Tipping is a controversial topic, especially when it comes to cruise lines, where gratuities are often pre-paid or automatically added to your bill. 

Instead of getting caught up on the monetary aspect, one crew member took to Reddit to share their thoughts on how you can show your appreciation to those working to make your time onboard so memorable.

The crew member, known by their Reddit name SolAreiaLivros, explains how they've worked on ships like Adventure, Allure, and Wonder of the Seas. 

"Your cash tips, no matter how big or small help us (most especially [crew] from 'developing' countries like myself) tremendously. We are paid a livable wage, and well! But every dollar is something extra we can bring back home to our families," they write in the post shared to the r/royalcaribbean thread. 

"But if you prefer not to tip, that is completely okay!! Here are some other ways you can show your appreciation to [the crew members who] made your cruise extra special."

Post-cruise surveys

There's a reason so many crew members talk to guests about the post-cruise surveys. Not only do they allow you to provide feedback on your cruise vacation but you also have the opportunity to shout out hardworking crew members. 

The survey itself is short. In addition to a few brief questions about crew members, you're also asked about the food's quality, shore excursions, the ship's overall maintenance, and entertainment. 

SolAreiaLivros shares that when they're personally mentioned in surveys and reviews, they can earn a day off, a Very Important Crew (VIC) scratch card, a free specialty meal, or stay in a guest cabin for one sailing. 

The VIC card lets them scratch for perks like free internet and room service, a day off, discounts at the crew store, cash, and more. 

Surveys are especially important to crew members like waiters. When their ratings go down, they're at risk of having fewer tables to wait on, resulting in fewer tips. For waiters in specialty restaurants, low ratings could even lead to them being reassigned to the Main Dining Room, which is typically much more stressful and demanding.

"If mentioned enough times, we can get nominated to be [the] Employee of the Month. Winning Employee of the Month has quite a sum of cash prize," they add. 

Read more: Tipping on a cruise ship: What you should and shouldn't do

Small notes and letters

Did one crew member go out of their way to deliver an exceptional experience? Don't be afraid to write them a short thank you note before disembarking. 

Whether a bartender who made your drinks perfectly or a fun activity host, taking a moment to show your appreciation with a handwritten note can make a huge difference.

SolAreiaLivros says, "I have personally received small notes folded into fun shapes from guests and I still have them in my wallet to this day. Reading these notes from guests at the end of a long day of work makes all the hard work feel worth it."

Read more: 7 most important crew members to meet on your cruise ship

Remembering the crew member's name

SolAreiaLivros emphasizes how much a simple acknowledgment, like remembering a crew member's name, can mean: "...a guest remembering us and calling us by our names makes us feel seen and appreciated."

"As you all well know, we work onboard without [days off] and days can be really long. You have no idea how a simple thank you can make a crew’s day."

For example, when you see your cabin steward in the hall, address them by their name and ask how they're doing. Similarly, you can greet your Main Dining Room staff each evening by their names.

Collecting cruise ducks

What started as a quirky activity for those who wanted to share their love of cruising has grown into a worldwide craze, with Facebook groups and online forums dedicated to duck hunting on cruise ships. 

However, passengers aren't the only ones who love collecting ducks! "[Crew members who] have little kids back home LOVE collecting ducks," says SolAreiaLivros, "My cousin whose dad also works for Royal [Caribbean] grew up looking forward to receiving new duckies from her dad after every contract."

That said, SolAreiaLivros added that she knew a fellow crew member who was fired because of collecting ducks. If you're cruising and a crew member mentions they have young children at home, consider giving one directly to them. 

Read more: Why some people hate hiding ducks on a cruise ship fad

Be careful with larger gifts

While on the topic of giving gifts to crew members, be aware of things that could get them in trouble, like alcohol and items purchased from the shops onboard. 

"[We cannot] bring home any item from the shops unless we have the receipt," explains SolAreiaLivros, "[If you want to gift something from the store,] find the manager of that department and let them know that you're going to give this certain gift to (insert name of [the] crew [member])."

They add it's best to be done in an area where CCTV is available. However, note that some crew members may reject gifts if they're afraid they'll get in trouble over it. 

Read more: 7 things you should never buy on a cruise ship

The best gift SolAreiaLivros received was a picture of themself and a few guests while working in 150 Central Park, a specialty restaurant on Oasis Class ships. 

"I did not expect [for them to] buy it and gift it to me. It was in that nice 150 [C]entral [P]ark folder with a keychain inside and a note from them wishing me blessed years ahead in my career." In fact, they say they got a promotion two sailings after receiving that present! 

Another gift idea from SolAreiaLivros is laundry detergent. Crew members must buy their own in the crew grocery or in port, so gifting it helps save them money. 

Royal Caribbean gratuities 

Royal Caribbean automatically charges each guest's SeaPass account a gratuity fee each day of the cruise to recognize the service provided by crew members including cabin stewards, head waiters, waiters, and assistant waiters. 

As of November 1, 2024, the daily gratuity amount is $18.50 per guest, per day for guests in standard staterooms (i.e., inside, ocean-view, and balcony cabins, as well as Junior Suites). 

Guests in Grand Suites and above will pay $21.00 per person, per day in gratuities. The daily gratuity amount is the same for all passengers, regardless of age. This means a family of four staying in a balcony stateroom will pay $518 in gratuities during a weeklong cruise, while the same family in a suite can expect to pay $588 for a 7-night cruise. 

Gratuities, or tips, aren't included in Royal Caribbean's base fare. Some passengers prefer to prepay them in advance, as it helps them appropriately budget for their vacation. Plus, guests who prepay their gratuities don't have to worry about increases, as they're grandfathered into the lower rate. 

These automatic gratuities are controversial because they can feel impersonal or mandatory to some passengers, taking away the choice of rewarding exceptional service.

SolAreiaLivros concluded their post by saying they aren't well versed about gratuities, asking respondents to refrain from asking questions about them to avoid misinforming people.

