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I tried some of the best strategies to beat the chair hogs on my cruise. Here's how it went

In:
18 Sep 2023

Spending time at the pool on a cruise is a very popular thing to do on a cruise, but how can you ensure you get a seat?

Getting to spend time by the water—whether at beaches, pools, or hot tubs—is always a highlight of cruising.

Royal Caribbean makes an effort to maintain clean and efficient pool areas, having multiple pools and hot tubs on a ship.

However, many cruisers complain about the epidemic of chair hogs at these pool locations.

Wonder of the Seas pool deck

Chair hogs often reverse a poolside chair for hours or even a whole day, leaving their items in one spot so no one else can use it.

They claim one or more lounge chairs by placing their belongings on them and then vanish for hours without actually using the chairs.

Pool on Wonder of the Seas

This behavior disadvantages other cruisers, but instead of complaining about the issue, we’ve decided to use a more practical approach and find a solution. 

We recently wrote up a few solutions to beat the chair hogs on your next cruise.

On my most recent cruise on Wonder of the Seas, I decided to put these solutions to the test.

Here are our six tips and how they worked out for me.

Get up early

In this tip, we recommend that you wake up before 10:00 a.m If you’re able to wake up and have an early breakfast, you can usually stake a claim close to the pool.

I myself am a morning person, so I didn’t have a problem waking up around 8:00 most days.

When I felt like going to the pool in the morning, I would grab breakfast at the Windjammer and head straight to the pool deck.

On these early mornings, I noticed plenty of empty seats. I also found that the outdoor pool deck was the best place to be during this time of day.

The sun wasn’t too hot, and the pool itself wasn’t yet crowded. 

As the time gets closer to midday, you’ll find that the deck starts to fill up with people. Events like live music start playing at noon or 1:00, so cruisers start parading in to join the party.

It also gets very hot and sunny, so if you’re not planning on staying in the water, it might be best to find another place to sit.

On the other hand, the pools will quiet down again after 4:00 P.M. I also enjoyed a few sunset dips with plenty of pool and chair space.

If you’re looking to grab a good seat, just be sure to avoid the midday rush.

Rent a casita

I chose not to follow this tip due to the extra cost involved. 

Casitas are poolside huts with shade and cushions available. They are located on the decks of Wonder of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, and Navigator of the Seas. 

The cost of a casita currently runs at about $199 on a sea day and $149 on a port day. 

This price does include two chairs, free towels, a cooler, storage for your belongings, and a charging outlet. They also come with two complimentary Welcome drinks and four chilled waters.

Even though it took a little extra effort, I was still able to find open chairs on the pool deck without spending any more money. Because of that, I didn’t see the need to open my wallet to find a spot near the pool.

It seems other cruisers felt this way, too, because I only ever saw one couple using a casita during the times I visited the pool decks.

Hit the pool on port days

In my personal experience, this tip stood out as the most helpful. 

In order to find quality chairs close to the pool, you can strategically plan your pool time around other onboard events.

On days when the ship was at sea, the ship’s pool area quickly became a bustling hub of activity, particularly at midday. Adults and children alike would be running around, enjoying the water activities and live music.

In contrast, the pool became quiet and empty on days when the ship was docked at a port.

I discovered that I could walk around—even at noontime—and find a number of chairs available at multiple locations.

However, this tip does take a little more finesse, as you’ll also want to take advantage of time at the local ports!

I recommend setting a few hours aside in the day to enjoy the serene pool deck.

Get a chair away from the pool

On days I didn’t feel like swimming, finding a chair further away from the pool was easy.

The Solarium became my favorite place to relax. I found it to be the quietest pool area and enjoyed the adults-only, shaded atmosphere.

While the multiple pools and hot tubs still got crowded on the Solarium, there were many chairs available. Even if I couldn’t always get a spot close to the pool, I could usually find a spot to sit down and read.

Either way, I was able to grab a drink, relax in the sunshine, and enjoy the beautiful scene.

Look for a chair at the kid's pool

Every cruise has a different demographic, but my Wonder of the Seas cruise seemed to have a lot of children.

In my experience, the chairs near the kid's pool filled up the fastest or were crowded up with children’s towels and toys.

In addition to that, I found that the kid's park was noisier than other areas. It didn’t have as relaxing an atmosphere as the other pools or the adults-only Solarium. 

Book a suite

Since I was staying in an inside cabin on this cruise, I couldn't take advantage of this tip, but staying in a suite is one way to circumvent chair hogs.

Booking a Grand Suite or higher gets you access to reserved seating on the suite sun deck.

Suite sun deck plunge pool

Wonder of the Seas has a lovely suite area, complete with chairs, loungers, and plunge pool.

However, I don’t think spending any extra money is necessary just to get a chair by the pool.

30 Cruise cabin hacks that cruisers love

In:
01 Sep 2023

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

Balcony room on Liberty of the Seas

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

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

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

Do not book the cheapest cabin

Harmony of the Seas interior cabin

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

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

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

RelatedWhat are the different types of cabins on a cruise ship?

Research where you want your cabin to be located 

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

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

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

RelatedThe 5 best cabin locations on a cruise ship

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

View-of-LA-from-Navigator

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

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

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

Navigator-of-the-Seas-Outlets-Interior-Stateroom

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

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

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

RelatedThe clever reason to bring a European power adapter on your cruise ship

Bring a long charging cable, too

charge-iphone-stock

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

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

Utilize packing cubes

Packing cubes

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

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

Unpack and get comfortable as soon as you can

Wonder-Ocean-view-oceanview

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

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

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

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

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

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

overpack-suitcase-stock-luggage

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

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

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

RelatedWoman on TikTok shares planning hack for her Royal Caribbean cruise to make packing easier

Secure everything valuable in the cabin's safe 

safe-closet-freedom-of-the-seas

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

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

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

Store your suitcases underneath your bed(s)

Luggage under bed

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

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

Other items can be stored under the bed, too

interior-freedom-cabin-1

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

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

Consider bringing magnetic hooks to help keep everything organized 

magnetic-hooks-amazon

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

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

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

Leave your towels at home

beach-towel-stock

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

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

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

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

bathroom-inside-cabin-freedom

Another item you'll have to leave at home is your steamer. When my friend went on her first cruise with me in May 2022, she was so disappointed when her luggage was delivered, and her steamer was not there! 

