What can you expect your cruise ship to look like?

The way a ship looks at night versus the day can sometimes be very different, and quite beautiful.

When the sun goes down, the ship's lights come on and its a stark contrast.

I especially appreciated the varied contrast between onboard views: whether morning or night, there was always something beautiful to see.

For my first cruise, I went on the largest cruise ship in the world because Wonder of the Seas embodied what's the latest and greatest from Royal Caribbean.

On such a large ship, there were many different beautiful structures and landscapes, and each one transformed with the time of day.

These 7 photos shows such contrasting examples of different locations on the ship and how each area transformed depending on the time of day. 

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

Central Park was one of my favorite spots on the ship, a gorgeous on-board nature walk with plants, several dining venues, a bar, and a glass window perspective into the Royal Promenade below. 

When you shift your head up, you can also see the above decks, as displayed in these photos.

When I needed a quiet place to sit in the mornings, I came here. 

When I wanted to stare at the ship’s nighttime and listen to live music, I came here. 

Central Park provides a unique view of both the decks below and the ones above, lighting up the whole level at night.

No matter the time of day, it was a beautiful and peaceful place to relax. 

The pool deck became another favorite location for me. 

Of course, pools, hot tubs, ice cream stations, and multiple bars held its main draw for me.

However, it was also one of the highest points on the ship. 

This made the pool deck a great location to stand and look out into the ship, across the water to neighboring islands, or just to stare at the surrounding water.  

No matter the time of day, there was plenty to see: people around, beautiful decorations, and lights hanging from the deck.

This photo set exemplifies another bonus feature of the pool deck: the best view of the sky. 

Whether it was sunrise or sunset, this deck was the best place to see the sky’s changing colors. 

As dusk fell, too, we could watch carefully for the rising moon or shining stars. 

Especially on sea days when we were far from any lit islands, the night sky was incredibly clear. 

The right photo shows a glimpse of the crescent moon, but we were able to see many other night views during our time on the cruise. 

Deck 6 of Wonder of the Seas features the Boardwalk, several dining and shopping venues, the exit to the ultimate Abyss slide, and the AquaTheater.

The outdoor Boardwalk also has a Carousel and several shopping venues. The Playmakers bar and dining venue is located just opposite several shopping venues.

Further into the Boardwalk are several seating areas, a great spot where I could sit, relax, and chat with friends.

The Ultimate Abyss slide also exits right onto this area of Deck 6.

Finally, the deck features the AquaTheater, an outdoor ampitheater with the capacity for over 600 guests. 

The AquaTheater features unique showings of the water ballet, high-diving, and aerial performance, inTENse. 

The theater also presented complimentary movie showings throughout the cruise.

This Boardwalk is the perfect location to to walk around and talk, try the merry-go-round, enjoy a snack or a drink at Playmakers, or watch movies and performances.

As exemplified by these pictures, it also lights up at night, shining rainbow colors over the entire deck.

Another ever-changing feature on Wonder of the Seas is the rising tide bar.

Built like an elevator, but functioning like a regular drinks station, this bar boards on the Royal Promendade deck (Deck 5 on Wonder of the Seas) or Central Park, and passes up through Decks 5 to 7.

The oval-shape features glass barriers and a skylight for its stop on Central Park. 

Cushions chairs and stools allow you to sit, order a drink, and enjoy the view from the higher perspective.

Like a rising tide, the bar slowly inches forward. It constantly moves location on the ship, floating from each deck every half-hour.

This allows for a constantly-changing view both inside and out the bar.

Personally, every time I looked in the direction of the rising tide bar, I noticed it in a different location, changing the scenery inside the ship.

Read more: Ten Best Royal Caribbean Bars

Clear glass elevators on Wonder of the Seas allow for a wide-perspective view of the inside of the ship. 

From the elevators, I could see cruisers and employees and watch events going on. 

This also allowed us to keep track of our whereabouts, making it hard to get lost—even when inside an elevator. 

And, of course, we were able to enjoy the beautiful view from anywhere inside the ship. 

During the day, the elevators were lit up with natural light and views from below.

At night, we could see neon lights and parties happening all over the ship.

On a cruise, you can experience endless variations of views of the ocean, or neighboring islands. 

These photos show an example of that contrasting view. 

The left photo was our view of Sint Maarten on a port day, a morning perspective from the Windjammer buffet. 

The right was a nighttime view after a long day at sea, a perspective of just the wide ocean and the ship’s glowing lights. 

No matter what time of day, or where the ship was traveling, there was always something gorgeous to see onboard. 

Read more: 6 things to know before you book Wonder of the Seas

I hope everyone reading this is having a wonderful Sunday and enjoying some time this weekend with friends, family and some good food too.  Here is a summary of all the Royal Caribbean news from this week in one easy-to-read blog post for your convenience!

Royal Caribbean has announced the name for its newest Icon Class ship. 

After Icon of the Seas launches in January 2024, plans will continue for its sister ship. Royal Caribbean plans to launch three ships in the new Icon Class. 

Royal Caribbean added a selection of names to a social media vote on Twitter in January 2023.

The winning name, and the name of the next Icon Class ship is Star of the Seas. 

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean cancels Israel cruises due to attacks on Israel
• Propulsion issues slow two Royal Caribbean cruise ships
• Royal Caribbean gives its top cruisers a crystal block gift. Here's how to get one
• What happens when you test positive for Covid on a cruise ship in 2023? Family shares their experience
• I’m a travel agent. Here are the 6 most popular Royal Caribbean ships my clients are booking for 2024

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 515th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, which has a review of Ovation of the Seas cruise from this summer.

Our guest stars, Domanic and Casey, share their experience on their first Alaska cruise. 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.

You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or RSS.

Video: What REALLY happens when you're late getting back to a 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!

Our latest YouTube video answers the question: What really happens when you’re late getting back to a cruise ship? Will you be left behind onshore, or will the whole ship wait for you?

Check out the link to view it: What REALLY happens when you're late getting back to a cruise ship and be sure to subscribe, too. 

