Over 7 years in the making, the world's largest cruise ship is only one day away from making its formal debut. 

Icon of the Seas is part of Royal Caribbean's first new class of ship since Quantum of the Seas launched in 2014. 

Onboard, guests will find the largest waterpark and ice rink at sea, new neighborhoods to explore, the cruise line's first-ever food hall, and so much more. 

Whether you're counting down the days until your Icon cruise or cannot fathom stepping foot on a ship that size, there's no denying that the launch of Icon of the Seas is a major milestone in the cruising industry. 

Read more: First Look Inside the World's Biggest Cruise Marvel, Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas

The debut of Icon of the Seas marks the first time that an Oasis Class ship hasn't held the title of "world's largest cruise ship" in over a decade 

Icon of the Seas measures an astonishing 250,800 gross registered tons and can carry a maximum of 7,600 passengers, making Icon roughly 6% larger than Wonder of the Seas. 

While Royal Caribbean carried Oasis Class' neighborhood concept to Icon, that's about all that is the same. 

Yes, some neighborhoods might be familiar (i.e., Central Park and Royal Promenade), but they were both redesigned and feature Icon Class exclusives, such as the cruise line's first-ever walk-up champagne bar, indulgent Empire Supper Club specialty restaurant, and the jaw-dropping Pearl, which will have you saying, "WOW," the second you walk onboard. 

Read more: Icon of the Seas Royal Promenade: What to expect

The AquaDome Neighborhood is home to an enclosed AquaTheater, as well as a food hall featuring five different food vendors where you can choose from options ranging from mac and cheese to handcrafted Mediterranean bowls. 

Whether you want to watch the ship pull into port or want clear views of the horizon while sipping on a cocktail, you will also find some of the best ocean views onboard here. 

Surfside was designed for families. It's where they can stay and play all day, especially since there's no need to head to the Windjammer for lunch. 

Instead, families can enjoy the complimentary Surfside Eatery buffet, grab some snacks at Surfside Bites, or splurge on an all-day brunch at Pier 7. Additionally, there's an aft pool, carousel, arcade, and kids splash zone. 

Adults looking for some alone time won't find a Solarium onboard. Instead, there's The Hideaway, which was designed to have a Las Vegas pool party vibe and features the first suspended infinity pool at sea, an expansive bar area, day beds, whirlpools, and lounge chairs. 

From the cruise line's first-ever swim-up bar to the largest pool at sea, infinity-edge Cove and Cloud 17 Pools, Chill Island is, undoubtedly, going to be the best pool deck at sea.

If relaxing isn't on your agenda, head to Thrill Island, where you will find the Category 6 water park, FlowRider surf simulator, and part skywalk, part ropes course, and part thrill ride Crown's Edge, which will take you 154 feet above the ocean. 

After the adrenaline rush, guests can order a snack at Basecamp or cool down with an over-the-top milkshake from Desserted. Adults, you can even order one that's spiked!

In short, there's so much to see and do on Icon that 7 nights likely will not be enough! 

Icon of the Seas will sail from Miami through at least April 2026

Icon of the Seas will offer 7-night cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from Miami, Florida. 

Nearly every sailing will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private island in The Bahamas. The May 5, 2025 cruise will sail to Labadee, Haiti instead of CocoCay. 

Prior to arriving in Miami on January 10, the ship sailed to Cádiz, Spain and Ponce, Puerto Rico for some finishing touches. The crew also enjoyed a massive celebratory party at CocoCay. 

The inaugural cruise will depart on Saturday, January 27 and sail to Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis' Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; and Perfect Day At Cococay. This voyage will signify the ship's completion, as the ship will officially be ready for regular service.

At the time of writing, the lowest advertised fare on Royal Caribbean's website for a cruise onboard Icon in 2024 starts at $3,005 per person for an interior room for the March 23 sailing. 

Icon of the Seas offers 28 different stateroom categories to choose from, 14 of which are brand-new

Whether you're trying to pinch pennies and want to cruise in the most affordable cabin onboard or want to splurge on one of Icon's luxurious suites, you will surely find the perfect accommodation option for you and your travel party. 

