimes cost an extra fee, nearly always are crowded or booked, and, almost guaranteed, won’t be your favorite memories from your cruise.

My kids were determined to do the wave simulator on our Alaska cruise, so they shivered in their swimsuits in line for a half-hour for 30-second boogie boarding experiences that ended in wipeouts.

We waited almost an hour to experience ice-skating on a cruise ship, and my children gave up after about three minutes of frustration.

We rushed the moment we stepped aboard to make reservation for go-karts, and two teens racing each other kept bumping past us first-time go-kart drivers and nearly made my daughter cry. Bumper cars and roller skating on a cruise ship sounded awesome, but we missed the sign ups. Nevertheless, on each of these cruises, we had the times of our lives.

Bring some small bills

You’ll typically tip a porter to take your luggage immediately when you get to the port, and there are always opportunities to cash tip on excursions. They will ask. I promise.

Don’t miss a sunset over the ocean

Drop everything and head to your balcony or the upper deck at least once. Bring your camera, so you can create your phone’s new wallpaper and enjoy.

Don’t over schedule your days

Don’t bring a highlighter (I mean it, don’t!) for the daily planner, and do try to become zen about skipping some things.

Sometimes it’s nice to just take a nap in your stateroom or stand at the railing to watch the sea go by.

If you are traveling with multiple families or in a big group, it can be stressful, so plan to let people do what they want when they want. You’ll see them plenty, I promise.

Embrace the experience, every part of it

One time in the Bahamas, we thought we had found a reputable jet-ski rental company, only to find ourselves unwittingly riding through questionable neighborhoods in a beat-up minivan with kid-inappropriate music blaring.

We jet-skied off of a remote, trash-strewn beach where a few men quietly sat sharpening their machetes. It was dicey, to be sure, but we ended up having an amazing time jet skiing in the perfect blue-green sea that day and forever will have that story to tell.

In Mexico, a “jeep safari” turned out to be a dusty, harried, traffic-snarled caravan along major city streets and highways, with a prison and tequila factory as highlights. Not what we expected, but the tour guide was fabulous, and we saw parts of the culture we never would have otherwise. And, yep, we’ll always have the story to tell.

I’m not endorsing this type of expedition. In fact, it’s another reason to do your research and to go on cruise line sponsored excursions, but we went with the flow and didn’t let these unexpected turns of events ruin our trips.

The bottom line is that cruises are fun-filled vacations. Expect a few hiccups and hitches, crowds and lines, but also look forward to wonderful surprises, new friends and jaw-dropping sunsets.

Embrace the unplanned and even the cheesy moments. You might even find yourself dancing or hopping on stage to participate in a trivia game. And I can almost guarantee you’ll love it!

Any cruise line marketing department would probably tell you that a cruise vacation is unlike anything else, and that statement is true of many aspects of the vacation, including some onboard experiences.

In fact, I think taking a cruise vacation drew me back time and time again because it's different from land vacations. I enjoy taking a cruise more because it differs so much.

When it comes time to take a cruise with someone who has never cruised before, I then realize there are a few things I do on a cruise that seem perfectly normal there, but would be out of place on a land trip.

These are activities or choices we make as cruise ship passengers that I would not think twice about on a cruise ship, but would scoff at if available on a land trip.

Eat with strangers

If you eat in the Main Dining Room on a cruise ship, there's a chance you'll be seated with other cruise ship passengers that you've never met before.

It's not a guarantee, but it does still happen that you could be seated with other guests and that has been a norm of cruising as far back as I can recall.

If I was lead to my dining room table to eat with strangers on a cruise ship, I wouldn't think twice of it.  But if the same thing happened at a land restaurant, I probably would leave the restaurant.

Outside of teppanyaki or biergarten restaurants on land where sharing a table is common, it's pretty rare on land for that to occur. But on a cruise ship, it's just another day.

Decorate my hotel room door

Something else I've only ever seen happen on cruise ships is to decorate your cabin door.

A cruise vacation is big deal because it's a trip that will take you to various ports of call, and it's a big trip for many people.  To celebrate this, it's become a tradition among many cruisers to decorate their cabin doors.

Guests will bring printed materials, whiteboards, signs, and anything else they can attach to their cabin door via magnets to let anyone walking by their room they are truly excited for this trip.

Some cabin decorations are just a few items to celebrate being on vacation, while other guests will wrap their entire door and cover it with all sorts of knick-knacks.

I really cannot recall ever seeing anyone decorating their Holiday Inn Express hotel room door.  Nor would I ever consider that to be something to do in a hotel.

Participate in pool events

Cruise ships are filled with activities. Every day you'll find a list of things to do in the Royal Caribbean app, including a lot of pool deck activities.

Hotel pools are usually relaxing spaces to enjoy time in and around the water. Cruise ship pools offer that too, but they also mix in bellyflop, best looking men, volleyball, and aerobics competitions.

To be fair, I've seen land resorts offer pool events from time to time, but participation is usually low and it always seems like an afterthought in terms of execution.

On a cruise ship, these pool-based events are major draws and lots of people want to participate. 

I'm always amazed the huge crowds a bellyflop competition will draw, along with how many people actively want to try to win.

Book a suite

I know you're thinking, "plenty of people book suites at a land hotel", and you're right, but I think there's a lot more good reason to book a cruise ship suite over any land suite.

On land, a suite is going to be simply a larger room. Maybe it has more living space, extra bedrooms, or even access to a concierge lounge.  

Cruise ship suites are also larger than other cruise cabin categories, but they include a heck of a lot more amenities than a hotel suite.

A suite on a cruise ship could include access to a special restaurant, lounge access, priority seating, and special boarding privileges.

To be fair, there's a lot more blurred lines between what you get with a suite on land or sea, but on land, I've always seen a hotel suite as simply something to book because you can afford it. On a cruise, a suite comes with a lot more benefits that enhance the vacation experience. 

Book a trip more than a year in advance

One of the most difficult concepts new cruisers have to grasp is booking cruises years in advance.

If you want to get the best possible price, secure a rare cruise ship cabin, or lock in a spot on a new ship, you're going to have to book many months in advance.  Booking more than a year before the cruise sets sail is commonplace, but booking a land trip that far out is very rare.

You can't even book airfare more than a year in advance, but I can book a cruise for up to two years from now.

The best prices for a Royal Caribbean cruise tend to be found right after Royal Caribbean releases new itineraries, which are usually for cruises departing two years from the release date.

Booking a cruise early brings far more stateroom options than booking a cruise close to the sail date. The further in advance you book, the more flexibility you have to book the exact stateroom you want.

That isn't to say no one books a cruise at the last-minute, but it's far more commonplace to book a cruise more than a year out compared to land vacations.

Read more: Pros and Cons of booking a cruise early vs last-minute

Kayla took her first cruise last year and was instantly hooked, but admittedly some aspects of the cruise were different from what she expected.

In fact, she says the experience on a four-night Oasis of the Seas from Miami was even better than she had imagined.

She shared her thoughts on her first cruise and what stood out from her foray into cruising.

Getting onboard

Before embarking on my cruise adventure, I had envisioned a luxurious, stress-free vacation where I could sit back and relax while exploring new destinations. My expectations were high, but I was determined to have a good time.

As I stepped on board the ship, I was immediately struck by its grandeur and elegance. From the spacious cabins to the lavish dining rooms, everything exceeded my expectations.

Will I be bored?

One of my main concerns was that I would feel confined on the ship and we would run out of things to do on sea days. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the abundance of activities available.

Read more: Top untrue myths about a Royal Caribbean cruise

The ship had multiple pools, hot tubs, and water slides, as well as a casino, a theatre, and a variety of restaurants and bars. In the evenings, there were a variety of shows and performances to enjoy, including Broadway-style productions like Cats as well as comedy shows and live music performances.

There was truly something for everyone on board, we actually didn’t have time to experience all the activities this ship had to offer!

Fussy and formal?

Another expectation I had was that the crew would be formal and distant.

I assumed they would be focused on maintaining the ship and catering to the guests' needs, but not much else.

However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the crew was warm, friendly, and always willing to help. They went out of their way to make sure that every guest had a positive experience, and their enthusiasm was infectious.

Another thing that stood out to me about the onboard experience was the level of service and attention to detail provided by the staff.

Read more: 25 times Royal Caribbean crew members wowed cruise ship passengers with excellent service

From the waitstaff in the restaurants to the housekeeping staff who kept our stateroom tidy, everyone was friendly and accommodating. I felt truly cared for and valued as a guest on board the ship.

Would the food live up to the hype?

One of the things I was most excited about was the food.