Trying Royal Caribbean's oldest & smallest ship, Grandeur of the Seas, was better than we envisioned

Allie recently had the chance to try Royal Caribbean’s oldest and smallest ship, Grandeur of the Seas.

While Grandeur receives criticism for its age and size, Allie decided to go ahead and experience a refurbished cruise on this ship. 

Grander receives many negative reviews about sailing in 2023, but Allie found that it was actually better than expected. 

13 things I wish I'd done differently on my first cruise, from avoiding seasickness to eating at different venues

How can you learn to save money and make the most out of a cruise experience? For Calista, it took a personal experience with a cruise to give her some important tips. 

Calista recently went on her first cruise on Wonder of the Seas. 

After experiencing a cruise for herself, she learned a lot of essential lessons to help improve her cruising experience and preserve resources while doing so.

From packing to avoiding seasickness to eating differently, a little introspection reveals the top 13 things she wishes she had done differently.

Should I book my flight through my cruise line?

What is Air2Sea, and should you use it?

When you book a Royal Caribbean cruise, you will receive the option to book your flight directly through the cruise line. 

This article analyzes whether this is a better option as opposed to booking your flight on your own. 

From prices to travel delays, Jenna relays the pros and cons of booking your flight through Royal Caribbean‘s Air2Sea.

After 17 Royal Caribbean cruises, my family and I tried MSC Cruises for the first time and here’s what we liked and didn’t like

After experiencing a total of 17 Royal Caribbean cruises, Jenna and 12 members of her family planned a sailing on the MSC cruise line. 

Since the prices are lower, the larger group chose to sail on an MSC cruise.

For just $593 per person, Jenna experienced a one week cruise on an MSC ship. 

She compares prices, cruise planning, cabin, amenities, dining services, customer service, ocean views, kid, friendly activities, and more between Royal Caribbean and MSC, going over what she liked and disliked about her experience on a new cruise line. 

After returning from my first cruise ever, there are some things I would do differently to save money and make the most of my trip.

I booked a 7-day sailing on Wonder of the Seas, traveling from Port Canaveral, Florida, to Perfect Day at CocoCay, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten.

I had a lovely time, enjoying the ship's dining, amenities, entertainment, and shore explorations.

However, hindsight is always our best teacher. 

Looking back, I can see many missed opportunities, overlooked details, and chances for improvement.

From packing to avoiding seasickness to eating at different venues, a little introspection reveals valuable tips for future cruises. 

I’ll introduce the 13 things I wish I’d done differently.

You can learn from them too, by avoiding the mistakes I made! 

Explored more on Perfect Day at CocoCay

I had a just-alright experience on Perfect Day at CocoCay. My sister and I woke up in the middle of the morning and went out to a couple beaches. We grabbed free snacks and listened to music while lounging by the water.

By the middle of the day, it started to get more cloudy, so we packed up and returned to the ship.

Weather does make an impact on your experience there. But knowing what I know now, I think we could have maximized time on the island.

I would recommend arriving earlier and visiting the Oasis Lagoon. The pool and floating bar there looked fun, but we arrived too late to find free spaces.

I also later saw cool shore excursions offered, like snorkeling, swimming with pigs, and a glass-bottom boat tour.  Those come with an extra cost, but it could be worth it for the experience!

As far as complimentary options, I later learned that sports and fitness classes are free on Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

Although we grabbed snacks, I didn’t realize that a full lunch is complimentary, offered at Splashaway Bay, Captain Jill's Galleon, Skipper's Grill, Chill Grill, and the Snack Shack.

Gone to game shows, even if just to watch

When I scrolled through event options on the Royal Caribbean app, I saw many game shows, trivia nights, and activities listed.

While I didn’t go to all of them, I did try out a few, and they were a lot of fun!

For example, my sister and I saw the Love and Marriage game show, where the audience selected couples, and an announcer asked them funny questions.

For the most part, I avoided game shows that didn’t seem like my style. But looking back, I think I could have tried them out. 

I also chose to go to a showing of inTENse and missed the Crazy Quest game show, one of my biggest regrets. I wish that I had stayed behind and participated in the fun!

The shows and games were hilarious and a fun way to see our fellow cruisers.

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

Booked a better cabin

We decided to book a guarantee stateroom for the cruise, ensuring a cheaper rate but giving up the privilege of choosing our room.

While this saved money, we ended up being assigned a small interior cabin at the front of the ship.

This location left me feeling seasick, and the room was dark and windowless. 

Although we didn’t mind having the cabin to sleep in, I would have enjoyed a nicer view and a more spacious stateroom.

For a first cruise, I think upgrading to a better cabin and getting the most out of our experience would have been worth it. 

Tried out the casino

I know this tip isn’t for everyone, and I was initially nervous about gambling. 

However, I walked through the casino a few times and noticed how crowded and active it was.

Even if they weren’t playing or betting anything, people stood and watched around poker tables or chatted at slot machines.

It seemed like a fun and sociable way to pass the time, as long as you’re gambling responsibly.

I wish I had just tried it out—and used the opportunity to chat with other cruisers. 

Gone to movie nights instead of watching TV

Prior to cruising, I knew I would want to watch TV to relax and have a quiet moment on my cruise.

When we arrived, I saw that our stateroom on the ship had a Smart TV. This allowed me to log into streaming services using my phone and use Chromecast to stream shows directly to the TV.

However, I wish I had taken advantage of the movie nights on the ship, usually playing on the pool deck or at the AquaTheater. 

Although it meant I couldn’t choose which media to watch, those movies featured a bigger screen, better sound, and the opportunity to grab food and drinks or talk to people around me. 

Visited more complimentary food venues

I had heard whispers of praise about the food on Royal Caribbean ships, so I boarded the ship ready to try all the different dishes I could.

Ultimately, all the options on the cruise exceeded my expectations. Throughout my seven-day cruise, I was blown away by the variety and flavor of the meals I tried.

I visited specialty venues, including Izumi Hibachi, Wonderland, and the Mason Jar, and found that the venues provided a more private and formal experience.