In addition to the new stateroom designs, Royal Caribbean built Icon to cater to families, meaning that more than 82% of all cabins will accommodate three or more passengers. Plus, more than 70% of all staterooms onboard will feature balconies.

New rooms include the Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony, Infinite Ocean View Balcony, Infinite Central Park View Balcony, Surfside Family View Balcony, Surfside Family View Interior, Interior Plus, Sunset Junior Suite, Surfside Family Suite, Sky Junior Suite, Infinite Grand Suite, Sunset Suite, Sunset Corner Suite, Icon Loft, and Ultimate Family Townhouse. 

All new suites, excluding the Sunset Junior Suite, are part of the Royal Suite Class' Sky or Star Tier, meaning that they come with all-day access to Coastal Kitchen and The Grove Suite Sun Deck. 

The Ultimate Family Townhouse is Royal Caribbean's most expensive cruise ship suite. It's not uncommon to find rates around $80,000 to $100,000 for a family of four. The 1,772-square-foot suite is comprised of three stories and has a private "backyard" that leads directly to Surfside. 

Read more: Guide to Icon of the Seas cabins and suites

There are more dining venues onboard Icon of the Seas than any other ship in the fleet

There's no shortage of both complimentary and specialty dining options for guests to enjoy onboard Icon. To avoid any surprises when you get on the ship, however, it is important that you understand what is and isn't included. 

It is fully possible to cruise on Icon without spending anything extra on food. You will have plenty of diversity, which is something older Royal Caribbean ships usually struggle with. 

Of course, there are some specialty restaurants that you might have your heart on splurging on, as food is one of the most important aspects of any cruise vacation!

Read more: What's included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare

Complimentary restaurants

You'll find 14 complimentary dining venues onboard Icon of the Seas, including Sprinkles and the two suite-only restaurants:

• Surfside Bites 
• Surfside Eatery 
• AquaDome Market 
• Main Dining Room 
• Coastal Kitchen (for those staying in suites) 
• The Grove (for those staying in suites)
• Basecamp (with a few exceptions)
• Sorrento's
• El Loco Fresh
• Vitality Cafe (with a few exceptions)
• Sprinkles
• Pearl Café (with a few exceptions)
• Park Cafe
• Windjammer Marketplace

Read more: Icon of the Seas restaurant and dining guide

Specialty restaurants

12 venues onboard Icon of the Seas come with an additional charge, excluding standard bars:

• Hooked Seafood
• Empire Supper Club
• Celebration Table
• Chops Grille
• Izumi Hibachi & Sushi
• Izumi in the Park
• Desserted
• Playmaker's
• Pier 7
• Starbucks
• Giovanni's Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar
• Trellis Bar (bar bites)

The world's largest cruise ship was delivered to Royal Caribbean on November 27, 2023

Construction of the brand-new vessel took over 900 days, and the delivery was met with a celebration with cruise line executives, crew members, and shipyard employees present. 

Even though Meyer Turku's time with Icon has come to an end, they're hard at work building Star of the Seas. Plus, the first steel for the third Icon Class ship was cut in mid-January. 

Star of the Seas will sail out of Port Canaveral; however, the home port for the third ship is currently unknown. 

The ship is the cruise line's first-ever LNG-powered vessel

Cruise ships have traditionally been powered by diesel; however, many new builds have begun to run on alternative sources of energy that are more environmentally friendly, including Icon of the Seas, which will be fueled by liquid natural gas (LNG). 

Moreover, Icon will have a long lineup of other energy efficiency initiatives onboard, all of which help to contribute to Royal Caribbean Group's goal of introducing a net-zero ship by 2035. 

Do you have a cruise onboard Icon booked? If so, let us know what you're looking forward to the most in the comments! 

If you are planning a Royal Caribbean cruise with older children, you might be stuck wondering which ship is best. 