Read more: Gratuities on Royal Caribbean: How tipping works

Within the past three months, I've sailed on two of Royal Caribbean and Disney’s oldest ships: Vision of the Seas and Disney Magic. Though both ships launched in 1998 just months apart, they couldn’t be more different. From the onboard amenities to the cabin experience, one is undeniably better than the other—at least in terms of modern-day appeal.

Royal Caribbean and Disney are two of the leading family-friendly cruise lines in the industry. While Royal’s fleet is larger, there’s something special about embarking on a ship with classic Disney characters like Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy.

Both brands cater to families, but Disney goes above and beyond in creating immersive, magic-filled experiences for guests of all ages. Being in my mid-20s and childless, I was worried that I might feel out of place and overwhelmed by the younger kids onboard. 

However, I was immediately brought back to my childhood within seconds of stepping on the ship. In fact, Disney Magic was the first-ever ship I sailed on in 2005! 

Still, I loved my time onboard Vision of the Seas. Having primarily sailed on Royal Caribbean's larger ships, I wondered if I'd enjoy the more intimate experience that Vision offered. And to my surprise, I did! The Main Dining Room's food was delicious, and I grew fond of the spacious, enclosed Solarium. 

However, Vision caters to guests seeking a quieter, more traditional cruising experience. While there are still activities and entertainment for families, Disney Magic takes the cake when it comes to family-centric experiences. 

I stayed in interior cabins on both cruises, the cheapest stateroom available. These no-frill accommodations had basic cruise ship cabin amenities, including an ensuite bathroom, television, vanity area, and closet. 

The price of my 5-night sailing on Vision of the Seas in September 2024 was $1,396.76, while my fiancée and I paid $1,585.78 for our 3-night cruise aboard Disney Magic to the cruise line's new private destination in The Bahamas: Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. 

On Vision, the price felt like a good value for what we received. Though older, the amenities, activities, dining, and service were solid. However, my experience onboard Disney Magic justified the higher price. 

While the cruise was shorter, we felt like we got more out of every moment, whether waiting in line to meet a character or attending a Broadway-style musical in the Walt Disney Theater. Plus, visiting the relatively new Lookout Cay was a standout. 

Here's my comparison of the cheapest cabins on two of Royal Caribbean and Disney's oldest ships.

Read more: 8 cruise ship cabin rules to follow — Plus 1 to break

Price

The difference between the fare of both cruises, including gratuities and port fees, was just $189.02, or $94.51 per person. 

This wasn't too shocking, as Disney Cruise Line is known for some of the highest fares in the industry, even on its oldest vessels. Additionally, with Lookout Cay welcoming its first guests in June, I knew we'd be paying a premium to visit the private destination within its first few months of operation. 

However, Disney's base fare is slightly more inclusive than Royal Caribbean's. For example, soda is included with meals in the main dining rooms, as well as at several beverage stations throughout the ship. 

Moreover, in addition to utilizing Disney's Wi-Fi to connect to the app for free, you can stay connected with friends and family back home through iMessage and WhatsApp for no extra charge. 

Read more: I spent 5 nights onboard one of Royal Caribbean’s oldest cruise ships. I liked the amenities but didn't enjoy the inconsistent buffet

Cabin overview

Inside cabins are typically cozy, so I wasn't taken aback by the snugness of my stateroom on Vision of the Seas. Measuring just 132 square feet, cabin 3543 was compact but functional. It also felt more spacious than it was, probably because we separated the beds to create a small walkway in the middle of the stateroom. 

In comparison, my stateroom on Disney Magic, 5633, measured around 185 square feet. No inch of the cabin was wasted either, from the plush couch that could be converted into an additional bed to the shower-tub combination in the bathroom. 

Both cabins are over 25 years old, so it wasn't surprising to find signs of wear and tear, particularly in the bathroom. However, my stateroom on Disney Magic felt newer, or at least more refreshed. 

To start, there were far more outlets than I anticipated. The vanity area alone had eight outlets, including two USB ports, five standard American plugs, and one European outlet. 

That wasn't all, either! There were three additional American outlets beside the bed, making it easy to charge our phones at night. Because of all the charging options, my European adapters went unused, unlike my experience on Vision of the Seas. 

The 26-year-old Royal Caribbean ship had just four outlets in the entire stateroom, all near the vanity. Plus, only two were American, so if you didn't bring European adapters, you'd be limited to just two outlets for the voyage. 

When I sailed on Vision, I used my portable charger at night to keep my phone near the bed. Otherwise, I would have had to leave my phone on the vanity. While minor, having bedside outlets made Disney Magic seem newer, even though she's the same age as Vision of the Seas. 

Storage

The nightstands in my interior cabin on Vision had more storage, whereas the nightstands in my Disney stateroom had just one drawer each. 

Still, neither cabin skimped on providing enough space for clothing, shoes, toiletries, and other miscellaneous items. The closet space on both ships was comparable, and plenty of cabinets were located throughout helping to keep our belongings concealed. 

Read more: The 1-item upgrade for a better cruise ship cabin experience

Royal Caribbean definitely provided more bathroom storage, but I appreciated the size of Disney's shower-tub combo, though it still had a clingy shower curtain. 

With just one hook on the bathroom door, I was glad I brought my hanging toiletries organizer, which helped keep all my products within reach while getting ready. 

Bathroom

Speaking of the bathroom, both had their strengths and weaknesses. As mentioned, Disney Magic's lacked storage, whereas my bathroom on Vision had built-in shelving next to the sink. 

However, the tub-shower combo on Disney was far superior to the tiny capsule shower on Vision of the Seas which was more functional than comfortable. And while cruise ship bathrooms aren't known for being luxurious (unless in a top-tier suite), the bathroom on Disney Magic felt more spacious and well-designed. 

In addition to the tub-shower situation, Disney provided better toiletries, including liquid (yes, liquid!) hand soap. There was also body lotion and separate body wash, shampoo, and conditioner. It felt so nice to have actual body wash instead of the shampoo-body wash hybrid that's standard on Royal ships. 

Though the upgrades on Disney Magic, including the liquid hand soap and tub-shower combination, were a nice touch, my bathroom on Vision of the Seas wasn't far behind in terms of cleanliness and functionality. It was evident Disney and Royal Caribbean put a lot of thought into the practicalities of their bathrooms. 

