I've never experienced what it feels like to win the lottery, but this cruise hack made me feel pretty close.

For my latest cruise on Freedom of the Seas, I chose to book with a guarantee cabin, allowing Royal Caribbean to assign a room location instead of choosing my own.

By selecting this option, I gave up the option to pick a specific room, but it saved me a couple hundred dollars.

In retrospect, I think this was a really smart decision!

What is a guarantee cabin?

A guarantee state run offers a cheaper cabin option in exchange for you allowing Royal Caribbean to assign your stateroom closer to the sale date. 

If you choose to book a guarantee stateroom you won't have the room assignment until later on, but you will receive one when Royal Caribbean assigns it. 

This usually falls somewhere between 5-30 days before the cruise.

You don't get the opportunity to choose your cabin but the cruise line states that you should receive the stateroom category you booked or higher.

There's also a chance you could receive an upgrade like I did.

Read more: Royal Caribbean cruise ship cabin and suite guide

The guarantee stateroom process is intended to fill in the gaps of unsold staterooms. So, rooms that are less likely to get booked are more likely to be assigned to a guarantee cruiser. 

Since cruises are usually booked up further in advance and sailing at full capacity, it was a rare opportunity for me to get such a big upgrade on my guarantee stateroom. 

This option saved me about $240, ending up with a total price of $2,021.68, or $336.95 per night per person.

My cabin assignment

Since guarantee rooms are usually assigned at some point between 5 to 30 days before the cruise, it takes some time before you know where your stay room will be located.

Most of the time, a stateroom is assigned a few weeks before the cruise.

Royal Caribbean does not notify you when you are assigned a stateroom, so you have to log into the cruise line's website or continue checking the app to verify.

I received my cabin assignment a couple weeks prior to the cruise and saw that we were located on Deck 8, midship, in room number 8388.

I was already grateful to see I received the prized midship location—which prevents seasickness and allows proximity to elevators, stairs, and other amenities in the middle of the ship.

This location also gave us enough proximity to the Windjammer and pool on deck 11 and the Royal Promenade on deck 5 that we barely had to use the elevators. 

We only had to take a few flights of stairs to reach our destination. 

In addition to the convenient location, I had been assigned a spacious, deluxe oceanview balcony room for the same low price!

After I got my assignment, I felt like I had won the stateroom lottery.

Stateroom #8388 impressions

When we first opened the cabin door, we were greeted with a spacious room—214 square feet in total. 

The stateroom’s space was most visible in its length, stretching from the cabin’s front door to the back door leading to the balcony.

The room features a long couch, a spacious queen bed, and a desk and vanity.

The floor between the couch and the deck/vanity was wide enough that we could leave our luggage right there. 

To the right of the stateroom door was the small bathroom. Where the stateroom had surprised me by its size, the bathroom definitively felt pinched, similar to the size of a bathroom in an interior cabin. 

And the shower was even smaller, with only enough space for one person to stand in. However, I was satisfied with the water pressure and hot temperatures.

The sink and counter, although small, did have enough shelf space for our 3-night cruise. Two cups under the mirror served to hold our toothbrushes and toothpaste. 

The mirror was wide, and the counter was thin but long enough that we could spread our items out. However, I think we would have struggled to fit all of our toiletries if we had been on a longer trip.

To the left of the stateroom door, we found a large closet with several shelves, a safe, and hangers for our larger clothes. There was enough floor space in the closet to store several pairs of shoes.

Directly behind that closet faced a floor-length mirror, and opposite that stood the desk and vanity space.

The desk was long enough to hold makeup, jewelry, and multiple bags during our cruise. We also found shelves behind the vanity mirror.

Facing the desk was the long couch, large enough that I could have laid down to nap on it. However, the bed was so comfortable that we never felt the need to.

The highlight of this room was its large, comfortable bed. Although I did find a few stains on the sheets, it was soft and restful for the length of our stay.

Two large paintings above the bed brightened the room, adding to an already relaxing atmosphere, thanks to the cabin’s natural light.

On either side of the bed were two nightstands, with lamps above them. 

Lastly, at the very end of the room was our balcony door. Although heavy, and hard to push open and closed, the door led to a beautiful view.

The balcony held a small, round table and two deck chairs that could be adjusted to recline. 

The view itself was unbeatable: ocean water during the day and clear, starry skies at night. I also loved that we could wake up on port days and see the island right outside our window.

We also found that the cabin was peaceful and quiet: even when we sat on the balcony, we barely heard noises from other cabins. 

I’m someone who loves sunlight and natural views, so having the balcony attachment made the room so much more enjoyable. After experiencing my first balcony room, I don’t know if I could go back! 

Overall

The room felt large and luxurious. I loved this stateroom, from the size of the cabin, the beautiful balcony, and its convenient location in the middle of deck 8. 

I found that I didn’t experience any seasickness in the middle of the ship, and we enjoyed spending time relaxing in our room and on the balcony. 

For me, booking a guarantee stateroom was worth it. For the money I saved, I got a lucky cabin location.

But this location wasn’t a requirement for my cruise, so in the future, I would book a guarantee and hope for the best again. 

Preparing to make the switch from land travel to cruising?

If you’re like me, you may prefer or be used to longer travel on land, where you can fully immerse yourself in a destination and explore it to the fullest.

However, cruise itineraries don’t usually allow for this slow-paced cultural immersion. 

On my first cruise on Wonder of the Seas, we got to visit several ports of call at places I had never been to before: Perfect Day at CocoCay, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten.

We also purchased Royal Caribbean shore excursions on St. Thomas and St. Maarten, allowing us to go on guided tours of the islands. 

While I enjoyed seeing multiple places on one cruise, it’s true that the short stop did not allow us enough time to get out of the tourist traps and see more authentic parts of the islands. 

Cruising port visits and excursions may not provide the authentic cultural experiences some travelers prefer.

However, the short port stop may provide a great opportunity to get a taste of the island and brainstorm ideas for another trip back.

My favorite stop on my cruise was St. Thomas, a territory of the U.S. Virgin Islands, and I’m already planning a trip back. Here are the 7 reasons why. 

Read more: I went to a stunning Caribbean island on my cruise that you've probably never heard of

1. The food tasted incredible

I only had enough time to try one meal while we were at St. Thomas, but it was one of the best meals I tasted all week.

I stopped at a grab-and-go restaurant on the beach and ordered this chicken curry with rice and plantains. It was warm, spicy, and sweet—just looking at this photo makes my mouth water again.

We also tasted some famous turtle ice cream: vanilla flavor with caramel, chocolate, pecans, and hot fudge swirls. 

While I can already recommend the food on this island, I’ll need a longer trip to do further research and uncover the best food available on St. Thomas.  

2. It was easily accessible to Americans

St. Thomas is known as one of the easiest Caribbean destinations for American tourists to visit.

Since the Virgin Islands are a territory of the United States, St. Thomas uses US dollars, and English is widely spoken. 

U.S. citizens do not need a passport to travel into the Virgin Islands, just a valid ID.

I found that the island was extremely accessible for us as Americans—I could use my cash or card to make payments, and speak with everyone around me in English. 

Given the ease of travel, communication, and transactions, St. Thomas would make a great vacation destination in the future. 

3. The history fascinates me 

Our shore excursion involved a tour of the island by open-air taxi, while the driver gave us information and history about St. Thomas.

The history itself was fascinating, enhanced by our gorgeous view of the island.

I learned a lot of facts about the U.S. Virgin Islands and St. Thomas in particular. However, we weren’t able to get out and see many of the major buildings on this tour.