From the brand-new Icon of the Seas to smaller, revitalized ships like Navigator of the Seas, there are plenty of options for you to choose from. Activities like ice skating rinks, rock climbing walls, surfing simulators, and more will keep even the most active teens busy. 

Plus, Royal Caribbean ships have a variety of different accommodation options, so whether you want a family-friendly suite or adjoining interior rooms, you will be able to select the perfect stateroom to appease everyone in your party, even the teens who are desperate for their own space. 

Whether you're looking for a ship that's packed with WOW factors or simply a family vacation that won't leave your pockets empty, here are the 5 best cruises to take with teens. 

Icon of the Seas

Icon of the Seas is the namesake ship of Royal Caribbean's brand-new Icon Class. Surpassing the six Oasis Class ships, including the upcoming Utopia of the Seas, in terms of size, there's no shortage of activities that teens will enjoy onboard. 

From the record-breaking Category 6 water park to Crown's Edge, the largest ice rink at sea, thrilling AquaDome shows, a revamped mini-golf course, and more, your teens will surely have some brag-worthy stories to tell their friends about!

While the children are off exploring the ship, adults will love the one-of-a-kind experiences curated for them, too, including a walk-up champagne bar, swanky supper club, and Cloud 17 adults-only oasis with private pools, bars, and more. 

The only downside to a family vacation on Icon of the Seas is that it comes with a premium price tag. During July 2024, families can expect to pay around $2,900 per person for an interior room, while balconies are going for as much as $3,400 per person. 

Looking into 2025, prices don't drop much. The cheapest sailing in January 2025 currently starts at $2,400 per person for an inside stateroom. Prices increase again around spring break. 

Read more: Things you'll notice when cruising on the newest cruise ship

Utopia of the Seas

Utopia of the Seas, the newest Oasis Class ship, launches in July 2024, sailing 3- and 4-night cruises from Port Canaveral to The Bahamas. While these are shorter cruises, your teens won't be denied the best that the cruise line has to offer, as this ship is unlike any other in the class.

You can expect to find fan favorites like Central Park, the Boardwalk, Sorrento's Pizza, the Lime and Coconut Bar, and more. Utopia of the Seas, however, has many new experiences that you will not find on even Wonder of the Seas, including the cruise line's first-ever immersive train car dining experience and the longest incarnation of the Ultimate Abyss dry slide. 

Advertised as the world's biggest weekend, a cruise onboard Utopia of the Seas is sure to appease your teens, as they'll be able to enjoy five pools, three water slides, eight hot tubs, and 21 dining venues, among other thrills. 

However, it is worth noting that any of the Oasis Class ships are great for adrenaline-loving teens. Regardless of which you select, you'll find a zip line, surf simulator, ice skating rink, mini-golf, and sports court. 

The other Oasis Class ships in Royal Caribbean's fleet are Wonder of the Seas (2022), Symphony of the Seas (2018), Harmony of the Seas (2016), Allure of the Seas (2010), and Oasis of the Seas (2009). 

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

Odyssey of the Seas 

Odyssey of the Seas is the last Quantum Ultra Class ship constructed by the cruise line. Having only set sail in 2021, she's one of the newest ships in the fleet, too. 

While she's full of fun activities, what sets her apart from other ships is her summer itineraries in Europe. While enjoying everything that the ship has to offer, families can cruise around the Greek Isles and explore bucket-list destinations including Santorini, Mykonos, Naples, and more.  

Icon Class ships, including Star of the Seas launching in 2025, exclusively sail to the Caribbean, so you won't find much variety in itineraries. This can get repetitive, and if you want to explore ports outside of St. Maarten, Mexico, etc., you'll have to consider sailings on smaller ships. 

Onboard, you'll find an indoor SeaPlex where you can ride bumper cars, play glow-in-the-dark laser tag, or partake in a virtual reality game. 

There's also a skydiving simulator, FlowRider surf simulator, rock climbing wall, and North Star observation capsule, where your family can soar nearly 300 feet above sea level for breathtaking views of the sea and ports of call. 