Location

I loved my location on Disney Magic and Vision of the Seas! While sailing to Bermuda with Royal Caribbean, my inside stateroom was in the front of the ship on Deck 4, making it easy to access many popular amenities like Cafe Latte-tudes, the Main Dining Room, Masquerade Theater, and Casino on Decks 4, 5, and 6. 

Though my interior cabin on Disney Magic was located towards the back of the vessel on Deck 5, it was also in a prime location. Families with younger children would especially love it since it was on the same deck as the youth clubs, including Disney's Oceaneer Club, Oceaneer Lab, and "it's a small world" nursery. 

Not only that, but it was a short walk to the atrium, Buena Vista Theater, Animator's Palate, Lumiere's, and D Lounge. With only three nights onboard, I appreciated how fast I learned my way around the ship. I was feeling like a Disney pro on night one! 

Final thoughts

Inside staterooms aren't for everyone. Growing up, my family only sailed in balconies; however, as I've begun to fund my cruising addition, I've learned that inside cabins have their own advantages, despite lacking natural light and ocean views. 

Cruisers who love to stretch their vacation budget as far as possible will love the value of interior rooms. They come with the same standard amenities as ocean-view and balcony cabins. Plus, you can enjoy the same onboard amenities, from multi-course meals in the Main Dining Room to production shows, youth programming, and more. 

While I had pleasant experiences in my staterooms on Vision of the Seas and Disney Magic, the upgraded features, from the multitude of outlets to the spacious shower, made the cabin on my Disney cruise stand out the most. 

However, because of Disney's price point, I'd argue Vision offers better overall value. Combined with my Diamond Crown & Anchor benefits, sailing with Royal, even on an older ship, is a great way to travel without breaking the bank. 

For cruisers seeking a no-frills vacation with good dining, quality entertainment, and friendly crew, you can't go wrong with an interior stateroom on Vision of the Seas. At the end of the day, though, I prefered Disney Magic's inside cabin over Vision's. 

Voyager of the Seas rescued 4 adults, 2 children, and a black lab off a disabled sailboat drifting off the coast of Marrakesh, Morocco. 

According to a passenger, Voyager's crew couldn't repair the inoperable boat, so they brought the stranded passengers onboard. Other social media reports claim the sailboat had lost its masts and had engine troubles. The 137,276 gross registered ton vessel is en route to Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, where they're expected to arrive tomorrow morning. 

The Voyager Class ship is on a 16-night transatlantic cruise from Barcelona, Spain, to Port Canaveral, Florida. The cruise hasn't been without its challenges, though. 

The original itinerary included seven scheduled ports of call: Palma de Mallorca, Valencia, Cartagena, Malaga, Funchal, Gran Canaria, and Santa Cruz de Tenerife City. However, Valencia was canceled before sailing due to the catastrophic flooding that devastated the region earlier this month. 

Then, Malaga was battered by severe thunderstorms and torrential rain ahead of Voyager's visit, resulting in another canceled port. Most recently, the 4,000-passenger ship couldn't call at Madeira, Funchal, Portugal, due to rocky seas. Instead, guests were told they'd stay overnight in Gran Canaria on Saturday, departing for Tenerife on Sunday afternoon. 

After successfully rescuing the stranded passengers, Voyager of the Seas resumed sailing at 17 knots and is heading toward its next port of call. 

Photos shared by Karen Fraser show the rescued sailors huddled together on the lifeboat, with a black lab sporting a pink lifejacket. The crew's professionalism and training helped ensure a safe transfer of passengers from the sailboat to the lifeboat before returning to Voyager. 

Neither Royal Caribbean nor the local authorities have released a statement providing information about the rescued individuals.

It's not uncommon for cruise ships to rescue stranded passengers in distress

Earlier this year, Odyssey of the Seas rescued 77 migrants off the coast of Greece while on a 7-night Greek Isles cruise. The packed sailboat was first spotted by a Maltese-flagged cargo ship roughly 112 nautical miles (129 miles) southwest of Pylos. Afterward, Greece's search and rescue authority helped coordinate the rescue operation. 

One passenger documented the incident in a nearly ten-minute-long video, during which the crew can be seen telling the stranded migrants to pause boarding, presumably because the lifeboat had drifted. Once safely repositioned, the crew continued to help transfer passengers to the lifeboat. The overpacked sailboat had been filled with adults and even infant children.

Additionally, Oceania Insignia rescued 68 migrants from a drifting fishing boat off the Canary Islands in June. After being spotted by an oil tanker en route to Brazil from Spain, the Spanish authorities diverted Oceania Cruises' Insignia to assist with the rescue operation. 

Once onboard, an Oceania spokesperson confirmed the migrants received medical assistance and were provided food, drinks, and clothing. 

Voyager of the Seas will begin offering cruises to the Bahamas and Caribbean from Florida

After arriving in Port Canaveral, Voyager will call Florida home through May 2025, where she'll operate 4- and 5-night cruises to the Bahamas and Caribbean. 

The 1,020-foot-long vessel is slated to return to Europe following a 10-night transatlantic cruise beginning on May 16. Throughout 2025, Voyager will embark on a variety of exciting itineraries from ports like Civitavecchia, Athens, Ravenna, and Barcelona. 

However, she won't return to the United States following the conclusion of the 2025 European season. Instead, Voyager of the Seas will head to Australia, making it a sought-after option for those looking to explore the beauty of the Pacific without sailing on a Quantum Class ship. 

Passengers onboard Royal Caribbean's Odyssey of the Seas were told to brace for strong swells as the ship encountered increasingly rough seas during its transatlantic voyage.

The Captain of the 169,300 gross registered ton ship told guests they were going to change directions because of a powerful storm front, which brought 6-7 meter waves and 50-knot winds. He advised passengers to remain seated, as the ship would be changing course and there was a possibility it could list. 

Videos taken from the 14-night transatlantic cruise show powerful waves crashing over the windows of the ship’s lower decks. 

