With the holiday season right around the corner, you might be looking for the perfect gift ideas for cruisers and travelers alike. Even if you’re a seasoned cruiser, it’s never too early to start shopping for your next cruise.

Those with cruises in the new year should definitely look for deals on travel-related products - from practical cruise gadgets to cabin essentials. In fact, this is my favorite time of the year to stock up on cruise essentials for upcoming travels in the new year.

In the coming weeks, online retailers will be running their biggest sales of the year for Black Friday. Prices on thousands of products will be substantially discounted as Christmas approaches. Whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect gift or simply want to stock up on some much-needed cruise gear, now’s the time to shop for some great deals.

Over the last year, our team of Royal Caribbean Blog editors has tested many different cruise items to find the best products for travelers to bring on their next cruise vacation. These top-rated products came highly recommended by many cruise veterans - so we put them to the test.

From casual Caribbean cruises spent at the beach to adventure-packed itineraries through the Norwegian Fjords, our team visited almost every continent by cruise ship this year. Here’s our list of editor-tested and approved cruise products that you should purchase this holiday season. With big savings in the coming weeks, you can rest assured these products come highly recommended by our team of cruise experts.

Note: The products below contain an affiliate link to Amazon. If you purchase from this link, we receive a small commission that costs you nothing extra. This helps support our site. Shop more on our Amazon Storefront.

1. Apple AirTags

One of the most popular travel products in recent years has been the Apple AirTag. These small, versatile tracking devices pair easily with your iPhone (or other Apple products) and provide real-time location information. This pack of four is on sale for Black Friday for 20% off.

Considering I almost always fly to my cruise embarkation port, I pack one of these AirTags in my checked luggage to ensure I can monitor my bag’s location. The AirTag also provides peace of mind once I hand my suitcase to the cruise porters knowing I can track the location if needed.

Link: Apple AirTag 4 Pack

Price: $79.89 (20% off)

2. Magnetic Hooks
 

Considered a cabin essential for many, magnetic hooks are an easy way to optimize the space in your small stateroom. Because cabin walls are magnetic, these easy-to-pack hooks help you stay organized instead of cluttering the vanity or closet in your cabin.

Magnetic hooks have a variety of uses, mostly for hanging smaller or lighter items on your cabin walls. This could include your cruise lanyard, bags, jackets, towels, and more. The magnetic hooks are small enough to pack easily in your suitcase without taking up too much space, too.

I recently used these magnetic hooks on my 15-night Australia cruise, in which my sister and I shared an inside cabin for the duration of the sailing. Although our cabin was spacious enough, we both packed an excessive amount for the 3-week vacation. We used ten different hooks throughout our stateroom to stay organized and it was a game-changer!

Link: Neosmuk Magnetic Hooks,30lb+ Heavy Duty Earth Magnets with Hook for Refrigerator, Extra Strong Cruise Hook for Hanging, Magnetic Hanger for Cabins, Grill (Silver White, Pack of 10) 

Price: $7.60 (37% off)

Link: DIYMAG Magnetic Hooks,100LBS Strong Heavy Duty Neodymium Magnet Hooks with Swivel Carabiner Hook,Great for Your Refrigerator and Other Magnetic Surfaces,Pack of 7

Price: $18.99 (10% off)

3. USB Charging Station

Charging all of your devices on a cruise ship is an age-old struggle for many. Our editors particularly struggle with this, as we all travel with work-essential devices, such as laptops, cameras, phones, and more.

Older ships are especially prone to charging issues, as most cabins only have one or two outlets for everyone in the stateroom to share. To make matters worse, Royal Caribbean recently banned certain outlet extenders.

Because of this, our team has started using USB charging stations onboard, which provide multiple charging ports. This top-rated charging station is on sale for Black Friday and it’s one of our tried-and-true travel products for cruising. I’ve also included a second option with USB-C ports.

Link: Anker Desktop Charger, Fast Charging USB C Charger, 112W Max 6-Port Charging Station, for iPhone, iPad, MacBook, Samsung and More (Cable Not Included).

Price: $35.99 (22% off)

Link: Anker Charger, 60W 6 Port Charging Station, PowerPort 6 Multi USB Charger for iPhone 15/Pro/Pro Max/14/13, iPad Pro/Air/Mini, Galaxy S23/S22/S21, Note 20 Ultra, LG, HTC, and More. 

Price: $19.99 (33% off)

4. Wrinkle Release Spray

One of our team’s favorite products to pack for a cruise is a travel-sized bottle wrinkle release spray. Because steamers and irons aren’t allowed on cruise ships, wrinkle release spray is the next best thing! This handy spray gets out the pesky wrinkles from your clothes, which inevitably seems to happen when packing.

Wrinkly release spray not only combats wrinkles, but also eliminates odors, refreshes your fabric and removes static. The small travel size ensures it won’t take up too much space in your cabin or suitcase, either.

Link: Downy Wrinkle Release Spray, Travel Size Spray, All In One Formula, Removes Wrinkles, Static and Odor Eliminator, Crisp Linen Scent, 3 Fl Oz, Pack of 3. 

Price: $9.99

5. Motion-Sensing Nightlight

Our team of editors almost exclusively cruises in interior cabins. These affordable cabins are perfectly functional, with everything you need for a comfortable stay. However, the one thing these interior cabins lack is natural light, which makes the room feel perpetually dark.

While perfect for napping and sleeping in on sea days, it’s hard to navigate the pitch-black cabin in the dark, especially in the middle of the night. Many cruisers prefer to have this magnetic, motion-sensing nightlight to automatically illuminate the cabin when it detects motion. Because of its small size and versatility, this light is the perfect addition to your inside cabin.

Link: Motion Sensor Light Indoor [Powered Battery Operated Lights] Magnetic Night Light with Rotating Base - for Closet, Bathroom, Hallway, Under Cabinet Lights, Led Stick On Lights Cruise Ship Essential 

Price: $17.99 (25% off)

6. Cruise Luggage Tags

The editorial team at Royal Caribbean Blog is a big fan of these cruise luggage tag holders. In addition, these tags were one of the most popular items purchased from our Amazon Storefront in 2024.

If you’re worried about your luggage tag getting torn or damaged, these luggage tags are the perfect solution. Moreover, these tags help prevent your bag tag from getting lost or ripped off your suitcase, which could cause a prolonged separation from your luggage.

The luggage tags linked below are ones I personally used on my recent cruise - and I was impressed by the quality and durability. Considering it was pouring rain in Sydney, Australia when I boarded Celebrity Solstice, I was pleased to see my luggage tag remain dry and intact. These would make the perfect stocking stuffers for Christmas.

Link: Highwind Luggage Tags for Suitcases - Durable and Waterproof Cruise Accessories, Secure Tags for Suitcases, Ideal for Celebrity Cruise Luggage Tags and Other Cruise Lines - 8 Pack 

Price: $8.99 (18% off)

7. Binoculars

If you’re sailing to a destination focused on wildlife, you should consider packing these highly-rated binoculars for your next sailing. Sailings through beautiful, remote, and scenic areas, such as Alaska, Iceland, Norway, South America, Canada, and New Zealand, will put binoculars to good use.

These are lightweight and compact for travel, making them the perfect addition to your packing list. You’ll be able to see whales, dolphins, seals, and so much more from the comfort of your balcony. These binoculars are the best we’ve tried - and they’re on sale for Black Friday this year.

Link: Occer 12x25 Compact Binoculars for Adults and Kids - Large Eyepiece Waterproof Binoculars for Bird Watching - High Powered Easy Focus Binoculars with Low Light Vision for Outdoor Hunting Travel. 

Price: $35.99 (30% off)

7. Travel First-Aid Kit

No one wants to imagine getting sick or injured during their cruise vacation, but it’s always wise to be prepared. Although cruise ships have doctors and fully equipped medical facilities onboard, the cost of using these services can be extremely high. Any visit to the ship’s medical center typically comes with a hefty price tag.

This way, minor injuries or health concerns can often be handled in your stateroom with a simple first-aid kit. Having basic supplies, like band-aids and antiseptic, on hand offers both convenience and immediate access to care when you need it most.

Likewise, over-the-counter medications are notoriously expensive on cruise ships, so it’s a good idea to pack any essentials you might need. For this reason, our editor staff always recommends packing some medicine and first-aid supplies. Personally, I pack a small pharmacy with a variety of over-the-counter medication on every cruise I take.

Link: General Medi Mini First Aid Kit, 110 Piece Small First Aid Kit - Includes Emergency Foil Blanket, Scissors for Travel, Home, Office, Vehicle, Camping, Workplace & Outdoor (Red). 

Price: $8.99 (55% off)

8. Seasickness Medication

When planning for your cruise vacation, it’s always a good idea to pack seasickness medication, even if you don’t think you’ll need it. Rough seas can occur unexpectedly on any itinerary, regardless of the season or destination. Certain regions, such as Alaska, New England, and the North Sea, are more prone to unpredictable weather and choppy waters, but even calmer destinations can occasionally experience turbulence.