I had heard great things about the dining options on board the Oasis of the Seas and was looking forward to trying out the various restaurants.

I was not disappointed.

The food on the ship was exceptional, and I was impressed by the variety of options available. From the casual dining at the Windjammer Cafe to the more formal dining at the main dining room and specialty restaurants, every meal was delicious and expertly prepared.

Would the cabin be too small?

One thing that I was concerned about before the cruise was the size of the cabin.

Read more: The 5 best cabin locations on a cruise ship

I booked an oceanview room and opted for Royal Caribbean to choose my stateroom location to save on some costs. I had heard that cabins on cruise ships were often small and cramped, but I was pleasantly surprised by the size and comfort of our cabin!

Read more: Your really dumb cruise ship cabin questions answered

We lucked out with a room that was larger because of its location being a partial view of the helipad on the ship and nice floor to ceiling sized window.

Labadee

Labadee, Haiti was a highlight of our cruise on the Oasis of the Seas. The island is located on Haiti's northern coast and is leased by Royal Caribbean, which has developed it into a private resort for their cruise ship guests.

The island offers a variety of activities and experiences, and we were excited to explore everything it had to offer. One of the things that we were particularly looking forward to was the beach.

The island has several beaches to choose from, each offering a unique and beautiful setting for relaxing and soaking up the sun. We decided to start our day on the island with a visit to the Dragon's Tail Coaster, which is a thrilling rollercoaster that winds its way through the jungle and offers breathtaking views of the island and the ocean.

The coaster was a lot of fun, and it was a great way to start our day of exploring. After the coaster, we made our way to the beach.

The beach was stunning, with clear water and soft, white sand. We spent the morning relaxing on the beach, swimming in the ocean, and enjoying the beautiful scenery.

As the afternoon approached, we decided to explore some parts of the jungle. They had multiple walking paths and beautiful trees. We felt refreshed being able to explore the island at our own pace and truly take in the scenery.

The passengers where very friendly and a couple offered to take a photo of us with the ship in the background. Because of the awesome passengers alone we were able to get fantastic photos without paying for the additional photo package options. Overall, our day on Labadie was a wonderful and memorable experience.

The island offered a variety of activities and experiences, and we enjoyed exploring everything it had to offer.

From the beautiful beaches to the exciting coaster and historic sites, there was something for everyone on the island. If you're looking for a tropical paradise to explore and relax, Labadee is definitely worth a visit.

Trying a drink package

One of the perks of cruising with Royal Caribbean is their unlimited drink package, which we took full advantage of during our trip.

The Royal Caribbean drink package allows you to enjoy unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages throughout your entire cruise, including beer, wine, cocktails, and soft drinks.

At first, we were a bit hesitant about getting the drink package, as we weren't sure if we would drink enough to make it worth the cost.

Read more: Is the drink package worth it on Royal Caribbean?

However, after doing some research and considering the prices of drinks on board, we decided to go for it. And we're so glad we did!

The drink package made it so easy to enjoy our vacation without worrying about the cost of drinks. We could order whatever we wanted, whenever we wanted, without any additional charge.

We tried a variety of different cocktails and beers throughout the trip, and it was nice to have the freedom to experiment and try new things without worrying about the cost.

Our favorite was the Labadoozie on Labadee!

One of the great things about the drink package is that it includes non-alcoholic beverages as well, which was perfect for when we wanted to take a break from drinking or when we needed a refreshing drink to cool down. We enjoyed everything from soda and juice to smoothies and mocktails, and it was nice to have those options available to us.

Another benefit of the drink package was that it allowed us to enjoy drinks in a variety of different settings throughout the ship. We could grab a cocktail by the pool, enjoy a glass of wine with dinner, or try a new beer at one of the ship's bars. It was nice to have that flexibility and to be able to enjoy drinks in different environments.

Overall, the unlimited drink package was a great addition to our cruise experience. It made it easy and stress-free to enjoy drinks throughout the trip, and we were able to try a variety of different cocktails and beers without worrying about the cost. If you're planning a cruise with Royal Caribbean, we highly recommend considering the drink package - it's definitely worth it!

Bottom line

Our first cruise experience on the Oasis of the Seas was nothing short of amazing.

From the moment we boarded the ship, we were impressed by the level of luxury and attention to detail. The ship was stunning, with beautiful decor and a wide range of amenities and activities to keep us entertained throughout the trip.

We were particularly impressed by the quality of the food and drinks on board. The variety of dining options was impressive, and we enjoyed everything from fine dining to casual cafes and snack bars.

The unlimited drink package was also a great addition to the trip, allowing us to enjoy a variety of different cocktails and beers throughout the ship without worrying about the cost.

The highlight of our trip was definitely the day we spent on Labadie, Haiti. The island was stunning, with beautiful beaches, exciting activities, and a rich history and culture to explore. It was a great opportunity to unwind and relax while also experiencing something new and exciting.

Throughout our trip, the staff on board the ship were friendly and attentive, and we felt well taken care of throughout the entire journey. From the housekeeping staff to the waitstaff in the restaurants and bars, everyone we encountered was welcoming and went above and beyond to ensure we had a great experience.

Overall, our first cruise experience on the Oasis of the Seas exceeded our expectations in every way. It was a wonderful opportunity to disconnect from our daily lives and enjoy a luxurious and memorable vacation. We highly recommend Royal Caribbean and the Oasis of the Seas to anyone looking for a fantastic cruise experience.

If you are planning your first cruise, you are probably wondering what the best itinerary length is. 

Most cruises fall somewhere between 3- and 7-nights; however, it is not uncommon to find some that are longer! In fact, Royal Caribbean offers cruises that are 12+ nights long. 

These are often more destination-focused or are repositioning from one departure port to another (i.e., transatlantic cruises).

While shorter cruises do have their advantages, with the most obvious being that the overall cost will be less, the sweet spot for most first-time cruisers tends to be one week. 

This gives you enough time to explore what the ship has to offer without feeling rushed, as well as visit more ports of call. 

No matter how long your first cruise ends up being, you are sure to get off wishing it was longer! 

Related: Best first-time cruises on Royal Caribbean

For those looking for a quick getaway, book a 3- or 4-night cruise

Due to the Passenger Vessel Services Act, which is also known as the Jones Act,, all foreign-flagged ships departing from the United States must include a stop in a foreign country. 

For that reason, the itineraries of 3- and 4-night cruises are often pretty limited. If you are wanting to visit more unique destinations, like the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, or Alaska, you will need to look into a longer cruise. 

Because of their short length, 3- and 4-night cruises tend to be port intensive, meaning they are great options for those who do not  necessarily want to spend a lot of time onboard. You can spend your days exploring new ports and the evenings taking in what the ship has to offer. 

One of the biggest benefits to booking a shorter cruise is that optional packages (i.e., drink and dining packages) are cheaper than on longer sailings because you are paying for fewer days. Paying $70 per night for a Deluxe Beverage Package for 3- or 4-nights seems more reasonable than 7-nights!

Both cruises, however, tend to have more of a party atmosphere, which families might not enjoy. 

Related: Guide to weekend cruises: Tips for taking a 3-night Royal Caribbean cruise

What are the differences between 3- and 4-night cruises?

3-night cruises tend to depart on Friday and return on Monday, making them ideal for those with limited time off since two of your vacation days take place over the weekend! 

On the other hand, 4-night cruises usually take place during the week, or Monday through Friday, so you will most likely have to take an entire week of vacation. 

Additionally, 4-night cruises often include a sea day, which would allow you to experience onboard amenities during the day. It is unlikely that you will want to stay on the ship and relax by the pool if you could spend it on the beach in the Bahamas or Mexico instead!

5- or 6-nights cruises are a good in between

Compared to 3- and 4-night cruises, those that are 5- or 6-nights give you more options when it comes to choosing an appealing itinerary. While you may occasionally find a 4-night cruise that visits a Caribbean port, it is likely only going to be one followed by two days at sea. 

A 4-night cruise from Miami, for instance, might only visit Puerto Plata, Dominican Republican or Cozumel, Mexico before returning back to Florida. A similar itinerary on a 5- or 6-night cruise will visit at least two ports of call (think Cozumel and Perfect Day at CocoCay or Grand Cayman), giving you more time to explore new places!

While these will seldom be on the newest ships in the fleet, that does not mean you will be lacking onboard excitement. In 2024, for instance, Voyager of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, and Explorer of the Seas are all scheduled to sail 5-night cruises. 

Each ship has a FlowRider surf simulator, waterslides, an ice skating rink, and more. It is enough to see and do in 5-nights without feeling like you missed out on anything! 