Photo stills from Deborah Sahli

Other images reveal that the Crown & Pub Compass, one of the ship’s popular gathering spots for live music, had suffered significant damage, with alcohol bottles and broken glassware shattered across the floor. 

CruiseMapper shows Odyssey of the Seas' navigational path, including an obvious course diversion resulting from the sudden storm. 

Guests onboard took to Facebook to share their experiences. 

"There's no way we could've avoid[ed] this storm, it's just too big," wrote Michael Ducharme. 

David Naputi added, "You can definitely feel the movement. I’m not the best gauge, but at its worst maybe around a 20-30 degree tilt? (Imagine walking up a [20-degree] slope sideways and then it reverses - [that's] pretty much the intermittent worst of the rocking)." 

Overall, the vibe remains positive, with passengers spending the day indoors gambling or grabbing a drink at Playmakers, indicating the incident wasn't as scary as it might have seemed at first.

"Perfect day for eating and napping! No complaints from me," said Ja Narke.

Still, some guests aren't enjoying the excessive motion, highlighting the importance of coming prepared with seasickness remedies, including over-the-counter medication like Bonine/Dramamine or acupressure bands.

Second transatlantic cruise to be hit with adverse weather

Last week, a powerful squall struck Explorer of the Seas en route to Miami, Florida, injuring several passengers onboard.

The vessel was roughly 750 miles off the coast of Morocco during the incident. Ron Warren, a guest onboard, shared that the ship listed severely for "somewhere between 5 and 10 minutes." Afterward, Explorer was left in shambles, with furniture overturned and glass and merchandise scattered across the floors. 

Guests were ordered to remain in their stateroom while crew accounted for all guests. Medical announcements were also made for passengers who were injured during the list.

The squall delayed Explorer's return to Florida. Due to a medical emergency, the ship was diverted to the Canary Islands, where it also refueled. The vessel is now expected to arrive in Miami on Nov. 17, rather than the 14th as scheduled. 

Odyssey departed from Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, on Nov. 3

The Quantum-Ultra Class ship is slated to arrive in New Jersey on Nov. 17 to begin a seasonal stint offering cruises to Florida and The Bahamas. 

This transatlantic repositioning voyage comes as the ship transitions following the conclusion of the European ship's deployment. Odyssey will return to Europe in May, sailing from Civitavecchia to Italy, Greece, and Turkey.

With a packed itinerary, the ship is set to continue providing guests with signature experiences, such as the RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator, SeaPlex multi-purpose venue, FlowRider surf simulator, and North Star observation capsule, while sailing to stunning European destinations. 

No two cruises are the same. Even if you are sailing on a similar ship, such as Royal Caribbean's Navigator and Mariner of the Seas, factors like the crew, itinerary, and weather conditions all foster new experiences. 

Within the past year, Jenny Reineck embarked on two solo cruises aboard Mariner and Enchantment of the Seas. Her sailing on Mariner departed from Port Canaveral, Florida, and called at Perfect Day at CocoCay and Cozumel, Mexico, whereas her cruise on Enchantment sailed from Tampa to the Western Caribbean. 

"I had a great time on both of the cruises, but there were some similarities and some differences," Reineck says. 

Similarities

Great service

She begins by talking about the service. From the servers in the Main Dining Room to her cabin steward and the bartenders, "...the crew on [Royal Caribbean was] fantastic, and they [went] above and beyond to make [my] cruise vacation fun."

Those aren't the only crew you'll meet while onboard. Everyone from the Cruise Director to the Casino Host, Loyalty Ambassador, and the Youth Program Director plays a vital role in shaping your cruise experience. 

Speaking of Cruise Directors, "...the passion, excitement, and energy brought by the Cruise Director on both ships was phenomenal." They are often considered the "face of the ship," helping to coordinate onboard events and activities that keep passengers entertained throughout their sailing.

Read more: 7 most important crew members to meet on your cruise ship

Complimentary pizza

Whether you're grabbing pizza from Cafe Promenade, Park Cafe, or Sorrento's, indulging in at least one slice of included pizza is a rite of passage on Royal Caribbean cruises. 

When sailing on Mariner, Reineck ventured to Cafe Promenade for pizza, while on Enchantment, she found herself at the Park Cafe in the Solarium. 

"Regardless of where I got it, the pizza tasted the same and was delicious! In fact, the quality of the food in general was very similar across both ships," she remarks. 

Read more: Sorrento's pizza on Royal Caribbean cruise ships

Main Dining Room

Reineck explains how the service, menu options, and food quality were similar in the Main Dining Rooms on Mariner and Enchantment. 

In early 2023, Royal Caribbean introduced new dining room menus to speed up the dinner service. Each night focuses on a certain cuisine, from Italian to Mexican and British. While the rotation of the menus may vary based on the length of your cruise (i.e., a 4-night cruise won't have as many options as longer sailings), the standardized dining experience ensures that guests can expect consistent quality and service no matter which ship they’re on.

That said, Reineck says the main difference between the Main Dining Rooms was her seat: "In both cases, they sat me at a two-person table by myself, but that is where the similarities ended."

"On Mariner, my table was against a wall at the end of a row of tables. It felt more private, but I didn't have a great view. On Enchantment, my table was sandwiched between a bunch of other two-person tables, but I could sit facing the window. While it felt less private, the view was much better," she adds. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean Menus 2024

Onboard activities

The onboard activities and entertainment often drive passengers to book a Royal Caribbean cruise compared to competing lines. While older ships lack Broadway-style musicals, the essence of the daily schedule is the same.

"Whether it was trivia in Schooner Bar, a theater show, or the infamous Crazy Quest, ...I noticed that many of the onboard activities that I had enjoyed on Mariner were also going to be happening on Enchantment," she says. 

"This was great because I already knew which activities I wanted to [attend], including the belly flop contest, the world's sexiest man contest, and other fun activities throughout the ship." 

Read more: What's included in a Royal Caribbean cruise?

Stateroom

Whether you want to save money and book the cheapest interior cabin or are in the mood to splurge on a lavish suite, cruise ships have staterooms to meet various needs and preferences. 