Even if you don’t typically experience motion sickness, it’s wise to be prepared for the possibility of rocky seas. Additionally, you might encounter motion sickness during shore excursions, such as taxi rides, ferries, or long bus journeys. As mentioned earlier, purchasing seasickness remedies on board can be extremely expensive, so bringing your own ensures you’re prepared without overspending.

Having medication readily available can quickly alleviate symptoms and help you get back to enjoying your trip. Popular options among cruisers include Bonine and Dramamine, particularly the less drowsy or non-drowsy versions, which are highly effective and easy to pack.

Link: Non-Drowsy Bonine for Motion Sickness Relief, Sea Sickness, Car Sickness, Nausea, & Vomiting - Meclizine HCI 25mg, Travel-Sized - 16ct Raspberry Chewable Tablets (Packaging May Vary). 

Price: $5.94 (26% off)

Link: Dramamine Motion Sickness Relief Less Drowsy Formula, 8 Count (Pack of 1). 

Price: $3.90 (35% off)

9. Travel Laundry Packets

Laundry isn’t fun at home or on vacation! If you’re on a longer cruise, you might be looking for laundry options to refresh your wardrobe. Unless you want to splurge on professional wash, fold, and press services, you’re likely stuck doing your laundry in your cruise cabin. Royal Caribbean doesn’t provide self-service laundry machines either.

Luckily, it’s easy enough to wash your clothes in your cruise cabin though, either in the sink or in the shower. If you need to quickly wash something, these laundry packets are handy to pack for your cruise.

One of the most popular products on our storefront is this travel pack of laundry detergent. In fact, I used these packets exclusively when I sailed on Semester at Sea in college and lived on a ship for 100 days. These packets allowed me to wash my clothes for three months in my cabin sink so I didn’t need to pay $30 per load of laundry.

Link: Tide Sink Packs Laundry Detergent Does 3 Loads (3 packs of 3). 

Price: $6.47 (8% off)

10. Electronics Organizer

Like most people, our editing staff travel with many different devices and electronics. It’s hard to keep track of all the charging cords needed these days! As such, one of my favorite investments for my travel gear has been this electronics organizer.

I am able to keep all of my charging blocks, cords, converters, memory cards, and technology gadgets in one organized location for travel. This is so handy for cruise travel and airline travel, as all of the necessities are neatly kept in a compact case.

In addition, I find this electronics organizer keeps my stateroom less cluttered while onboard. The vanity space in a cruise cabin can get messy very quickly between all of the guests in one stateroom, so I appreciate having my cords neatly kept in the organizer to alleviate some of the mess.

Link: BAGSMART Electronics Organizer Travel Case, Small Cable Organizer Bag for Essentials, Tech Organizer as Accessories, Cord Organizer for Phone, Power Bank, SD Card, Black. 

Price: $13.99 (36% off)

11. Pop-Up Laundry Hamper

One cabin essential that our team has been raving about lately is a pop-up laundry hamper. A mesh hamper fits seamlessly on the bottom of a suitcase and provides a convenient location for all of your dirty clothes.

Is it necessary for your cruise? Not necessarily. Will you appreciate having one during your cruise? Probably.

I used one of these hampers on my 15-night Australia cruise. Instead of having an unorganized closet with dirty clothes all over, we kept everything neatly in one of these mesh pop-up hampers. At the end of our cruise, it was so easy to stuff all of the dirty laundry into one packing cube, which was immediately washed upon returning home.

Link: Handy Laundry Collapsible Mesh Pop Up Hamper with Wide Opening and Side Pocket – Breathable, Sturdy, Foldable, and Space-Saving Design for Clothes and Storage. (Black).

Price: $13.99 (36% off)

12. Compression Packing Cubes

In terms of organization, our editorial staff is obsessed with packing cubes. Multiple editors on the staff rave about the functionality of packing cubes for staying organized and optimizing luggage space. In particular, compression packing cubes are a great investment this holiday season for your upcoming travels.

While regular packing cubes are useful, compression packing cubes allow you to pack more efficiently by saving space. It’s a breeze to unpack in your cabin too, as all you need to do is place the packing cube in your stateroom drawer, shelf, or closet.

Link: BAGSMART 6 Set/4 Set/2 Set Compression Packing Cubes for Travel, Lightweight Vacation Travel Essentials, Travel Accessories for Suitcase Organizer Bags Set, Durable Luggage Organizer Travel Bags

Price: $39.99 (7% off)

13. Portable White Noise Machine

Cruise ships are inherently noisy, especially if your cabin is next to a rowdy neighbor. Early morning announcements and noises around the ship can prevent you from getting a good night’s rest. For this reason, one of my favorite purchases in 2024 for my cruises was this portable white noise machine!

This tiny white noise machine fits in the palm of my hand. The small size makes it easy for travel, even carry-on only cruises! Although small, the sound is mighty to blast through your stateroom and drown out the ruckus. I’ve used it on every single cruise since purchasing and I won’t cruise without it!

Link: White Noise Machine Babelio Mini Sound Machine for Adults Kids Baby | 15 Non-looping Sounds | Timer | Easy to Pocket and Travel - White. 

Price: $19.99

14. Before-You-Go Toilet Spray

All that cruise food has to go somewhere! Although not glamorous, our editorial staff loves to pack this Poo-Pourri spray for cabin bathrooms. If you’re sharing the extremely small space, you will appreciate keeping the bathroom smelling clean and fresh!

This travel-sized spray is one of our top-recommended products on Amazon. It’s also one of the most popular purchases from our readers. If you want to keep your cabin from having a stench, consider ordering one of these spray bottles before your next cruise.

Link: Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Toilet Spray, Fresh Air, 2 Fl Oz - Jasmine, Fresh Air and Mint. 

Price: $9.21 (8% off)

15. Tide Stain Remover Pen

There’s nothing worse than staining on your favorite cruise shirt while on vacation! Everything from coffee to red wine and chocolate can easily stain a light-colored shirt. Our editors never cruise without packing one of these stain-removing pens in their suitcase to take onboard.

This stain-removing pen is pocket-sized and compact, so it travels easily. You don’t have to worry about it taking up too much room in your cruise cabin either. The pen works almost instantly, lifting stains from your shirts and drying quickly. My husband travels for work and swears by these!

Link: Tide Pen Stain Remover for Clothes, Tide To Go Pen, Instant Stain Remover Pen & Spot Cleaner, Portable & Travel-Friendly, Works on Food & Drink Stains, Fits in Purses & Bags, 3 Count (Pack of 1). 

Price: $6.49 (20% off)

16. Beach Towel Clips

Our editors are big fans of towel clips for cruising to keep your towel perfectly in place while lounging on the beach or relaxing on the top deck of the ship. These clips can be used for multiple purposes, such as hanging up clothes in the shower and clipping curtains together in your stateroom.

The only downside to these clips is the size. The larger size makes them quite functional, but you’ll want to make sure you have enough room in your suitcase for storage. Regardless, these towel clips were one of the most popular purchases on our Amazon Storefront in 2024 - readers love them!

Link: Danmu Beach Towel Clips, Beach Clips, Towel Clips for Beach Chairs Cruise, Heavy Duty Clothes Pins-Keep Your Towel from Blowing Away, Beach Accessories for Vacation Must Haves (Multicolor-8pcs). 

Price: $5.55 (21% off)

Videos are surfacing online of on Explorer of the Seas, capturing the ship's sudden tilt during a recent squall.

The incident took place on Thursday evening this week while Explorer of the Seas was crossing the Atlantic Ocean.  After visiting Tenerife in the Canary Islands, Explorer of the Seas began her transatlantic journey to Miami, Florida. 

While off the coast of Africa, the ship was hit by a squall - or a sudden, sharp gust of sustained wind. This caused the ship to tilt on its side, wreaking havoc onboard.

A video of the incident is currently going viral on TikTok with more than 4 million views. The video was filmed on the Royal Promenade when Explorer of the Seas was struck by the squall. Over 4k viewers have commented on the TikTok, which has amassed over 143k likes. The video was shared by user @digitalnomodo, also known as Digital Nomad Around The World.

The footage shows Explorer of the Seas tilting significantly during the squall incident, with merchandise spewing across the floor and guests attempting to navigate the tilting promenade. Two guests appear caught off guard as they walk sideways, nearly getting hit by a screen sliding across the floor. Another male guest is seen in the footage clinging to a table for support. 

The viral TikTok continues to show the Royal Promenade turning into chaos with items falling all over the floor. The two guests eventually reach out to hold onto one of the employees to keep their balance. The three people hold hands while the ship rocks. People are also shown walking sideways as the ship tilts during the squall.