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

I also always bring some wrinkle release spray. A travel-size 3-in-1 bottle is only about $9 from Amazon

Purchase a motion sensor nightlight

motion-sensor-nightlight

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

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

RelatedI tried the best inside cruise ship cabin hacks to see how well they worked

You can ask your stateroom attendant to remove furniture

freedom-inside-cabin-nightstand

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

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

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

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

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

Liquid soap

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

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

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

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

RelatedBest things to bring on a cruise under $10 I always regret forgetting to bring

Sleep in and have coffee delivered to your cabin 

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

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

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

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

cruise-laundry-hamper

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

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

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

Bring air freshener for the bathroom

Poo-Pourri-Amazon

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

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

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

travel-bottles-amazon

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

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

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

advil-pain-killer-medication-stock

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

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

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

Add some personality to your stateroom by decorating your door

Door decorations

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

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

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

reusable-water-bottle-stock

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

If you have a drink package, use it to stock your mini-fridge with Powerade and water bottles

powerade-stock

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

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

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

over-the-door-storage-amazon

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

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

A major bonus is this is another item that can be purchased for your upcoming cruise vacation for less than $10.  

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

netflix-ipad-stock

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

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

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

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

Navigator-disembarkation

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

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

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

RelatedSelf-disembarkation on Royal Caribbean cruises

The biggest cruise hack you're not doing that has saved me thousands of dollars

In:
17 Aug 2023

Although cruising continues to be one of the most affordable vacations you can take, you still want to be as savvy as you can when it comes to saving money. Almost everyone is looking to get the most bang for their buck when it comes to booking a cruise vacation. 

Allie saving money

Unless you have an unlimited travel budget (and if so, I am very jealous), you’ll want to make sure you are getting the best possible rate for your cruise fare. To start, money saved on your cruise fare gives you more room in your travel budget. This allows you to splurge on things that are important to you while cruising, such as exciting excursions, wifi, drink packages, specialty dining and more. 

Read moreTop things that are totally worth spending extra for on a Royal Caribbean cruise

For me, saving substantial money on a cruise fare allows me to cruise more frequently. I love to travel, so getting a great deal is very important to me when booking a future sailing.

We’ve all heard people say you should book your cruises as soon bookings open to save money. But, cruise lines release itineraries as far as two years in future. Others suggest waiting until the very last-minute to get the best price possible. So, which is actually the best approach to save money?

Between constant price promotions, changing sales and dynamic pricing from Royal Caribbean, it can be difficult to know when the best time to book a cruise is. Depending on when you book your cruises, you have a sweet spot for the time you’ll be able to save the most money.

I am going to share with you the biggest money-saving hack for your next cruise. This trick has worked for me on almost every cruise that I’ve booked in recent years since I learned it was possible. I’ve saved anywhere from $50 to $1,500 with this hack. In fact, I just saved $572 on an upcoming cruise to Africa that I’ll be sailing on in January! 

This hack is all about booking that cruise now and repricing it later to save money. Here’s why I book my cruises far in advance (when possible) and how I take advantage of repricing policies to save anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars. 

We recently asked our Royal Caribbean Blog followers on Instagram how far in advance they prefer booking their next cruise. 

Of those that responded, 48% of our followers prefer to book cruises within 6 to 12 months before the itinerary’s departure date. On the other hand, 40% of cruisers said they prefer booking booking further in advance with at least 12 or more months. Finally, just 13% of our followers said they prefer booking cruises at the last-minute with less than 6 months in advance.

As you can see, there is no single approach that works for everyone, as we all have different schedules, budgets and travel preferences. Some people cannot plan two years in advance while others cannot financially risk waiting until the last-minute and hope for a fantastic deal just for the price to be hiked. 

Personally, I’ve booked cruises with both approaches. For some highly-anticipated itineraries, like my recent sailing to Israel on Odyssey of the Seas, we booked more than a year in advance to snag a good cabin. On the other hand, I’ve found awesome last-minute deals sometimes too.

But, I’ve also been burned a few times booking cabins at the last-minute, which left me spending hundreds of dollars more. 

But, the most money I’ve saved when booking cruises involves the following strategy: book now and reprice often.

Jewel of the Seas

While this might not seem like a revolutionary secret, this strategy has been proven successful time and time again. Repricing my cruises has saved me a lot of money over the years and I cannot believe people do not do it more often. 

This strategy involves booking a cruise as far in advance as you can with the expectation that you can (and will) reprice your cabin as the departure gets closer. 

Keep in mind that only residents of certain countries can re-price a cruise after booking, such as the United States or Canada.  Sorry Brits!

You want to give yourself as much time as you can to reprice your upcoming cruise. This allows you to monitor the price periodically to see whether you can save money on your booked sailing. Preferably, you should book cruises that are around 8 months or more in the future to allow you the opportunity to reprice often. 

I've also found that the more time I give myself to make a final payment, the more likely I am to receive an American Express offer for the cruise line to earn extra cash back or point bonuses. 

Because of Royal Caribbean’s dynamic pricing system, the cruise prices are constantly fluctuating with supply and demand. The more popular sailings will see prices slowly increase as departure of the cruise approaches while less popular sailings will have no choice but to drop prices to entice people. 

Ultimately, repricing takes advantage of prices ebbing and flowing to save you money. If you book a cruise and the price only goes up, then you know you snagged the best price possible. But, if the price drops, you can take advantage of this by getting your reservation repriced. 

Once you see a lower price for the exact stateroom category and sailing you have booked, you simply contact the cruise line and ask for them to reprice your cabin; or, even better, book with a travel agent and let them handle the repricing for you, which requires even less work on your part. 