On both Mariner and Enchantment, Reineck booked an interior cabin. However, her room on Mariner was different in that it overlooked the Royal Promenade. There was no window, even an interior-facing one, on Enchantment.

"Other than that, the rooms were very similar in size, storage space, bathroom, etc.," Reineck explains. 

"As a solo traveler in a double occupancy room, an inside cabin [had] more than enough space for all of my things, and in both cabins, there were at least two other places to sit down other than the bed." 

Read more: Royal Caribbean cabin guide

Differences

Ship layout

Enchantment of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean's oldest ships in service. Part of the Vision Class, she debuted in 1997. Not only is she one of the oldest ships in the fleet, but she's also one of the smallest, measuring just shy of 83,000 gross registered tons. In comparison, Icon of the Seas is over 245,000! 

Mariner of the Seas is a little newer, having launched in 2003. As such, she's part of the line's Voyager Class, which was the first to feature the Royal Promenade, a thoroughfare filled with shops, bars, and restaurants. 

Since both vessels belong to different classes, their layouts are different. Different doesn't equal bad or disappointing, though. 

"While I thought I might miss the Royal Promenade, I actually enjoyed some of the ship activities [more] on Enchantment due to the layout of the Centrum," Reineck says. 

"Particularly for things like the balloon drop and the Parade of Nations, the Centrum gives off a 'round the campfire' vibe where we [could] all gather and celebrate together, whereas the Royal Promenade [felt] more like we were all in a long hallway looking at a stage."

She adds that she also enjoyed watching sail away from Mariner's helipad, which was absent on Enchantment. 

Read more: After 12 sailings on Mariner of the Seas, I’m convinced this ship offers the best value Royal Caribbean has to offer

Ship amenities

Since Mariner is larger and part of a newer class, she features more onboard amenities compared to Enchantment, including water slides, a FlowRider surf simulator, an ice skating rink, and an escape room. 

Not only that but Mariner also had a working television screen on the pool deck, which played holiday movies during Reineck's December 2023 sailing. 

"Unfortunately, while I was on Enchamtnent [in April 2024] the big screen on the pool deck was not working, and I missed out on pool deck movies." 

Dining options

While on Mariner, Reineck decided to try Royal Caribbean's Izumi Hibachi. In addition to the interactive Teppanyaki meal, she found that Mariner had more options, such as the hot dog stand on the pool deck. She said she'd have to brave the crowds at Windjammer if she wanted a quick bite to eat on a sea day while on Enchantment. 

However, both ships had a specialty coffee shop where she could fuel up with a cold brew each morning: "...On Mariner, I headed down to Cafe Promenade...whereas on Enchantment, I got it from Cafe Latte-tudes."

"Both cafes had the same food options though, with small items such as ham and cheese sandwiches, chocolate donuts, and cookies." 

Read more: One food item you need to order from each restaurant onboard Enchantment of the Seas

Itinerary and port schedule

With one ship departing from Port Canaveral and the other from Tampa, both had different itineraries. While both visited Cozumel, her sailing on Enchantment also took her to Roatán, Honduras; Belize City, Belize; and Costa Maya, Mexico. In addition to Cozumel, her cruise on Mariner from Port Canaveral only visited one other port of call: Perfect Day at CocoCay.

On Mariner, her schedule included a sea day followed by a port day, another sea day, and another port day. In contrast, her itinerary on Enchantment had a sea day followed by four consecutive port days, then another sea day.

"While I loved all of the ports that we stopped at on Enchantment, four port days in a row can be pretty exhausting, especially when you've been out [on] an all-day excursion," explains Reineck. 

"I enjoyed the schedule I had on Mariner better because the sea days gave me time to recover from my excursions."

Weather

"This may seem obvious, but the weather in December is different than the weather in April," Reineck says, "In fact, on my December cruise on Mariner, my excursion in Cozumel ended up getting canceled because it was too windy, and while I enjoyed my day at CocoCay, there were many moments where I was quite cold."

In comparison, when traveling on Enchantment in April, Reineck expresses how each port was hot and humid. That said, the sun was shining, and she didn't have any excursions canceled due to inclement weather. 

Reineck's experience on Mariner in December proves that cruise ships can be impacted by weather throughout the year, not just during hurricane season. Though her port stop wasn't canceled, the weather conditions shaped her experience. 

Read more: What experienced cruisers do differently during hurricane season

Guests attending a Halloween party in the Royal Promenade onboard Symphony of the Seas had the festivities abruptly halted when the automatic sprinkles began going off. 

A fog machine in the Royal Promenade set the sprinkles off, sending guests to seek shelter near the shore excursion tablets adjacent to the Bionic Bar. 

TikTok user nickfromsubway44 documented the experience on his social media account, stating that it was crazy to walk indoors and see the sprinklers going off. 

Instead of seeing people gathered at the Rising Tide Bar or dancing, the scene resembled a torrential downpour, with cascades of water creating a haze that made it impossible to see to the other side of the Promenade. 

Nick posted another video saying the ship was "lowkey bouta sink." Guests dressed in costume can be seen observing the unexpected rain shower. 

Royal Caribbean crew members are also seen presumably taking down a photo spot, trying to keep the equipment out of harm's way. 

"[T]his happened at 10:30pm. By 6am the promenade was back in working order with a few fans left facing carpets. They did amazing [at] cleaning it up," wrote Amy Marie in a Symphony of the Seas Facebook group. 

Read more: Top 10 Symphony of the Seas hidden secrets

Fog machines are popular during Halloween

Halloween is the spookiest holiday of the year, and special effects—like fog—can transform an everyday space into a haunted scene, making it more immersive for party-goers. 

According to theatrefx.com, fog machines can set off smoke alarms: "Because many venues use smoke detectors that measure the density of particles in the air, fog effects (especially dense fog effects) can 'fool' the detectors and trigger a fire alarm." 

In other words, ionization-type smoke detectors can be set off as they sense fog particles like smoke. Hazers are less likely to set off smoke alarms because of the smaller size of their particles, lightsounds.com.au writes. 