The aftermath of the squall is shown at the end of the video, with one woman having a heated discussion with two crew members. It’s unclear what exactly is happening during this encounter, although the woman is seen pointing into one of the stores. Merchandise is scattered across the floor with one of the screens lying atop a table. 

Because the squall struck later in the evening, the Royal Promenade was filled with items for guests to shop, as is common on cruise ships. This likely caused more of a mess, as much of the merchandise was out for display.

Explorer of the Seas had already adjusted her transatlantic crossing due to historic flooding in Valencia, Spain. The itinerary was changed once again due to Tropical Storm Patty in the Atlantic Ocean, causing the ship to visit the Canary Islands instead. When the ship was around 750 miles off the coast of Africa, a squall struck with extreme winds and rough conditions. By definition, squalls involve sudden and sustained gusts of wind, often accompanied by rough seas and dangerous storm conditions. 

The ship steered out of the squall safely thanks to the captain’s quick actions. Guests and crew members were directed to return to their staterooms for accountability counts to ensure everyone was safe. Luckily, all guests and crew were accounted for. Some minor injuries were reported due to the incident, according to guests currently onboard. According to passengers on the ship, some crew members were also injured during the squall. 

A map of the ship’s route on CruiseMapper shows the ship veering quickly before continuing on its transatlantic journey. However, Explorer of the Seas reverted its course shortly after and returned to the Canary Islands for a medical disembarkation.

In an official statement, Royal Caribbean said the ship experienced “sudden movement” when it was hit by an “unexpected wind gust”. Because of the incident, Royal Caribbean confirmed one guest required additional medical attention in Las Palmas, which is the capital city of the Canary Islands and the largest city in Gran Canaria. The cruise line did not specify the severity of the guest’s injuries.

The captain’s decision to return to the Canary Islands is not surprising, as Explorer of the Seas will be spending the next week crossing the Atlantic Ocean. The 12-night itinerary will be delayed returning to Miami, Florida by three days due to the incident.

The sailing departed from Barcelona, Spain on November 2, 2024 for the transatlantic itinerary. The original sailing included stops in Valencia (Spain), Malaga (Spain) and the Azores before six days of sailing to Miami, Florida. The stop in Valencia, Spain was replaced with Cartagena, Spain due to the catastrophic flooding that occurred a few weeks ago.

The ship’s port of call in the Azores was also cancelled due to weather, as Tropical Storm Patty would bring rough seas to the region. The captain instead rerouted the ship to Tenerife in the Canary Islands before beginning the transatlantic crossing.

When the ship encountered the squall, guests onboard described the situation as “terrifying” with many passengers panicking. Because the squall was unexpected, guests were going about their evening onboard the ship. Many passengers were in the theatre for the evening show when the ship started to rock violently.

One guest wrote on Facebook, “We were hit by a surprise squall and the ship listed port side really far and stayed tilted for about somewhere between 5-10 minutes.”

“I am not alone in saying I thought the ship was going over,” commented another passenger online. Another responded, “We were on deck 12, and thought it was going to tip. It was terrifying.”

The captain apparently told guests that wind speeds “basically doubled in intensity within six minutes” during the squall. Because it was an unexpected weather event, the ship could not have prepared for the wind intensity.

Images of the incident were quickly shared online, with many passengers capturing the chaos and damage onboard. The bars onboard Explorer of the Seas were particularly impacted with broken glassware, shattered liquor bottles and spilled liquids.

Passengers on the transatlantic sailing also reported damage to their cabins with one guest describing a scene of broken glassware and shattered wine bottles in their stateroom. However, once all guests and crew members were accounted for, the ship was given an “all clear” and passengers were free to leave their staterooms.

Photos from the incident show the ship’s crew members working hard to clean up the mess and ensure the guests were taken care of. Many praised the hard working crew, along with the ship’s captain for his handling of the incident in keeping everyone safe.

“[The captain] took us out of harm’s way. And I thank him from the bottom of my heart for doing so. Yes, I was scared, probably not as much as others because we were in our cabin when the ship listed, but Captain Frank immediately came on over the intercom to tell us that we were changing course for about 30 minutes to avoid the unexpected squall, and that we were safe,” shared one passenger onboard.

Guests were later told that the ship needed to return to the Canary Islands for the medical emergency, in which the ship would also refuel and get provisions. Because of this, Explorer of the Seas will arrive back in Miami, Florida on November 17, 2024 - three days later than her originally scheduled date of November 14, 2024.

Explorer of the Seas was scheduled to sail on a 10-night Southern Caribbean itinerary on November 14, 2024 after the completion of her transatlantic crossing. That itinerary has now been shortened to a 7-night Southern Caribbean itinerary with the loss of three port stops because of the delay. Guests on the impacted itinerary will receive a prorated refund, along with onboard credit to use during the cruise because of the shortened sailing.

At the time of publication, Explorer of the Seas is sailing on the southern side of Gran Canaria after departing from Las Palmas. The ship will be crossing the Atlantic Ocean before arriving in Miami, Florida for her winter season, sailing itineraries around the Caribbean. Explorer of the Seas is a Voyager class ship that was originally built in 2000. The vessel, measuring 137,000 gross registered tons, has 14 decks. At maximum capacity, the ship can hold 4,290 passengers. 

A sudden, powerful squall struck Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas during its transatlantic crossing, causing disarray on the ship and injuring several guests onboard. 

According to guests on the sailing, Explorer of the Seas encountered a squall while sailing off the coast of Africa towards Miami, Florida. A squall is defined as a sharp, sudden increase in wind speed that lasts for minutes. Squalls can form quickly - in a matter of minutes - and cultivate rough seas, heavy rain, and changes in atmospheric pressure.

On the Crown and Anchor Society Facebook page, David Wong posted, “We were suddenly hit by a 55mph squall to the starboard side and the ship was tilted to the port side at a scary angle. We were all instructed to stay in our cabin for head counts and to check if anyone was hurt. I don’t think anyone was seriously injured.”

(Image shared by Jonathan Parrish)

Explorer of the Seas is currently sailing on a 12-night itinerary from Barcelona, Spain to Miami, Florida. After spending her summer sailing in Europe, Explorer of the Seas is on her repositioning voyage for a winter season in the Caribbean.

Unfortunately, the ill-fated voyage has already experienced unexpected changes before the squall incident. Explorer of the Seas was scheduled to visit Valencia (Spain), Malaga (Spain) and the Azores (Portugal) on her original itinerary before crossing the Atlantic. Due to catastrophic flooding that devastated Valencia last week, the ship was diverted to Cartagena, Spain instead.

(Images shared by Jonathan Parrish)

However, that wasn’t the only weather-related diversion for the ship. Because of Tropical Storm Patty in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, Explorer of the Seas had to skip its scheduled port stop in the Azores as well. The cruise ship instead visited Tenerife in the Canary Islands prior to beginning her ocean crossing.

While only about 750 miles off the coast of Morocco, Explorer of the Seas was unexpectedly struck by damaging winds from a squall. The captain allegedly acted quickly to redirect the ship and safely handle the incident. According to Ron Warren online, the ship listed severely for “somewhere between 5 to 10 minutes” during the incident.

The squall left Explorer of the Seas in shambles, as photos of the aftermath are now being shared online. The damage and apparent chaos can be seen around the vessel in many of the photos. Impacted areas including the Promenade, casino, bars, Windjammer and retail shops. 

(Images shared by Jonathan Parrish)

The shocking images show extensive damage across the ship, particularly in the bar areas. Photos show spilled liquor, broken glassware and shattered bottles scattered across the floor. The retail shops onboard show more damage with clothing, perfume, watches and more merchandise spewed around the ship.

More pictures from guests onboard show furniture and decor overturned in the ship’s hallways and common areas. Tables in the ship’s casino are also flipped due to the ship’s steep listing. Even still, many photos show the crew members working tirelessly and swiftly to clean up the damage around the ship.

(Images shared by Jonathan Parrish)

Following the incident, the captain apparently ordered all guests to remain in their cabins so they could properly account for all passengers onboard. Crew members were also ordered to their cabins for accountability purposes. Online, some passengers have shared that medical announcements were made to assist guests who are injured from the incident.

Impacted guests onboard Explorer of the Seas are understandably shaken by the scary incident. “It was horrible. Terrifying. I’ve ever been scared on a cruise ship before, and I’ve done multiple transatlantic. I am not alone in saying I thought the ship was going over,” shared Patty Laushman.

(Explorer of the Seas' location as of November 7, 2024, 20:25 CST)

“This is our first transatlantic, and yes, it was scary, maybe not so much for us because we were in our cabin. But, I thank Captain Frank from the bottom of my heart that he immediately, and literally, steered us out of harm’s way. Broken dishes and knocked- over-tables can be replaced and fixed, but as far as we know, we are all safe,” said Annette Hodges.