Another advantage to longer cruises (those that are 5-nights and longer) is that you have more flexibility with departure ports. You will rarely find a 4-night cruise the departs from Baltimore, Maryland; however, this is where Vision of the Seas will depart from when making roundtrip 5-night cruises to Bermuda in 2023 and 2024. 

7- to 9-nights will give you more time to get your sea legs

You can visit more exciting ports on a longer cruise. Plus, you will be able to experience more of what the ship has to offer. It would be hard to check absolutely everything off of your "must-do" list in only 3-nights, especially if you are taking a short cruise on Allure of the Seas. 

With cruises that are 6- to 9-nights, you are more likely to be able to unpack and settle into your cabin, too. On my first 3-night cruise, I did not even bother to unpack my suitcase! I knew that in a few nights, I would just have to spend time repacking it when I could be doing other things on the ship. 

Moreover, you have more time to get the lay of the land. By the end of the trip, you might feel like a navigational pro! You will not need to look at the deck plan to get from point A to point B like during the first few days. 

If you are hoping to sail on some of Royal Caribbean's newest and most innovative ships, you will have to be prepared to take a 7-night cruise. Wonder of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship, is currently scheduled to sail roundtrip from Port Canaveral, Florida through at least April 2025. 

Sometimes, you can find shorter cruises on these ships; however, you will have more options when it comes to dates if you are content with a weeklong cruise. Plus, due to the size of these ships, you really do need a full week onboard! 

As mentioned earlier, you will need at least 7-nights to visit more interesting destinations. It is rare, for instance, to find a 5-night Alaska cruise. If you are going to make that kind of trip, you should be committed to seeing as much as possible, anyway! 

10+ nights if you are really focused on the itinerary 

If you are looking at your first cruise to be longer than 10-nights, it is probably because it is destination-focused and visiting ports of call that are less common, especially on today's mega ships. 

You are likely to embrace the sea days and rest up after spending long days exploring. Unlike a 7-night cruise, you may not want to attend dance parties or other high energy evening entertainment. 

Oftentimes, the crowd on these sailings tends to skew older than weeklong ones and can often foster a greater sense of community since you will have longer to get to know your shipmates. 

Plus, if it is an exotic itinerary, a longer cruise might be able to help you justify the cost of travel to get to the embarkation port. In the end, the longer cruise normally provides a better value per day compared to shorter cruises.

If you are worried about motion sickness, just come prepared!

Do not let your fear of getting seasick prevent you from going on the cruise that you want to go on! There are plenty of remedies that will help lessen the severity of this issue, if it arises. 

For over-the-counter medication, there's Bonine and Dramamine.

Today, both brands offer medication whose formula includes meclizine hydrochloride, a synthetic antihistamine that was developed in the early 1950s and is meant to cause less drowsiness than dimenhydrinate. Plus, they also have medications that are more natural whose base is ginger, whether it be ginger root or extract. 

You can also purchase motion sickness patches or bands! 

It is best to do research prior to purchasing any to see what will work best for you. Alternatively, you can speak to your physician to see what they recommend. 

If you wait until you are on the ship, you may find your options to be limited; however, they will have some medication available if you do desperately need it. 

Note that Royal Caribbean Blog makes no warranties with regard to the safety or effectiveness of any anti-nausea medication or natural remedy. You should consult with a physician to get professional medical advice prior to taking any medication, especially if you have existing medical conditions, you're pregnant, or you're already taking other medications. 

Read more: What other cruisers wish they knew before going on their first cruise

A cruise vacation may involve cocktails on the pool deck, white sand beaches, and impressive entertainment, but it’s not all sunshine and rainbows.

While cruising is an excellent way to vacation, it can come with a number of unexpected problems. If you’re new to cruising, you may daydream about a perfect, stress-free vacation, but there are a few painful, unexpected, and downright gross problems you might encounter.

From diarrhea to sunburn and copious amounts of sweating, here are the top 22 unpleasant cruise ship problems you aren’t prepared for.

Heartburn and acid reflux

Whenever I’m on a Royal Caribbean cruise, I find myself dealing with heartburn more often than usual. While you can certainly find healthy foods onboard, most passengers indulge on more fatty and fried foods than they normally would.

This can quickly lead to uncomfortable heartburn that leaves you feeling miserable.

To counteract this problem, I recommend packing TUMS or other antacid products. You could also lay off the 2AM slices of pizza at Sorrento’s and third helping of fried shrimp at dinner, although this will take significantly more willpower!

Diarrhea

Another unfortunate problem many cruisers face while onboard is diarrhea. The sudden change of diet combined with new types of food and long hours traveling can wreak havoc on your digestive system.

This problem can get even worse if you eat questionable street food or drink contaminated water in a foreign country.

My best tip is to pack anti-diarrheal medication for cruise, as you never know when or if you will experience diarrhea. If your stomach is making… suspicious noises when getting ready for a port day, bring a roll of toilet paper in your bag just in case!

Constipation

On the other end of the spectrum is constipation, which is another problem many cruisers face while onboard. Again, the sudden change in lifestyle in diet on a cruise can confuse your digestive system, leaving you feeling miserable and constipated.

It’s advised to eat fiber-rich foods while on a cruise to prevent constipation, including whole grains, beans, and fruits. And, before loading your plate with quesadillas and steak, add a few vegetables, too, and be sure to stay hydrated.

Sunburn

By day two of a cruise, it’s almost guaranteed to see a large number of bright red, sunburned passengers on your ship. No one wants to get sunburned on a cruise, and while some passengers are more prone to sunburns than others, it’s extremely important to prevent burning as much as possible.

Depending on your cruise destination, the sun could be a lot stronger than what you’re used to at home, especially if you’re traveling from a cold climate to a tropical climate. Always remember to apply (and reapply) sunscreen generously both onboard and in port to prevent sunburn.

Related: 10 worst cruise fails by our readers

Personally, I’ve had terrible experiences with spray sunscreen which have resulted in extremely painful sunburns. Because of this, I always advise packing sunscreen lotion over the spray variety.

It’s also recommended to pack aloe vera for a cruise. Sunscreen or not, sunburns can still happen, and aloe vera is much more affordable at your local drugstore compared to the price on your cruise ship.

Sweating

There’s nothing pleasant about sweating, but unfortunately, it’s a common occurrence on a cruise vacation. While you might not sweat much while cruising to the Arctic or Alaska, it’s likely you’ll be very sweaty on a warm weather cruise.

Whether cruising to the Caribbean, Europe, South Pacific, or Southeast Asia, you can encounter uncomfortably warm temperatures onboard and in port. If you’re not used to these temperatures, your body will overcompensate for the temperature, leading to intense sweating.

While it’s a bit embarrassing to walk around with sweat stains on your armpits and back, it’s an unfortunate reality of being on a cruise!

Bloating

Food is an enjoyable and important aspect of any cruise vacation, from sushi rolls at Izumi to molten chocolate cake in the Main Dining Room. Sadly, indulging in delicious cuisine while onboard can lead to bloating, a problem no passenger wants to deal with.

Combat bloating by eating more slowly, chewing food properly before swallowing, and increasing physical activity while onboard. It’s also a good idea to drink water and avoid foods that typically cause you to bloat, such as dairy products or bread.

Not only is bloating uncomfortable, but it can destroy your plans of wearing that cute, tight dress on formal night!

Blisters

Most passengers find themselves walking more on a cruise compared to their day to day life at home. Cruise ships are big, and walking up, down, and around the ship results in thousands of steps!

Not only that, but many ports and shore excursions require more walking than you’re used to. If you’re cruising to Europe, for example, you may walk several miles each day, whether sightseeing in Rome or strolling through Santorini.

Although walking is, of course, beneficial for your health, it can result in painful blisters, particularly when wearing new shoes.

Due to this, we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes that you have worn many times before. Even though wearing a brand new pair of shoes may sound like a nice idea, breaking in the shoes can lead to uncomfortable blisters.

Chafing

You may also experience chafing with the increased amount of walking on a cruise.

Chafing is an irritation of your skin that occurs when skin rubs against skin or clothing. This most commonly happens when walking in shorts, skirts, or dresses, as your thighs might continuously rub against each other.

Many cruisers enjoy traveling with anti-chafing shorts, which are breathable, lightweight slip shorts to wear under clothing. You can also apply a skin lubricant to your thighs in order to decrease friction when walking.

Limited time in port

If you’ve never cruised before, it can be an adjustment to plan your day based on your cruise ship’s schedule. Whereas on a land based vacation you are in control of your schedule, on a cruise you must adhere to the hours your ship is in each port.