However, they didn’t necessarily have the highest quality food. Some of my favorite meals were included in the fare, like the Windjammer's beef stew and cheesecake in the main dining room.

With that in mind, I wish I had enjoyed more complimentary food options.

On Wonder of the Seas, your fare includes meals in the Windjammer, the main dining room, room service like continental breakfast, and additional grab-and-go spots. 

I enjoyed the food at Windjammer, the main dining room, and Sorrento’s pizza, but I had no idea that complimentary food was also offered at the Boardwalk Dog House, Café Promenade, El Loco Fresh, Park Café, Solarium Bistro, and Vitality Café. 

If I had known about all the complimentary food options beforehand, exploring and seeing how much was included in the fare would have been fun. 

Done less planning ahead of time

Before my first cruise, I did extensive planning and made every kind of list possible: packing, to-do, and checklists.

I even created a full itinerary, planning every event down to the hour. 

However, once we arrived onboard, I quickly realized that the trip would be much easier than expected. Most of my planning turned out to be completely unnecessary.

The intense itinerary I made turned out to be unnecessary, as the Royal Caribbean app has a full schedule and allows you to simply select an event and add it to your schedule.

Not only that, but the app also includes information on when and where each event is, any price included, what you may need to bring, and if there is any age limit.

It also automatically connects your schedule with cruises on the same reservation, so I could create and access the same calendar with my travel companion. 

Most of my planning turned out to be unnecessary, and I wish I’d spent more time relaxing! 

Read more: Cruise Planner Trick: Add custom events to calendar

Not packed a laptop 

Since I purchased the Voom Internet plan, I decided to bring multiple devices to use on my cruise. 

When I’m at home, I often use my iPhone and laptop in tandem. I thought bringing my laptop along on the cruise would make sense. However, I ended up only using my phone and regretted wasting packing space on my laptop. 

Being on a ship can be unpredictable when it comes to your valuables. By bringing my laptop, I ran the risk of falling into water, getting wet at the pool, or being dropped on a deck.

Traveling with a laptop is already a risk: I had to keep it safe in a bag and make sure it was secured in our hotel room. Considering I barely used my laptop, keeping it safe was more effort than it was worth.

It also turned out that the provided safe in our cabin was too small to fit my laptop, so I had to leave it in the cabin and hope for the best.

Purchased WiFi for fewer days

I ended up regretting the amount of access I had to the Internet.

A cruise should be an ocean vacation, with time spent at various onboard activities, the beach, or exploring ports. 

But the constant WiFi connection made the cruise feel less relaxing. 

Social media can be consuming—a beach vacation isn’t the same if you can instantly pull up your email. 

My sister, who traveled with me, only purchased WiFi for one sea day. This allowed her to check any important notifications for that day and continue to disconnect and unwind for the rest of the cruise.

In the future, I would want to follow a similar plan and bring fewer devices. Being connected to every aspect of the Internet made it hard to relax. 

Packed all essentials, including medicine, in my carry-on

I had read this tip before the cruise, but not following it entirely is one of my biggest regrets.

Before my cruise, I packed a smaller carry-on bag and bigger luggage, much like on an airplane.

Since you’ll leave a bigger piece of luggage with the porters, the line recommends that you pack all of your essentials and valuables in your carry-on.

I assumed this tip was just in case your luggage got lost, so I did pack my valuables in my carry-on but left my medicine and other essentials in my larger bag.

On embarkation day, we entered the ship around 12:30 P.M. and could access our cabin around 2:00 P.M. But we did not receive our larger bags until after 4:00 P.M. 

During that gap, I wished I had packed more toiletries and maybe even a change of clothes in my carry-on. You never want to be stuck waiting around for your bag to arrive. 

Remembered that I pre-paid tips

I never want to be tight-fisted, but budgeting your money is important on a cruise, especially a longer one.

Passengers can pay a daily gratuity to cover the services of hard-working crew members. They will see a daily charge on their SeaPass card for these tips.

These gratuities are shared among the dining, bar, and culinary teams, stateroom attendants, and the hotel service team.

On the other hand, passengers can also choose to prepay gratuities, including them in the total cost of the fare.

When I arrived onboard, I forgot that we had pre-paid gratuities before boarding. 

I paid for a drink at the bar and then added a tip, cringing at how high the price became.

Later, I remembered that we had already paid tips, so tipping again was optional but not necessary.

Taken a Dramamine immediately before boarding 

I haven’t struggled with motion sickness much before, so I did not expect to feel seasick on my cruise. 

More experienced cruisers advised me to take Dramamine before boarding to offset the chances of feeling sick when we set sail.

However, I didn’t expect any motion sickness, so I opted to just wait and see.

As soon as the ship set sail, I felt nauseous and unsteady. This was aggravated by the fact that we were assigned a forward cabin through the guarantee stateroom process. 

I found that my seasickness was worse when I was at the front of the ship or looking at the water. 

Thankfully, I felt better after taking a Dramamine pill, but I could have prevented a miserable first night by taking it beforehand.

Brought a wide variety of clothes, including gym clothes

Although I tried my best to plan ahead when packing, I didn’t foresee the sheer amount of different activities we would have access to.

If I could do it over, I would pack outfits for activities like laser tag, biking, water parks, and more. I wish I had packed more pants and shorts, and fewer beachy dresses. 

Sneakers are also required for any sports activities onboard, such as visiting the basketball court or ice skating.

I probably could not have packed for every event, but my best advice would be to bring as many different outfits as possible.
 

Happy Sunday! It has been a busy week of Royal Caribbean news, and we have it all summarized for you in this round up.

Royal Caribbean has changed the age limit to its adults-only pool.

Previously, the pool’s access was limited to guests 16 and up.

But the cruise line announced in an email that the age restriction will be updated to 18 and up.

“We have decided to keep our ‘adults-only area consistent,” the email read.