On a visit back, I would like to see some of the historical sites for myself.

For example, we passed but didn’t go into Fort Christian, the oldest structure on the island and now a museum.

We also heard about Blackbeard’s Castle, which was allegedly built by the pirate himself for a lover.

And I would have loved to see the 99 Steps, local steps built from the ballast bricks of old Danish ships. 

4. Transportation is simple

Ranging just 3 miles at its widest point, St. Thomas is easy to travel around. 

It takes less than half an hour to get to the capital city, Charlotte Amalie, even from the furthest point of the island.

St. Thomas most commonly offers public transportation like taxi and bus services or the option to rent a vehicle such as a car or motorbike.

Not only that, but a U.S. driver’s license is still valid if you choose to rent a vehicle and drive it yourself. 

5. We didn’t see the best beaches

When we arrived at the beach portion of our shore excursion, I was blown away by its beauty.

Our shore excursion took us to Magen’s Bay, St. Thomas’ most famous beach.

This bay is a gorgeous beach, sheltered between a jungle of tropical trees and a ring of green, forested hills. The water was an impossibly clear, light blue, and the sand was wide and white.

Despite my amazement at the beach’s beauty, a lifeguard who made conversation with us on the beach told us that Magen’s Bay was far from the best beach on the island.

He said that although the beach is beautiful, it’s only the most popular tourist spot. There are even better ones on the island. 

As the day went on, I did notice that he was right about the tourism: the beach began to overfill with visitors and got too crowded to even find seating. 

Our lifeguard friend recommends Coki Point Beach and Point Pleasant for a better beach and a cheaper stay. I made a note, planning my return trip.

6. Go beyond the beach

While we were relaxing on Magen’s Bay, I noticed a figure in the distance. 

We watched someone jet skiing across the bay, riding back and forth across the water.

Since laying on a beach can get old—especially for trips that last more than one day—water activities and sports are a great way to have a new adventure.

If I had had more time to spare on the island, I would have loved to try some water activities like that lucky person.

St. Thomas offers sailing, scuba diving, kayaking, snorkeling, paddleboarding, jet skiing, fishing, and more. They’re the perfect opportunity to try something new while enjoying the beautiful island and sea around you. 

7. I have to experience Carnival

Carnival is a unique, month-long event that I long to dedicate a whole trip to. While many countries celebrate Carnival, it usually runs between April and May in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Carnival is traditionally a period of celebration before the religious season of Lent, and it involves pageants, singing, dancing, and day-long parties. 

While we were on St. Thomas, our guides told us about Carnival and the many visitors it attracts. In the future, I plan to return and see the party for myself!
 

The Main Dining Room on a Royal Caribbean cruise is the focal point of the dining experience.

It's not just a place to go for dinner, but an institution of eating on a cruise ship. It serves two or three meals per day, and it's part of a history of cruising that continues today.

The Main Dining Room is complimentary, but how can you prepare to have the best dining experience possible?

In this article, we will explore what you can expect while dining in Royal Caribbean's Main Dining Room.

Read more: Your really dumb cruise ship dining questions answered

What is the Main Dining Room?

The Main Dining Room is a large, sit-down restaurant with waiter service that is included in your cruise fare.

The Main Dining Room is a multiple-level dining space on all Royal Caribbean ships, spanning 2 to 3 floors depending on the size of the ship.

On a few Quantum Class ships, the Main Dining Room is split up into multiple smaller rooms, but this is the exception.

Complimentary and open to all cruise passengers, this location provides a beautiful view when you're looking up or down at diners around you. 

Royal Caribbean intentionally designed the Main Dining Room with an upscale and elegant atmosphere. 

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

Depending on the ship, you will find a variety of Dining Room themes, each with unique decor. 

The ambiance is designed to provide a sense of luxury, providing a more formal dining experience than you would have at the Windjammer Buffet or other complementary venues.

The beautiful views are one of the most enjoyable aspects of dining in the Main Dining Room. 

Much of the Main Dining Room offers ocean views, especially during sunset dinners, creating a stunning panoramic backdrop for your meal.

Traditional Dining vs My Time Dining

So, what time can you eat?

For breakfast and lunch, guests are seated as they arrive. Signs posted outside the Dining Room will advise the hours it is open.

For dinner, the Dining Room opens in the evening from 5:30 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. 

Typically, your Main Dining dinner experience is divided into two seating options: flexible, “My Time” dining or traditional, assigned dining. 

My Time dining gives you the flexibility to choose what time you eat each night. 

You will be assigned a specific dining location on your SeaPass, but other than that, the choice is up to you.

My Time Dining most commonly runs between 6:00 and 9:30 P.M., and is first-come, first-served.

Traditional dining has a specific assigned mealtime and table. There is usually an early seating starting around 5:15 - 5:30 P.M. and a late seating around 7:30-8:00 P.M.

If you do have an assigned traditional dining time, it’s essential to show up on time to respect the waitstaff and kitchen’s planning. 

As they are working to feed most of the cruise's passengers, the dining room staff work on a specific schedule you want to be mindful of.

You can make your selection between these two dining times when you book your cruise. Make sure you select your preferred preference, as this can be hard to change once you’re onboard.

With both options, there is a possibility that you will be seated with other guests.

You can contact the cruise line beforehand to request to be seated at a smaller table with just your party.

If you do end up with other guests, always be polite and pleasant so everyone enjoys their meal. 

What's on the menu each day

Royal Caribbean cruises are renowned for their gourmet cuisine. 

The Dining Room menus are crafted to cater to a wide range of tastes, offering a varied selection of dishes. 

You can expect a mix of classic and contemporary dishes, including local influences based on the cruise’s ports of call.

The Main Dining Room serves breakfast and dinner, with a focus on the multiple-course dinner. Lunches are served only on sea days. 

The dinner menu is the most popular and common menu in the Main Dining room, featuring a multiple-course meal with appetizers, main courses, and desserts. 

At the top of the menu is the chef’s recommendation for each course, but you can mix and match items from anywhere on the menu.

When you place your order with the waiter, you will be expected to order all your courses at once, so be prepared with your choice of drinks, appetizers, main course, and dessert.

Royal Caribbean ships now serve a standardized dinner menu with a theme for each night. 

For the first night, the theme is “Welcome Aboard,” with American cuisine.

The exact order of menus will vary depending on your itinerary, but this is the pattern we've observed thus far:

The theme of night two is French night, which is usually offered on the first formal night of six-night or longer sailings. 

All sailings also feature the Italian night, and on Caribbean sailings, the Caribbean night menu comes out on the first evening the ship stops at a Caribbean port. 

On sailings to Mexico, the Mexican night menu comes out on the first evening the ship stops at a Mexican port. 

A Mediterranean night menu is also offered, as well as British night and “Bon Voyage” night on the last evening. 

Royal Caribbean also offers a kids' menu every night of the cruise that does not change.

What's included and what costs extra

The majority of the menu options at the Main Dining Room are included in your cruise fare. 

In addition, you can order as many dishes as you like. Feel free to order more than one appetizer, main course, or dessert. 

There are just a few menu items that cost extra. The extra cost items are limited to three premium selections: Chop’s Grille filet mignon, Surf and Turf, and extra lobster on formal nights (only 1 lobster is complimentary per person). 

Complimentary drinks include water, coffee, tea, juice, and lemonade. 

However, you will pay an extra cost for beverages such as soda, specialty coffees, mocktails, and alcoholic beverages. If you have a drink package, you can get those drinks included as the beverage package benefits work in the Main Dining Room.

Main Dining Room dress codes

So, what can you wear inside the Main Dining Room?