Most cruise ships stay in port between 8-10 hours, which gives ample time to experience a destination’s highlights. Nonetheless, it does not provide as much time as you would have when traveling independently, and often results in checking the time over and over again to ensure you make it back to the ship before it departs.

Nevertheless, a major advantage of a cruise is being able to experience multiple diverse places in one vacation. For many cruisers, this is a good enough trade off for the limited time in each port.

Busy ports

While your cruise ship’s brochure may showcase images of empty beaches and quiet ports, the reality is that the ports you visit on a cruise can be extremely busy. Some cruise ports, such as Nassau and Cozumel, can easily have over four or five ships in port on any given day.

Given that each ship houses several thousand passengers, there could be upwards of 20,000 passengers in port during the day! This leads to crowds when exiting the ship and walking on the pier, as well as crowds in restaurants, shopping districts, and beaches nearest to the port.

Related: 7 ways to have a great time in port without a cruise ship shore excursion

The good news, however, is that you can almost always find hidden gems in any cruise port. Generally, the majority of cruise passengers stay within a close distance to the port or take part in organized shore excursions.

Doing research ahead of time on less crowded areas in your ports of call can lead to unspoilt beaches and authentic restaurants that won’t have you competing with heaps of other passengers for space.

Chair hogs

If there’s one complaint we hear time and time again about going on a cruise, it’s chair hogs.

Chair hogs are passengers who reserve a pool chair early in the morning by placing a towel, shoe, or other item on the chair. Instead of staying by the pool, though, they do not return for a long period of time. This results in the chair being unavailable to other passengers who want to enjoy the pool deck.

Related: How to beat the chair hogs on your cruise ship

Although cruise lines are starting to reinforce their policies against chair hogs, it’s still a common issue to encounter while onboard, especially on sea days.

Hangovers

While another round of shots may sound like a good idea at 1AM, you might find yourself regretting the decision the following morning.

It’s common to enjoy alcoholic beverages on a Royal Caribbean cruise. With so many unique bars and cocktails to choose from, most passengers drink significantly more alcohol on a cruise compared to at home.

Unfortunately, the increase in alcohol consumption also leads to a higher chance of hangovers. A bad hangover can ruin any plans for the day, whether you intended to go snorkeling, hiking, or sunbathing.

Although you’re free to enjoy drinks throughout your cruise vacation, remember to pace yourself (and drink water!) to avoid feeling terrible later on. 

Norovirus

Just like in any other public space, there’s always a possibility of norovirus spreading on a cruise ship. This contagious virus leads to vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain, and can quickly ruin any cruise vacation.

Norovirus is found in the stool or vomit of those infected with the virus. When infected people do not adequately wash their hands after coming in contact with the virus, it can rapidly spread through contaminated food, liquids, and objects.

I always recommend carrying around a small bottle of hand sanitizer onboard to use after touching heavily used items, such as the tongs at the buffet or staircase railings.

Luckily, norovirus is far less common on cruise ships than you might think. In most cases, you have nothing to worry about, although taking precautions by frequently washing your hands is helpful.

Other germs

Outside of norovirus, cruise ships can harbor a plethora of other germs. With thousands of passengers on a cruise ship at the same time, illnesses like the flu and common cold can spread from one passenger to another.

Just like with norovirus, taking precautions to wash your hands frequently can help prevent coming into contact with illnesses. Additionally, coughing and sneezing into your elbow instead of your hand prevents spreading germs to other passengers.

We never advise boarding a cruise ship if you’re feeling ill, and it’s always a good idea to purchase travel insurance for a cruise so you’re protected in the case of unexpected illness.

Crowded pools

Speaking of chair hogs, a crowded pool deck is another unpleasant cruise ship problem you aren’t prepared for.

On any given day, your cruise ship pool deck could be packed with other passengers, although this is most common on sea days. Around 10 or 11AM, passengers finish breakfast and start heading to the pool deck. By noon, it’s common to find the pool deck exceptionally crowded.

If your idea of a relaxing day by the pool involves a quiet, serene experience, you’ll likely be disappointed. Even though all Royal Caribbean cruise ships have multiple pools and hot tubs, you’re unlikely to find any of them empty in the middle of the day.

My best advice for those in search of fewer crowds is to head to the pool deck in the early morning or late evening each day. At these times, there are very few other passengers enjoying these amenities.

Cheap Toilet Paper

If you’re used to soft toilet paper at home, you’re in for a rude awakening on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

The toilet paper on a cruise ship is far from luxurious—the paper is so thin that you can almost see through it! To help avoid disasters in the cruise ship plumbing system, cruise lines stock bathrooms with thin, easily flushable toilet paper.

Those accustomed to thicker toilet paper may experience an unpleasant experience in their cruise cabin’s bathroom, especially if experiencing other problems like diarrhea or norovirus! Yikes!

Lines

Waiting in line is an unpleasant experience on a cruise, but it’s something you will encounter every day while onboard.

Lines are common at popular dining venues, such as El Loco Fresh, and for activities like the FlowRider, laser tag, and waterslides. Lines typically move relatively quickly, but it's always annoying to wait in long lines on your vacation!

Our best advice to minimize time waiting in lines is to visit venues when they are less busy. If you’re hoping to climb the rock climbing wall, head there at the beginning of the morning session or for the afternoon session on a port day.

Likewise, if you don’t want to wait in line for dinner in the Main Dining Room, be sure to make My Time Dining reservations in advance or select traditional dining.

Related: 21 tips for the best cruise ship Main Dining Room experience

Any time wasted in line is, after all, precious vacation time wasted!

Seasickness

Feeling seasick on a cruise is not as common as you might think, but it still happens.

As your cruise ship moves from port to port, it can occasionally experience rough seas. While some bodies of water and climates are more prone to high seas than others, you might experience seasickness on any cruise vacation.

Related: How to avoid getting seasick on a cruise

Fortunately, it’s easy to combat feelings of seasickness on a cruise. Packing motion sickness medication like Dramamine offers an easy fix, although you can also rely on natural remedies like eating green apples and ginger.

In addition, you may want to select a cruise cabin less prone to motion. Cabins located mid-ship and those on lower decks usually feel less motion than those in the very forward or aft of the ship.

Expensive prices on essentials

Forgot your sunscreen or phone charger at home? These items are sold on your cruise ship, but they aren’t budget friendly.

Royal Caribbean cruise ships sell toiletries and electronic items onboard, but the prices are much higher than what you’ll find in a store on land. A single toothbrush that costs $1 at home can cost over $5 onboard, as an example, and there will be far fewer options available.

In addition to the higher prices are the limited operating hours for stores onboard. Due to regulations, cruise ship stores can only open when the ship is in international waters. Stores selling necessities are closed on embarkation day and port days.

If you find yourself in need of an item like Ibuprofen or aloe vera while your ship is docked, you’re out of luck.

Itinerary changes

Everyone wishes for a perfect vacation, but traveling is unpredictable.

Royal Caribbean has the power to change your cruise itinerary (and ship) at any moment. If you booked a cruise to the Eastern Caribbean, an approaching hurricane can cause the itinerary to shift to a Western Caribbean cruise.

Weather conditions can also affect whether or not your cruise ship can dock in a particular port. If winds are too strong, the weather could prevent your ship from docking in port, resulting in an extra day at sea.

It’s always important to stay flexible on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Ultimately, Royal Caribbean cannot control the weather, and it’s better to remain flexible rather than declare your vacation ruined!

Missing the ship

One of the absolute worst problems that happens on a cruise is missing your cruise ship while in port!

No matter the cruise, you might see passengers sprinting on the pier to reach their cruise ship before it sails away. Occasionally, passengers will not make it back in time, leaving them stranded in port while all their belongings remain on the ship!

Related: What happens if you miss your cruise ship?

Being responsible ensures you will make it back to the ship with plenty of time to spare. You should always take note of any time zone changes and avoid traveling too far from the cruise port. We recommend getting back onboard around an hour before all aboard time just in case of any unexpected delays when traveling back to your ship.

Weight Gain

Unlimited soft serve ice cream? Five appetizers at dinner? Thirteen piña coladas on the pool deck? Yes, please!

There’s no harm in indulging on a cruise, but you should prepare yourself for the potential weight gain. Many cruisers gain a couple pounds on a cruise, although there are a few ways to combat this unpleasant problem.

First, take the stairs instead of the elevator. Taking the stairs not only helps you burn extra calories, but you won’t have to waste time waiting for the elevator to arrive.