While still a newer ship by today's standards, prices are not quite as high as sailings onboard Icon of the Seas. A 7-night cruise onboard Odyssey of the Seas in July 2024 starts at $1,145 per person, which breaks down to about $163 per night, making it a more affordable choice. 

Other Quantum Class ships should be considered if you want to take your teens to Alaska, Northern Europe, Asia, or beyond. 

Read more: The forgotten new Royal Caribbean cruise ship: Why Odyssey of the Seas is worth your attention

Freedom of the Seas 

Freedom of the Seas is an older ship; however, she underwent a $116 million revitalization in early 2020 to update its pool deck and bring newer amenities onboard, meaning that you'll find plenty to do onboard without the price tag of newer vessels. 

You can, for instance, find a 6-night cruise onboard Freedom of the Seas starting at $445 per person in March 2025. 

Activities onboard include a surf simulator, pool deck, aqua park for younger children, water slides, rock climbing wall, ice skating rink, and much more. 

When upgraded, Freedom of the Seas received new dining options including Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, El Loco Fresh for quick bites by the pool, Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, and Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade. 

Plus, Freedom has a redesigned teen area called Social 033, where teens can enjoy their own dedicated hangout space and play games, listen to music, watch movies, etc. 

Read more: 7 Best Royal Caribbean cruise ships for kids

Navigator of the Seas 

Finally, Navigator of the Seas based out of Los Angeles, California is a great choice for families with teens who want to have plenty to do onboard and cruise elsewhere than the Bahamas or Caribbean. 

The 139,999 gross registered ton vessel sails out of California to the Mexican Riveria year-round. While certainly not as large as Oasis or Icon Class ships, there's still a lot to do and see onboard. 

Like Freedom of the Seas, Navigator underwent some major upgrades in 2018, totaling roughly $115 million. This means that she has some activities and venues that other Voyager Class ships, such as Voyager and Explorer of the Seas, do not, including the Rip Tide and Blaster water slides. 

Parents will love the Bamboo Room, too. Navigator is one of only two ships in the fleet with this unique tiki-inspired bar onboard! Plus, Playmakers Sports Bar is centrally located in the Royal Promenade, and Hooked Seafood is ideal for families who want to treat their teens to a delicious seafood dinner consisting of crab cakes, chowders, oysters, and more. 

Read more: 50 best cruising with kids tips & secrets

Although Royal Caribbean is known for building the largest cruise ships in the world, a brand-new class of smaller ships is on the horizon. 

Little has been revealed about "Project Discovery," so it is unsure of what consumers can expect. If, however, it's similar to Project Icon, then we can hypothesize that the first ship in the class will be named Discovery of the Seas. 

According to Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO, the cruise line acknowledges that the majority of their smallest ships are aging. 

He has also alluded to the fact that the Royal Caribbean team has been working on a new ship class. Details, however, need to be finalized before anything can be formally announced. Hopefully, we will get more information sometime in 2024. 

Mega ships, like Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas, have become a norm in the cruise industry. The downside, however, is that they cannot visit some ports due to size restrictions. 

We'll update this page as more information is divulged. 

Royal Caribbean's CEO has been hinting since July 2023

(Photo credit to Jon Evans)

While aboard Allure of the Seas, Bayley was asked if Royal was going to build smaller ships, to which he responded, “It is something that's certainly deeply in our consideration and our planning at the moment that we have a lot of conceptual work going on."

"I think when we're ready we can we can announce steps that will take to to do just that.”

The idea of a new ship class was confirmed again in 2024 via Facebook when Bayley responded to a comment posted by Thomas Budzyn: 

"Mr Bayley, you said years ago that Royal Caribbean was going to come out with smaller ships to get to smaller ports that people want, but the ships get larger and larger - and it’s repetitive for CocoCay."