Royal Caribbean News

• Spotted: Royal Caribbean adds option to buy drink packages when purchasing your cruise
• The newest Celebrity cruise ship is starting sea trials
• Royal Caribbean and Celebrity considering merging loyalty programs in the future
• Royal Caribbean adds in-pool daybeds to rent on its next new cruise ship
• 6 ways you should change how you cruise once you hit Diamond in Royal Caribbean’s loyalty program
• Will a cruise ship wait for me if I'm running late at a port stop? Here's what a captain has to say

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 514th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is available now: should you book a maiden voyage?

With Royal Caribbean launches two new cruise ships in 2024, you may be wondering if an inaugural, or maiden voyage on a new ship is the best idea.

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: Weirdest things people have done on a 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 — Weirdest things people have done on a cruise ship! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

How to prepare for a cruise: Last-minute things you should do

Getting ready for a cruise? Whether you’re experienced or brand-new, organized or going with the flow, it’s important to remember these last-minute preparations.

If you leave something important behind, or forget documentation, it’s not so easy to catch up. Check out our list to make sure you don’t forget anything, from government documents to having cash on hand. 

Royal Caribbean previews all the restaurant and dining choices coming to the world's largest cruise ship

Royal Caribbean previews plans for dining experience on the new largest cruise ship in the world, Icon of the Seas.

The cruise line aims to offer a wide range of dining options to cater to different tastes and preferences. 

Icon of the Seas will have over 40 food and beverage venues, with over 20 brand new options.

I sailed on one of Royal Caribbean's biggest ships. Look inside my 214-square-foot room that had a private balcony

What does a room look like onboard the older—but large—Freedom of the Seas cruise ship?

Calista recently sailed on Freedom of the Seas and received a balcony room through the guarantee stateroom process.

Located on deck 8, this midship balcony room spanned 214 square feet and included a spacious living, a couch and king-sized bed, a tiny bathroom, and a beautiful balcony room.

Take a look inside this balcony cabin on a Freedom Class ship.

21 things you'll regret not doing on a cruise

A cruise is something you can look forward to for months, or even years. 

You can spend an infinite amount of money and time preparing for it, but you’ll never be able to re-do your experience once it’s over.

On your cruise, you want to be sure you complete everything on your bucket list. 

We asked our readers what one thing they regret not trying on their cruise. 

To prevent grief over these missed opportunities, check out our list of important items that you’ll regret not doing. 

I sailed on Royal Caribbean's worst rated cruise ship. Here's what it was really like.

Among cruisers and professional rankings, Grandeur of the Seas is named Royal Caribbean’s worst cruise ship.

A Vision Class ship, Grandeur was launched in 1996, making her the oldest of Royal Caribbean’s ships. Although she underwent refurbishment in 2012, people still voice complaints about the quality and amenities onboard the ship.  

Last week, Allie sailed on Grandeur of the Seas, and reported back about what it was really like to cruise on this ship. 

In preparing for my first cruise ever, I discovered a few things after I sailed that really made a difference onboard.

Last month, I took my very first cruise on Wonder of the Seas. The 7-day sailing traveled from Port Canaveral, Florida, to Perfect Day at CocoCay, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten.

There was lots to do to prepare. In addition to packing and planning my travel, I had to actually book the cruise, check in online, and plan my onboard events. 

Although there was a lot to do, planning wasn’t impossible. I had plenty of help from our travel agent, and the Royal Caribbean app and website were easily accessible.

I read articles, watched YouTube videos and TikToks, and perused the Royal Caribbean app and website for information. 

Although I still had a lot to learn from experience, researching ahead of time helped me prepare and understand what to expect and save money while ensuring I had the best experience possible.

I wanted to share the top 11 lessons I learned and what information turned out to be most helpful for my first cruise. 

1. It’s cheaper to get cash ahead of time

As someone who doesn’t usually carry cash, I was surprised to hear that I would need physical money on my cruise.

Thankfully, I listened to the advice I’d heard and went to an ATM before leaving home. I picked up about $40 in change and kept it in my wallet. 

I ended up using cash to tip the porters at the cruise terminal and to purchase souvenirs at our ports of call. 

Using an ATM before I left home also saved me money because the ATMs onboard the cruise ship charge a convenience fee. 

I wished I had brought even more cash, too—to tip our room attendant and tour guides on shore excursions. For my next cruise, I’ll be sure to get $50 to $60 in cash ahead of time.

2. Bring a water bottle—or two

I ended up feeling very thankful that I brought my trusty Hydroflask along. (Link contains affiliate link, which costs you nothing extra to use!)

A water bottle is useful for traveling to the cruise terminal, whether by plane, car, or train.

Once you’re onboard, as well, you’ll want a way to store water in your cabin. I found that I could fill up my Hydroflask with cool water at the Windjammer, then bring it back to our stateroom and have cool water available all through the night.

When I did forget to fill it up, I found myself parched and unable to access water unless I left our room.

Our stateroom attendant did leave plastic cups in the bathroom for teeth brushing, which I could drink from in an emergency. 

However, I prefer to drink filtered or bottled water and mainly try to remember to fill up my personal bottle. 

In the future, I plan to bring at least one water bottle on my cruise.

3. The food is great, but you’ll want snacks

I enjoyed all the food offerings onboard. Some of my favorite meals were included in the fare, like the Windjammer's beef stew and cheesecake in the main dining room.

However, packing a few snacks helped tide me between meals or at nighttime when fewer options were available.

Thanks to the advice I saw online, I packed a few options for midnight snacking: Taki chips, sweet candy, and gluten-free cookies. 

I appreciated having something to eat at night or between meals without spending the money for room service or dragging myself out of the cabin to find a snack.

4. Cruise line shore excursions are a good way to get started 

I saw mixed opinions on this point: is it better to go on a shore excursion through your cruise line or to explore independently?

As a first-time cruiser, I chose to go on two Royal Caribbean shore excursions when we visited St. Thomas and St. Maarten. 

On St. Thomas, my sister and I took a bus tour of the island and then spent some time at Magen’s Bay. After relaxing at the beach for a few hours, our guides took us to an outlook and souvenir location.

On St. Maarten, we took a bicycle tour of Philipsburg, with a complimentary drink and a break at a local beach.

Although these excursions are usually more pricey than independent tours, I felt reassured when it came to finding the best activities and staying on schedule. 