But, the key to this strategy is ensuring you have enough time to reprice before final payment is due on a cruise. 

Harmony of the Seas

Once you’ve made your final payment on a cruise reservation, you do not have much wiggle room on the final price. Therefore, booking with the intent of repricing should be done far in advance. 

Note: You might remember the only exception to this policy was during the post-pandemic restart when you could reprice your cruise reservations with Royal Caribbean up to 48 hours before departure. This policy (one that I truly loved, as you can imagine) has since been retired and no longer applies. It was fun while it lasted!

For most cruises, Royal Caribbean states that payments are due 90 days in advance from a cruise departure date. Shorter sailings from 1-4 nights are required to make final payments at least 75 days in advance. This timeline is one that most cruise lines follow, but it’s important to confirm when you need to make a final payment before you plan to utilize this strategy.

If you’ve made your final payment, you probably won’t be able to reprice your cruise with a lower published fare. In fact, I have a theory that Royal Caribbean drops the current price of a cruise right after an itinerary passes the final payment window (but, I have a trick for still saving money that I will discuss later in the article - read on!).  

According to Royal Caribbean’s policy, if you book a cruise within 90 days of sailing (i.e the final payment window) and you see a lower price within 48 hours of booking, the cruise line will offer you onboard credit for the difference. But, if you are outside of the final payment window, you’ll typically have the opportunity to contact the cruise line and have your cruise fare repriced to match the current price. 

The repricing process is even easier when you work with a travel agent - something we always recommend.

I only just started working with travel agents in the last few years, but it’s been a game changer for booking cruises. This is not a forced plug for our sponsor, MEI Travels, but truly my opinion on how valuable a travel agent can be in these types of situations. While we use MEI for our business travels here at Royal Caribbean Blog, I have started to use MEI for my own personal leisure cruises too. 

Read moreTop 5 things to look for in a good travel agent for your cruise vacation

To start, a good travel agent will know all of the repricing policies for different cruise lines. You can simply ask your travel agent to check for a reprice on your sailing and they can take charge with getting the price adjusted, if applicable. 

In this case, you are not only saving money, but also your valuable time. You don’t have to call the cruise line yourself and request the reprice, which involves time on-hold usually. Instead, your travel agent can advocate for you and get the reprice done without you needing to intervene. 

For my recent reprice, all I had to do was email my travel agent asking if she could look into possibly repricing my upcoming sailing because it appeared the price had gone down. I sent her a screenshot of the pricing that I was seeing on my end. She was able to contact the cruise line and reprice the cruise fare for me very quickly, saving me hundreds of dollars and my time. 

Here’s exactly how I repriced an upcoming cruise, step by step, to save $572.

Radiance of the Seas in Icy Strait Point

After finding an itinerary that interested me, I started to price out a few different cabins and monitor the price for a couple of days. Once I decide to pull the trigger, I opted to book the cabin that best within with my budget. I put down the deposit to secure my booking. 

Now, you probably have seen that cruise lines are constantly running promotions. The cruise lines try to establish some sense of urgency that a current promotion is only running for a limited time. But, I can assure you, there is always some sort of promotion happening! 

After making the initial deposit, I started to periodically check the price of the same cruise. Since I work remotely from home on the computer, it only takes me a few minutes to go online and see what the current price is of my sailing. As holidays and promotions slightly change, you can see the price of the cruise change as well.

For a few weeks, the price was consistent with what we had locked in. But, over this past weekend, I decided to start booking excursions. During the process, I went to the website and looked at the current price of our cruise.

I was ecstatic to see that the final price of the exact same cruise we booked had gone down $572! Luckily, final payment for this cruise is not due until the end of next month so it was a quick process with my travel agent to get the price down. 

I’ve also used a similar strategy to save money on my cruises when booking far enough in advance. 

Inside cabin on Mariner of the Seas

I have used a similar strategy for getting a great deal on balcony staterooms. The more I’ve cruised, the more I have come to appreciate having my own balcony. This is especially true on scenic sailings, like Alaska, Norway and Iceland.

But, the price for a balcony stateroom are normally double the cost of a inside cabin when I initially book a cruise. Instead, I will initially book the cheapest fare that I can get onboard and monitor the price for either an opportunity to reprice or cheaply upgrade to a balcony. 

For example, on my recent Iceland cruise, I originally booked an inside cabin guarantee for about $2,800. My ultimate goal was to get a balcony for much cheaper than the original $4,500 sticker price. This cruise was booked in October 2022 for a cruise in June 2023, which gave me around 8 months to snag a better deal for my inside cabin or upgrade to a balcony. 

In the months leading up to final payment, I continued to monitor the price of the cruise. Sadly, the inside cabin prices did not drop like I had hoped. As I theorized earlier, right after the final payment deadline had passed, the price of the cruise dropped drastically. 

An inside guarantee cabin was now selling for $1,400, which was half the cost of what we paid!  A gamble for a last-minute price would have worked out in this scenario, but since it was past final payment, we could not get a reprice.

However, you can always upgrade your cabin after final payments! Of course, cruise lines will not stop you from upgrading your stateroom, especially if they can get a little more money from you. In my case, the demand for the sailing was obviously a little low with the prices being dropped close to the sail date.

I took this opportunity to upgrade our stateroom to a balcony for just $200. Had I originally booked a balcony for us, it would have cost me around $1,500 more than waiting for the price to drop and choosing to upgrade then. Last summer, I was even able to upgrade my stateroom to a balcony from an inside cabin and it saved me $500! 

Of course, you risk that the demand for balconies will be so high that the price will also increase. But, in my experience, the prices will certainly fluctuate and if you book far enough in advance, you have more opportunities to snag a great deal. 

At the end of the day, the further in advance you book, the more opportunities you have to save money. 

There are many advantages for booking a cruise far in advance; for me, the biggest advantage is allowing myself enough time to reprice my sailings and get the best rate possible. I’d argue it might even be the most important reason to give yourself ample time to book a cruise, as you can either reprice or upgrade your stateroom in this case. In addition, you will have more lucrative cabins to select from if you book far enough in advance. 