Royal Caribbean's Main Dining Room generally has a flexible dress code that varies depending on the time of day. 

To be perfectly frank, while there is a dress code listed, in practice it is rarely enforced and you will see plenty of other guests dressed casually.

During the day, more casual wear, such as comfortable clothing like shorts, T-shirts, and sandals, is acceptable. 

In the evening, however, the dress code is typically more smart or resort casual, Meaning slacks, collared shirts, skirts, sundresses, and close-toed shoes.

And on formal nights, you'll have the opportunity to dress up in your finest attire. Some passengers even opt for tuxedos, cocktail dresses, and evening gowns. 

No matter the day, most passengers usually dress according to the night’s theme when they visit the main dining room.

As stated earlier, the dress code is far less stringent than it sounds and Royal Caribbean does not enforce the dress code much, if at all.

On various theme nights, you will also find that the main dining staff dress up for the theme and even encourage you to join in and party.

How dinner works each night

Royal Caribbean takes pride in delivering impeccable service, including in the Main Dining Room. 

Your dining team will be attentive, friendly, and eager to accommodate your needs. 

Usually, you are assigned a dedicated wait staff for the length of the cruise, a waiter, and an assistant writer. 

On your cruise, you will get to know your waitstaff, and they will get to know your dining preferences. 

Beyond the attentive service, the Main Dining Room experience also sometimes includes live music and entertainment, especially on specific themed nights. 

At the beginning of your meal, the wait staff will ask if you’re celebrating a special occasion. 

If you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or engagement, the main dining room staff will be happy to help you celebrate and style. 

You may be treated to a special dessert, a musical serenade, or a beautifully decorated table. 

They will also ask if you have any allergies and do their best to accommodate your dining needs. They can even cook your meals ahead of time if you have specific dietary restrictions. 

At the beginning of your dinner, the waitstaff will also ensure you don’t have any shows you need to schedule and your time that evening. 

Read more: 7 cruise ship main dining room rules to follow — Plus 1 to break

Can you eat breakfast in the Main Dining Room on Royal Caribbean?

Yes, breakfast is served everyday in the Main Dining Room. It is complimentary and served to your table, just like all of the Main Dining Room’s meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there lunch in the Main Dining Room on Royal Caribbean?

Lunch is only served in the Main Dining Room on sea days. The menu changes daily.

How long does it take to eat in the Main Dining Room on Royal Caribbean?

Royal Caribbean strives for each meal to last around 75 minutes, or an hour and fifteen minutes.

Since their standardized menu change, each Main Dining Room meal lasts 70-90 minutes on average.

Of course, you can always tell your waiter when you need to leave or cut your meal short.

Can you wear jeans to the Main Dining Room on the cruise?

Yes. You can wear both casual and formal clothing in the Main Dining Room, although resort casual is closest to the dress code. 

Can you take food back to your room?

Yes. You can ask your waitstaff for a plate-to-go, especially if you’re running out of room for dessert!

Cruise ship cabins are notoriously small, so unless you splurge for a suite or balcony, personal space may be at a premium in your stateroom.

If you’d like to save your money but still enjoy your cabin experience, it’s time to get creative. Many cruisers have created innovative hacks for optimizing the tiny cabin space on a cruise ship. 

Read more: 30 Cruise cabin hacks that cruisers love

A quick search on social media apps such as TikTok will show you thousands of ideas for making your cruise cabin experience more enjoyable. 

Many cruisers try to make the most of their small cabin experience. Therefore, these clever cruise hacks tend to go viral and can help you enjoy your cruise.

One particular cabin hack, posted by user HappyGoLiving, has gained millions of views and thousands of likes on TikTok. 

This hack only requires magnetic hooks and a blackout curtain to turn any cruise cabin into a more private, secluded area.

HappyGoLiving shares that she recently went on a Holland America cruise. She traveled with a friend who prefers to get up early in the morning while on vacation, while HappyGoLiving likes to sleep in. 

To solve their differences, HappyGoLiving decided to use magnetic hooks and blackout curtains to build a secluded fort in the cruise cabin. 

Creating a dark space can be perfect for light sleepers or those sharing a cabin with cruisers who use a different sleep schedule. 

Here’s what you need to do this cruise hack and whether we think the strategy is too much trouble or worth it.

Read more: 30 Cruise cabin hacks that cruisers love

Start by buying magnetic hooks and blackout curtains before your cruise 

While preparing and packing for your cruise, you will first want to purchase magnetic hooks to bring onboard.

Magnetic hooks will cling to the stateroom’s walls, typically made of steel.

If you’re a frequent cruiser, these magnetic hooks will be a helpful investment. 

Small magnetic hooks can optimize your cabin space by allowing you to hang items on your walls. 

Cruisers love to bring magnetic hooks because you can place them directly on the wall to hang up jackets, bags, hearts, and umbrellas. 

If you are a frequent cruiser and would like to organize your cabin space, it is a good idea to invest in magnetic hooks.

To make this cruise hack happen, HappyGoLiving purchased magnetic hooks with swivel carabiners, which allowed her to clip the magnets onto the loops of the blackout curtains. This ensured that she could hang them while the hooks clung to the metal walls. 

HappyGoLiving explained that she purchased blackout curtains to serve as temporary walls for the second part of the cruise hack. 

To complete this hack, you want to make sure you have curtains that are long enough to fall from the floor to the ceiling of the stateroom. Most cruise cabins have a height of 7’6”, so keep this in mind while choosing your curtain length.

If you already have blackout curtains at home, feel free to bring those along on your cruise and save money. If you don’t, try to purchase ones that are around 90” long, such as these blackout curtains from Amazon. 

Next, loop the magnetic hooks through the blackout curtains to hang from the cabin ceiling

In her viral TikTok, HappyGoLiving shows how she looped each magnet hook through the curtain holes. 

Since she purchased carabiner hooks, HappyGoLiving could clip each one into the blackout curtain loops. 

After clipping each curtain hole with a magnetic hook, she stuck each magnet to the cabin ceiling.

HappyGoLiving also wrote that the magnets were strong enough for her to hook every other hole in the curtain, so you may only need a few hooks to complete this.

As she hung the curtains, she worked on one side of the bed and made her way to the other, hanging each hook one by one. 

If you want to create a cocoon around your bed, you will want the curtains to loop around it for privacy.

After all of the hooks are on the ceiling, HappyGoLivingshows shows the end result of an enclosed private space around the cruise bed. 

She commented that she packed three curtains but would have been better off with five. Consider bringing at least four curtain panels to cover the entire space around your bed.

You’ll be able to sleep soundly in your cabin by hanging the curtains around your bed, thanks to the blackout quality. 

The curtains will block any light from your window or balcony and any disturbances from your travel partner if they go to bed later or wake up earlier than you. 

This also allows you to have your own space to get ready in the morning and change without using the bathroom. 

It is important to note that this cruise hack works best if you select to split your bed into two twin beds. 

You can request separate beds by filling out the Google Form Royal Caribbean will email out a few days before your cruise.

Read more: 15 Things To Do As Soon as You Get to Your Cruise Cabin

Some TikTok users thought this hack wasn’t worth the trouble, but others said it was a genius idea

Many users in the comment section of the viral TikTok praised this clever cruise hack. 

One Tiktok user, Taylor, commented: “I worked on a ship for 7 months. WHY did I not think of this.” 

Another user, Stephy Lynn, thought this cruise hack was clever: “I love this for privacy for changing clothes without having to steal the washroom from everyone.”