"It’s time to listen to guests who have stayed loyal for over 30 years. People want different ports”

Bayley responded that the team had begun working on a new class and "...if all the needed hurdles are tackled, [they] can announce something this year. It is a journey. Don’t forget, Serenade just sailed on the Ultimate World [Cruise] with 274 days of global adventures! Lots of new ports.”

While speaking to the press on Icon of the Seas in January 2024, Mr. Bayley once again confirmed there's work being done on a new class, "from a brand perspective, we recognize we've got two classes of ships, Radiance and Vision, that are doing phenomenal. They're beautiful ships, beautifully constructed. "

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

How big could the new ships be?

Again, while nothing is confirmed, in May 2023, Radiance of the Seas' Captain commented that Royal Caribbean was planning on building a new ship around the size of Radiance Class vessels. 

While not the smallest ships in the fleet, they're certainly not the largest either, measuring around 90,000 gross registered tons (GRT). On the other hand, Icon of the Seas comes in at a whopping 250,800 GRT!

These ships can visit more unique destinations, as is being proved by the cruise line's first-ever world cruise onboard Serenade of the Seas, a Radiance Class vessel that launched in 203. 

Read more: See how Royal Caribbean ships stack up by size (2024)

Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer Jay Schneider alluded to the fact this new ship would be relatively smaller, "I'm careful to say small, but a less than large size class of ship."

The addition of a smaller ship could mean new itineraries 

In recent years, Royal Caribbean has been focusing on Perfect Day at CocoCay, their private island in The Bahamas. 

In fact, they reduced the number of ships that will be deployed to Europe in 2025, so more can be based out of North America and sail to The Bahamas/Caribbean. 

Only six ships will be in Europe during the summer of 2025, which is roughly a 33% decrease in the number of ships in Europe compared to 2023. 

Moreover, they've also begun sending larger ships to the region, which results in repetitive itineraries since they are limited in where they can visit.

Not only would a brand-new ship class appeal to many, but since it's going to be on the smaller end, there is a chance that it could offer sailings outside of North America. 

Mr. Schneider described the need for ships that can get into certain ports in January 2024, "the reality is families want to go on vacation, not just in the Western and Eastern Caribbean or in the classic Mediterranean where a ship like Icon can get into. They want to continue to stay with our brand and journey to different destinations that require more versatility and the ship size."

Currently, Royal Caribbean only has three ships on order

Unfortunately, if there's a smaller ship class in the works, an order hasn't been placed as of yet. 

The only ships on order are Utopia of the Seas, Star of the Seas, and the third Icon Class vessel set to launch in 2026. 

Before Royal Caribbean can announce anything or place an order, it needs to be approved internally.

Mr. Bayley said, "It has to go through the corporate machine and it has to go obviously to the board and it has to go through a process. But we're quite actively working on trying to figure out what that would be."

Rumors about a new ship class have been circulating for years

While onboard Royal Caribbean ships, many passengers have reported hearing rumors from crew members that the cruise line was supposedly planning on a new ship class with smaller vessels.

The name of the rumored class was Project Discovery, with the class itself potentially being dubbed the "Discovery Class." 

There is an AI-based chatbot that is available onboard Icon of the Seas. 

Before launching it on Icon, the Royal Caribbean team tested it onboard Wonder of the Seas. 

"One of our strategies is to not introduce new technologies onto a new ship, so we try to test it on a ship that's already up and running," remarked Jay Schneider, Chief Product Innovation Officer for Royal Caribbean. 

This is rather common. Before launching anything new, it'll often be tested on a single ship. Not only does this help the company receive feedback, but it is easier for them to make any tweaks. 

For instance, Royal Caribbean tested out their new menus onboard Symphony of the Seas before implementing them fleetwide in early 2023. 

With a maximum passenger capacity of 7,600, the AI bot is meant to help reduce the lengthy Guest Services line. Instead, you can ask the bot simple questions or even be connected to an actual agent from anywhere onboard. 

According to Schneider, the new chat system "works beautifully." 

Read more: First look Inside the World's Biggest Cruise Marvel, Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas

How does it work?