I would also highly recommend working with a travel agent who can quickly reprice your bookings and deal with the cruise line directly for you. This will save you both time and money.  

Whether you choose to save money by repricing your current cabin or monitor prices for a cheap upgrade, you should be periodically monitoring your cruise fares after making a reservation. By monitoring the prices of your booked cruises for repricing, you’ll have the opportunity to save hundreds to thousands of dollars. A small effort on your end can be very lucrative for you, especially if you cruise often. 

It’s most important to reprice before final payment is due, as you won’t have much flexibility to reprice once the final payment date has passed. However, within 90 days of your cruise, you might be able to snag a very cheap upgrade for a higher stateroom category. 

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

In:
07 Aug 2023

I’ve been on 12 cruises to the Caribbean, and I constantly see passengers making the same rookie mistakes over and over again. Whether forgetting to apply sunscreen or exploring ports without a plan, there are a few mistakes you’ll want to avoid to ensure your cruise goes as smoothly as possible.

The Caribbean is the most popular cruise region in the world. With dozens of diverse ports, sunny weather, and picture-perfect beaches, a Caribbean cruise offers everything you could ever need in a tropical getaway.

Yet even though passengers hope for the perfect vacation, there are a few mistakes that can easily have a negative impact on your Caribbean cruise. Knowing what to expect before your cruise begins is helpful to avoid any surprises (and disappointments) during your vacation.

Here are the 14 mistakes I see passengers making all the time while cruising the Caribbean.

Neglecting to bring small bills into port

On my most recent Caribbean cruise, I found myself in need of small bills on every port day. Whether to tip a taxi driver, purchase a cheap souvenir, or order food from a street food stall, I was happy I packed enough small bills in my daypack.

Unlike in the United States, you may frequently encounter cash-only businesses in the Caribbean. While most restaurants and tour operators will accept card payments, smaller businesses—souvenir stalls, food trucks, and taxis—may only take cash.

Related: How much cash should you bring on a cruise?

I always recommend taking around $50-100 worth of small bills ($1s, $5s, and $10s) with you in Caribbean cruise ports. You might have difficulty breaking a $50 bill for a $3 souvenir or $2 bag of churros, so being prepared with small bills is recommended.

Forgetting to apply sunscreen

Without fail, you’re bound to see at least a few bright red, sunburned passengers on your Caribbean cruise. Not applying sunscreen often is one of the most rookie mistakes you can make, and it can severely lessen the enjoyment of your vacation.

I always recommend applying sunscreen before you disembark the ship, as there may be a relatively long walk on the pier to reach the port. By the time you get to the beach, you may have already been in the sun for a half hour, and this can lead to unwanted sunburns.

Once you’re in port, whether at the beach or walking around town, remember to regularly apply and reapply sunscreen. The sun in the Caribbean can be much stronger than what you’re used to back home even if it’s cloudy outside.

Planning a beach day in every port

When most passengers picture a Caribbean cruise, they imagine white sand beaches, crystal clear water, and coconut trees swaying in the breeze. With some of the world’s most picturesque beaches, it’s no secret that a beach day in the Caribbean is a must.

That being said, one common mistake I see cruisers making while planning a Caribbean cruise is planning a beach day in every port.

While there’s nothing wrong with spending every day at the beach, it can be challenging to spend all day in the sun, especially on port-intensive itineraries. By the third or fourth beach day in a row, you might be exhausted, sunburnt, and ready to do something different.

Related: Best shore excursion in every Caribbean cruise port

Instead of sitting on the beach every day, why not switch it up? Other than beach days, the Caribbean offers excursions to Mayan ruins, introductory scuba diving courses, cooking classes, historical walking tours, and more.

Skipping a beach day in favor of a more unique activity in port can be a nice break from doing the same thing every day.

Picking the wrong ship

Another common mistake cruisers make when booking a Caribbean cruise vacation is picking the wrong ship.

Not all cruise ships are created equal, even if they belong to the same cruise line. Royal Caribbean’s small Vision Class ships, for example, are vastly different from the cruise line’s newest, biggest ships like Wonder of the Seas and Icon of the Seas.

Cruise ships come in all shapes and sizes, and with that they offer varied activities, amenities, and atmospheres. If you’re hoping for the latest and greatest, look for a cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis or Quantum Class ships, or on a vessel that has been recently amplified to add new activities and venues.

There is a lot that goes in to picking the best cruise ship for your vacation, so we recommend reading these helpful tips:

Winging it in port

I never have much difficulty “winging it” in European or Alaskan cruise ports—I almost always show up to ports in these destinations without a plan and have a great day. Many ports in these regions are small and walkable, allowing passengers to simply walk off the ship and into town.

Unfortunately, I can’t say the same about the Caribbean, and whenever I "wing it" in a Caribbean cruise port, I almost always end up disappointed.

In the Caribbean, it’s best to plan your port days in advance to ensure you know everything that’s available in port, allowing you to pick the most interesting activity for your travel style. Many ports in the Caribbean are not located near the destination’s most beautiful beaches or attractions, so booking a tour or taxi might be necessary.

Related: 11 of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean

If you wing it, you might miss out on popular excursions, have difficulty arranging last-minute transport, or wind up trapped in a tourist area with thousands of other passengers.

Even some of the busiest cruise ports can be difficult to navigate without a pre-arranged tour or plan. Nassau, for example, has just a few attractions walkable from the cruise port, and most of the best beaches require a taxi ride and/or a day pass at a resort. It’s no surprise most cruisers wind up disappointed when they arrive without a plan.

While you don’t necessarily have to book an organized tour in every Caribbean cruise port, doing research ahead of time is recommended so you can properly plan your day.

Visiting the same ports over and over

It’s easy to get into the habit of booking Caribbean cruises to the same ports over and over, but if you cruise the Caribbean often, you should try something new.

There are three main itineraries for Caribbean cruises: western, eastern, and southern, and each has different highlights, from the tasty cuisine in Mexico to mountainous landscapes of St. Lucia.