Some even pointed out this could be an excellent hack for families traveling with babies or small children. Another parent shared that having a private space like this would work well for her upcoming cruise, as she plans to travel with her teenage son, who prefers his own space.

Some commenters even pointed out that this hack is a great idea for families traveling with babies, small children, or just a large group. 

TikTok user Mel commented, “This is genius for a sleeping baby/toddler on a cruise.” 

Another parent shared that having a private space like this works well for an upcoming cruise with her teenage son, who prefers his own space.

However, some users felt purchasing and packing the supplies would be too much of a hassle. 

One of the top comments on the Tiktok is from user Meredith Roberts, who states: “I typically just go with an eye mask.”

Some agreed with her comment, while others responded they could not sleep with eye masks. Users said they can't sleep with eye masks on: it feels uncomfortable, crushes their lashes, or doesn’t stay on while they are sleeping.

Some commenters responded that this hack takes up too much luggage space.

“Who has room in their suitcase for grommet curtains?” user7318110758522 wrote. 

This is a fair point since you would need to pack magnetic hooks and at least two long curtains—or five, according to the Tiktok creator.

Cruisers with limited luggage space may struggle to find room to pack the supplies needed for this hack. 

Creator HappyGoLiving clarified that she lives in Miami, so she is able to pack heavily for the short drive to the nearby cruise port.

One user also questioned why someone would want to make their small cabin feel smaller by spacing off areas with this hack.

Another commenter pointed out that this hack could confuse the cabin cleaning staff when they enter the room.

HappyGoLiving shared that she took down the hooks and folded up the curtains each morning, only implementing this hack when it was time for bed. 

Is this viral cruise hack worth it?

Ultimately, you might still wonder whether this hack is worth the money, space, and preparation necessary to pack the supplies for your upcoming cruise.

Several aspects should come into consideration as you’re deciding this.

Are you driving or flying to your cruise port?

If you’re driving to your port, like the creator of this TikTok hack, you may have more luggage space available. You won’t be limited to airline luggage restrictions, so you can pack a larger suitcase and fit in those magnetic hooks and blackout curtains.

However, if you’re flying, you may want to reconsider. You will have to keep to specific airline requirements and may have to pay extra for that larger checked bag and any overweight bags.

You should also decide how much you want to spend to make this hack happen. If you already own blackout curtains, you will only need to purchase the carabiner hooks, which will only cost $10-$20, depending on how many you buy.

However, if you need extra blackout curtains, you might spend $40-$50, depending on which type you choose and how many panels you need.

Is spending up to $80 for extra privacy in your cruise cabin? That’s up to you to determine. 

Another consideration is the type of cabin you choose for your cruise. If you’re a light sleeper and easily woken up by natural light, a windowless inside cabin is the best (and cheapest!) option for you and also negates the need for blackout curtains to block any natural light.

If you don’t opt for a windowless cabin, you could try an eye mask to block the light.

However, some people don’t like the feeling of an eye mask, and you won’t have a private area in your cabin if you skip this hack.

However, if you prefer to sleep in while others in your cabin get up early—or if you stay up late while they try, this cruise hack might still be worth a try.

Also, those traveling with small children might find this hack particularly useful. With the hooks and curtains, you can section off a portion of the cabin for babies and toddlers. 

Having a dark, private space for the children to sleep in helps everyone get some peace and quiet!

Whether or not it’s something you decide to try out, you have to admit that this is an innovative cruising hack for your cabin.
 

Happy Sunday! We are so happy that you stopped by and hope you are having a wonderful weekend. Grab a mug of your favorite hot beverage, sit back, and check out the latest in Royal Caribbean news.

Royal Caribbean announced it was recategorizing its cabin categories, including adding new room types rear-facing and sunset cabins.

Royal Caribbean’s goal with these changes is to simplify choices for travel agents, and to add new room types to appeal to many cruise fans. 

Several new stateroom options have been added: separated Triple and Quad occupancy staterooms (interior and oceanview), more high occupancy guarantee staterooms, and new Junior Suite and Balcony categories.  

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean is helping the United States evacuate Americans from Israel
• New app features, Celebrity Cruises Black Friday offer, search results & more
• The simple trick to avoid thousands of dollars in cellphone charges on a cruise ship
• Here's when Royal Caribbean will put new 2025-2026 cruises on sale
• 17 of the worst ways people waste money on their cruise vacation
• I took my second cruise ever, and changed 7 things this time around
• 5 important things to do before new cruises are available to book
• Chops Grille review

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 516th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available at all our links.

In this episode, Matt previews his upcoming cruise on Serenade of the Seas. This will be his very first cruise to Canada and New England, so he is sharing everything planned for his trip next week.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

Video: Grading cruise tips from Reddit

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Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — Cruise expert grades cruise tips from Reddit — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Voyager of the Seas review: What it's like to cruise on Royal Caribbean's oldest Voyager Class ship

When Voyager of the Seas debuted in 1999, she turned the cruising world upside down. Voyager was the ship that introduced the idea of having an ice-skating rink at sea, rock climbing wall at sea, and indoor promenade.

However,  Voyager of the Seas is now Royal Caribbean’s oldest Voyager Class ship.

What is it like to sail on her in 2023? Angie recently went on a cruise out of Galveston, and reviews the ship’s amplifications, cabin, embarkation process, dining, activities, entertainment, and ports of call. 

What to bring on a cruise to Alaska? 8 things you'll want to take with you

If you are planning a cruise to Alaska, you may already know that preparing for this region will be different than preparing for other sailings. 

Even though a summer cruise may not be as cold as you would imagine, there are still nuances to planning a great cruise to Alaska.

You will certainly want to be prepared and make sure you have the best vacation possible at this once-in-a-lifetime destination. 

These are the eight most important things to pack with you on an Alaska cruise.

I took my first short cruise. Here's 7 things I liked and didn't like about my 3-night sailing

After taking a week-long first cruise, Calista decided to go ahead and try a shorter, 3-night cruise to see the difference between these two lengths.

The ship traveled from Miami, Florida, to Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas over a weekend, embarking on Friday and disembarking on Monday.  

As with any aspect of cruising, there were pros and cons to choosing a shorter sailing. 

In this article, Calista examines the 7 things she liked and didn’t like about her first short cruise.

8 cruise ship shore excursions our readers tried and instantly regretted

Are you getting confused planning your next cruise’s shore excursions?

We’re here to make you feel better, as some of our readers had to learn their lessons these hard way.

Shore excursions are a major part of the cruise experience, and some can cost you a substantial amount of time and money.

No one wants to waste energy on a terrible tour, but there are always bad options out there.

Royal Caribbean Blog readers have had their own encounters with instantly regrettable shore excursions, and we’ve gone ahead and outlined the 8 worst experiences. 

50 best cruising with kids tips & secrets

If you're going on a cruise with kids, then we have all the best tips and tricks to help you have a fabulous cruise.

When you go on a cruise with your family, it can mean a mix of ages and even generations, and we wanted to focus on the sort of things families should know before they go on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Whether you are taking your own kids or going with someone else's, here are the top 50 best tips for cruising with kids on Royal Caribbean.

I learned a few things from my first cruise, and decided to change a few things for my second cruise ever.

Having learned through both research and personal experience, I was now armed with important tips on how to have the best experience possible. 

And I was ready for more: I went ahead and planned a second cruise on Freedom of the Seas for a 3-night sailing traveling from Miami, Florida, to Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas.

Read more: Freedom of the Seas cruise review

And this time, I had even more to look forward to: the fun I knew I would have and my newfound wisdom from my maiden voyage. 