Another guest, Madge McLennan, shared how she was in the theatre waiting for a show to begin when the squall hit. She describes people starting to “panic and race for the exit” during the unnerving situation. She also explained how a bottle of wine in their cabin hit the floor and smashed following the heavy winds. 

(Image shared by Jonathan Parrish)

Moreover, Jonathan Parrish shared an image of Explorer’s current navigational path, showing an obvious course diversion due to the squall. “This is the drastic right turn we made due to the winds. Amazing job to the Captain for a quick reaction: turning and slowing" he shared on Facebook. 

According to guests currently onboard, Explorer of the Seas is now diverting back to the Canary Islands. "Captain Frank just announced they turned back due to a medical emergency and they will refuel and get provisions in the Canary Islands He also says that we wont arrive in Miami until [November] 17th, NOT the 14th as scheduled," wrote Kimberly Melton. 

Explorer of the Seas is currently sailing east towards towards Africa based on CruiseMapper's location. This will apparently delay the ship's scheduled return to Miami by three days, based on passenger's reporting. Explorer of the Seas is scheduled to sail on a 10-night Southern Caribbean on November 14, 2024 from Miami, Florida following the ship's transatlantic journey. 

Royal Caribbean has not provided a comment on the incident as of the time of publication.

Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas is stuck in Yokohama, Japan after encountering technical issues - supposedly with its propulsion system.

Because of this, the ship’s current voyage will be delayed returning to Shanghai, China and the following voyage is cancelled.

According to Reddit user @SkylightJewel on the r/royalcaribbean thread, Spectrum of the Seas has faced ‘technical issues’ during its 7-night sailing from China to Japan. The presumed propulsion issue has delayed the ship’s return to Shanghai, China by two days from November 7, 2024 to November 9, 2024.

“I am currently onboard Royal Caribbean's Spectrum of the Seas Japan cruise from Shanghai (Baoshan) China [2nd Nov 2024 - 9th Nov 2024],” writes the cruiser.

“At the time of posting, the captain just announced the ship (Spectrum Of The Seas) is currently having a ‘technical issue' and we are stuck in the Yokohama port unable to depart until the parts to fix the ship come in.”

In an update to the post, the Reddit user explained how the captain later announced the ship was experiencing a “technical fault” that would result in the ship staying in Yokohama, Japan until the issue could be resolved.

Spectrum of the Seas embarked on a 7-night round-trip itinerary from Shanghai to Japan, originally scheduled to return on November 9, 2024. The itinerary featured port stops throughout Japan, including Kobe, Osaka and Yokohama (Tokyo). The original sailing was meant to return on November 9, 2024 to Shanghai, China before sailing on a 4-night itinerary to Japan.

The Reddit user continued, “Captain announced that the estimated arrival time back to Shanghai (Baoshan) has been delayed to 11th November 2024. It looks like whoever has booked their cruise on 9th Nov 2024 (4 Night Nagasaki Japan Cruise from Shanghai, China) will be cancelled.”

As of November 6, 2024 at 8:25 PM CST, CruiseMapper shows Spectrum of the Seas currently docked in Yokohama, Japan. Royal Caribbean has not confirmed exactly what the “technical concern” is, or what has caused the issue. However, the Reddit user alleges that Spectrum of the Seas is having a propulsion issue, which has impacted other Royal Caribbean ships recently as well.

Spectrum of the Seas is a newer ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, launching as the first Quantum Ultra Class cruise ship. Spectrum of the Seas was built for - and exclusively sails to - the Asian market. The ship is considered the largest, newest and most innovative ship to sail in Asia, holding nearly 4,900 passengers as maximum capacity and measuring 168,666 gross tons.

Compensation

According to a Facebook post shared by Cruise The World, guests booked on the November 9, 2024 sailing onboard Spectrum of the Seas have been notified of the cruise cancellation.

In the email sent to guests, Royal Caribbean states, “Unfortunately, due to a technical concern on our current sailing, we will be delaying our return to Shanghai (Baoshan), China. As a result, we will need to cancel our sailing together. We know how much time and effort go into planning your cruise, and we’re truly sorry for this disappointing news”

For compensation, guests will receive a 100% refund on their cruise, including taxes and fees, within 14 business days. All pre-paid packages and gratuities, amenities and shore excursions will be refunded as well to impacted guests. Further, Royal Caribbean states that any flights purchased through Royal Caribbean are eligible for a full refund, including any pre-purchased Royal Caribbean Travel Protection plans too.

In addition, guests on the cancelled sailing will receive a 50% Future Cruise Credit as a gesture of goodwill from Royal Caribbean. The credit can be used on future sailings within one next year for impacted itinerary.

Royal Caribbean has also provided compensation for airfare changes and cancellations due to the propulsion issue. Those who booked flights directly through Royal Caribbean will receive an automatic refund while other guests will be compensated for any change fees incurred by the cancellation. 

Moreover. guests will receive $200 USD per person for domestic travel changes while those with international flights will receive $400 USD per person. According to the cruise line, these passengers are instructed to send receipts to [email protected] for review and reimbursement. 

Royal Caribbean’s recent propulsion issues

Although maintenance issues and cancelled cruises are rare, they are not unheard of. In fact, Spectrum of the Seas is not the first Royal Caribbean ship this year to experience technical issues. Royal Caribbean has experienced a few technical issues across its fleet within the last 12 months.

Just two weeks ago, Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas was stuck in Mexico due to a technical issue with the ship’s propulsion system. This resulted in a delayed return for the ship, causing further delays for the following sailing. Brilliance of the Seas is an older ship, launching in 2002. 

Brilliance of the Seas had propulsion issues earlier this year, too. During her time in Australia and the South Pacific this winter, the ship had to alter and cancel itineraries unexpectedly. During an 11-night itinerary to the South Pacific, Brilliance of the Seas returned to Sydney, Australia four days ahead of schedule for technical repairs. 

This caused the ship to cancel its ports of call in Mystery Island, Port Vila, and Luganville. The shortened itinerary with limited port stops was a huge disappointment for guests onboard. The following 5-night cruise was also cancelled due to ongoing propulsion issues and delayed maintenance. 

Earlier this year, another Radiance Class ship had unexpected maintenance issues with its propulsion system. Radiance of the Seas encountered a propulsion issue in April 2024 that caused a last-minute cancellation for one Alaskan itinerary. The ship had previously experienced propulsion issues in late 2023 as well, which resulted in two cancelled Alaskan itineraries last year.

Finally, Royal Caribbean’s newest and biggest vessel, Icon of the Seas, cancelled a 7-night itinerary in September 2024 because of technical issues. Although the cruise line did not specify the exact issue, many presumed the ship was also experiencing propulsion issues. Cruises resumed when Icon of the Seas was repaired successfully. 

Preparing for an upcoming cruise is one of the most exciting aspects of the planning process. Before any trip, I run last-minute errands to stock up on anything that I might need for my vacation.

While I typically run to Target for my pre-cruise shopping spree, I decided to visit my local Dollar Tree before my recent cruise. I was shocked at how many inexpensive cruise essentials were available for just $1.25. This is a fraction of the cost I normally pay - and finding hidden gems at the dollar store felt like a treasure hunt!

If you’re looking to keep costs down on your upcoming cruise, I highly recommend visiting the Dollar Tree before your next sailing. Here are five must-have items that you should stock up on before your sailing.

1. Travel-Sized Toiletries

The Dollar Tree is a great place to purchase travel-sized products before your next cruise. For just $1.25 each, you can get a variety of name brand toiletries. I stocked up on toothpaste and lotion before my last cruise, but you can also find small bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, mouthwash and more.

Also, these smaller items are perfect for anyone looking to save space in their luggage. Because I usually travel with just a carry-on, I rely on travel-sized toiletries to be compliant with TSA requirements.

2. Cabin Necessities

If you’re looking for cruise cabin necessities, the Dollar Tree is a great place to visit. Because cruise staterooms have magnetic walls, you can hang anything magnetic during your sailing. I purchased magnets to hang daily agendas and tickets on the wall, along with magnetic hooks for heavier items.

Other necessities that I found at my Dollar Tree included pop-up hamper for dirty laundry and scented room mist to keep the cabin smelling fresh. 

3. Cleaning and Hygiene Essentials

While you won’t have to worry about actual cleaning on your cruise (you are on vacation, after all), you should plan to pack a few cleaning essentials. I was surprised to find many options at the Dollar Tree for cleaning and hygiene at such a reasonable price.

I prefer to have liquid hand soap for the bathroom in my cabin, so I grabbed a bottle for $1.25 to bring onboard. In addition, I grabbed a 2-pack of hand sanitizers and disinfecting wipes, as you can never have too many of these while cruising! Other gems at the Dollar Tree included individually-packaged stain removing wipes, an Oxiclean stain removing pen and a travel-sized laundry detergent to wash laundry in your cabin.