Whether intentionally or unintentionally, many cruisers find themselves booking the same region many times in a row, which means they are visiting the same few cruise ports several times.

Related: 4 great itineraries (and 1 to avoid) for a first cruise vacation

Instead of booking three eastern Caribbean itineraries, why not switch it up with a southern Caribbean itinerary that visits Aruba, Curacao, and Bonaire? Or, if you always visit Mexico, consider a visit to ports like St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Antigua instead.

Exploring new destinations is a highlight of a cruise vacation, so make sure you don’t get stuck in the trap of visiting the same 3-4 ports time and time again.

Staying on the ship

Pool deck on Oasis of the Seas

Another Caribbean cruise mistake I see all the time is staying on the ship in port.

If you’ve never been to a port before, it would be a huge mistake to stay onboard instead of disembarking in port and exploring a new destination. Every port in the Caribbean is unique, and each island brings its own culture, history, and landscapes.

Whether visiting a volcano in St. Kitts, snorkeling in Roatan, or walking around Old San Juan in Puerto Rico, there are a wide variety of ways you can spend your time in port.

Even if you don’t have any plans for a port day, why not get off the ship for an hour or two to walk around? Most ports have at least a few things to do in the immediate port area, such as a pool, beach, or shopping district.

Disembarking in port will help lessen the chance of feeling stir crazy on the ship, and you can still return to the ship early in the day to enjoy the ship’s amenities with far fewer crowds.

Saving all activities for sea days

Zip line ride

Hoping to try the FlowRider surf simulator, ride your ship’s thrilling waterslides, or test your strength on the rock climbing wall? If so, you don’t want to save everything for a sea day.

Sea days on a cruise are an excellent time to take advantage of all the fun things to do on your Royal Caribbean ship, from rollerskating to indoor skydiving and bumper cars. With nowhere else to be, many passengers use a sea day in order to try these exciting activities.

As a result, these activities can be very busy on sea days. It’s not uncommon to see long lines around the ship as thousands of passengers hope to try something new.

Related: 10 mistakes to avoid making on a cruise ship sea day

Instead of saving all activities for a sea day, knock some of them off your list on a port day instead. When most passengers go ashore, there’s far less demand for onboard activities, leading to fewer lines (or no lines at all).

Even if you have plans to go ashore, you can still try these activities before or after exploring port. In fact, one of my favorite tips is to ride your ship’s waterslides after a beach day in port. You’re already in your swimsuit, and it’s possible to ride the slides several times in a row with little to no wait time.

Not purchasing travel insurance

Allure of the Seas docked

I’m always shocked to see people cruise without travel insurance, and this is one of the most common mistakes I see people making while planning their vacation.

Travel insurance covers a wide range of scenarios, from trip cancellation to medical coverage and travel delay reimbursement. Most plans will also include medical coverage in your cruise ship’s onboard medical center, and this is not typically covered under your regular health insurance plan.

On one of my recent cruises, a passenger had to be airlifted in a helicopter to a hospital on land, and such an emergency situation can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars. If you do not have travel insurance, you absolutely do not want to find yourself in this type of situation, but it might be out of your control in an emergency.

Related: Should you buy annual travel insurance plans?

Additionally, while on a cruise, you may be participating in a wider range of activities compared to what you do at home. You might book activities like a hiking excursion in the jungle or a horseback riding tour on the beach.

Although these activities are safe, there’s always a chance of an injury when doing something out of the ordinary, and you’ll want to have travel insurance should you need to visit a doctor’s office or hospital while in port or onboard.

Not haggling when purchasing souvenirs

Caribbean cruise ports have no shortage of souvenirs for sale, and many cruisers enjoy shopping while in port. From magnets to t-shirts, handicrafts, and local liquors, there are endless amounts of souvenirs you can buy in the Caribbean.

Some souvenir shops have set prices on each item, especially those in the immediate port area, but the vast majority allow you to haggle to get the best cost.

A mistake I see many passengers making is accepting the first price they are told when purchasing souvenirs. If you’re shopping for a bracelet and are told it costs $30, always ask if you can buy it for less.

Not all souvenir sellers are flexible, but more often than not you can save up to 50% on the original price they offered. Neglecting to haggle in price could cost you hundreds of dollars in the long run!

Not checking the price of a private tour

On a recent cruise with my family, we were searching for a tour in Roatan that would visit the port’s most popular attractions, including West Bay Beach and the monkey and sloth center.

I had previously booked a tour with Bodden Tours, a locally owned tour company in Roatan, and so I browsed the company’s website again for my recent cruise. The tour that stood out to me was only $30 per person, a total steal when compared to many of Royal Caribbean’s shore excursions.

Upon further research, however, I realized I could book a private tour for $35 per person, just $5 more than the group tour.

Related7 ways to have a great time in port without a cruise ship shore excursion

We were thankful to have booked a private tour during our day in Roatan, as it gave us complete flexibility over where we would go and how long we would stay in each place. Having a private guide is one of my favorite ways to spend a port day, and we found the tour provided an excellent value.

If you're cruising with a group, always check the price of a private tour versus a group tour, as the price difference may be negligible.

Doing little research before booking a shore excursion

Before booking the first shore excursion that interests you, be sure to read the fine print. Not all shore excursions are made equally, and it’s always better to know what to expect rather than return to your ship disappointed.

Some excursions may offer a beach day, as one example, but the fine print may state that you only have two or three hours at the beach. If you’re looking to spend the whole day in the sun, it’s better to book a day pass to a beach club on your own instead.

Or, if a tour includes a “visit to local artisan shops,” it might actually mean the tour spends far too much time at souvenir shops and not enough time at more interesting attractions.

Related: Top 10 cruise ship shore excursion mistakes to avoid

My favorite example of not reading the fine print on a shore excursion happened to me during a recent visit to Cozumel. I love visiting archaeological sites, so I jumped on the opportunity to visit Mayan ruins in Tulum during my port day.