Royal Caribbean’s excursions will ensure you make it back to the boat on time or even delay the ship while waiting for your group to return.

If your ship can’t stop at a port for any reason, the shore excursion will also be fully refunded.

I understood that these excursions were more expensive, touristy versions of local adventures. But for my first cruise, they were worth it to put my mind at ease. 

5. Arrive at the port a day early 

When I started booking and preparing for my cruise, I learned that arriving at your port the day before you board the ship is usually recommended.

This was a surprise, as I had to push up my travel plans one day. Since the cruise left on a Sunday, we decided to get into Port Canaveral on Saturday afternoon.

For Saturday night, we booked a hotel room near the port and were able to take a shuttle straight to the ship in the morning. It definitely made the process smoother and stress-free. 

And who doesn’t appreciate an extra night in a good hotel?

The only downside with this extra day of travel was that it made our cruise feel extra long. 

Instead of just a 7-day cruise, we had about 8 full days of travel. And by the end, I was ready to be home in my own bed.

Read more: The costly cruising mistake newbies make planning their first cruise

6. Dramamine helps with seasickness

I was glad I read up on the possibility of seasickness before my cruise. Although I didn’t think I would experience it, we packed Dramamine just to be sure.

As it turned out, I felt dizzy and nauseous as soon as the ship set sail. Since we had a forward cabin, I felt the rocking of the boat much more intensely. 

Thankfully, I was able to take a Dramamine pill right away, and I felt better. As long as I took one every 12 hours, I was able to survive feeling seasick. 

Heading midship, staring at the horizon, and limiting my alcohol consumption all helped ease my motion sickness too. 

Read more: Dramamine vs Bonine: Which motion sickness medicine is best?

7. Bring your own body wash, shampoo, and conditioner 

Before my cruise, I read many reviews that stated the complimentary body and hair wash offered on the ship were not quality.

With this in mind—and my own preferences for moisturizing, clean products—I was sure to pack my own body wash and hair care.

Sure enough, the complimentary soap in our bathroom was a 3-in-1 body wash, shampoo, and conditioner with a strong scent I didn’t like. I was very thankful I brought my own toiletries, allowing me to continue my personal self-care routine.

8. Pack a variety of clothes, including formal outfits

Knowing that Royal Caribbean charges additional fees for laundry services, I consciously packed a varied wardrobe to last me through the entire 7-day trip. 

I carefully selected outfits that would accommodate casual days at sea, outings on shore excursions, and the more formal or themed nights on the cruise. 

By packing a diverse range of clothing options, I was well-prepared without worrying about laundry expenses or missing out on any special events due to inadequate attire.

Still, my research didn’t prepare me for the sheer breadth of different activities I would have access to, from laser tag to ice skating to rock climbing. 

I’ll be sure to pack an even wider variety of clothing for future cruises. 

9. Prepare to socialize

For more introverted individuals like me, it can help to prepare yourself before social situations.

From my research, I could tell that my cruise would require a lot of social energy.

And I ended up being very sociable: from check-ins with staff, dinners with multiple waiters, friendly conversations with people on elevators to even making friends at events. 

All travel involves social interaction, but cruisers are unusually friendly—I met people in hot tubs, at the casino, and at dance parties. 

While these interactions were delightful, I felt glad I’d prepared myself beforehand.

I was also able to find some quiet locations onboard so I could escape if it all got too overwhelming. 

10. Tour the ship when you first get onboard

A lot of advice online suggests that you start by touring the ship right away when you board—and I followed this to the letter.

After my sister and I boarded, we found the fitness center, toured Central Park and the surrounding decks, and headed to the Windjammer and pool area. 

After having lunch and walking around the pool, we located our cabin.

Especially on a big ship like Wonder of the Seas, it helped to start by getting the lay of things. Handy maps were also located in every hallway and elevator, so getting lost would have been hard.

11. Unpack everything right away

This tip is most helpful for longer cruises. When you have many days of sailing, ports, and activities, it helps to unpack right away and organize your things.

For example, I put my toiletries on shelves and my snacks in drawers. I hung up all my jackets and dresses and then set out my shoes in the corner.

Later on, I was glad that I had unpacked because it helped me stay organized and get ready faster. This also ensured my clothes didn’t stay wrinkled or get smelly while packed in a bag.

Since I knew where everything was—and didn’t have to dig through a bag to find it—we could get dressed and out the door much quicker. 

This hack saved time and helped us get to activities, events, ports, and dinners on time. 

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

Just last week, I traveled on a 3-night cruise on Freedom of the Seas, sailing from Miami to Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas.

Originally launched in 2006, Freedom of the Seas is a Freedom Class ship and one of Royal Caribbean’s largest ships. She boasts 15 decks and a capacity for 4,635 guests. 

In 2020, Freedom did undergo a $116 million Royal Amplification, receiving upgrades to the pool deck, water slides, and new dining venues.

The ship itself holds 1,963 staterooms, and my home for the cruise was located on the 8th deck. 

My girlfriend and I stayed in a 214-square-foot deluxe balcony room for the length of the cruise.

We opted for a guarantee stateroom, selecting a lower price in exchange for an assigned room, rather than choosing one ourselves. 

The total price of the fare was $2,021.68, breaking down to $336.95 per night per person.

When the time came for our cabin to be assigned, we were lucky enough to get a deluxe balcony room with a gorgeous view.

Our stateroom was midship on deck 8, the perfect location to avoid seasickness. 

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. 

When we first opened the cabin door, we were greeted with a spacious room with a long gray couch and a queen-sized bed.

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

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

We chose to leave the suitcases open on the floor instead of unpacking fully and still had enough space to walk about them.

From the cabin and its amenities, I could tell that Freedom of the Seas was an older ship. The features seemed run-down: lights flickered before fully turning on, and I found rips in the towels and stains on the sheets.

To the right of the stateroom door was the small bathroom. Where the stateroom had surprised me by its size, the bathroom felt pinched. 

The curved room was barely large enough for two people to use at the same time—we had to take turns brushing our teeth!