Read more: What Halloween is like on the world's largest cruise ship

Symphony of the Seas was on its last sailing from Cape Liberty for the season

The 228,081 gross registered ton vessel departed New Jersey on Oct. 27 on a 7-night cruise to The Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay. In addition to CocoCay, the ship called at Port Canaveral, Florida, and Nassau, Bahamas. 

Symphony will be homeported in Miami throughout April 2025. The 6,680-passenger vessel will sail on 7-night cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean before returning to Cape Liberty and kicking off her summer stint with a 9-night Eastern Caribbean cruise on April 30 to Haiti, Puerto Rico, and St. Maarten. 

"Sprinkler of the Seas"

Nick's videos are flooded (pun intended) with comments about the unusual situation. user2311376559104 wrote, "Sprinkler of the Seas," with Lola adding, "The new bar experience [is the] aqua lounge." Thatguy said, "Normally you have to pay more for the indoor waterpark [but] y'all got it for free 😂."

Rottiedad44 commented about a similar situation on Wonder of the Seas a few weeks ago: "...some similar happened to the right wing of the Windjammer grill station...not that extreme though. Washy, washy!"

Another user added they were on the sailing at the same time and heard from some cruisers that the whole buffet was filled with smoke, while others said there was barely any smoke at all. 

"I was sitting on that side at a roundtable overlooking the park. It wasn't much smoke. I was told that the vent fans malfunctioned and triggered sprinklers," replied Rottiedad44. 

The comment section also sparked a debate about Carnival vs. Royal Caribbean. Kell Kellz instigated the conversation by saying, "Carnival would have kept the party goinggggg." 

One TikTok user joked that a similar situation wouldn't happen on Carnival because they don't have working sprinklers, with another snapping back and claiming the line is "more popular" than Royal Caribbean.

Passengers onboard Odyssey of the Seas' transatlantic cruise from Italy to Cape Liberty were informed they'd no longer be visiting Valencia, Spain. 

Deadly flash floods caused by heavy downpours in eastern Spain have resulted in at least 205 fatalities, according to the Associated Press. It's the country's deadliest storm in living memory and has been classified as a level two crisis on a scale of three. 

Spain's meteorological agency said a year's worth of rain fell on the region in less than 8 hours. The catastrophic flooding happened with little to no warning, trapping residents in their homes and vehicles. 

By the time an emergency alert was sent out around 8:00pm, many were already overwhelmed by the rising waters. As the water came rushing down the rivers and tributaries toward the Mediterranean Sea, bridges were destroyed, and cars were swept away. 

Valencia's president, Carlos Mazón, has deployed over 500 soldiers, joining the 1,200 from the Military Emergency Unit. An additional 500 soldiers will arrive on Saturday to help rescue victims, clear debris, and provide food and water. 

While the waters have receded, it will take Spain months to recover from the destruction. Many are still without power or running water. CNN reported that Valencia's highways are blocked or only partially useable. Additionally, the train tracks are so badly damaged that rail services will be unavailable for weeks. 

Royal Caribbean emailed booked passengers and travel agents on Friday, Nov. 1, saying flash flooding has made it difficult to navigate the area. 

"We're terribly sorry for the last-minute change - the safety and well-being of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit are always our top priority," the notice reads. 

Instead of calling at Valencia, Odyssey of the Seas will visit Palma de Mallorca, Spain, on Wednesday, Nov. 6 before resuming its original itinerary, including stops in Cartagena and Malaga, Spain, and Madeira (Funchal), Portugal, followed by six days at sea en route to New Jersey. 

"The Spanish island of Mallorca is waiting for you, with its towering mountains and dramatic cliffs rising over clear, blue water. Its hidden gem is Palma de Mallorca, the island's capital, and largest city, where you'll find quaint historic streets, Gothic castles, and gastronomic delights," the email continues. 

"If you're feeling adventurous, journey through Palma de Mallorca's Drach Caves, home to the largest underground lake in the world. Or hike through the city's historic 15th century royal path to the town of Banyalbufar."

Guests with shore excursions booked in Valencia will receive a refund in the form of an onboard credit on their SeaPass accounts, and they can be used anywhere onboard—from the Bionic Bar to one of Odyssey's specialty restaurants or another tour in Palma de Mallorca.  

Any remaining credits not used during the sailing will be refunded to the card on file up to 14 business days after disembarkation. 

The next Royal Caribbean ship scheduled to call at Valencia is Voyager of the Seas on Nov. 12, followed by Adventure of the Seas on the 25th. After that, Valencia won't see another Royal Caribbean ship until next year, when Brilliance of the Seas visits in April, marking the beginning of the cruise line's European season. 

Read more: I stayed in a windowless cabin onboard Odyssey of the Seas that cost $2,300

Odyssey of the Seas is repositioning to New Jersey

After she arrives in mid-November, the 1,138-foot-long ship will make regular voyages to Florida and The Bahamas. She'll also embark on a few longer sailings to the Southern Caribbean in January. 

Odyssey will return to Europe in May 2025, following a 14-night transatlantic cruise to Italy. The vessel will remain homeported in Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, through October 2025, offering sailings to the Greek Isles. 

As a Quantum Class ship, Odyssey features innovative design and advanced technology, ranging from the SeaPlex, a multi-purpose indoor venue that hosts activities such as bumper cars and roller skating, to the North Star, a glass observation capsule that takes passengers high above the ship for views of the surrounding ocean and ports of call. 

Growing up, I primarily cruised on Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships. However, within the past year, I've started branching out to explore what makes their older vessels appealing. 

After spending 5 nights onboard Vision of the Seas, I discovered a level of intimacy that the larger ships lack. Still, not everything about this 20+ year-old ship was perfect. 

While I appreciated the overall atmosphere, some areas showed the ship's true age, such as the cabin's bathroom, which I found to be dated compared to the sleek, modern design of newer vessels. Plus, the entertainment options were more limited. I missed the Broadway-style shows and the AquaTheater's high-diving spectacles. 