Tulum beach in Mexico

I had read that the tour required a ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen, but I did not research more about the details before the tour began. If I would have researched more, I would have read that many passengers get seasick on the 30-minute ferry, and it’s not uncommon for people to vomit during the crossing.

As it turns out, we encountered extremely choppy waters on route to (and from) Playa del Carmen, and feeling seasick nearly ruined my entire experience. If I would have read more about the excursion ahead of time, there’s little chance I would have gone through with booking the tour.

Not being aware of their surroundings

There’s a lot going on while walking around a cruise port. As thousands of passengers disembark a cruise ship, it’s easy to become distracted by the various shops, restaurants, and crowded walkways near the port.

Due to this, one of the most common mistakes I see cruisers make is forgetting to be aware of their surroundings at all times.

Regardless of where you are in the world, you should never lose awareness of your surroundings while traveling. Careless mistakes like leaving a purse hanging on the back of your chair at a restaurant or leaving a cellphone in a taxi can easily lead to these items being lost.

Related: Where to keep SeaPass card, phone, and cash while on a shore excursion?

It’s also a good idea to be responsible with making sure you don’t travel too far away from port. If you are only docked for a few more hours, avoid taking taxis to faraway destinations or walking too far from the port area. You might find yourself unaware at how long it will take you to get back to the ship, which could lead to you missing the ship’s departure altogether.

Remember to be cognizant of your belongings and schedule at all times while cruising in the Caribbean to avoid any mishaps.

Forgetting to stay hydrated

Honeymoon Beach

A mistake I make far too frequently when cruising the Caribbean is neglecting to drink enough water. Between the excitement of exploring a new destination, the hot temperatures, and a few too many cocktails, I find myself dehydrated way more often than I should.

When cruising the Caribbean, it’s crucial to stay hydrated. You’ll likely be sweating far more than you’re used to, whether suntanning at the beach or walking around port in 90% humidity.

Make sure to drink enough water every day of your cruise to ensure your body stays hydrated. Drink a few glasses of water with each meal, bring a water bottle into port, and balance the amount of alcohol you drink with water to avoid feeling dehydrated during your cruise vacation.

Cruise advice from the past generation of ships that isn't necessary anymore

In:
31 Jul 2023

While there's a lot of advice shared on the internet about how to take a cruise, some of these tips are rooted in a different time and since then, the experience has evolved.

Freedom of the Seas sailing away

In many cases, cruise tips last a long time because they simply work. As an example, packing layers for an Alaska cruise remains to this day one of the best Alaska planning tips because it's as true today as it was a decade or two ago.

Other pieces of advice may have changed over years, and some tips just don't apply to today's generation of cruise ships. Thanks to bigger ships that have lessons learned applied to them, there are some cruise tips that aren't necessary anymore.

I wanted to point out a few cruise tips I see shared still that just don't apply to modern cruise ships, especially in Royal Caribbean's fleet.

You need a balcony cabin to be able to enjoy outdoor scenery

View from balcony in Alaska

When I took my first Alaska cruise, everyone said I needed to book a balcony cabin because it was the best way to enjoy Alaska's beautiful landscape.

The rationale for booking a balcony stems from two arguments.

First, if you don't have access to your balcony, you'll be relegated to public areas that can get crowded, especially on glacier viewing days.

Balcony in Norway

Second, the convenience of being able able to go out to your balcony is wonderful.

Read moreBest cabins to book for an Alaska cruise

A big reason why I don't think a balcony is as critical as it used to be is ships are bigger, and there's more public space than ever to enjoy the views.

View of glacier

Royal Caribbean has steadily put larger ships in Alaska, and I've found plenty of public space to enjoy the views of glaciers, wildlife, and the surroundings.

Moreover, being on a public deck is easier to go from one side of the ship to another if there's something else to see. In fact, I find the pool deck a much better viewing spot on glacier day because of how much easier it is to go from side to side.

Aft balcony

In the Caribbean, while the water is certainly quite pretty, the need for a balcony to enjoy the view is significantly lessened.

I won't argue the merits of being able to enjoy your own balcony, because it is very nice to have a private balcony.  But don't book a balcony because you think you'll miss out on seeing the sights otherwise.

Don’t book a cabin near an elevator

No one wants a noisy cabin, so there's often tips about avoiding a cruise ship cabin near the elevator.

In my experience, this is not an issue on any Royal Caribbean ship I've been on to date.

The elevator lobbies on Royal Caribbean are sufficiently far away from the first rooms that I've never heard the "ding" of an elevator arriving, nor have I heard any elevator machine noise.

In fact, I prefer a cabin near an elevator for the convenience it provides.

Being near an elevator lobby makes it faster to get around the ship, especially on Royal Caribbean's biggest cruise ships.

Royal Caribbean only has elevators in the forward and middle parts of the ship. On Oasis Class or Quantum Class ships, this means cabins located towards the back of the ship will have a much longer walk.

freedom-hallway

While there will be more foot traffic near a cabin closer to an elevator than further away, I've rarely found this to be a problem in terms of being disturbed by it.

Basically, I think the convenience of an elevator is more important than the off chance someone is loud walking past your cabin.

Don't rely on cruise ship wifi because it's slow and expensive

Starlink on Royal Caribbean

Thanks to Royal Caribbean's partnership with Starlink, I think ship wifi is finally turning the corner to becoming far more useful than in the past.

While I'm not sure we will ever see cruise ship internet become free, I do think the cost is far more affordable on Royal Caribbean than some other lines.

I've read cruise tips that suggest skipping wifi all together as a means of saving money and to avoid frustrations, but I think Royal Caribbean's internet plans are far more useful than ever.

Navigator-WiFi-Speeds-Internet

It's not perfect yet, and I do think wifi on Alaska cruises in particular are quite painful still due to the mountains interfering with the signal, but on a Caribbean or European cruise, buying a wifi package makes more sense than ever.

Being online doesn't mean you're working.  For a lot of people, being on the internet is a way to keep up with friends and family, and it's as a casual experience similar to reading a magazine or watching TV. 