4. Medicine and Health Supplies

I never thought about heading to the Dollar Tree for medication, but I was pleasantly surprised by the selection and prices. It’s a good idea to keep over-the-counter medication in your cabin while cruising, as it will save you time and money if you need anything.

My Dollar Tree had everything from supplements like Vitamin C to name-brand medications like Advil and Tylenol. Generic medication was stocked on the shelves too, including gas relief, antacids, cold and flu medication, anti-diarrhea and laxatives.  There was even a small first-aid kit that would be perfect for traveling!

5. Door Decorations

One practice that’s become wildly popular on cruises is decorating your stateroom door. People are very creative these days with their door decor! If you want to participate in this trend, check out the Dollar Tree for a variety of decorations at an extremely reasonable price.

In particular, my store had multiple aisles stocked full of cute Halloween and fall decor for $1.25. Those who want to decorate on a budget will appreciate the selection of decorations for all occasions, including birthdays, anniversaries, graduation and family reunions. One of my favorite finds was a magnetic dry erase board that we hung on the door of our cabin for fellow cruisers to leave notes!

Two famous influencers are facing harsh backlash for leaving their two young children unattended during their recent Royal Caribbean cruise.

The couple - Matt and Abby Howard - are known for their online presence, as the two are the hosts of a popular podcast called The Unplanned Podcast. In addition, the couple has a large following on Instagram and TikTok, where they chronicle their lives as parents of two young children to millions of followers. Their children include two sons, a 1-year-old named August and a 2-year-old named Griffin.

The controversy comes after Abby shared on her Instagram story about their recent cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas. The mom of two shared with her 1.3 million followers how she and Matt decided partway through their 5-night cruise to leave their children unattended in their stateroom during dinner.

In the now-deleted Instagram story, Abby said, “So, we ended up taking them for 5 nights and it became apparent that they weren’t enjoying it and therefore we weren’t either.”

“So, THEN we switched our dinner time to AFTER their bedtime and we FaceTimed the [baby] monitors while we ate,” she continued. Further, Abby shared how their baby monitors wouldn’t work onboard Navigator of the Seas unless they were within 10 feet of the device.

Abby stated, “And that worked out muchhhh better for everyone!”

According to online reports, Abby had shared that the parents had tried to leave the children with the onboard childcare services, but their baby was too upset by the ordeal. Moreover, Abby shared in an Instagram story how they tried to reserve slots for their children, but struggled to find availability.

“Our game plan was to play all day with the kids and then let them hang out in the kids club while the adults went to formal dining, as long, nice dinners [are] not a setting designed for them,” Abby said.

“Well, you need to book ahead if your child is under 3 and pretty much all of the dinner slots were already booked before I could get to the nursery (an hour after boarding),” she continued. As a solution, the parents opted to put their children to bed before dinner, relying on their phones to FaceTime a baby monitor to watch the kids.

As a family-friendly cruise line, Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas provides nursery care for children under 3 years old for an additional cost. The cruise line states on their website, "If you’re cruising with a baby or a toddler, you’ll be pleased to know that Navigator of the Seas offers an abundance of childcare options for little ones, like the cruise line’s award-winning Adventure Ocean Youth Program and the Royal Babies and Tots Nursery. That’s in addition to convenience-boosting amenities like cribs brought to your stateroom and babysitting services run by qualified, caring professionals."

According to Royal Caribbean’s website, Royal Babies and Tots has an additional cost based on an hourly rate. Parents need to register their children and reserve slots for the nursery, which is fully equipped with staff to supervise young children safely.

Unsurprisingly, the Instagram story has brought the parents under scrutiny for leaving their young children alone in their stateroom to have dinner. The story, which was shared to r/royalcaribbean on Reddit, garnered more than 200 comments. The original post on Reddit was captioned, "Influencers leave their kids in their room unattended… y'all, do NOT DO THIS!!"

Social media users and cruisers alike were outraged by the incident, calling the parents “neglectful,” "insane," and “irresponsible.” Moreover, many questioned how the parents would reach their children in the event of an emergency, such as an onboard fire.

“They could have easily had their dinner brought to their room and ate there. So irresponsible and selfish,” states one commenter.

Another cruiser stated, “I mean, I’ve cruised a lot and there is always something crazy that happens. A rogue wave. A lockdown. Storm. Lost child. The ocean is wild and to leave your 1-year-old and 2-year-old alone on a boat at any time is so so so so so so stupid.”

“If you can’t stay with your kids at all times or have appropriate adults watching them, then don’t bring them!”

Another user shared, “I expected to see a bunch of overreacting, assuming the kids were a bit older. 1 and 2? One is entirely helpless and the other is self-destructive. Yikes.”

“Wow, this is insane. I just took my 2-year-old and 11-month-old on a cruise and I never thought to myself, I should leave them alone in our room,” writes another commenter.

One person commented, “I was thinking that maybe they were older kids since I’m not familiar with these TikTokers. This information makes it so, so much worse.”

Others compared the incident to the story of Madeleine McCann, in which the British parents of the 3-year-old toddler left her unattended in a resort-style apartment to have dinner with their friends nearby. Other children were in the apartment at the time of the incident as well.

Although the parents took turns checking on the kids during dinner, the young Madeline was gone from her bed around 10PM that night - and she remains missing to this day.

“Clearly, they’re too young to know the story of Madeleine McCann. That’s exactly what happened in their case and I am sure those parents regret that choice to go have dinner when the kids are sleeping every single day,” writes one commenter.

Similarly, another person commented, “Dude. No way. Older little kids can leave the room without you stopping them. [For] babies, [it's] basically criminal neglect to leave like that. Madeleine McCann, anyone?”

“I guess they’ve never heard of Madeleine McCann?” commented one user on social media.

Another echoed this sentiment writing, “This seriously reminds me of the Madeleine McCann. Like many years ago, a couple on holiday left their child in the room for dinner and she was kidnapped. I mean that’s a worse case scenario but like literally a billion things can happen."

Abby and Matt have not responded to the criticism publicly, although the couple did remove the story from Abby's Instagram following the backlash. 

Packing for an upcoming cruise is perhaps one of the most stressful aspects of planning a cruise vacation. If you’re jetting off to Europe for a cruise, you might be feeling overwhelmed about what exactly you should pack.

Having the right wardrobe for a cruise is crucial or you might be spending the entirety of your vacation feeling unprepared. Without the proper necessities, you might find yourself needing to shop in ports of call, which is wasting both your time and money.

My husband and I recently returned from a European cruise onboard Celebrity Apex, visiting ports of call across Northern Europe. Our itinerary departed from Southhampton, England before setting sail to Belgium and Norway. This particular sailing had three ports of call throughout the Norwegian Fjords throughout the 7-night itinerary.

Before the cruise, we spent three additional nights in London before heading south to the cruise port in Southampton. We stayed in the heart of London and enjoyed a few days of sightseeing before the cruise. I always recommend spending a few days in your departure city, especially for those making the long trek across the pond for a cruise.

Generally speaking, we were quite lucky with weather and sea conditions during this cruise. The weather during our cruise ranged from sunny to cold and rainy, with everything in between. With such varying climates between these three countries, my husband and I had to be strategic about our packing.

My biggest piece of advice is to focus on practicality and versatility when packing for your European cruise. Having layers and versatile pieces in your wardrobe will allow you to save space in your suitcase while also being fully prepared for changing weather conditions.

Moreover, you should prepare for lots of walking during your cruise. We were walking upwards of 15,000 steps each day while sightseeing. In this way, comfortable walking shoes should be at the top of your European cruise packing list. You do not want to deal with painful blisters because you didn’t pack the appropriate walking shows!

Read more: European cruise outfits and packing guide for women

For a European cruise, plan to pack at least one outfit each day. Most European itineraries are very port-intensive with fewer sea days compared to Caribbean sailings. You should also plan for evening outfits to wear onboard the cruise ship to dinners. Finally, prepare for hanging out or walking around the ship with some lounge outfits. These are also perfect for sea days!

Finally, if you’re looking for men’s outfit inspiration for your cruise, I am here to help! Much to the excitement of my husband (can you sense my sarcasm?), I documented everything he wore during our European cruise. While neither of us are fashionistas, I wanted to provide a realistic look for what men could wear for cruise outfits on a European sailing.

This outfit guide will cover the necessities that men should pack for their European cruise. If you’re sailing on a Mediterranean cruise, this outfit guide probably won’t help you too much. The Mediterranean is much warmer than Northern Europe, requiring a very different wardrobe than the one I will show you in this article.

The outfits below work well for men cruising around Northern Europe and the Baltics. This would include sailings that are departing from ports across Northern Europe, like Amsterdam (Netherland), Southampton (England), Oslo (Norway), Copenhagen (Denmark), Reykjavik (Iceland) and Stockholm (Sweden).