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 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. The closet had enough floor space to store several pairs of shoes.

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

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

Beside the mirror, we found a small TV. This TV wasn’t a smart TV, so we weren’t able to Chromecast or stream from our phones like I have on previous cruises. However, it had a few free channels available for viewing. 

The mini-fridge (or cooler, rather) was located underneath the TV. Although it was not a fridge cooling system, it kept food and drinks cold enough to store for a couple days.

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 found a few stains on the sheets, it was soft and restful for our stay.

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

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

They had helpful drawers and shelving but no charging ports other than one USB port on the phone. We had to plug in most of our devices by the desk. 

After unpacking, we met our stateroom attendant, Alex, who came and cleaned the room once a day. He usually left behind towels folded into cute animals, as well.

Lastly, at the very end of the room was our balcony door. Although heavy and hard to push open and close, 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! 

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 time spent relaxing in our room and on the balcony. 

Although we chose not to order room service, my girlfriend and I often brought back food from the Windjammer or leftovers from other restaurants and enjoyed our time eating in the stateroom.

Happy weekend! We have a look back at all the Royal Caribbean news from this week to share with all of you.

Some cruisers prefer a cruise that visits a lot of ports, citing their ship as a mode of transportation rather than a destination itself.

However, other cruisers prefer itineraries with a multitude of sea days, enjoying the ship’s activities and amenities. 

Which option suits you? To help make a decision, here are 7 reasons to avoid a port-heavy itinerary. 

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean cancels cruise on Vision of the Seas due to tropical storm
• Royal Caribbean takes a significant step towards sustainability by testing a new biofuel alternative
• The best things to eat on Wonder of the Seas
• What do people Google about Royal Caribbean?
• New Royal Caribbean ship, Utopia of the Seas, touches water for the first time
• Photos show what it was like to cruise on Royal Caribbean in the 1980s
• How much does a cruise cost? (2024)

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 513th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available at all our links.

Matt shares his thoughts on the reveal of the adults-only Hideaway Beach announced at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

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: The biggest misconceptions people have about a cruise before sailing

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Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise!

Check out the link to view our latest video: 10 things Royal Caribbean Rookie Cruisers Should Do!

Which cruise line is best? Fans say why they prefer Royal Caribbean over Carnival

Cruise enthusiasts have various preferences when it comes to choosing a cruise line.

Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean are two of the biggest and most popular in the world, each offering fantastic options in dining, entertainment, amenities, attractions and overall onboard experience. 

Cruise fans on Reddit responded to the question, Why do you prefer Royal Caribbean over Carnival?

Reddit users responded, sharing their preferences when it comes to atmosphere, dining, ship design, entertainment, and itineraries. 

I packed for a 7-day cruise and bringing this electronic was a total waste of space

For her first cruise, Calista packed for a 7-day trip. 

Packing properly for a cruise is important, as you’ll want to avoid overpacking. 

But on the other hand, you’ll want to remember everything you need. Prices are a lot higher once you’re onboard.

To prevent any overpacking or overpaying, Calista planned carefully and made a packing list.

While she made some good packing decisions, there was one item she regretted bringing: a laptop.

I paid $130 extra to upgrade my interior cabin to a spacious ocean view on Voyager of the Seas. Here's a tour of my cabin.

Angie recently cruised onboard Voyager of the Seas. 

She and her dad initially booked the cruise with a cheaper, interior guarantee cabin. Since the guarantee process means that Royal Caribbean assigns a cabin to the passenger, Angie was not able to select its location. 

But four days before their cruise, Angie and her dad decided to pay $130 to bid through the RoyalUp program for an upgraded cabin.

They ended up receiving a spacious oceanview stateroom: here’s a tour! 

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

Spending time at the pool deck is a highlight of cruising, but how can you ensure you get a seat?

Many cruisers complain about the epidemic of chair hogs at pool decks.

Chair hogs are people who leave their items on a chair but disappear for hours without using it.

On her recent cruise, Calista tried several strategies to beat the chair hogs. 

From spending extra money to waking up early, Calista shares how those tips worked for her. 

Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas is the world's largest cruise ship and has well over 20 restaurants you can try, and that means a lot of options to consider.

While preparing for my first cruise on Wonder of the Seas, I looked forward to many things: enjoying hot tubs, visiting new ports, and enjoying the view of the ocean.

However, one aspect of the journey took me by surprise once I set foot onboard: I had no idea how much I would enjoy the food offerings.

While I had heard whispers of praise about the food on Royal Caribbean ships, I kept my expectations low. Eating can be such a subjective experience that I didn’t want to judge based on the opinions of others.

However, I am a food-lover and an adventurous eater, so I boarded the ship ready to try all the different dishes I could.

Ultimately, all the options on the cruise exceeded my expectations. Throughout my seven-day cruise, I was blown away by the variety and flavor of the meals I tried.

From complimentary food at the Windjammer buffet to completely unique dishes at the specialty Wonderland venue, here at the 11 best dishes I can’t stop reminiscing about.

Tofu and avocado salad

Served on Caribbean night at the main dining room, this appetizer was offered on night 5 of our seven-day sailing.

It featured chilled tofu marinated in a honey and soy sauce tossed with plump grape tomatoes, ripe avocados, and white sesame seeds.

I love avocados and a good soy sauce salad dressing, so this dish hit the spot. The tofu even won me over, as it wasn’t too mushy to be stabbed with a fork.

I enjoyed that the whole dish was marinated and tasted sweet but savory. 

I did notice that the appetizers in the main dining room were usually very small, including this dish. I would have liked just a little more of this salad.  

Oceanic citrus 

My experience at the Wonderland restaurant involved unique dishes I had never seen before.

Based on the magical world of Alice in Wonderland, this eccentric restaurant features deconstructed food and ingredients combined in unique ways. 

The menu is divided into five natural elements: sun, ice, fire, sea, and earth.

The ice section served up some of the meal’s appetizers, and one dish in particular blew me away: the oceanic citrus.