You may also want to make healthy choices for at least one meal a day. Instead of a greasy cheeseburger for lunch, why not hit up the soup and salad bar? Or, if another three course meal in the dining room seems overwhelming, opt for a smaller meal at the Windjammer instead.

Related: How I kept from gaining weight on my cruise

Lastly, look for active activities and shore excursions. Instead of trivia, participate in a sports competition on the sports court, try out the surfing simulator, or make a few laps on the running track.

Staying active and making healthy choices not only prevents you from gaining extra weight, but it also helps avoid several of the other unpleasant problems on this list, such as constipation and diarrhea.

First time cruisers make the same mistakes over and over again, and we’re here to help you avoid them.

It’s understandable to make mistakes when planning a Royal Caribbean cruise. Although planning a cruise may seem simple at first glance, there’s more planning involved than you might initially think. From booking the right ship to packing and planning shore excursions, there’s a lot to remember when preparing for a cruise vacation.

No one is a professional cruiser off the bat, but over time the cruise process becomes second nature. The Royal Caribbean Blog staff has collectively taken hundreds of cruises, and we’re sharing our best tips for booking, planning, and enjoying a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Here are 75 of our best cruise tips to make you the world’s most savvy cruiser.

Booking a Cruise Tips

1. Book with a travel agent

Yes, travel agents still exist, and they are an invaluable resource when planning a cruise vacation.

We always recommend booking a cruise with a travel agent. Not only will they save you time, but they could potentially save you money as well! Travel agents are available to answer any questions you may have before, during, and after your cruise, and a good travel agent will cost you nothing extra.

Related: Top 5 things to look for in a good travel agent for your cruise vacation

2. Purchase travel insurance before your cruise

It’s always better to have travel insurance when you need it rather than not have travel insurance when you want it.

Before a Royal Caribbean cruise, make sure to purchase travel insurance. Travel insurance can protect your trip in case of any unexpected delays as well as provide coverage in medical emergencies.

Related: Should you buy annual travel insurance plans?

If you cruise or travel frequently, you may want to consider purchasing an annual plan. The price of an annual plan can pay off after just a few trips, making it a great investment for frequent travelers.

3. Expand your itinerary choices

It’s easy to fall into the routine of sailing to the same cruise ports over and over. If you're a frequent cruiser that lives in Florida, you’ve probably cruised to Nassau, Cozumel, and St. Thomas more times than you can count.

Instead of traveling to the same ports time and time again, consider branching out in your cruise itineraries. Instead of a Caribbean cruise, look for itineraries to Alaska or Europe. If you live on the west coast, try a cruise from Los Angeles instead of flying to Florida.

You may just find a new favorite cruise port by trying new, exciting itineraries.

4. Sailing on an older ship is almost always cheaper

Most of the best deals you can find on a cruise are on older ships. The latest and greatest Royal Caribbean ships are usually priced several hundred dollars more per person, per cabin.

If you’re looking to snag a great cruise deal, consider sailing on a Vision, Radiance, or Voyager Class cruise ship. Before booking an older cruise ship, though, remember to research the ship’s amenities, cabins, and activities.

Related: Pros and cons of sailing on an older Royal Caribbean cruise ship

Booking a 20+ year old cruise ship to save money could lead to disappointment later on if you expect activities like waterslides, Broadway shows, and zip lines onboard.

5. Book your cruise far in advance…

The cheapest cruise fares are usually found on recently released itineraries. Royal Caribbean releases new itineraries around two seasons before the sail date, and this is when you can find some of the best deals.

If you can plan cruises far in advance, you have the potential to save hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars.

6. Or, look for last-minute cruise deals

Although you’ll usually find the best cruise deals when booking far in advance, you can occasionally come across fantastic last-minute deals that can save you money.

Most last-minute cruise deals pop up after a sailing’s final payment date—75 or 90 days before the cruise begins. If the sailing has a significant amount of cabins yet to be booked, the cruise line will lower prices to attract higher demand.

Flexibility is key when searching for last-minute cruise deals, though, as you can never predict the ship, itinerary, and embarkation port of the cheapest last-minute deal.

Related: Ultimate Guide to last-minute cruise deals

7. Cruise during the off-season to save money

Cruises in the peak season—which varies by destination—will be more expensive than those during the off-season. If your schedule is flexible, booking during the off-season or shoulder season can save you money.

Peak season in Alaska, for example, runs from mid-June to mid-August, and this is when cruise fares are highest. During shoulder season in May and September, however, you can see sailings priced hundreds of dollars cheaper per person.

That being said, a destination’s off-season is typically the off-season for a reason, whether it's during the middle of hurricane season or during a month prone to colder temperatures.

8. Book a guarantee stateroom

If you want to save money while booking your cruise, choose a guarantee cabin. Booking a guarantee cabin is when you don’t select the exact location of your stateroom. Instead, Royal Caribbean assigns you a stateroom location based on availability closer to sailing.

Related: I saved $100 by letting Royal Caribbean choose my cruise ship cabin location, and I would let them do it again

If you’re flexible with cabin location, booking a guarantee stateroom can save hundreds of dollars.

9. Reprice your cruise before final payment date

Residents of most countries, including the United States, can reprice a Royal Caribbean cruise until final payment date. This means that if you booked a cruise a year in advance and see that the price has dropped a few months before your cruise, you can pay the new, lower price.

Repricing your cruise has the potential to save you hundreds (or perhaps even thousands) of dollars. You can look for price drops by searching Royal Caribbean’s website or by asking your travel agent to periodically check for lower prices.

10. Prepay gratuities before you set sail

Gratuities are service charges that are split amongst crew members on a Royal Caribbean cruise. At the time of writing, gratuities cost $16 per person, per day for guests in standard cabins and $18.50 per person, per day for those in Grand Suites and above.

You can choose to prepay gratuities when you book your cruise or you can wait until you’re onboard. If you wait until you’re onboard to pay gratuities, you will see a daily charge posted to your SeaPass account.

Related: Tipping on a cruise ship: what you should and shouldn’t do

In most cases, we recommend paying gratuities in advance, as it’s better to have the bulk of your vacation paid for before you board the cruise. Those with a significant amount of onboard credit, though, may prefer to wait until they get onboard to pay gratuities as the amount will subtract from their onboard credit amount.

Cruise Planning Tips

11. Book cruise add-ons ahead of time

Planning to book extras like shore excursions, dining packages, and spa treatments? Be sure to book cruise add-ons ahead of time to save money.

Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner website is where you can book pre-cruise add-ons from the time you book up to 48 hours before your cruise begins. You’ll always find a cheaper price by booking in advance compared to booking on the ship.

Related: The Ultimate Guide to the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner website

12. Book your flights wisely

Flying to your cruise port? Follow these tips to avoid any mishaps during your travel day:

• Fly the day before your cruise to allow extra wiggle room for flight delays and cancellations 
• Book direct flights whenever possible
• If you can’t find a direct flight, don’t book an extremely short layover. You don’t want to risk missing your connection due to your first flight being delayed!
• Book your return flight no earlier than 12PM on disembarkation day to allow enough time to get to the airport after your cruise ends

13. Watch a ship tour of your cruise ship

Regardless of which ship you’re sailing on, you can find detailed walkthrough tours of the vessel on YouTube. Watching a full ship tour of your cruise ship is the best way to understand what’s offered onboard, from dining to entertainment and cabins.

You can find a list of Royal Caribbean ship tours here.

14. Book entertainment before your cruise

Select Royal Caribbean ships allow you to book certain entertainment productions in advance. To check if you can pre-book entertainment, visit the Cruise Planner website and click on the Entertainment Tab.

Any shows available to book in advance will populate on this page. If you don’t see any shows available, check closer to your sail date. Like all production shows, making reservations online is complimentary.

Cruise Packing Tips

15. Never wear brand new shoes

A pre-cruise shopping trip can be fun, but don’t go overboard with buying new shoes before a cruise. While that new pair of heels may go perfectly with your new dress, your feet may not agree.

We advise against wearing brand new shoes on a cruise, as this may result in painful blisters during your vacation. Instead, make sure to break in any new shoes before the start of your vacation to ensure you won’t face any issues while onboard.

16. Bring tennis shoes

While you might imagine yourself spending the entire cruise in flip flops, don’t forget to bring a pair of tennis shoes onboard. Not only are tennis shoes comfortable to wear while traveling to and from your cruise, but they’re helpful onboard and in port as well.

You’ll need closed-toed shoes to participate in several activities onboard, such as laser tag, the zip line, and basketball, and tennis shoes are the best option for active footwear.