General Packing Tips

When you begin packing for your European cruise, you will want to keep a few things in mind. First, you should focus on packing layers! Layers provide flexibility and versatility to your cruise wardrobe. This is very important, as packing layers also allows you to prepare for a changing climate.

While it might be cold in the morning, the sun can pop out in the afternoon and bring warm sunshine. When you have layers that work well together, you are providing yourself with more options to stay comfortable in the changing weather.

For this cruise, my husband packed many different layering options in his suitcase. This included short-sleeved shirts, pull-over sweaters, and outdoor jackets. Almost every day of our cruise, he wore some combination of these layers.

Choose jackets and sweatshirts that are neutral-colored and work well with your wardrobe. By choosing more neutral colors, you can wear multiple combinations of your wardrobe throughout the cruise. For my husband, this meant packing black, grey, and tan colored sweaters and jackets for our cruise. A black raincoat was a staple for both of us.

In addition, this mix-and-match strategy allows you to pack less overall. Avoid outfits that you might only wear once, as this is wasting precious real estate in your suitcase. This also holds true for outerwear and shoes. Keep the shoes at home that you only plan to wear to dinner once or twice if you can avoid it.

When packing for your European cruise, you will also need to consider what your daily agenda entails. For example, if you are planning to do any hiking or outdoorsy activities, you will need to plan for this accordingly. Check out your tour descriptions before packing as well; these tours can provide outfit guidelines to keep in mind for your excursion’s agenda.

For instance, if you plan to do any hiking, most excursion descriptions encourage guests to pack hiking shoes. You’ll need to use your best judgment for this, as some hikes might only require tennis shoes.

Finally, try not to overpack. This doesn’t seem to be a problem for my husband as much as it is for me. Most importantly, you will be lugging your suitcase across the pond to board your cruise. This means you need to anticipate hauling your luggage in the airports, train stations, cruise terminals, hotels, and taxis.

Expectations for Weather

Before you start packing for your European cruise, you will want to check out the weather forecast. Although it might seem obvious, the forecast can vary greatly when cruising in Europe. This is especially true in Northern Europe, where the weather can change drastically. You might have sunshine one day and cold rain the following.

The European cruise season runs between April and October, with peak season between May and September. This is because the weather is usually too rainy and cold if you sail in April or October - this is considered the “shoulder season.” You might be able to snag a great deal on cruises in the shoulder season, but be prepared for even colder and rainier weather.

While cruising on the North Sea and Baltic Sea, you could experience rough waves or storms, especially during shoulder season. The summer should bring more sunshine than rain in Northern Europe, but you should be prepared for anything.

Prepare for temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit and highs around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Sailings in the shoulder season will have cooler weather while the summer months of June, July, and August will be the warmest months.

Of course, the further north you sail, the cooler the temperatures will be. This means cruises to Iceland, Norway, and the Arctic Circle can bring cold weather - and you should plan accordingly. Other cruises around the Baltics, British Isles, and Scandinavia should have warmer temperatures, although rain and cold temperatures can still be possible.

Even with cooler weather, you can still experience heat waves in this region of Europe. Ports like Le Herve (France), Amsterdam (Netherlands), and Brugge (Belgium) are all destinations where you can plan for warmer temperatures.

During our day in Belgium, the temperatures were around 60 degrees Fahrenheit with sunny skies. The morning was cooler while the afternoon brought warm sunshine. On the other hand, our time in Norway brought more varied temperatures. While it rained all day in Olden when we hiked the glacier, it was warm and sunny in Flam for the railway.

Finally, this region of Norway is notorious for rain. Every cruise that we’ve taken in this region of Europe has at least one or two days where it rains for the entire day. The weather can also change quickly with pop-up storms. For this reason, I always pack a rain jacket and a small umbrella. My husband wore his light rain jacket almost every day of the cruise.

Cruise Essentials Overview

My husband packed just one 50-pound suitcase with a carry-on for this trip. Overall, he wore almost everything in his wardrobe that he packed for our European itinerary. For our cruise, we had a few excursions planned that were taken into consideration when planning.

First, we planned to hike the glacier in Olden, Norway. Although this was advertised as a hike, it was a nicely paved path up to the glacier. We also planned to ride the Flam Railway while docked in Flam, Norway. Finally, our itinerary stopped in Bergen, Norway, and Brugge, Belgium, where we were planning to walk around the cities.

Moreover, my husband is a runner and planned to workout a few days during our cruise. He packed exercise clothes with the anticipation of a few workouts. If you are someone who wants to hit the gym, make sure to pack accordingly and throw some gym shorts and workout shirts into your suitcase.

My husband does not love jeans, so most of his pants are the ABC Classic Pant from Lululemon. He claims these pants are easy to dress up or down - and are extremely comfortable to wear throughout the day. He packed multiple colors of these pants, including black, grey, and khaki.

During the day, my husband wore a combination of these pants with a casual short-sleeve shirt. He layered this outfit with a quarter zip and black rain jacket. This black rain jacket is from 66 North and one of his favorites for outwear! A black rain jacket is perfect for a European cruise as it's both versatile and practical. 

In the evenings, he actually wore similar outfits to his daily attire. Most of the evenings, he swapped his short-sleeved shirt for a polo with his khakis or black pants. He also wore a quarter zip during the cooler evenings onboard.

As for outfits on the ship, my husband kept it casual with joggers and sweatshirts. Since our sailing had two sea days, he wore these casual outfits around the ship. In addition, these more casual outfits were perfect for the mornings for breakfast or watching the fjord sailings from the top deck.

Read more: What to wear on a cruise that works for all dress codes

However, loungewear was minimal for this cruise since we only had two sea days. If your sailing has more sea days, then you will want to consider packing more comfortable outfits to wear around the ship.

Of course, you don’t want to forget a swimsuit either! Although this isn’t your typical Caribbean cruise, there are usually indoor pools and multiple hot tubs onboard to enjoy! One evening after dinner, we hot tubbed while sailing through the fjord. Since the sun doesn’t really set in Norway in the summer, it was a beautiful late-night evening.

I should also note that my husband took advantage of our free laundry voucher onboard Celebrity Apex during this cruise. Because we have Elite Plus loyalty status with the cruise line, we each received two free bags of laundry. This helped provide some fresh outfits and undergarments halfway through the cruise.

With that in mind, here’s exactly what my husband packed for our 7-night European cruise. Below is a list of everything he wore during our sailing to Norway and Belgium.

European cruise packing list for men

Outfits:

• 1 light jacket
• 3 quarter zip jackets
• 5 polos
• 3 sweatshirts
• 1 swimsuit
• 5 pairs of pants
• 1 pair of sweatpants
• 5 t-shirts
• 3 workout shirts
• 3 pairs of shorts
• 2 hats (workout and casual)
• 3 pairs of shoes (2 sneakers and 1 dress boot)
• 12 pairs of underwear
• 15 pairs of socks
• 3 pairs of gym shorts

Accessories:

• Crossbody/fanny pack
• Electronics organizer
• Packing cubes
• Small cosmetic bag

Technology:

• Phone
• iPad
• Wireless headphones
• Laptop
• Smartwatch
• Portable charger
• Charging cords

Daily Necessities:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Face wash
• Moisturizer
• Prescription medication
• Cologne
• Hair gel and powder
• Over-the-counter medication

Travel Needs:

• Valid passport with case
• 3 credit cards (Visa and American Express cards with no foreign transaction fees)
• Local currency (However, we mostly used our credit cards)
• USD in Cash (For tips onboard the cruise)
• ATM debit card

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The next Royal Caribbean world cruise is in the planning stage. 
 

Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO, has confirmed the cruise line has plans to announce its next world cruise.

In a new TikTok video posted by @brooklyntravelstheworld, Bayley can be seen making the announcement to cruisers onboard the current Ultimate World Cruise. In the video, Bayley shares Royal Caribbean's plans for not only another world cruise, but also a reunion cruise onboard Serenade of the Seas next summer in Alaska.

“The answer is yes, we are going to do another Ultimate World Cruise,” says Bayley in the announcement. In regards to when the next world cruise will happen, Bayley said Royal Caribbean is still working on the details.

“We’re not entirely sure yet. We are still working our way through it,” explains Bayley. However, the Royal Caribbean International President and CEO continues with an additional exciting announcement, elaborating on plans for an Ultimate World Cruise Reunion voyage next summer.

“We’re announcing today that we are going to hold [an] Ultimate World Cruise reunion cruise. And when we have the reunion cruise, we are going to announce the next world cruise,” shares Bayley. Further, the Royal Caribbean CEO explains how guests on the reunion cruise next summer will have exclusive access to make a deposit on a future reservation for the next world cruise. 

“And when we announce the next world cruise on the reunion cruise, we will only open it for sale for those people who are on the reunion cruise,” states Bayley.