This dish consisted of a hollowed-out lime stuffed with spicy tuna, topped with a floral yuzu granité, and garnished with a sprinkle of small orange roe (fish eggs). 

It was served on a plate of ice, complete with two small fish crackers. 

For reference, yuzu is an East Asian citrus fruit with a sour, tangy flavor, similar to a lemon, orange, or grapefruit. 

Granité is the French name for granita, an icy Italian dessert made from sugar, water, and flavorings. It had the texture of a Slushy but with that zesty yuzu flavor.

This had to be my favorite dish I tried on the entire ship: I still think about it to this day.

I loved the way the icy temperature of the sweet granita cooled down the spicy tuna below, balanced with the tangy citrus flavors. I ate it all the way down to the lime’s center. 

I should note, however, that I love both sour food and fish—if you don’t, this dish may not be for you. 

Escargot

While cooked snails are not everyone’s favorite, I rarely get the opportunity to try them. 

My travel companion, my sister, ordered the escargot in the main dining room one night.

Although I chose not to order the full dish, I had to taste some of hers and was pleasantly surprised. I had to rate this dish as one of the best for its rarity and tasty flavor. 

The snails are soaked in garlic and butter, and when combined with a bread roll for dipping, they don’t taste terrible. 

Since escargot doesn’t have a distinct flavor, the dish mainly tasted like garlic and salty butter, making this a salty, savory dish.

The only warning I will give anyone ready to try escargot for the first time is that the texture is exactly what you might expect from a cooked snail: chewy and a little slimy. 

Chicken fried rice

Although a specialty dining location—meaning you’ll have to pay extra—Izumi Hibachi offers a full dining experience that enhances the meal.

Guests sit around a table and observe the chef cooking on a large, centered grill. 

Our experience was hilariously interactive: the chef cracked jokes, asked about our day, and sang a few songs. The interactive experience kept us laughing and enjoying the food. 

But even without such an engaging adventure, I thought the food at Izumi Hibachi was delicious. 

When it comes to Asian food, I can be picky. Especially for a bowl of good fried rice, I believe it requires the perfect mix of temperature, rice texture, and flavor. 

When vegetables and meat are added, every ingredient has to be cooked perfectly.

And I loved Izumi’s fried rice. 

I found it warm, savory, and just a little spicy and kept praising it as we ate. I even asked for second serving! 

Beef stew

Even the complimentary offerings on my cruise exceeded my expecations. I really enjoyed meals at the Windjammer buffet hall for their convenience, ease, and unlimited buffet options.

There were plenty of hearty, filling dishes to choose from, a favorite being a flavorful, meaty beef stew.

Not only was this one of my favorites, but my sister also loved it, and I’ve since heard praises from other cruisers. 

This beef stew makes for the perfect filling lunch or dinner: mix it with rice, carrots, or mashed potatoes, and you’ve got a hearty meal in the Windjammer.

Lime and Coconut cocktail

Only served at the Lime and Coconut bar on Navigator of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, and Icon of the Seas, this drink tantalized me with its sweet, tangy coconut flavor.

The drink is made with Malibu coconut rum, coconut syrup, coconut milk, lime juice, and Monin guava syrup.

I don’t always enjoy coconut-flavored products, but I ordered it on a whim after seeing it listed on the pool-side Lime and Coconut bar menu.

After I tried it once, I was addicted. The cocktail combines a perfect mix of sour lime, tangy guava, sweet coconut flavors, and fruity Malibu rum. 

The flavors left my mouth feeling tangy yet creamy, with a light kick of rum to warm my belly. 

It also came in a cute Malibu mini bucket I could take home as a souvenir. 

The Lime and Coconut was the perfect cocktail to sip by the pool or in the hot tub, completing the feeling of a luxurious Caribbean vacation. 

Jalepeño cornbread

As a Southerner, I was excited to try the Mason Jar’s specialty Southern dining. 

While I didn’t find all the dishes authentic, the appetizers—buttermilk biscuits and jalepeño cornbread—were hard to get wrong.

I loved the soft texture and warm bread, and the spicy jalepeño wasn't so strong that it overpowered the other flavors. There were still notes of sweet corn and a touch of salt.

The biscuits and cornbread came with both whipped honey butter and spicy Cajun butter, meaning we could choose a sweet or spicy experience. 

I opted for both, alternating between the two for a perfectly balanced appetizer. 

Barbeque chicken

One of the highlights of the Windjammer’s extensive buffet menu is that you can create your own meal. There are enough options that you can keep it unique and switch it up every time you attend. 

Personally, I love a good barbeque and was pleasantly surprised at the authentically smoky, meaty flavors in the Windjammer’s barbeque chicken. 

Every time I saw it served, I gathered a few legs on my plate and added some watermelon and corn on the cob or cheese nachos and green beans, crafting my summer barbeque menu. 

When I finished with some sweet fruit juice, I felt like my little chef, curating the perfect meal to enjoy.

Vegan chocolate ice cream

As a reluctantly lactose-intolerant person, I forced myself to stick to some dairy-free dishes while on my cruise. 

In the main dining room, they made every effort to serve food that fit within my diet. Our waiter told me they served a vegan ice cream, and I agreed to try it.

Made from coconut milk and available in chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, this dessert was a pleasant treat for those who cannot have regular ice cream.

Of course, it didn’t compare to regular dairy milk. I found that the coconut milk became a little icy when frozen. 

Nevertheless, I felt grateful for the chance to have an ice cream that wouldn’t make my stomach hurt.

My favorite flavor of this ice cream was the chocolate, which mixed nicely with the coconut flavors in the base, creating a nutty, almond-like taste. 

Figs

Another highlight of the Windjammer was how unique the food offerings really were.

I expected a simple, continental hotel breakfast or a basic buffet serving hamburgers and fries.

On the contrary, there were a variety of options, ranging from Indian food to creme brulee. 

I always love fruit and trying unique fruits, and I was surprised to see figs being served for breakfast.

Figs are unique to me: I rarely have them, so I had to give them a try.

The figs were so sweet and juicy that I suspected they were doused in honey. They were perfect for a light, fancy breakfast. 