Rather than having to wait in line at Guest Services, passengers onboard the world's largest cruise ship can ask an AI bot in the Royal Caribbean app certain questions like "What can my SeaPass do?" and "How do I access Wi-Fi?" 

It will also tell you how much the drink package costs, as well as help you add a registered user to your account and opt out of gratuities.

Read more: Royal Caribbean has a $100,000 cup on its new cruise ship that includes a lifetime drink package

There's also something called "Human in the Loop," which helps connect you to an actual agent, without having to physically visit Guest Services. 

"Being able to text someone from your pool deck chair or your swim-up bar seat is where we'd much rather you be [on vacation]," said Schneider. 

Both functions can be accessed through the Royal Caribbean app's chat function. Note that guests must be 13 years of age or older to gain access to this feature. 

Of course, if there's an emergency, you should not waste time on the app waiting to chat with someone. Instead, you should call the ship's emergency number immediately. 

AI has been beneficial for Royal Caribbean in numerous ways

There's no denying that ship development is fascinating; however, that's not the only facet of the company that AI has been helpful in. AI has helped Royal in the revenue space, pricing space, and revenue tracking space.

"The other area...for us is food waste," said Schneider.

"We have a very specific...waste program that is all about using a combination of really great hard work from our [food and beverage] staff, as well as AI and technology to reduce the amount of waste from a food perspective." 

Read more: Icon of the Seas restaurant and dining guide

With this new program, Royal can see what's been produced, consumed, wasted, and even repurposed. It helps give better data to the chefs, so they can understand how to make adjustments for the next production. 

They even created a new food & beverage position to help lead the project of control. 

All the food produced for the Windjammer will be weighed and then measured by the user-friendly app. It's also weighed after any given service to see how much of each item was consumed. 

There were certain apps already on the market, but nothing that Royal Caribbean needed, so they produced the app in-house. 

This is a step in the company's goal of reducing food waste across the fleet by 50% by 2025. 

Read more: Guide to Royal Caribbean's Windjammer Cafe buffet

At night, any given cruise ship's atmosphere will drastically change. While activities are going on throughout the day, such as belly flop competitions on the pool deck or general trivia in one of the lounges, the ship truly comes alive at night. 

Everyone has different vacation preferences. Perhaps you are someone who enjoys peaceful mornings onboard before the majority of passengers have awoken from their slumbers. On the other hand, maybe you're the kind of person who would rather stay up late and make your way to the Windjammer for breakfast's last call. 

Here are 9 reasons you should consider staying up late instead of waking up early on your next cruise. 

You can see the many shows onboard

Royal Caribbean is known for its entertainment, especially on newer ships. 

From jaw-dropping high-diving spectaculars to Broadway-style musicals and even original production shows, you might find yourself struggling to fit everything in, especially on a shorter cruise! 

Shows aren’t offered during the day, so you will have to plan them around dinner. You’ll either have to attend the early show and have a later dinner or vice versa. Either way, you won't be in bed by 9:30 or 10:00pm if you hope to catch one of the onboard shows. 

Theme parties typically happen later at night

Longer cruises have theme nights, such as White Night, 80s Night, etc. These themes are accompanied by fun events, including parties!

Whether they’re on the top deck or within the ship’s Centrum or Royal Promenade, you surely won’t want to miss all the fun that happens during them.

To figure out your cruise's theme nights, you will want to refer to a past Cruise Compass. Not only will this help you figure out the themes, but it will also give you a look at everything that was offered, from the onboard shows to live music, dining times, Adventure Ocean operating hours, and more. 

You can try your luck for a late-night win at the casino

Casino Royale comes alive at night. What better time to try your luck than after a post-dinner cocktail (or two) from the Schooner Bar? 

You don't have to be an experienced gambler to put $20 into a random slot machine and hope for the best! In fact, this is one of my favorite evening activities while on a cruise. Gambling during the day just isn't the same!

Even if you just walk away with just $100, that's money that you didn't have when you started! Perhaps it'll convince you to splurge on a last-minute shore excursion or place a deposit for a future cruise. 