Expanding on this announcement, Bayley shares how guests on the reunion cruise will have the first 24 hours to secure their spot on the next world cruise once it goes on sale. In this way, potential world cruisers can ensure they pick the best cabins for the voyage. “Whatever you want to do to make sure it works for you,” says Bayley.

Royal Caribbean's exciting news is received with applause and cheers from the audience onboard Serenade of the Seas. The video also shows Bayley sharing more details about the timeline of the reunion cruise. 

“In one year, pretty much from today, [the reunion] will be in Alaska - because I think you missed Alaska,” explains Bayley.

He also confirms the reunion cruise will also take place on Serenade of the Seas. "So, you’ll be in Alaska and you’ll be on Serenade [of the Seas]. It will be everybody you [formed] relationships with,” shares Bayley. 

Continuing, he says, “It’s a little bit of a part two of the Ultimate World Cruise, because we know circumstances were the way they were.”

Notably, the Ultimate World Cruise was forced to be rerouted multiple times throughout its 9-month voyage, including an alternative route around Africa to avoid the Red Sea conflict. Originally, Serenade of the Seas was scheduled to visit the Middle East before transiting through the Suez Canal. Other ports of call were missed due to weather issues, political conflict and local protests. 

At the conclusion of the TikTok, Bayley shows a trailer officially announcing the Ultimate World Cruise reunion cruise. The video shows clips of famous sights around the world, including the Great Wall of China and Trevi Fountain in Rome. The video states, “But, there's one chapter left. Relive the memories. Reconnect with friends. And go wild on one more shore.”

The announcement video concludes with the unveil of the reunion cruise, which is scheduled for September 7, 2025 onboard Serenade of the Seas.

Bayley already confirmed earlier this year that Royal Caribbean was planning another world cruise, despite the execution being “extremely complicated” and “massively expensive”.

During the President’s Cruise in July 2024, the CEO stated, “First of all, I think the World Cruise has been a fantastic, unbelievable product for Royal Caribbean to launch and operate. I think it has been a great success."

Currently, Serenade of the Seas is sailing on her last world cruise segment from Amsterdam, Netherlands to Miami, Florida. The ship arrived back to the United States on September 3rd to Bayonne, New Jersey for an overnight stay in New York City, marking her stateside return after 9 months of traveling the world.

During this final segment, guests have visited ports in Iceland, Greenland and Canada before heading south to Bermuda and Royal Caribbean’s private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay. Serenade of the Seas concludes its first-ever Ultimate World Cruise on Tuesday, September 10 in Miami, Florida.

The Ultimate World Cruise was originally divided into four different segments, including Ultimate Americas, Ultimate Asia Pacific, Immersive Africa and Ultimate Europe and Beyond. Royal Caribbean also offered 17 smaller cruise segments on the Ultimate World Cruise, ranging from 9 to 29 nights across the world.

Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise has created a huge social media following, with many world cruisers going viral on Instagram and TikTok. Currently, many of the social media creators are sharing their final days onboard Serenade of the Seas. 

Serenade of the Seas set sail on December 10, 2023 for its 9-month voyage around the globe. Departing nearly 274 days ago, world cruisers have visited all seven continents and over 55 countries. These included visits to iconic world sights like the Great Wall of China, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Taj Mahal in India.

With so many destinations to choose from in the Caribbean, it’s easy to see why these itineraries are so popular with cruisers. From mountainous regions to the sandy beaches, there is a little bit of something for everyone.

Since I was a toddler, I have been cruising around the Caribbean. Even growing up in the Midwest, my parents would take me and my sister on a yearly Royal Caribbean cruise, typically over spring break or summer vacation.

I’ve been able to visit nearly all of the Caribbean destinations reachable by cruise ship. With the exception of a few islands - such as Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao - and a few countries, like Colombia, I’ve enjoyed exploring this region of the world over the last two decades.

Overall, I’ve been to 25 Caribbean destinations by cruise ship. Therefore, it’s pretty rare when I sail on a cruise that visits a new port of call. Anytime I can visit a new destination in the Caribbean, I am giddy like a little kid.

Last year I was able to visit two new countries while cruising: Honduras and the Dominican Republic. I also visited Turks and Caicos for the first time - and I loved the experience. However, at this point, I’ve done almost all of the touristy excursions throughout the Caribbean that you can possibly do.

I’ve held a stingray in Grand Cayman, zip-lined in Costa Rica, swam with the dolphins in Mexico, snorkeled with sea turtles in Barbados, and lounged on all of the picturesque beaches. Finally, I’ve been lucky enough to transit through the Panama Canal by cruise ship, which was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Read more: How to choose the right Caribbean cruise sailing

Of course, there is always a new experience to be had regardless of how many times you’ve visited the Caribbean! There are some destinations that I can’t wait to return to while others are fine as one-and-done.

Here are the four Caribbean destinations I would visit again in a heartbeat, along with three ports that I would skip.

St. Maarten

One of my all-time favorite ports in the Caribbean is Philipsburg, St. Maarten. The island is actually owned by both the Netherlands and France, with the northern part of the island being French and the Southern part being Dutch. As such, St. Maarten has a unique blend of varying cultures and so much to offer.

I’ve been to St. Maarten multiple times and one of my all-time favorite activities is visiting Maho Beach. Being married to a pilot, my husband absolutely geeks out over this iconic beach where the runway approach is right over the beach. The planes land so close to the beach it almost seems like you can touch them!

Is Maho Beach the nicest beach in St. Maarten? Not necessarily, but it’s certainly one of the most memorable and unique beaches you’ll find in the Caribbean. For me and my family personally, this is such a fun place to visit while cruising.

Moreover, there is so much to do in St. Maarten, including relaxing on the island’s many pristine beaches, shopping on Front Street, and hiking to Mount Concordia. The island feels quaint, clean, and easy to navigate.

Whenever I am looking to book a Caribbean cruise, I look to find an itinerary with a port stop in St. Maarten. It’s one of those places that I find myself always excited to visit again after countless good experiences ashore.

Dominica

Nicknamed "The Nature Island," Dominica is one of the prettiest Caribbean ports I’ve ever visited. Although I’ve only been to Roseau once, I’ve been wanting to return ever since. The island has such a diverse, mountainous landscape with hot springs, beaches, and tropical rainforests.

While cruising on Jewel of the Seas a few years ago, my husband and I took an excursion through Royal Caribbean to Morne Bruce, Trafalgar Falls, and the Emerald Pool. We marveled at the Trafalgar Falls before swimming in the freshwater Emerald pools, surrounded by more cascading falls.

We were able to see so much of the island, but I wished we had more time to explore! Dominica was lusciously green with beautifully blue ocean water. I also appreciated that we were the only ship docked, as Dominica can only accommodate one cruise ship each day. It didn’t feel like the island was overtaken by cruisers!

Roseau is a more rare cruise port for Royal Caribbean. You’ll either need to fly to San Juan, Puerto Rico, or book a longer itinerary from Florida that visits the Southern Caribbean. However, I highly recommend booking an itinerary with a stop in Dominica if you can.

St. Thomas

I’ve been able to visit St. Thomas multiple times over the years and it continues to be one of my favorite Caribbean destinations.

The first time I visited St. Thomas was in middle school on a family reunion cruise. We booked a sailboat tour and sailed around the island - my mom still makes the sailor’s homemade guacamole recipe to this day! I remember thinking it was one of the bluest ocean waters I had ever seen.

Typically, I like to head over to the famous Magens Bay for a lovely beach day. Magens Bay has soft sand and crystal-clear ocean water for swimming. Because the bay is shaped like a horseshoe, you don’t have to worry about rough seas. There are plenty of other beautiful beaches on the island too.

St. Thomas also has great shopping and quaint villages! During my last visit to St. Thomas, my dad purchased a stunning emerald ring for me as a special keepsake. I wear it every day with fond memories of St. Thomas! The island has so much to do, including visiting Blackbeard’s Castle or the Skyride to Paradise Point.

Overall, I’ve had only positive experiences during my time in St. Thomas. Look to book either Southern or Eastern Caribbean sailings with Royal Caribbean if you want to visit St. Thomas on your future cruise.

Perfect Day at CocoCay

Perhaps unsurprising, I truly love visiting Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas: Perfect Day at CocoCay. If I am being honest about which destinations in the Caribbean that I look forward to returning to, Perfect Day at CocoCay is at the top of my list.

I’m not alone in this either, as Royal Caribbean has stated that CocoCay is the cruise line’s highest-rated destination! First, visiting CocoCay is not only extremely convenient, but also so relaxing.

The private island feels all-inclusive with so many beaches, pools, and restaurants included in the cost of your Royal Caribbean cruise. As a Diamond Plus loyalty member, I love that I can use my free drink vouchers while ashore. Anyone with a drink package can also take advantage of their purchase at CocoCay as well, which is a huge perk!

The island has a little bit of something for everyone, including Thrill Waterpark, the adults-only Hideaway Beach, the exclusive Coco Beach Club, Oasis Lagoon swim-up bar, a floating tiki bar, and multiple beaches with loungers.