In this post, I’ll share the most valuable lessons I took away from my first cruise and applied to my second cruise. 

From packing essentials to must-see shows, these are the top 7 things I changed this time around.

Read more: 11 things I wish I knew before setting foot on a cruise ship

1. Took a shorter cruise

The most fundamental difference about my second cruise was the difference in length.

My first cruise was a 7-night sailing, while my second one was only a weekend cruise spanning three nights.

I had found 7 nights a little too long for me: I felt claustrophobic by day 5 and realized that there was no way to escape the ocean. 

However, a 7-night cruise did allow for plenty of time to explore the ship and experience countless events and 4 shows.

Additionally, our Wonder of the Seas cruise had time for 3 full port days, allowing me to experience 3 new destinations. 

In contrast, my Freedom of the Seas cruise was only 3 nights. We stopped at just 2 ports, had fewer events to go on, and only attended 2 shows. 

Although it was a smaller ship, and there was less of it to explore, I wished I had more time to attend events and shows onboard. 

Where my first cruise had dragged a little long, my second one flew by in a flash. I think my sweet spot would be somewhere in between 3 and 7 days, such as a 5-night sailing. 

2. I went to the casino

On my first cruise, I felt a little nervous about trying out the casino. I walked through it a few times but stopped myself from actually participating.

But on my second, I went ahead, got some quarters, and tried out a few slot machines.

Not only was it an activity of its own, but the casino was also full of other cruisers. Once I started playing, I was able to make conversation with them.

With the fewer bonding events offered on this cruise, I was glad I took the chance to try a new activity and meet other cruisers.

3. I attended the Crazy Quest game show

I don’t know how I missed it on my first cruise, but I wasn’t going to miss the Quest game show again!

This adults-only scavenger hunt is famous (or perhaps infamous) among Royal Caribbean cruisers for its wild antics. 

My girlfriend and I attended together, and we had a blast.  The game show host split the entire room into teams, with team captains, and hilarity ensured. I was shocked at just how crazy the show got, but I’m glad I got to experience it this time around.

For those who haven’t been before, the Quest game show is a must-see. 

And if you’re introverted like me, don’t worry—you’re not required to participate. 

Everyone on stage is doing so out of their own free will. 

Read more: 50 things everyone should do on a Royal Caribbean cruise at least once

4. I ate at the Main Dining Room less

While I enjoyed the complimentary food offerings in the Main Dining Room, I didn’t always enjoy how formal it was.

On my second cruise, I chose not to eat in the Main Dining Room as frequently. Out of the 9 meals we had on the 3-day cruise, I only ate at the Main Dining Room once.

On that night, I recognized the menu from my previous cruise. The food, again, was quality, but it was nothing new to me.

And we did find that it was a very formal, multiple-course meal. My girlfriend commented that it was a little too formal for her, as well.

We preferred to go to the Windjammer for the majority of our meals for a quicker and more independent meal option. 

5. I didn’t bring my laptop

On my Wonder of the Seas cruise, I regretted bringing my laptop.

It took up unnecessary space. I only bought Wi-Fi for one device, and the TV in our cabin was a Smart TV, so I could stream shows directly from my phone.

I left it behind when I sailed on Freedom of the Seas. 

This time, the cabin’s TV was not a smart TV, so I didn’t have a larger scene to watch shows on.

We decided to go to movie nights hosted on the ship’s pool deck instead, enjoying a drink in the hot tub at sunset.

Given that it was a shorter cruise and I had less downtime, I didn’t miss access to personalized TV on a large screen. And ultimately, I was grateful for the extra packing space I had by leaving behind my laptop.

6. I packed a wider variety of clothes

On my first cruise, I made the mistake of packing cute dresses and swimsuits. 

I prepared with the mindset of a beach vacation, thinking I would only need simple dresses or beach outfits.

But once I got there, I was surprised at how many other activities I had access to. 

I should have prepared for activities like laser tag, ice skating, and biking. I also didn’t realize that the air conditioning can get cold on a cruise ship; sometimes, simple dresses didn't have enough coverage.

For my second cruise, I came more prepared with sneakers, pants, shorts, and warmer hoodies. I packed the perfect amount, having finally learned my lesson. 

7. I tried more activities on Perfect Day at CocoCay

My first encounter with Perfect Day at CocoCay was just alright. 

On my first cruise, I learned that weather can make a big impact on your experience on Perfect Day at CocoCay.

On the day Wonder of the Seas stopped at Royal Caribbean’s private island, the weather was cloudy and threatening to rain. 

Although my sister and I woke up early enough to get some sun, we mostly spent our time lounging by the water on Harbor Beach and South Beach.

We grabbed a few complimentary snacks and then walked over to Oasis Lagoon, a pool and floating bar with a live DJ. It looked like a blast, but the pool was too crowded for us to even find a space.

We decided to head back to the ship before 2:00 P.M and eat our lunch at the Windjammer buffet. Shortly after we returned, the rain started.

On my second cruise, however, I came prepared with more information about the complimentary and specialty experiences available on Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

I learned that, in addition to the snack bars, full lunches are also complimentary, offered at Splashaway Bay, Captain Jill's Galleon, Skipper's Grill, Chill Grill, and the Snack Shack.

I also saw that fun shore excursions were offered on the island, like snorkeling, swimming with pigs, and a glass-bottom boat tour. 

On our Freedom of the Seas cruise, I decided to go ahead and take full advantage of the experience. I purchased a snorkeling excursion for our day at Perfect Day at CocoCay, and it turned out to be a blast.

When my girlfriend and I arrived, we were given our snorkeling gear and pointed to the beach at Chill Island. 

We didn’t swim all the way out to the airplane wreck, but we were able to see a shipwreck, friendly tropical fish, two stingrays, and one harmless moon jelly! 

After that, we ate a complimentary lunch at Skipper’s Grill. 

It was still early enough in the day that we grabbed a spot at the floating bar directly in front of the DJ. There, we drank and danced into the afternoon.

How much of a difference is there between a week-long cruise versus a short cruise?

As a new cruiser, I wanted to try cruises of different lengths to see how different they are and which I like best.

For my first cruise, I chose a 7-night sailing on Wonder of the Seas that stopped at a total of 3 ports: Perfect Day at CocoCay, St. Thomas, and Sint Maarten.

After that week, I was ready to move forward with my newfound wisdom from my maiden voyage, so I went ahead and planned a second cruise on Freedom of the Seas. 

This time, I selected a much shorter 3-night sailing. The ship traveled from Miami, Florida, to Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas over a weekend, embarking on Friday and disembarking on Monday.  

There were pros and cons to choosing a shorter sailing. Here are the 7 things I liked and didn’t like about my first short cruise.

Read more: What’s a good amount of days for a first cruise?

👍 What I liked about a short cruise

I'll start with the things that I enjoyed about trying a shorter cruise.

It had no long sea days

On my first cruise, day five and six were sea days and it left me feeling a little claustrophobic when surrounded by the ocean. I started to miss my own house and bed.

Despite the fact that Wonder of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world, I felt stuck onboard during these sea days.

I was able to mitigate the cabin fever by investigating new areas onboard.

I was very thankful that I chose the shorter cruise for my experience on a smaller ship: Freedom of the Seas was the perfect size to explore over 3 days. 

On this short cruise, we had no distinct sea days and instead spent each day at a port. I enjoyed the speed of travel and the fact that we spent less time on the open water.

Based on these experiences, I definitely recommend limiting cruises on smaller ships to no more than 5 days—but I look forward to testing this theory for myself.

I preferred visiting fewer ports

I also liked that we visited two ports instead of the three we stopped at on my first cruise.