Ask to have your mini bar emptied

Minibar

One of the first cruise ship tips I remember reading and applying to my cabin was asking my stateroom attendant to empty the mini bar fridge.

The fridge is tiny, and emptying it means opening up more space to keep bottles of water or other snacks cooled. Plus, it avoids getting accidently charged for a mini bar item I didn't actually consume.

On a Royal Caribbean cruise, the mini bars are now automatically emptied and have been that way for a few years. Instead, there's a form you can fill out to have your stateroom attendant stock your fridge with items you want.

Other cruise lines may still stock their mini bar, but you don't have to worry about this on Royal Caribbean.

More cruise advice

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

In:
22 Jul 2023

Purchasing a European power adapter for your next cruise should be on your to-do list. 

While newer cruise ships are equipped with more outlets and USB ports, older ships tend to have fewer plugs. This can be frustrating to learn when you board the ship and are unprepared. 

I recently cruised onboard Navigator of the Seas, a Voyager Class ship that was launched in 2002, and my interior stateroom only had two American outlets. Had I packed a European power adapter, I could have made use of the European plug to increase the total number of outlets in the room to three. 

Symphony-Outlet-Desk-Interior-Cabin

In comparison, I sailed onboard Symphony of the Seas earlier this year, and my cabin came with one American outlet beside of the bed, as well as three on the vanity. There were also two USB ports and a European plug. 

Related: I stayed in a $1,400 stateroom on Symphony of the Seas — see what my room on this cruise ship looked like

Moving forward, I am always going to make sure that I have a European power adapter on any cruise ship I sail on just to make sure that I am prepared for any charging situation. 

Please note that we have linked Amazon items in this post through an affiliate link. The affiliate link costs you nothing extra, but Royal Caribbean Blog will make a small commission if you purchase the item through the link. 

They are inexpensive to purchase

european-plug-amazon

For less than $10, you can purchase a six-pack of European adapters. So long as you do not lose them, they can be reused on future vacations, too. 

While you might not need all six on your cruise, they are good to have on hand in the event you do take a European vacation, as you will need adapters for all plugs, rather than just a single one. By already having them tucked in a drawer at home, that is one less thing you will have to worry about getting!

European power adapters are less bulky than cruise line approved power strips

cruise-line-power-adapter

Most cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, prohibit passengers from bringing surge protected power strips onboard. If you are caught with one, it will be confiscated and returned after you disembark. What a disappointment that would be if you were banking on using your power strip during your cruise!

If you do not have an option that will work, you will have to purchase one, and they are more expensive than European power adapters. 

European power adapters are also small and lightweight, making them a better option for travel, especially when thinking about putting items in your cruise carry-on. The lighter the bag, the better! 

You are unlikely to find American ports located throughout the ship

Sometimes, the last place you want to be on a cruise is your stateroom! If, however, you find that your phone or laptop has died, you might have to camp out there for awhile while it recharges. 

Throughout the ship, you are going to find more European plugs than American, meaning that you can still experience the overall atmosphere of the cruise while charging your device. 

On a recent cruise, I sat in the Solarium to do some work until my laptop died, which happened quicker than usual due to the heat.

Since I did not have a power adapter, I was forced to sit in my cabin while it recharged. If I had brought a European adapter, I could have found somewhere to continue working in the public areas of the ship. 

It is a necessity if you have more than two people staying in your stateroom

Pullman bed

Many cruise ship cabins are able to accommodate three and four guests. With only two American outlets, though, this could pose an issue when it comes to charging phones at night. 

In this case, you need to be able to access a third plug. Debating who is able to use the plugs is not how you want to spend your time together. 

Even if you only have two people in your cabin, between phones, smart watches, laptops, ear buds, and more, you never know when you will have to decide between changing one device over another, especially on the last night of your cruise when you have to travel the next day! 

Here are a few more really helpful things I always bring on a cruise

wrinkle-release-spray

Since streamers are prohibited onboard, a must-have for me on any cruise is wrinkle release spray. I have some dresses that, no matter how I try and pack them, are prone to wrinkling while in my suitcase.

A small travel-sized bottle is perfect for traveling, as it does not take up much space in bag. It helps to get out the bigger wrinkles, so I do not feel like I am wearing something I pulled out of my hamper! 

anker-portable-charger

And speaking of charging devices, I like to pack a portable charger. While I might not need to use it on sea days, it is reassuring to be able to throw a charger in my day bag before disembarking in port. 

The one I have been obsessed with is on the larger and more expensive side, but I love that I do not have to recharge it after every use! It is great to leave plugged in on a sea while I am not using the cabin's outlets or need the charger handy. Plus, you are also able to charge more than one device at once, which is helpful if you are traveling with friends or family.

braided-phone-cable

Since older ships do not have outlets beside of the bed, it is helpful to bring longer cables if you are someone who likes to use their phone at night or keep it close by to use as an alarm in the morning. I recommend a braided one, as they tend to last longer than standard Apple-issued cords because they are more durable. 

Related40 essential things to bring on a cruise

5 ways to upgrade your cruise for $250 or less, according to professional travelers

In:
18 Jul 2023

Your cruise vacation is likely a major event for your family, so making it special is important.

Labadee sign with family posing

Maybe you're celebrating a special event, milestone, or gathering.  Cruises tend to be a popular choice for family and friend gatherings.

If you're looking to upgrade your cruise on a small budget, you're in luck.

Among our team of of professional travel writers, we combed through the best budget ideas to enhance your cruise ship sailing to make the trip just a little more special.

1. An awesome shore excursion

Yacht rental

My top choice for a way to make a cruise better is spending extra on a better shore excursion.

Your cruise will take you to various ports of call, and you'll find a variety of tours to consider.

One of my favorite shore excursions are day passes to a resort because you get beach and pool access, along with food and drink quite often.

Aruba pool resort

I always check a website like ResortForADay.com to book a day pass. (This link contains an affiliate link that costs you nothing extra to use).