Plus, you may incur a lot more walking than you’re used to while on a cruise. In some ports, you might find yourself walking well over 10,000 steps in just a few hours while sightseeing. Remember to pack comfortable shoes in order to avoid discomfort.

17. Use a 4-wheel, hard-shell suitcase

4-wheel suitcases are easier to roll than the 2-wheel equivalents, and this can be beneficial when walking through the airport or cruise terminal.

In addition, using a hard-shell suitcase is recommended due to its water-resistant shell and its ability to protect fragile items better than a soft-shell suitcase.

18. Use packing cubes to save space

Luggage space is at a premium when packing for a cruise, especially if you’re packing with only a carry-on! To save space, we recommend using packing cubes.

Related: I packed for a 7-night cruise with just a carry-on and personal item

Packing cubes can better condense your clothing, which allows you to pack more items in a small amount of space. They can also help organize your clothing, as you can have a separate packing cube for shirts, pants, and swimsuits.

19. Plan two outfits per day

A general rule of thumb on a cruise is that you’ll want to pack two outfits per day. Daytime clothes usually consist of a t-shirt, shorts, and flip flops, which are perfect for spending the day at the pool or beach.

By late-afternoon, most guests head back to their cabins to get ready for dinner. This is when you’ll want to change into a more chic (yet comfortable) outfit. Dresses, slacks, collared shirts, and blouses are a few examples of what to wear in the evening on a cruise ship.

Related: What to wear on a cruise formal night

20. You can wear the same clothes more than once

There’s no shame in wearing the same outfits more than once on a cruise. With thousands of other passengers onboard, it’s unlikely anyone will notice if you wear the same shirt, pants, or dress more than one time.

Even if they did notice, who cares? You’re on vacation and can wear whatever clothing item you see fit!

21. Bring your own toiletries

Unlike hotels, which typically provide quality shampoo and conditioner, Royal Caribbean ships provide a “2 in 1” hair and body wash. While there’s no harm in using this, it’s not of the highest quality. Therefore, we recommend bringing your own shampoo, conditioner, and body wash onboard the ship. 

The exception to this rule is with suites, which are stocked with Malin + Goetz shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.

22. Remember beach accessories

If you plan to visit a beach on your cruise, you may want to bring beach accessories.

Snorkel masks, goggles, water shoes, beach toys, and a beach bag are just some of the accessories you can bring to the beach on a Royal Caribbean cruise. And while many ports will offer snorkel rentals, if you plan to snorkel in more than one port, it’s more cost effective to bring your own gear.

Keep in mind you cannot use floating devices—like pool noodles and rafts—on your cruise ship, but you can most likely use them at the beach in your ports of call.

23. The ship provides towels

Don’t waste half of your suitcase space by packing an oversized beach towel. Royal Caribbean ships provide beach towels free of charge, and you can take them with you in port.

To check out a towel for the day, head to the pool deck, scan your SeaPass card, and take a towel. At the end of the day, remember to return your towel (place it in the bin and scan your SeaPass card to signal the return). If you forget to return or lose a towel, you’ll incur a $25 per towel fee at the end of your cruise.

24. Research what to pack for an Alaska cruise

Trade your tank tops for a rain jacket and flip flops for boots—packing for an Alaska cruise is totally different than packing for the warm, tropical weather in the Caribbean.

Packing for an Alaska cruise is all about layers: a base layer, warm layer, and waterproof layer. Weather is unpredictable in Alaska, so you want to make sure you’re prepared for warm days, cold days, and rainy days!

In addition to clothing, you’ll also want to pack accessories like a pair of binoculars and waterproof daypack. In order to enjoy Alaska to the fullest, rain or shine, you should prepare for all types of weather scenarios.

For more information on what to pack for an Alaska cruise, check out these two articles:

• Alaska cruise packing list: What to pack for your sailing
• What should you bring on an Alaska cruise?

25. Don’t pack prohibited items

Before packing your suitcase, take a look through Royal Caribbean’s list of prohibited items. Items like irons, CBD oil, and extension cords are not allowed onboard and they will be confiscated at the cruise terminal.

Related: What can you not bring on a cruise

26. Bring a reusable water bottle

It’s extremely important to stay hydrated on a cruise both onboard and in port, and one of the best ways to stay hydrated is by packing a reusable water bottle.

While there are no water bottle refill stations on Royal Caribbean cruise ships, you can get a cup of ice water and pour it into your reusable bottle. Using a reusable bottle helps cut down on plastic waste and, if it’s an insulated bottle, keeps your beverage cooler longer.

Cruise Check-In Tips

27. Check-in online 45 days before your cruise

Royal Caribbean’s online check-in opens 45 days before your cruise begins, and we recommend checking in as early as possible. You can check in on either the Royal Caribbean website or Royal Caribbean app, although we find the process easier on the app.

Related: Royal Caribbean check-in process

When you complete the online check-in, you will select an arrival time, which is when you can arrive at the cruise terminal on embarkation day. The earlier you complete online check-in, the better chance you have at selecting an early check-in time (around 10:30 or 11AM).

28. Select an early check-in time

One of our favorite cruise tips is to select an early check-in time for a cruise. Selecting an early check-in time allows you to start your vacation hours earlier than other passengers. When those with late check-in times are arriving at the cruise terminal, you’ve already eaten lunch, walked around the ship, and visited your cabin!

Related: 11 reasons to get as early a check in time as possible for your cruise

Not only that, but arriving early allows you to take advantage of an emptier cruise ship, especially if you plan to hit the pools and waterslides on embarkation day. 

29. Ensure you have the proper documentation to cruise far in advance

Before booking a cruise, take time to read through this list of necessary documentation for a Royal Caribbean cruise. Depending on your citizenship, cruise location, and itinerary, the documentation required to board can vary.

It’s all too common that passengers book a cruise only to realize their passport is expired! Understanding what documents are required—and having access to those documents—is critical.

Embarkation Day Tips

30. Use Uber/Lyft to get to the cruise terminal

Instead of booking a shuttle to the cruise terminal from your airport or hotel, use a rideshare service instead. Most shuttle services charge per person. If you’re traveling with a group of four from the airport to port and the shuttle is $20 each, you’ll spend $80 total.

Meanwhile, you could reserve an Uber or Lyft for only $20-25 total, as these services are priced per car instead of per passenger.

31. Use the porters

When you arrive at the cruise terminal on embarkation day, drop off your luggage with the porters. Porters will transfer your luggage from the terminal onto the ship, and it’s much easier to leave your luggage with porters rather than carry it onboard yourself.

We recommend using the porters for your heaviest luggage and bringing only a carry-on onboard with you. It’s customary to tip $1 to $2 per bag you give to the porters.

32. Pack a swimsuit on embarkation day

One of the best things to do on the first day of your cruise is use the pools and waterslides.

Not many passengers know they can use the ship’s pools as soon as they board the ship—even more leave their swimsuit in their checked baggage. This makes the pools much less crowded on embarkation day compared to later on in the sailing.

If you’re hoping to ride the waterslides with little to no wait or enjoy a nearly empty pool, make sure to pack a swimsuit in your carry-on and head to the pool as soon as you board the ship.

33. Bring your own wine and non-alcoholic beverages onboard

Did you know you can bring select amounts of wine and other non-alcoholic beverages onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise?

Each adult can bring one 750ml bottle of wine on embarkation day, along with up to 12 standard (17oz) cans, bottles, or cartons of non-alcoholic beverages like water and soda.

34. Sign your kids up for Adventure Ocean on embarkation day

If you’re cruising with kids, it’s a good idea to register them for Adventure Ocean on embarkation day. Royal Caribbean’s child programming is complimentary, but all kids must be registered before they attend a session.

Related: 50 best cruising with kids tips & secrets

Adventure Ocean registration usually opens around 12:30PM or 1PM on embarkation day, and getting to Adventure Ocean early means you can register your kids without waiting in a long line.

35. Keep your passport/identification documents in your carry-on bag

When you arrive at the cruise terminal, you can hand your luggage off to the porters, but make sure to keep any important items and documents in your carry-on bag.

Most importantly, make sure your identification documents are with you as you enter the cruise terminal. If you accidentally put your passport in your checked baggage and give it to the porters, it will be a major hassle to find your bag and obtain your identification documents later on.

36. Avoid lunch at the Windjammer

Royal Caribbean’s signature buffet is a madhouse on embarkation day. As thousands of hungry passengers board the ship, the vast majority of them immediately head to the Windjammer. This leads to crowds and chaos—not the best way to start your vacation.

Instead, consider alternative dining options for lunch. Maybe you want to splurge on a specialty restaurant or perhaps dine at one of the many other complimentary options available like Park Cafe, El Loco Fresh, or Boardwalk Dog House.