Although I love to travel and appreciate seeing as many new places as possible, this allowed me more time to focus on the ports we did stop at.

I was able to prioritize those two locations—Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas—in my research and planning beforehand.

Because of that, I had a much better experience at Perfect Day at CocoCay, and I arrived at Nassau with more knowledge and background about the island. 

On my first cruise, I did enjoy getting to see the multiple ports—Perfect Day at CocoCay, Saint Thomas, and Sint Maarten—but I wasn’t able to do as much research beforehand or feel quite as knowledgeable before the trip.

Having fewer parts allowed me to focus in on each one and make the most of that time.

Shorter travel time made things simple

My cruise itself was only three days, and even with our policy of arriving at the port city the night before, my total travel time was only four days, from Thursday night to Monday afternoon.

This made it easier to schedule the shorter cruise and brought me back home quickly.

Although I love to travel, this overall eased my mind and made things much simpler.

A shorter cruise is a great option for younger or working adults who only have time for a weekend trip.

It was the perfect small getaway in the middle of September.

👎 What I disliked about a short cruise

Like everything in life, there are some downsides to a shorter cruise.

It was difficult to fit in all the events

Because of the limited amount of time on my Freedom of the Seas cruise, I had to carefully pick and choose which events I attended.

If this had been my first cruise, I would have had a lot of trouble distinguishing between which events I wanted to attend and which could fall by the wayside.

Thankfully, I came with a little more experience and was able to select the most important events I wanted to go to.

However, I still didn’t have enough time to see everything. It would have been fun to attend even more of the game shows or performances offered onboard.

We had less time to try different venues 

Similar to the previous point, a shorter cruise gave me much less time to try different dining venues.

I wrote on my must-do list to eat at the Windjammer, the main dining room, El Loco Fresh, Cafe Promenade, Sorrento's Pizza, and the specialty Ben and Jerry’s location.

I ended up having time to try Cafe Promenade, Sorrento's Pizza, and the specialty Chops Grille restaurant.

However, I mainly dined at Windjammer for the length of this cruise because of the ease of dining and the ability to choose all my own meals. 

When you’re in a rush, the Windjammer is one of the best places to grab a meal.

In the end, I completely missed the opportunity to try El Loco Fresh and Ben and Jerry’s! 

Read more: Here's the one must-eat place on every Royal Caribbean ship

People seemed less friendly 

I noticed that people were a little less friendly on my second cruise than on my first cruise. 

My theory is that for shorter cruises, passengers are focused on the groups or friends they came with and on enjoying their time together.

While I had passing conversations with people on Freedom of the Seas, I found nothing close near to the close-knit friendships I’d made on Wonder of the Seas. 

On my longer cruise, I found that people were much more willing to make friends and hang out multiple times over the week of travel.

Neither is a bad perspective to have, but I was looking forward to meeting some new people, and I didn’t quite do that on my second cruise.

The time really flew by

Despite the benefits of a shorter cruise, a major disadvantage is just how quickly it seems to fly by. Three nights and barely three full days pass by swiftly!

While it was a fun experience, and I did get to try many different things on this cruise, the time period was so short that I can hardly remember what happened.

If you’re planning to spend a lot of money on your cruise and get the most out of a longer vacation, a short cruise is definitely a disadvantage in this way.

A short vs long cruise

Overall, I learned that seven nights was too long for me.

However, a seven night cruise did allow for plenty of time to explore the ship and experience countless events and four shows.

In contrast, my short Freedom of the Seas cruise was only three nights. We stopped at just two ports, had fewer events to go on, and only attended two shows. 

Although it was a smaller ship, and there was less of it to explore, I wished I had more time to attend events and shows onboard. 

Where my first cruise had dragged a little long, my second one flew by in a flash. 

There are benefits to choosing a short cruise, but I think my personal sweet spot would be somewhere between three and seven days, such as a 5-night sailing. 

How often do you get to try a quality steak dinner?

As a new cruiser, I knew I had to try one of Royal Caribbean‘s most popular specialty restaurants. 

Long regarded as one of the best specialty dining experiences, this venue is Chops Grille.

On my second cruise on Freedom of the Seas, I went ahead and reserved a dinner at the specialty location. 

Chops Grille is a specialty restaurant, meaning there is an additional cost involved. We purchased a dinner for myself and my girlfriend and paid $55.99 per person, $111.98 in total. 

I went ahead and compared this price to quality steakhouses near me and saw that this total is equal to (or even slightly less than) typical steakhouses on land. 

Chops Grille is a quality steak house that is featured on all Royal Caribbean ships. This speaks to its fame and popularity, so I knew I had to try it out and see if the extra cost was worth it.

Read more: 5 things you will love about Royal Caribbean's Chops Grille restaurant

We reserved Chops Grille for the second night of our cruise. On Freedom of the Seas, it was located on deck 1, right next to the entrance to the Windjammer.

When we entered, I gave the staff our room number, and we were quickly seated by polite waitstaff. 

Atmosphere

The dining room was a rectangular shape, facing a wide glass wall that looked out onto the ocean. 

We were seated near the front of the entrance and directly next to another couple's table, only divided by a short wooden wall. My seat faced the glass window to the ocean.

The look of the steakhouse was very classy: dark browns, crisp white linens, and low, golden lighting. 

When the night began, there was still enough sun for us to look at the ocean and enjoy the wide, clear view. 

However, as the sun set, it became very dark inside the steakhouse.

I also felt that the restaurant was a little crowded for the number of patrons inside. 

Not only were we seated directly next to a couple—to the point where we could hear each other‘s conversations—but there was also a large party of about 15 to the left of us.

It was easy to hear everything going on in the restaurant, especially when people got too noisy or drunk.

Staff also started singing “Happy Birthday” for diners multiple times throughout the night, inviting the whole venue to join in. This was a fun interlude to our dinner, but it happened about three times, interrupting our conversation each time!

However, the room’s crowded atmosphere also speaks to the restaurant's popularity. 

It seems that many people enjoy the specialty venue as a way to celebrate their birthdays or other special occasions. 

Despite the noise and volume, our waiter was very pleasant and put us right at ease, helping us to focus on the food and our personal experience.

Chops Grille Menu

Eats

Before explaining the menu, our waiter asked if we were celebrating any special occasions, had any allergies, or any shows that we would need to leave for at a certain time. 

Then he explained that the menu was included in our purchase, starting with appetizers, continuing to soups and salads, and including sides, as well as an entrée and dessert.

The waiter started us off by bringing a starter of bread and butter. When the bread arrived, we were surprised by the unique shapes and the warmth on the inside. 

Our waiter also offered us several drink options, and we decided to try some wine. We chose a simple Moscato that had a lovely fruity flavor. 

For our appetizers, I chose the colossal shrimp cocktail, which came with a few pieces of shrimp on ice and a horse radish cocktail sauce that was a sweet and spicy mix. 

I enjoyed the shrimp cocktail, but I much preferred my girlfriend’s order: a grilled pepper black bacon with a sweet and spicy glaze. The tender, fatty strip of meat was delicious, and I kept tasting it despite the fact that it was her order. 

Later, I discovered that this bacon slice is arguably the most popular Chops Grille appetizer, and I can see why. My only regret from this evening is not ordering a serving for myself.

For the soup and salad portion, we each chose a salad. 

My girlfriend ate a simple Caesar salad, and I ordered the crispy goat cheese salad. 

The crispy goat cheese salad came with green apples, candied walnuts, cranberries, and balsamic dressing. The goat cheese was served on top in a fried ball that I had to split open. 