That said, the charm of Vision of the Seas captivated me. It was reminiscent of a different era of cruising, where the focus was connecting with the sea and fellow passengers, rather than flashy attractions. Royal Caribbean ships didn't always have FlowRider surf simulators, water slides, and ice skating rinks onboard! 

Ease of embarking from Baltimore

Many cruisers—including myself—limit their searches to popular ports like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, Galveston, Seattle, and Cape Liberty. However, Royal Caribbean also deploys ships from smaller ports, such as Tampa and Baltimore. 

Though smaller, sailing from Baltimore is convenient for those who live in the DMV area, with the Maryland Cruise Terminal just 40 miles from the heart of Washington D.C. The Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport is also only 10 miles away, so it's easy to access if you're flying in. 

Earlier this year, I had a horrible experience embarking on Carnival Elation in Jacksonville, Florida. I was worried I'd have a similar experience in Maryland, with both ports being outdated compared to newer terminals in South Florida and even Galveston. 

Thankfully, the Maryland Cruise Terminal was efficient, clean, and well-organized. After clearing security, the port agents checked our travel documentation, and we were onboard Vision of the Seas in less than twenty minutes, akin to the time it has taken to board larger ships in modern facilities. 

We found disembarkation to be just as easy. Our assigned group was scheduled to be called off around 9:00am; however, the process went faster than expected, with all groups receiving clearance at 8:45am as we finished breakfast in the Main Dining Room.  

Once off, locating our suitcases was easy, and I was impressed with the terminal's rideshare pick-up area. Instead of pulling up to the sidewalk, all cars were instructed to pull into a parking spot, effectively reducing congestion and helping keep the area organized. 

Read more: 30 cruise ship embarkation do's and don'ts

Impressive main and specialty dining

Compared to recent sailings on Quantum and Freedom of the Seas, Vision's main and specialty dining experience didn't leave much to be desired. Izumi, in particular, was a standout. 

Everything was drool-worthy, from the edamame to the creamy firecracker shrimp rolls, savory miso ramen, and tender champagne lobster roll. In my opinion, it was worth the $40 per person upcharge (note the price includes the pre-cruise Cruise Planner sale and gratuity). 

Aside from one meal in Hamilton, Bermuda, the remaining nights were spent in the Main Dining Room. Prior to the cruise, I advised my friend not to expect anything mindblowing. While I've found included cruise food satisfactory, it's rarely exceptional. 

To my surprise, a few dishes in the MDR were that good, such as the French Onion Soup, Rustic Chicken Korma, Crispy Coconut Jumbo Shrimp, and Tirasmu. 

Though Vision doesn't have as many venues as larger ships in the fleet, what it lacks in quantity, it makes up for in quality! 

Read more: I spent 5 days eating on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. Here’s everything I ate, including some dishes I’d skip

Activities and amenities 

Vision of the Seas might not have some of the WOW factors that have come to define the Royal Caribbean brand (i.e., the Perfect Storm water slides, FlowRider surf simulator, AquaTheater, zip line, and more), but you won't be bored during your cruise. 

On embarkation day, we decided to attend the silent disco in the Centrum. It was a lively activity that was more popular than I thought! After dancing the night away, we worked up an appetite and headed to the Park Cafe in the Solarium for some pizza. 

While the next day was more relaxing, I loved the enclosed Solarium. It proved to be the perfect retreat, as most of our cruise was plagued with poor weather. 

Additionally, it was steps away from the complimentary sauna and steam room in the Vitality Spa. This made it easy to switch from lounging in the peaceful Solarium to relaxing in the sauna and letting the heat work its magic whenever we wanted. 

Whether we wanted to attend a trivia session, watch a production show, listen to live music at the Schooner Bar, try our luck at Bingo, climb the rock wall, or participate in The Crazy Quest, there was always something to keep us entertained.

Read more: All about Vision Class cruise ships

Basic cabin

My inside stateroom on Vision was like a time capsule. 

The soft lighting and furnishings were simple yet inviting, and I appreciated the functional layout with plenty of storage, a small seating area, and dual nightstands with extra drawers. 

That said, the most disappointing aspect of my cabin was the clingy shower curtain. No matter how hard I tried, it always seemed drawn to my skin, making showering a bit challenging. Because of this, more water would escape from the shower than I'd like. 

Read more: I sailed in tiny interior cabins on old Carnival and Royal Caribbean ships. I'd only book one again

I also wish Royal Caribbean would update its older cabins to feature more charging options. When I cruised on Carnival Elation, a ship roughly the same age as Vision, I was surprised to find multiple outlets, including USB ports beside the bed. 

Thankfully, I came prepared with European power adapters, so we could use all four outlets (two American and two European) at the vanity. I'd also recommend bringing a portable charger if you want to charge your phone in bed, as there aren't any outlets near the bedside. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean banned outlet extenders on its cruise ships. Its change started a debate about what's allowed

Inconsistent buffet

My least favorite thing about Vision of the Seas was the buffet, particularly during breakfast. I enjoy a simple breakfast, typically eggs for protein, fruit, and a hashbrown patty, and throughout my 5 days onboard, the quality of the Windjammer's breakfast varied greatly. 

On the first full morning, my eggs were cold—though I liked the small avocado toast. The eggs were again cold the following day, but the hash brown patty was perfectly crispy. Things went really downhill from there.

Deciding to mix it up, I grabbed a hardboiled egg instead of scrambled eggs, but the heat lamp made the shell too hot to touch. By the time I finally removed the shell, I found the hardboiled egg to be overcooked, rubbery, and dry. 

Additionally, the hash brown wasn't as crispy as the day before. Instead, it was on the soggy side. After a few disappointing breakfasts in the Windjammer, we decided to carve out extra time each morning to eat in the Main Dining Room, where the quality of the food was consistently better. 

Read more: 11 things you should never do at a cruise ship buffet

Taking a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation is always fun but can be especially memorable over a holiday, such as Halloween. 

The largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, is currently celebrating her first Halloween in service! Royal Caribbean Blog reader Kate Hebner was kind enough to share photos of the ship's spooky decorations. 