37. Find the best spot to watch sailaway

Sailaway is when your ship sails away from port, and it’s always an exciting time on any cruise vacation. Depending on your ship, the “best” spot to watch sailaway can vary.

If you’re on a Radiance, Voyager, or Freedom Class ship, head to the helicopter pad for sailaway. Quantum and Oasis Class ships, on the other hand, offer the best views from the sports deck or Solarium bridge wings.

Related: The best spot for sailaway on every Royal Caribbean cruise ship

38. Meet your stateroom attendant

Your stateroom attendant will clean your room once per day on your cruise, and we recommend meeting them on embarkation day. When you meet your stateroom attendant, you can establish rapport and make any special requests, such as separating the bed in your room.

You’ll see your stateroom attendant in the hallway nearly every day of your cruise, and getting to know them can help enhance their service on your cruise vacation.

39. Complete your muster drill ASAP

Before a cruise ship departs on embarkation day, every passenger must complete a muster drill. This safety drill ensures every passenger knows what to do and where to go in an emergency.

Luckily, Royal Caribbean has an electronic muster drill, the majority of which can be completed on the Royal Caribbean app. The eMuster drill has three parts:

• Watch a life jacket safety video on the Royal Caribbean app (or stateroom television)
• Listen to the emergency horn signal on the Royal Caribbean app (or stateroom television)
• Go to your muster station in person on the ship to confirm with a crew member that you have completed the muster drill

By completing your muster drill as soon as possible, you can officially start your cruise vacation without worrying about any other required tasks.

Cruise Cabin Tips

40. Bring an outlet extender

Cruise ship cabins–particularly on ships built before 2010–have limited outlets available, and extension cords are not permitted on a cruise ship. If you need to charge multiple electronics daily, it can be a hassle to charge one device at a time

Therefore, If you need to charge several electronics daily and/or are sharing a room with multiple people, we recommend packing a USB hub.

41. Store luggage under the bed

Cruise cabins are small, and the best place to store your luggage is under the bed.

Most cruise ship beds have ample space underneath—enough to fit most suitcases. We advise unpacking your suitcase on embarkation day and immediately putting the suitcase back under the bed to save space.

42. Bring magnetic hooks

Another way to save space and organize your cruise cabin is to pack magnetic hooks. Your cruise cabin’s walls are magnetic, and placing magnetic hooks on the walls allows you to hang accessories like jackets, towels, and purses.

Magnetic hooks do not take up much room in your luggage and can come in handy in any cabin, but especially on older cruise ships which may have far less storage compared to new ships.

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

43. Bring a pop-up laundry hamper

A common issue many cruisers experience is not having anywhere to put dirty clothes in their cabin. This typically results in the passengers throwing dirty clothes onto a chair or corner of their cabin, taking up valuable space and making the room look messy.

Instead of throwing your clothes on the floor, pack a pop-up laundry hamper. These hampers can be purchased for only a few dollars from Amazon or even the dollar store, and they fit nicely into a suitcase.

Money Saving Cruise Tips

44. Look for cheaper spa prices on the ship while in port

Your cruise ship’s spa may have specials on port days where you can get a certain percentage off a treatment. On the first day of your cruise, head to the spa and ask about any specials, especially if you plan to stay onboard on a port day anyway!

45. Bring all toiletries you might need onboard

Forgot your sunscreen or aloe vera? You can find these items onboard, but you’ll pay a pretty penny for them.

You should pack any toiletries you need (or think you might need) on a cruise instead of purchasing toiletries onboard. These items are priced very high on a Royal Caribbean cruise; you’ll probably spend 2-3x as much for the item as you would back home.

46. Order the drink of the day to save money

There is a “Drink of the Day” each day of your cruise, and these drinks—usually a fruity cocktail—are several dollars cheaper than other cocktails.

To find out the drink of the day, ask a bartender. Additionally, some bars have a sign at the bar listing the daily drink special. Not only can you try a new drink, but you’ll save a few dollars compared to a regular menu item.

47. Drink in port instead of onboard

Drinks on a Royal Caribbean cruise are expensive. If you want to save money on drinks, drink in port instead of onboard!

You can almost always find cheaper drinks in port compared to on the ship, and as another plus, you can check out a local bar in your port of call. You may even get the chance to try a cocktail or type of liquor not available onboard.

There’s also the opportunity to book an all-inclusive day pass during a port day. If you want an all-inclusive feel without spending $70+ per day on a drink package, book a day pass to a resort in port. Depending on the day pass, you can expect to spend between $50-100 per person for unlimited food, drinks, and beach access.

48. Take advantage of Crown & Anchor Society offers

Members of Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society receive special onboard offers during their cruise. From discounts on specialty coffee and wine to access to exclusive events, you should take advantage of as many benefits as you can.

Related: 11 of our favorite under-the-radar Crown & Anchor Society perks

Benefits vary based on your tier level in the Crown & Anchor Society. You can find out which perks you’ll have access to by referencing the onboard offers letter placed on your stateroom’s desk on embarkation day.

49. Turn your phone on airplane mode

Avoid expensive roaming charges by putting your phone on airplane mode as soon as your cruise departs on embarkation day. Using cellphone data while on a cruise will incur expensive charges even if you have an international plan.

Instead, connect to the ship’s wifi or, if you have international coverage, use your phone’s data in port. No one wants to come home to a huge cell phone bill, so always remember to put your phone on airplane mode!

50. Reserve complimentary activities on the first day

Cruising on a Quantum Class ship? If so, you’re probably excited to try out RipCord by iFLY, the ship’s skydiving simulator, and the North Star, a 360 degree observational pod.

If you want to try these activities for free, you want to reserve a time as soon as you get onboard your cruise ship.

Related: All about Quantum Class ships

For cruises to most regions of the world, both a complimentary and extra cost option of these activities are offered. While the extra cost option includes a longer experience, the complimentary option will suit most guests’ needs.

To reserve these free activities ASAP, connect to the Royal Caribbean wifi once onboard and open the Royal Caribbean app (you don’t need an internet package to access the app). Find the activity on the app’s daily calendar and reserve a complimentary slot.

51. Multiple people can share an internet package

Royal Caribbean’s internet packages cost around $20 per device, per day, but did you know they can be shared?

Multiple guests can use a one device internet package provided they aren’t using the package at the same time. To do so, guests can share the login information on the internet account.

If Guest 1 is using the internet and Guest 2 signs in to the internet on their phone, Guest 1 will be logged out of the internet. Guests can continuously log in and out of the internet on their devices so that only one person is using the package at any given time.

52. Bring your own drinks onboard

Guests on a Royal Caribbean cruise can bring a limited number of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages onboard. Drinks are only able to be brought onboard on embarkation day and they should be placed in your carry-on luggage.

Each adult may bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne. Guests can also bring up to 12 standard 17 oz. cans, bottles, or cartons of nonalcoholic beverages per stateroom such as soda, water, and juice.

Cruise Dining Tips

53. Book a dining package to save money on specialty restaurants

Although Royal Caribbean offers an extensive array of complimentary food, many passengers enjoy the cuisine and cooking styles of the cruise line’s specialty restaurants.

Whether Japanese, Italian, or American fare, most specialty meals will cost around $50 per person for dinner. If you plan to eat at specialty restaurants at least three times during your cruise, you’ll want to book a dining package to save money.

Related: The Ultimate Guide to Royal Caribbean's Unlimited Dining Package

Dining package options can vary by cruise length, but most sailings will offer a 3-night, 5-night, and Unlimited Dining Package. While prices differ, you can expect to spend around $112 for a 3-night package and $260 for an unlimited package.

Over the course of several specialty meals, you could save quite a bit of money by purchasing a dining package.

54. Make restaurant reservations right when you get onboard

Unlike booking individual restaurant reservations before your cruise on the Cruise Planner, passengers with Royal Caribbean dining packages must wait until they board the ship on embarkation day to make specialty dining reservations.

If you booked a dining package, be sure to make dining reservations as soon as you get onboard. You can make dining reservations for all restaurants at the same time; simply go to any specialty restaurant onboard and make reservations with the hostess.

If you plan to dine at Izumi Hibachi, it’s best to go directly to Izumi once onboard, as hibachi reservations cannot always be made at different restaurants.

55. Book specialty restaurants for lunch

One way to save money on Royal Caribbean’s specialty restaurants is by dining at a specialty restaurant for lunch instead of dinner. Many specialty restaurants offer a similar menu (if not the same) for lunch and dinner, but lunch prices are often half the price of dinner.