It was creamy and delicious, with a tang from the balsamic dressing and sour green apples. 

Next, it was time to order our sides. Our waiter let us know that we could order as many as we wanted, but my girlfriend and I limited ourselves to three as we didn’t want to get too full before the entrée.

We chose the truffled french fries, the Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, and grilled jumbo asparagus.

The sides came in small metal bowls, so in hindsight, we could’ve ordered more. 

We loved the creamy mashed potatoes and the fresh grilled asparagus. 

However, I found the salty, oniony truffle flavor of the french fries to be a little bit off-putting. I chalked this up to my own inexperience with truffles, not any issue in the actual dish.

For the main course, we each ordered the 9-ounce filet. 

On the menu, this dish is listed as “9 ounces of our most tender cut of lean Midwestern beef.”

The filet came immediately with our sides and was served with a garnish of garlic and rosemary. 

While I usually order my steaks medium-rare, at Chops Grille, I ordered mine medium. For someone who likes their steaks tender but not bloody, this was the perfect choice.

I found that it was incredibly tender, soft, and tasty, with a marinated salty flavor throughout.

Despite our concern about our fleeting appetites, my girlfriend and I managed to finish all of our steak serving. 

We went ahead and ordered our dessert to-go, hoping to finish later when we were feeling more hungry. 

My girlfriend ordered the red velvet cake, and I ordered the raspberry cheesecake.

Later, when I ate the raspberry cheesecake, I loved the creamy taste and the sweet tang of the raspberry. A dollop of whipped cream on top completed the dish. 

Overall

While I would’ve preferred a more quiet and spacious atmosphere, the food was impeccably delicious. The appetizers, tender steak fillets, and sweet desserts made the extra price worth it.

And on a visit back to Chops Grille, I would know exactly what to order to have the best possible dining experience. 

Considering the average price and the fact that this was on a beautiful cruise ship, I would definitely visit this restaurant again.

The fall temperatures may be dropping, but the Royal Caribbean news from this week is as hot as ever, and we have it all summarized for you in this week's round up!

Royal Caribbean has canceled the rest of the line’s sailings to and from Israel.

The cruise line wrote that the decision was made with guests’ safety and wellbeing in mind. 

All of the remaining Rhapsody of the Seas cruises for this year from Haifa have been canceled, with plans to return to Israel in 2024 on Jewel of the Seas.

Multiple other cruise lines have canceled their cruises visiting Israel as well.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean news: Final payment change for long cruises, adults-only beach update, Israel cancellations, & more
• The best Amazon Prime Big Deal Days deals for all your cruising essentials
• Star of the Seas: Itinerary, features, and more
• 5 Royal Caribbean cruise ship balcony cabins to book (and 2 to avoid)
• 7 side-by-side photos show how the world’s biggest cruise ship changes at night through color
• After 13 Royal Caribbean cruises, I booked a Virgin Voyages cruise: here's what I loved and hated
• Vintage photos of a cruise ship in the '90s
• Why is there no deck 13 on cruise ships

Video: I survived 96 hours on Royal Caribbean's worst rated cruise ship

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Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — I survived 96 hours on Royal Caribbean's worst rated cruise ship — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

I booked the smallest and cheapest room on Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Seas. It was only 142 square feet, but I'd stay in it again

Not only did Allie sale on the smallest ship, but she also booked the smallest cabin on the ship. It was only 142 square feet, an an interior cain with no windows. 

However, Allie ended up being pleasantly surprised by the condition and size of the cabin.

She also discusses the affordable price of the cabin, making the stateroom one she would sail in again. 

What to bring on a Caribbean cruise? 23 essentials to pack

No matter what part of the world you’re cruising to, it’s important to pack appropriately. 

With the Caribbean being one of the most popular cruising destinations, many cruisers choose to visit the region. 

If you’re planning a visit, you’ll need to prepare specifically for a visit to the Caribbean. 

We compiled an essential list of items that are important to pack on your Caribbean cruise. 

Ultimate Abyss: Royal Caribbean's cruise ship dry slide

Royal Caribbean‘s incredible onship activities include a 10 deck high dry slide on select ships.

The Ultimate Abyss has quickly become a popular thrill with cruisers, so we decided to give it a try and report back. 

This article describes a ride on the thrilling Ultimate Abyss, which is available on Oasis of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, and Utopia of the seas. 

I cruised Royal Caribbean from Galveston for the first time. Here's what a cruise from Texas is like.

What is it like to cruise out of Galveston, Texas? 

Voyager of the seas and Harmony of the Seas currently sail out of Galveston, Texas, and will for the rest of 2023.

Our writer Angie decided to try the port for the first time on Voyager of the Seas. 

From Coast Guard delays to to finding transportation, Angie describes what it was like to sail out of the Royal Caribbean port in Galveston, Texas.

9 ways to sleep better on a cruise ship

One disadvantage of traveling is that you can be hard to catch up on your rest. 

Everyone has different sleep patterns and some may struggle to adjust to getting quality sleep in a different bed. 

However, we have compiled some advice you can use to get better sleep on your cruise. 

From air conditioning to getting extra pillows, you can use these helpful strategies to ensure you get lots of rest and feel relaxed on your vacation.

What are things to bring on a Caribbean cruise that you might not bring on other cruises?

The Caribbean is a region that includes a multitude of beautiful islands and coastal areas, all near the Caribbean Sea and large systems of coral reefs.

The Caribbean is also known for balmy weather and comfortable temperatures, making the region a preferred cruising destination.

So, if you’re planning to join a host of cruisers who choose the Caribbean as their destination, how should you prepare?

No matter what area of the world you’re traveling to, it’s important to pack appropriately. We offer a full cruise packing list on our blog, but it’s important to be specific about the area of the world you are visiting. 

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

Since every place is different, you’ll want to prepare specifically for your journey.

What items are important to bring to the Caribbean? We’ll go over a selection of 23 important things to pack on your Caribbean cruise.

Read more: What to bring on a cruise to Alaska

Please note that we’ve linked items on Amazon, which contains an affiliate link. This affiliate link costs you absolutely nothing extra, but Royal Caribbean Blog makes a small commission if you purchase it. Shop more on our Amazon Storefront!

1. Sunscreen

Places close to the equator, like the islands of the Caribbean, are subject to stronger UV rays. 

And you’ll spend plenty of time in the sun on your visit: on the ship’s deck, at the beach or a pool, or exploring an island excursion.

The heavy exposure to the sun can leave you at right for a bad sunburn. Getting a severe sunburn could ruin even the best visit to the Caribbean, forcing you to stay indoors while you heal and miss out on the fun.

Be sure to plan ahead by protecting yourself with a strong, high-SPF sunscreen, such as Banana Boat Sport Ultra SPF 30.

It’s also best to pack reef-safe sunscreen to protect local coral reefs from being bleached by the chemicals inside your sunscreen. Mineral sunscreens are a great option to protect the environment around you.

2. Aloe vera

If you forget a high enough SPF sunscreen and end up with a bad sunburn, aloe vera gel is a natural healing method for soothing the burn, healing skin faster, and getting rid of that redness for any vacation photos. 

This could be important for a visit to a Caribbean island, as you’ll likely want to make the most of your time on the island instead of heading home to grab a salve.  

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

Amazon makes its own house brand aloe vera that should do the trick.

3. Insect repellent

You’ll be spending lots of time outdoors, so don’t forget an insect repellent.

Bringing your own bug spray to repel insects will prevent you from having painful bug bites and keep you focused on your fun excursions ahead.

You can buy a travel-size insect repellent to ensure it's handy to keep around.