Overall, Perfect Day at CocoCay really feels like a beach getaway. There is no denying you are on vacation when you’re docked here. I love being able to truly unwind and not have to worry about how I am going to spend my day.

Royal Caribbean sails to Perfect Day at CocoCay on nearly every Caribbean itinerary. Currently, the cruise line has 144 itineraries with stops scheduled in CocoCay. If you’re hoping to visit this private destination, there’s a good chance your itinerary already includes a stop!

Honorable Mention: Key West

While not necessarily in the Caribbean, one of my all-time favorite cruise destinations is Key West, Florida. Known as the southernmost city in the continental United States, Key West is a lovely destination while cruising.

The port of Key West is right in the city center, so you hardly have to venture far if you’re looking for shops and restaurants. The city is so charming with pastel-colored buildings, wandering chickens, and live music coming from the many beach bars.

Key West is laid-back and easy to walk around. I love visiting all of the shops and bars around the port. My sister and I recently visited Key West during our cruise on Celebrity Silhouette and walked to the Southernmost Point Buoy and enjoyed leisurely strolling the side streets. I would never turn down a port stop in Key West.

Skip: Jamaica

Perhaps my least favorite destination in the Caribbean, Jamaica is one port of call that I would be fine skipping for the foreseeable future. In fact, I am surprised cruise ships continue sailing to Jamaica. Royal Caribbean cruise ships typically dock in Falmouth, Jamaica, although I’ve also visited Ocho Rios, Jamaica by cruise ship.

First, the area outside of the port and touristy area is very rough. The last time I visited Jamaica, I remember thinking that I’d be fine if I never visited the island again. Generally speaking, the area outside of the cruise port feels unsafe once you leave the secure area. It’s not uncommon to be offered drugs for purchase, sometimes by pushy sellers. Unless I book an excursion, I typically stay on the ship when docked in Jamaica.

Read more: Caribbean tourist traps to avoid on a cruise

Even on an excursion, you can expect to spend nearly two hours driving to and from the cruise port. Many cruisers find their excursions run behind schedule or deviate from the planned agenda, although this hasn’t been my experience. If you’re visiting Dunn’s River Falls, which is one of the main tourist attractions for cruisers, you can expect to find a massive tourist trap upon arrival.

Overall, I am glad that Jamaica is crossed off my bucket list of countries that I’ve visited, but it’s certainly not a destination that I need to visit again.

Skip: Nassau

Located in the Bahamas, Nassau is one of the most common cruise ports for Caribbean sailings. It seems like every cruise I book these days has a port stop in Nassau! However, it’s one port that I would be fine never visiting again.

To start, the cruise port is always jam-packed with cruise ships, as the port can accommodate up to six ships in a single day. Nassau can even accommodate up to three Oasis Class ships! This leads to a very crowded port with tens of thousands of cruisers taking over the city. Last year, Nassau set a record for having almost 30,000 cruise passengers visiting the port in a single day!

Also, the excursions in Nassau are super expensive. If you want to visit Atlantis, be prepared to fork out hundreds of dollars per person for a few hours at the resort. Those choosing to visit a resort for the day will likely spend $100 per person. I’m always shocked by the inflated excursion costs in Nassau!

Unless you book an excursion or take a taxi to Paradise Island, Nassau itself feels disingenuous. If you wander too far outside of the port area, you can find yourself in tough areas very quickly. I’ve never run into an unsafe situation while visiting Nassau, but it’s not a port that I look forward to visiting.

Even after visiting Nassau close to 12 times, the port has never left me very impressed. I consider Nassau one of those port days where I stay on the ship and take advantage of everyone being ashore. Staying onboard during a port day allows you to enjoy a quiet ship and all of the amenities to yourself.

Skip: Belize

One port in the Caribbean that I don’t need to visit again anytime soon is Belize. Royal Caribbean’s ships dock in Belize City, which certainly isn’t the safest destination in the Caribbean. Unless you decide to visit the Mayan Ruins or tube down the caves, Belize doesn’t have much else to offer.

The port area for Belize is very lackluster, not to mention you need to tender to and from the ship to get ashore. I first visited Belize back in elementary school during a cruise on Enchantment of the Seas. We walked around the port area and decided there wasn’t much to see before tendering back to the ship.

Although I’ve visited Belize by cruise ship, I also traveled to the country for a mission trip back in high school. After seeing so much of the country in a very different light, I haven’t had much desire to return for vacation.

Overall, Belize isn’t a destination that I feel the need to visit again on a cruise ship. I find the tender ride to and from the ship to be the most exciting part of visiting this destination. Again, I am happy to cross this off my list of countries visited, but Belize City leaves little to be desired for me.

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The next new Royal Caribbean ship class could be here in the next few years.

A new smaller ship class could be built within the next three to four years, according to Royal Caribbean International’s CEO and President, Michael Bayley. This new ship class with smaller ships has been dubbed “Project Discovery.”

In a collaborative interview posted on Instagram between Royal Caribbean International, Michael Bayley, and Devon Rodriguez, Bayley talks about the upcoming plans for the Discovery Class. The interview was filmed onboard Utopia of the Seas, which is Royal Caribbean’s newest ship that just debuted last month.

During the casual interview, artist Devon Rodriguez draws a portrait of Bayley while asking questions about the cruise line’s exciting upcoming plans. Rodriguez asks Bayley, “What opportunities are you most excited about for Royal Caribbean in the coming years?”

Bayley responds by reflecting on how far Royal Caribbean has come this year with its newly-built mega ships before discussing the future of the brand. First, Bayley discussed how Icon of the Seas, which was launched in January 2024, is the most successful new ship that Royal Caribbean has ever launched.

However, Bayley continues to discuss Royal Caribbean’s future plans for new ship classes, hinting at the new Discovery Class.

“We’re working now on another class of ship called Discovery Class. So, that’s going to be super exciting. That’ll come in about another 3 to 4 years from now,” states Bayley in the interview.

Little details have been revealed about Royal Caribbean’s “Project Discovery”, although the cruise line has been slowly discussing the new ship class more frequently. Rumors have been circling for years about Royal Caribbean’s upcoming plans to build new ships of smaller size. However, the cruise line has not confirmed many details about Project Discovery.

If Royal Caribbean continues its naming trend, the first vessel from Discovery Class could be named Discovery of the Seas. Similarly, the Icon Class was named before the flagship vessel, Icon of the Seas, was announced.

In fact, President and Chief Executive Officer for Royal Caribbean Group, Jason Liberty, commented on the cruise line’s aging fleet and the need for new, smaller ships. As the oldest and smallest ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet continue to age, there is an increased need for replacement vessels in the coming years.

During the earnings call, Liberty stated, "We have ships that are reaching 30-35 years [old]. This is not just about what we want to build, it's also [about] replacing ships that will eventually reach their end of life.”

Building smaller ships will become necessary for Royal Caribbean, as the cruise line’s largest vessels are limited for itineraries due to port restrictions. Liberty also mentioned during the earnings call how smaller vessels allow passengers to visit unique destinations, which is a priority for Royal Caribbean.

Moreover, Bayley also commented on Project Discovery earlier this year on Facebook. One cruiser, Thomas Budzyn, commented to Bayley on a Facebook post. He asked Bayley about the prospect of Royal Caribbean building smaller ships that could reach more ports, noting that long-time Royal Caribbean guests find itineraries to Perfect Day at CocoCay to be repetitive.

Bayley responded, “The Royal team is working on a new class and I hope if all the needed hurdles are tackled, we can announce something this year.”

Earlier this year, Bayley also commented to the press about the conceptualization of a new ship class. “From a brand perspective, we recognize we've got two classes of ships, Radiance and Vision, that are doing phenomenal. They're beautiful ships, beautifully constructed.

“But... they're getting older. So we're obviously concepting thoughts and ideas on how we would ultimately replace those ships with a new class of ships,” concluded Bayley.

Although comments about the Discovery Class have been made throughout 2024, Bayley hinted at the new ship class last summer as well. While sailing on Allure of the Seas in 2023 for the President’s Cruise, Bayley was asked about Royal Caribbean’s plans for building smaller ships.

Bayley answered, “It is something that's certainly deeply in our consideration and our planning at the moment that we have a lot of conceptual work going on. I think when we're ready we can we can announce steps that will take to do just that.”

Royal Caribbean’s smallest ships in the Vision and Radiance Class were all built 20 to 30 years ago. The Vision Class has vessels around 73,000 gross tons, with the capacity to hold around 2,400 guests. Grandeur of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s oldest ship at 28-years-old, being built in 1996.

The Radiance Class encompasses ships of slightly larger size, measuring around 90,000 gross tons. These ships can hold similar amount of passengers as the Vision Class, with around 2,400 passengers at maximum capacity.