Look for lunch deals at any of Royal Caribbean’s Italian restaurants, Chops Grille, and Hooked Seafood prior to your cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner site.

56. Make dietary requests before you board

Royal Caribbean takes dietary restrictions into account when planning menus and onboard food offerings. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated onboard with little to no stress, including vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, keto, etc.

Nonetheless, if you have a dietary restriction–especially if it’s a severe allergy–it’s best to let Royal Caribbean know in advance. You can find out more about dietary restrictions and how to contact Royal Caribbean for special dietary requests here.

57. Try new foods

One of the best dining tips for a Royal Caribbean cruise is to try new foods. Unlike on land, you can order and try as many new dishes as you’d like on a cruise at no extra cost.

Because of this, there’s no harm in trying something new. If you don’t end up liking the dish, you can simply order something else. More often than not, however, you might find a new favorite dish while dining on a cruise!

58. Look at the menus in advance

If you’re torn on where to eat dinner during your cruise, take a look at the Main Dining Room’s menus in advance. You can view the menus in advance on the Dining tab of the Royal Caribbean app.

Related: New Main Dining Room menus

On this tab, you can look at menus for each night of your cruise to see which appetizers, main courses, and desserts are available on any particular day. If the menu for a certain night doesn’t appeal to your tastes, consider eating at the Windjammer or reserving a specialty restaurant instead.

Shore excursion tips

59. Book sought-after excursions far in advance

Dreaming of a whale watching tour in Alaska or visit to Pompeii? If so, you’ll want to book these excursions as soon as possible to avoid them selling out.

Popular shore excursions can and do sell out far in advance. If there’s a bucket-list activity you’re dreaming of experiencing in a port of call, it’s best to book the tour as soon as you can.

When booking through Royal Caribbean, you can cancel a shore excursion up to 48 hours before your cruise begins, so if you change your mind later on you can get a full refund.

60. Remember that you don’t have to book an excursion

Many first time cruisers think they have to book an excursion in every cruise port, but you are always able to explore on your own without a tour.

Related: 7 ways to have a great time in port without a cruise ship shore excursion

Whether you take a taxi to a local beach, visit a museum, or simply walk around the port area, most ports have enough to do and see without spending extra on a tour.

61. Go to the beach

A budget-friendly way to spend a port day is by going to the beach. Although you probably won't enjoy a sunny beach day in Alaska, most cruise ports offer stunning beaches, whether a pink sand beach in Bermuda or black sand beach in Hawaii.

Before your cruise, research how to visit the best beaches in your port of call. Some beaches may be easily walkable from the cruise port, such as Junkanoo Beach in Nassau, whereas others will require a taxi or shore excursion.

Related: 11 of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean

62. Use Tripadvisor or Viator to find things to do in port

You aren’t required to book shore excursions directly through Royal Caribbean; many cruisers prefer booking excursions through independent tour operators. By booking with a locally-run tour operator in your port of call, you can usually save money and have a wider selection of options.

One great way to find shore excursions outside of the cruise line is by searching Tripadvisor or Viator. To find excursions, type your port of call in the search bar to populate a list of things to do and excursions to book in the destination.

63. Call your bank before using a debit/credit card in port

Depending on your bank, you might have to provide notice of any upcoming international travel. This helps avoid your account being locked if your bank notices a charge made in another country.

You can give your bank notice through most banking apps or websites or you can call your bank directly to provide information on your travel plans.

64. Be aware of your surroundings

It’s always important to be aware of your surroundings while traveling to avoid misplacing items—far too many travelers become distracted while traveling and lose their belongings.

Whether accidentally leaving your purse at a restaurant or being pickpocketed in a crowded museum, losing your belongings is never a fun way to spend vacation. Remember to always be aware of your surroundings to avoid any mishaps, especially when traveling in busy areas.

65. Taste local cuisine in your ports of call

One of the most fun ways to spend a port day is by tasting local cuisine in your ports of call. Whether your cruise docks in France, Australia, or Costa Rica, there is always fresh, flavorful cuisine to try.

Always take time to grab food at a local restaurant while on shore, even if it means just grabbing a croissant or scoop of gelato as you stroll through town. Even though there's unlimited food onboard, spending a few dollars on local cuisine can enhance your experience in port.

66. Learn a few phrases in the local language of your cruise port

Cruising to Mexico? Italy? Japan? Regardless of your cruise destination, we recommend learning a few basic phrases in the local language of your cruise ports.

Learning how to say words like hello, please, thank you, and goodbye can help tremendously when communicating with locals while in port. Even if English is widely spoken in a certain port, knowing a few phrases in the local language can go a long way in the overall friendliness you experience while traveling.

67. Download Google Maps offline on your phone

If you’re planning self-guided port days and don’t have international phone service, you should download offline maps on Google Maps. Google Maps allows you to download maps in advance so you can find directions and local attractions with no cell phone data.

Having maps downloaded can lessen the chance of getting lost while in port, and it may even help you find interesting things to do in the surrounding area.

Miscellaneous Cruise Tips

68. Take the stairs instead of the elevator

Instead of waiting for the elevator—which will, most likely, be crowded—take the stairs!

Not only does taking the stairs instead of the elevator save time, but it helps keep you active on a cruise vacation. Indulging is the name of the game on a cruise, and taking the stairs can help burn a few extra calories during your sailing.

69. Use the Royal Caribbean Blog message boards

If you’re searching for first-hand information from other savvy cruisers, join our message boards at RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com. You can search the board for information on your cruise ship, dining options, shore excursions, and booking tips, among other topics.

Plus, you can find a roll call for your upcoming cruise on the message boards, which allows you to connect with other passengers on your sailing before your cruise even begins!

70. Join a Facebook group for your sailing

In addition to the Royal Caribbean Blog message boards, you can join groups for your cruise on Facebook. Many cruisers like joining Facebook groups before their cruise in order to connect with other passengers and have a space to share questions and comments about their upcoming vacation.

71. Stay flexible

If there’s one tip to follow on this list, it’s to stay flexible on a cruise vacation. Even though most cruises go to plan, there’s always a possibility for an itinerary change, medical emergency, or canceled shore excursion.

If the unexpected happens on a cruise, the worst thing to do is let it ruin your cruise vacation. Instead of having your day ruined when the winds are too strong to dock in port, find something fun to do onboard instead, such as participating in a game show or listening to live music.

If a hurricane changes your cruise itinerary, look for interesting shore excursions in your new ports of call instead of complaining. It’s always better to remain flexible to avoid feeling disappointed!

72. Bring cash with you onboard

Although payments are made electronically on a cruise ship, we still recommend bringing a small amount of cash with you onboard.

If you plan to give extra tips to crew members onboard, you should break your money into smaller bills. Having $1 and $5 bills on hand makes tipping easy, whether you’re tipping the porter at the cruise terminal or a bartender.

Related: Tipping on a cruise ship: what you should and shouldn’t do

Additionally, having cash is recommended for port days, especially in the Caribbean. You may encounter taxis and businesses that do not accept cards, so carrying $100-200 with you on each port day is recommended.

73. Don’t worry too much about feeling seasick

Feeling seasick is a major concern for first time cruisers, but it’s not nearly as common as you might think.

Royal Caribbean ships are huge vessels and are equipped with stabilizers that help keep the ship as steady as possible. Although you can still encounter strong winds and high seas, you won’t feel the motion nearly as much as you would on a small sailboat!

Related: How to prevent seasickness on a cruise

If you do feel seasick, there are plenty of easy remedies to combat seasickness. Natural remedies include eating green apples and ginger, but medication like Dramamine can also cut down on the effects of seasickness.

74. Get the best seats at the theater

Royal Caribbean’s impressive entertainment shows are included in your cruise fare, and our top recommendation for watching the shows is to get the best seats in the theater.

For Royal Caribbean’s most popular productions, such as Broadway shows and AquaTheater shows, many passengers show up to the theater early. If you arrive 30-40 minutes prior to the show, you have a good chance at finding seats near the front of the theater for the best views.

75. Book a day pass at a hotel if you have a late flight

If you disembark your cruise ship at 8AM but your flight doesn’t leave until 4PM, it can be tough to figure out the best way to spend your day. One of our favorite things to do whenever we have a late flight is to purchase a day pass to a hotel in our disembarkation port.

Booking a day pass to a hotel gives you a place to drop off your luggage, but you also receive access to the hotel’s pool and sundeck. Going for a swim and lounging in a pool chair is, more often than not, much more enjoyable than sitting in a busy airport terminal.

You can find hotels and resorts with day passes through Resort Pass, and options are available in most popular cruise ports.