Royal Caribbean may also offer tours worth considering, including lower capacity tours.  Smaller groups are another great way to explore with a better experience.

2. Buy a dining package

Chops Grille

Specialty dining is a popular way to splurge on a cruise, and a specialty dining package can make it much more affordable.

With just a 3-night dining package, you can enjoy a few extra cost meals without a huge extra cost.

Dining packages will cost you much less than trying to dine at the same amount of restaurants individually.

3. Thermal Spa pass

Thermal Spa

On select ships, you can purchase a thermal suite pass that gives you unlimited access to saunas, thermal seats, rainforest rooms and more.

Only Royal Caribbean's Oasis, Quantum and Radiance Class ships offer a thermal spa.

The exact options will depend on your ship, but usually it includes:

  • hot stone chairs
  • rainforest shower room
  • infrared sauna
  • steam room

You can buy a pass onboard the ship at the Vitality Spa, and then enjoy as many visits as you like.

Access to the thermal spa is limited, so you'll need to buy your passes as soon as you get onboard.

4. Photo package

One big reason to take a family cruise is for all the memories you'll want to make, and photos are still a big way to remember them.

You'll find ship photographers around your ship, primarily in the evenings to take photos of everyone dressed up for dinner.

You could buy individual printed photos, or invest in a photo package.

Photo package

Each photo package covers any photo that has at least one person in the cabin, regardless of who else is in the photo.

If your group is going to take the time to take photos onboard, a photo package can be a great idea.

5. Sushi class

A vastly underrated experience are the cooking classes, such as the sushi making class.

The sushi class teaches you how to make a couple different hand rolls, that you get to eat after. I was never one to think cooking classes would be fun, but then I tried it and really enjoyed it.

Read more: Izumi sushi making class on Royal Caribbean

It's a very low pressure class, where you can pretty easily make a few kinds of sushi rolls.

There's also a cupcake decorating class or guacamole fiesta class. The exact classes depend on which ship you choose.

Skip: RoyalUp

Wonder-Junior-Suite

It may be tempting to upgrade your cabin through Royal Caribbean's RoyalUp program, but I think it's a mistake in the sense I think there's a low chance of you winning your bid.

Read moreHow can you win that Royal Up stateroom upgrade bid? It's pure luck

While a RoyalUp bid could fall within the $250 limit and certainly enhance your cruise by moving up a nicer room, the reality is the chances of you winning the bid are pretty low.

Essentially, there aren't that many open cabins to upgrade to because Royal Caribbean usually sells its cruise ships out.  So you're mostly banking on a last-minute cancellation, especially if it's a suite.

If you're in an inside room and trying to bid to a cabin category that has a lot of availability and less demand, such as an oceanview or balcony, your chances are probably a bit higher at winning a bid since there's more inventory of those types of cabins.

Regardless, I think you should spend that $250 on a sure fire bet, rather than a gamble like RoyalUp.

10 Great Reader Comments on Cruising

In:
08 Jul 2023

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

Two ships docked in Cozumel

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

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

Related22 things you should do before every cruise

Do the most important stuff first

AquaTheater show on Wonder of the Seas

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

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

Ice Show

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

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

Related30 Do's and Don'ts for the first day of your cruise

Come prepared to meet new friends

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

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

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

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

It is okay to ask questions

Crew member smiling at the bar

There really is no such thing as a dumb question! 

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

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

Utilize the cruise planner

cruise-planner-sale

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

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

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

RelatedBest Time to Buy A Royal Caribbean Drink Package

Watch a ship tour before you leave

Freedom of the Seas promenade deck

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

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

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

Never, ever arrive the same day as embarkation

Airplane on the ground

"...

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

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

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

RelatedThe costly cruising mistake newbies make planning their first cruise

Don't get too tired too quickly

Odyssey of the Seas pool at night

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

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

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

Book via a travel agent 

Travel agent

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

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

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

rilliance of the Seas in Antigua

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

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

Make sure you pack seasickness medication

bonine-seasickness-medication

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

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

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

Related: How to avoid getting seasick on a cruise

Secure an early check-in time

Galveston terminal security

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

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

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

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

How to beat seasickness on a cruise ship

In:
07 Jul 2023

Whether you are going on your first cruise or are a seasoned veteran, a common concern for many is seasickness. Nobody wants to spend their vacation feeling ill, especially when you are spending it on a floating city. 

Ocean waves from balcony

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

Thankfully, there are many ways that you can prevent yourself from feeling the effects of seasickness, and you should familiarize yourself with them prior to your cruise. 

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

Here is how you can beat seasickness, so you can have the best cruise vacation. 

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

Seasickness 101 

rough-weather-cruise-ship

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

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

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

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

Reduce, however, does not mean eliminate. 

How to beat seasickness

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

Over-the-counter medications

dramamine-bonine-split

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

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

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

dramamine-for-kids-seasickness

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

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

Speak with a doctor about getting a prescription for scopolamine patches

scopolamine-patch-from-amazon

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

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

Purchase an acupressure band 

acupressure-band

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

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

Choose the right stateroom during the booking process

Balcony smooth seas

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

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

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

Consider a port-intensive itinerary 

Voyager of the Seas in Barcelona

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

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

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

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

Watch your alcohol consumption

Cocktails on the bar

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

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

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

Drink peppermint tea or ginger ale

peppermint-tea-seasickness

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

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

Eat green apples

green-apples

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

In fact, make sure you eat in general!

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

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

Avoid sitting backwards or sideways

Rhapsody of the Seas at sea

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

This may help alleviate some feelings of motion sickness. 

Limit the time you stare at your phone screen

Woman using iphone

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

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

What is mal de debarquement syndrome?

Navigator-disembarkation

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

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

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast Episode - Ways to do things differently on your next cruise

In:
18 Jun 2023

Listen to the Show

Doing things slightly differently on a cruise can save you time and stress and make your overall vacation more pleasant. Here are easy ways to do things differently on your next Royal Caribbean cruise.

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