Cajun catfish

One of the Mason Jar’s standout dishes included the blackened Cajun freshwater catfish. 

This delicious entree came served with a sweet corn, lima bean, and cherry tomato succotash. There was also a circular serving of sweet potato mash to complete the dish. 

The catfish was a tender, grilled serving of two fish fillets. The fish had a fresh, salty flavor and a slight hint of Cajun spice.

I loved the fish’s salty flavor and found myself wishing for a larger serving. 

Packing for a cruise is no simple task, but if I could do it all over again, I know one thing I'd leave at home.

I took my first cruise last month on Wonder of the Seas, a 7-day sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida, to Perfect Day at CocoCay, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. In preparation for my first cruise, I did extensive research, planning everything down to the itinerary and my outfits.

What to pack for a cruise was, of course, a big part of my research. 

When preparing for your cruise, you want to be sure to avoid overpacking but also to remember everything you may need.

It’s recommended you limit yourself to just two pieces of luggage while cruising, so it’s important to reserve space. 

But on the other hand, if you forget an item, prices are a lot higher once you’re onboard.

To prevent any overpacking or overpaying, I planned carefully and made a packing list.

I brought just enough clothes and the right toiletries. I even packed snacks and a water bottle—both turned out to be lifesavers.

However, there was one item I regretted bringing in the end.

I regretted bringing my laptop

Since I purchased the Voom Internet plan for one device, I decided to bring multiple devices to use on my cruise. 

When I’m at home, I often use my iPhone and laptop in tandem. I thought it would make sense to bring my laptop along on the cruise. However, I ended up only using my phone and the space I used by taking my laptop. 

Here’s why it was a total waste of space.

I only bought Wi-Fi for one device

Prior to my cruise, I purchased Voom Wi-Fi for all seven days on one device.

I packed my laptop, thinking that I might want to use the Wi-Fi on my laptop alone, accessing everything I might need in one place.

However, once I arrived on the ship, I realized that using the Internet on my phone would be more helpful, since it is portable and gives me access to FaceTime, social media, and the ability to take and send photos.

I later discovered I could switch the internet package between devices: you can log out of one device and into another on the same WiFi package. 

But in the end, it was more simple to stay logged in and keep everything on my iPhone.

We could use the TV in our room

When I feel in the mood to decompress, I enjoy watching TV shows. And when you’re traveling, a personal laptop is the quickest way to access your favorite streaming services.

While packing, I assumed that I would want to watch TV on my laptop.

But when we got to our cabin, I discovered that there was a TV in our room. 

Not only that, but I could log into most streaming services using my phone and use Chromecast to stream shows on the TV. There was no reason to watch anything on my laptop. 

However, it is important to note that not every ship has a smart TV with streaming abilities. If I had not sailed on Wonder of the Seas, I might have put my laptop’s streaming sites to use.

The Royal Caribbean app was more useful than the website

If I had been planning out my own itinerary and calendar, I might have preferred to use my laptop to access Google Calendar or another planning site.

However, I was surprised to find that the Royal Caribbean app was the most efficient way to save all my cruising information in one place.

The app lists all events available, and even has a feature where you can simply select an event and add it to your schedule.

Not only that, but the app also includes information on when and where each event is, any price included, what you may need to bring, and if there is any age limit.

Additionally, the app allows you to chat with other cruisers using their full name. 

This works without WiFi, so I could still coordinate with my sister, who did not purchase the WiFi package. 

The app also connects your schedules with other cruisers other the same booking, so my sister and I could create and access the same calendar.

In short, it was most convenient to use the app on my phone. 

I risked it getting stolen or damaged

When it comes your valuables, being on a ship can be unpredictable. By bringing my laptop, I ran the risk of it falling in water, getting wet at the pool, or being dropped on a deck.

Traveling with a laptop is already a risk: I had to keep it safe in a bag and make sure it was secured at our hotel room. Considering I barely used my laptop, keeping it safe was more effort than it was worth. 

It also turned out that the provided safe in our cabin was too small to fit my laptop, so I had to leave it in the cabin and hope for the best.

In the future, I would definitely leave any large devices and valuables behind, since they can’t be secured and I wouldn’t be able to guarantee their safety. 

I ended up wanting to disconnect and relax

Although I was able to use WiFi on my phone, I ended up regretting the amount of access I had to the Internet.

A cruise should be an ocean vacation, with time spent at various onboard activities, the beach, or exploring ports. 

But I found that the constant WiFi connection made the cruise feel less relaxing. Social media can be consuming—a beach vacation just isn’t the same if you can instantly pull up your email. 

My sister, who traveled with me, only purchased WiFi for one sea day. This allowed her to check any important notifications for that day and then continue to disconnect and unwind for the rest of the cruise.

In the future, I would want to follow a similar plan and bring fewer devices. Being connected to every aspect of the Internet made it hard to relax. 

It took up space in my carry-on

To ensure that my laptop was secure, I had to keep it in my carry-on bag at all times.

This meant that I kept it with me at the hotel, on the shuttle to the cruise terminal, while boarding the cruise, and even while we explored the ship and waited for our luggage to arrive.

Holding my laptop took up valuable space in my bag. I also had opted not to bring a laptop but rather a large purse that hung off one shoulder. With all the items I had to pack in it, the purse got pretty heavy!

Before my cruise, I also noticed that Royal Caribbean advises you to pack any medicine or essential toiletries in your carry-on bag. I also saw many cruises recommend doing so, just in case your baggage is missing or delayed.

But since I filled up my carry-on space with my valuables, ID, and my laptop, I wasn’t able to pack important medication and toiletries in my purse. 

I later regretted this, as our luggage wasn’t delivered to the room until about 4:00 p.m. I wished I had been able to take my medication and apply sunscreen while we waited for our bags to arrive.

If I hadn’t used up valuable space with my laptop, I probably could have packed everything necessary in my carry-on purse.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get up early

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rent a casita

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hit the pool on port days

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get a chair away from the pool

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

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

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

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

Look for a chair at the kid's pool

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

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

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

Book a suite

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

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

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

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