The Royal Promenade is decked out with inflatables, ranging from larger-than-life aliens to an octopus with a trick-or-treat bucket. 

There's also a jack-o-lantern waving "hello" to passengers and a haunted tree, which is a popular hang-out spot for ghosts.

If you try to ride the inflatable dragon, you won't get very far! It's tempting on a ship so large, though. 

The dog in the Royal Promenade has been dressed as a ghost. Thankfully, the white sheet was cut so it won't interfere with its "business." 

Speaking of dogs, Rover is dressed like a pirate. She’s probably the nicest (and softest) pirate at sea! 

Spiderwebs lines the banister of the staircase leading up to Deck 6, with balloons in black and orange affixed to the railings overlooking the Promenade below. 

Hebner shares that the decorations were placed overnight, meaning they weren't there when guests embarked on the current 7-night Western Caribbean cruise to Mexico, Honduras, and Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

In addition to decorations, Royal Caribbean cruise ships tend to have Halloween-themed activities, such as costume contests, a parade, themed arts and crafts, and scavenger hunts. You may even meet passengers handing out candy to children to mimic trick-or-treating.

Today's Cruise Compass says Halloween events began as early as 9:00am with the Adult and Family Halloween Costume Contest Registrations. At 9:30am, there was a Halloween Wordsearch Puzzle in the Schooner Bar, followed by a Halloween Word Fill Challenge at 10:15am at Spotlight Karaoke. 

Other events on the schedule include Name that Tune: Halloween Hits, Adventure Ocean's Family Haunted House, Pumpkin Soccer Shootout, Family Trick or Treat at Splashaway Bay, Adult Haunted House: The Abandoned Manor of Dr. Gristle, Halloween Flash Mob "Thriller," Family Halloween Costume Contest Parade, Family Halloween Monster Bash Party, Adult Halloween Costume Parade and Bash Party, and Casino Royale's HalloWin Costume Contest. 

Crew members live and work onboard cruise ships, and while many of their cabins are quite small, there are a few bigger ones.

A video shared on TikTok shows what the largest crew cabins are like on Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas. 

Bryan James, an entertainer for Royal Caribbean, has worked on numerous ships in the fleet, including Wonder of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, and Quantum of the Seas. He also shares glimpses of his life as a crew member onboard Royal Caribbean vessels on various social media channels, from TikTok (819k followers) to Instagram (273k followers). 

Though he's currently on Utopia of the Seas, a video shared on his social media in May shows his cabin while working onboard Quantum during the ship's seasonal stint in Alaska. 

Unlike his living quarters while on Utopia, he shares five reasons he loves this massive cabin, from the private, full-sized bathroom to the porthole window. 

#5: Storage space

Cruise ship cabins aren't known for being the most spacious. Crew staterooms are even smaller than standard passenger cabins, meaning they have even less storage space despite living on the ship for months at a time. 

James has been working on Royal Caribbean ships for years and is used to small closets. While he admits it isn't an issue, he appreciated having more space on Quantum. 

"...[small closets are] fine because I don't have a lot of clothes, but just to know I've got the extra space...or [if] I have people come [to] visit me on the ship like my mom just did, it's great to have a place for them to put their clothes, too," he says. 

Read more: Ultimate Cruise Packing List

#4: Full-size bathroom

Sometimes, crew members have to share bathrooms during their contracts. While on Quantum, however, James had his own bathroom. Not only that but it was larger than others he's had in the past!

"You don't have to be in the shower and on the toilet at the same time," he remarks, "They are two separate entities." 

Above the sink, which is also in the bathroom unlike on Utopia of the Seas, there's a huge medicine cabinet with space for toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other toiletries. 

Noticeably missing from the bathroom is the standard glass shower door in passenger staterooms. Instead, crew members are given a shower curtain.

#3: Full-size desk

James compares his desk onboard Quantum to one on a previous contract. "...clearly a massive upgrade," he says. 

In his cabin, the desk takes up nearly one wall, giving him plenty of space to edit videos for his social media channels and unwind by playing video games. 

The desk in his old cruise ship cabin pulled out from the closet, and there wasn't enough floor space to keep the stool out full-time. Instead, he stored it when it wasn't in use to free up floor space. 

#2: Full-size bed

Could you imagine sleeping on a twin-sized bed for months at a time? Typically, that's how cruise ship crew members experience life at sea. In this case, James was surprised that he had a full-sized bed. 

Even better, it wasn't two twin-sized beds pushed together, which is the case in passenger cabins. Guests can elect to have them separated or keep them pushed together, depending on their preferences. 

"Normally, they take two mattresses [and] they squish them together...this is an actual real mattress," he explains. 

His cabin also had a pullman bed, ideal when guests stayed with him while onboard. 

#1: Porthole

Some cruisers refuse to pay extra for balcony cabins, whereas others can't imagine stepping foot on a ship without having access to a private verandah. Crew members don't get to decide whether they have an inside or ocean-view room. Most, however, stay in tiny cabins without any natural light for the duration of their contact. 

On Quantum, James was most pleased with his porthole, allowing him to catch glimpses of Alaska's natural beauty inside his stateroom. 

"Not only do I get sunshine during the day," he says, "but I can stick my phone up to the window and get cell service so I don't have to use the internet....This is the dream, guys." 

Read more: I always stay in an inside cabin on a cruise ship

Quantum of the Seas will return to Alaska in May 2025

Following her season in Australia and the South Pacific, Quantum of the Seas will return to Alaska in May, offering 7-night roundtrip cruises from Seattle, along with one 5-night sailing to Sitka and Victoria, British Columbia. 

The 168,666 gross registered ton vessel is the namesake ship of the Quantum Class, the first to feature innovations like a skydiving simulator, indoor SeaPlex used for roller skating and bumper cars, and the North Star Observation Capsule. 

During Quantum's Alaskan itineraries, guests can lounge on the top decks to take in the stunning views of glaciers and fjords and take advantage of numerous outdoor activities in port, including hiking, kayaking, and whale watching. 

Read more: I went on a 7-night cruise to Alaska