4. Beach bag

A large bag, such as a tote bag, is a helpful addition if you're planning on seeing the beach on your Caribbean stop.

A beach bag should be big enough to hold towels, swimsuits, extra clothes, water, snacks, sunscreen, and more. We like the Tainehs Mesh Beach Tote Large Bag.

Make sure that you bring one with enough space to pack everything you need ahead of time.

5. Your seasickness medicine of choice

Whether you use Bonine, Dramamine, seasickness patches, or even ginger candies, it’s important to remember your seasickness medicine.

This is always helpful for your time spent on the cruise ship, but don’t forget that your boat adventures could continue in the Caribbean!

If you have a tender to take you ashore or any boat ride as part of your planned excursions, seasickness medicine will keep you feeling healthy.

6. Sunglasses or sunhat

Don’t only protect your skin from the sun—keep your eyes safe, too!

Wearing sunglasses will protect your eyes from UV rays and allow you to enjoy the beautiful sights on your trip.

If you wear glasses or would like to keep items off your eyes, try a sunhat instead for some extra shade.

7. Your own snorkel gear

If you’re planning on snorkeling at all in the Caribbean, consider bringing your own snorkeling gear.

This will save you money and time as you won’t have to purchase an extra set of gear. You’ll be able to jump right into the clear water and start searching for reefs and tropical sea animals. 

Especially if you’re planning multiple trips to the Caribbean, having your own snorkel gear is a great investment. 

9. Passport or ID 

While some Caribbean islands are U.S. territories (like the U.S. Virgin Islands), most of them are separate countries. 

Like with any international travel, this means that you will need to be prepared to deal with immigration on your visit. 

To be properly prepared, bring a passport or at least a valid ID and make sure that you are allowed on and off the island.

10. Breathable clothing

It's most likely that the weather will be hot and humid on your trip to the Caribbean. You should be prepared to sweat!

The best dress for this type of weather is flowy, breathable clothing (not necessarily short and tight).

Read more: Best travel clothes for women on shore excursions

Look for casual and lightweight pieces such as palazzo pants, open shirts, skirts, and other light clothing. 

Fabrics such as cotton, silk, and linen are best.

11. A swimsuit cover-up 

Of course, you'll want to go swimming and spend a lot of time by the beach on your trip. 

But don't forget about all the other fun excursions you can experience: shopping, tours, restaurants, parties, museums, and more.

To prepare for all the onshore experiences you'll have, be sure to at least bring a swimsuit cover-up or even a change of clothes.

Packing a simple cover-up like a T-shirt, jacket, or dress will ensure that you are appropriately dressed for any occasion you decide to join in.

12. Sandals or flip flops

If you’re not planning on doing much walking or sporty activities, I recommend some warmer, open-toed shoes like sandals or flip-flops. 

Shoes that are easy to slip on and off are best for beach days. And open-toed shoes will help your feet stay cooler in the hot weather. 

These Weweya sandals are very comfortable while still being stylish and should work well at the beach or in the sand.

Ultimately, pack a well-made, waterproof pair of open-toed shoes to help you stay dry, keep cool, and shake off sand.

13. Water bottle

We mention this item a lot in packing lists, but it's worth mentioning again for excursions out onto ports.

While you can, of course, purchase water from wherever you’re visiting, prices can be high in touristy areas. And it’s often inconvenient to stop your vacation to try to find a store.

Instead, keep yourself moving and saving money by bringing a packed water bottle ahead of time. You can fill it up at the Windjammer and other complimentary locations onboard, then bring it off the ship with no issues.

And since the weather will most likely be warm and sunny, it will be important to stay hydrated.

If you’d like to pack ice along in your water bottle, a Yeti or Hydroflask will keep your water cool all day long.

14. Walking shoes 

Some of my favorite shore excursions have been tours of different islands. 

On these tours, you can walk around and listen to the guy and explain some of the history and background while also seeing the sights and historical buildings around you. 

It's a great way to get some fresh air and some much-needed exercise in the middle of a sedentary cruise.

However, you'll want to be sure that you have the right kind of shoes for this excursion. Picking out a good set of exercise or walking shoes will help you have a great experience and keep your energy up during your tour.

15. Waterproof bags

From disembarking the cruise ship to relaxing at the beach, you'll still be interacting with the water for most of your trip. 

It's important that you keep your essentials safe by using a waterproof bag or at least a waterproof phone case.

Read more: 5 things I purchased for a cruise that I regretted buying

16. Rashguard

A long-sleeved athletic shirt, like a rashguard, can serve as a multipurpose tool for many needs. It can protect you from rashes, sunburns, chafing, and even jellyfish stings!

This is also a great option for water sports like surfing or jet skiing, which you’ll want to take advantage of on a visit to the Caribbean.

17. Sweater

This option isn't quite so intuitive, but pretty soon, you'll understand why it’s on the list. 

Tropical cruises can be quite warm during the day, but you'll find that the air conditioner pumps quite high on the cruise ship at night. 

It can get surprisingly chilly indoors on your cruise ship, so be sure to bring a sweater or a cardigan so that you aren't too cold while indoors. 

I find that the cabin and nighttime dining locations can be the coldest places on your cruise.

18. Long sleeve shirt and pants

Another lesser-known way of beating hot weather is by wearing long sleeves and long pants. 

Light-weight, long clothing can be most effective for protecting you from the sun and fending off bugs like mosquitoes.

If you’re doing any hiking or climbing, especially into the rainforest, consider wearing long sleeves and pants to protect yourself.

Your skin will thank you later!

19. Poncho 

Many tropical places experience a rainy season or a hurricane season that features heavy storms with lots of wind and rain.

In the Caribbean, this season could fall anywhere between May and October, with frequent, short thunderstorms on summer afternoons.

Considering that these storms arrive almost 6 months out of the year, it’s best to plan ahead by bringing a poncho or other rain gear. 

You never want to be stuck inside your cruise ship because you didn’t prepare for the weather!

20. Umbrella 

Personally, I don’t like wearing a poncho. 

They get hot and heavy when you’re experiencing a humid tropical rainstorm.

If you’re like me and prefer something lightweight that you can hold, an umbrella is a great option to help prepare for the rain. 

Read more: We asked our readers what one thing they wish they packed for their cruise

21. Water shoes

To help you prepare for all your possible water activities—from kayaking to boat tours—consider bringing a pair of water shoes.

This mesh footwear will protect your feet while allowing any water to flow through them instead of just pooling inside your shoe.

For more intense water activities, they’re a great way to make sure your feet are protected without getting soaked or slippery.

22. Power bank

Without a doubt, having a phone on you is important for any kind of travel.

You’ll be able to use it to find directions, get information on shore excursions, take photos of your beautiful surroundings, and even read books by the beach.

And having your phone go dead in the middle of a trip onto a foreign island could be the death toll to a lovely port day, depending on how much you were relying on it.

To prevent being cut off from your source of information, pack a phone charger or, even better—a power bank. I like this Anker portable charger as a good option.

Bringing a power bank will allow you to charge your phone anywhere without having to spend the time to find a compatible port. 

Many power banks fit right into your bag. I like to charge my phone in my bag as I’m leaving the ship and then unplug it when the charge is high and I’m ready to use it on the island. 

23. Portable fan

To help beat the heat, consider bringing a portable fan. Handheld fans that are small enough to fit in a bag still provide enough power to fan your face when it gets scorching.

Remember that you'll spend time on deck on the cruise ship on hot beaches, where you want relief from the heat. 

A handheld portable fan can be a helpful addition that provides instant relief and cool air.