Read more: I gambled enough in Royal Caribbean's casino to get free drinks and a cruise

The following day is a sea day

There's no harm in staying up a little bit later than usual when you don't have a schedule the next day. Even though you should check out the Cruise Compass to see what activities are being offered, you should not feel pressured to do any. 

Sea days are meant to be relaxing. After a few long days ashore, there's nothing wrong with spending your day sleeping in and/or napping by the pool, especially if you attended some late-night programming the night before. 

Even if sleeping in isn't the most exciting activity, there's no better feeling than waking up well-rested. 

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

You should stay up later if you took an afternoon nap

Early mornings on cruise ships are rather peaceful. 

Whether you're seeking a quiet coffee break or simply want to walk around before the majority of passengers have rolled out of bed, there are lots of pros to being one of the first awake. This, however, can make it rather difficult to stay awake later. 

When I cruised onboard Freedom of the Seas, my partner and I ended up almost sleeping through dinner after we woke up early to make the most out of our time at Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

If you're someone who wants to enjoy both peaceful mornings and late nights, consider taking an afternoon nap. 

This will give you the energy to catch that late comedy show or fully enjoy an AquaTheater spectacular without having to fight to keep your eyes open. 

Hot tubs aren't as busy at night

When dinnertime rolls around, the majority of passengers will begin to flock from the pool deck back to their staterooms to freshen up. If you're someone who loves avoiding crowds, then this is the ideal time to hang out on the top decks. 

Of course, staying out later isn't an option if you have an early dining time, especially if you are excited about that night's menu offerings. 

Even after dinner when the pools are closed, there's usually a hot tub or two still open, making it a great time for a late-night dip! 

You can dance the night away at the ship's nightclub

Unlike on land, cruise ship nightclubs don't have a cover. This means that you can dance to your heart's extent every night of the cruise without racking up some hefty entrance fees, as is the case in some cities like Las Vegas or New York. 

Even if nightclubs aren't your usual scene, you should check your ship's out at least once! I have found the vibe to be pretty different than those on land. In fact, I think they're more fun and welcoming than high-profile clubs. 

Sometimes, there will be 18+ events in these spaces, too, such as a silent disco. When I cruised onboard Allure of the Seas with friends, this was one of our favorite aspects of the 8-night cruise! 

Some nightlife venues aren't centered around dancing, either, such as Icon of the Seas' Dueling Pianos bar. 

If you haven't had time to catch up with friends and family yet, there's no better time than an after-dinner cocktail at one of the ship's many bars and lounges

Perhaps you're traveling with a large group and people broke off into groups to spend their day ashore in different ways. Some, for instance, might want to relax on the beach, whereas others will want to do something a little bit more exciting, such as an ATV tour or zip lining through the tree's canopies. 

On the other hand, it's easy to spend an entire day onboard and not see anyone in your travel party, as everyone has different interests. 

Regardless of the reason you haven't seen your crew as much as you would have liked throughout the day, there's no reason you cannot catch up over some after-dinner drinks while listening to live music. 

You'll have to stay up later to cram in as much fun as you can on shorter sailings

Some cruises are as short as 3 or 4 nights. If you want to make the most of your time onboard, you'll have to be willing to sacrifice sleep to a certain extent. 

If, for instance, your cruise is only 3 nights, likely, you will not have a day at sea. Instead, you will have two days in port, followed by evenings onboard. 

On ships like Allure of the Seas or Utopia of the Seas, this can make it difficult to cross everything off of your list. In fact, you will have to be strategic with your time and utilize embarkation day for some activities, such as the Flowrider, rock climbing wall, zip line, or mini-golf. 

Doing those things right off the bat will free your evenings for other events like shows and pre-planned programming (i.e., game shows, trivia, karaoke, etc.). 

If you are planning a cruise onboard Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas, there are some staterooms you should avoid booking. 

Oasis of the Seas is the namesake ship of the Oasis Class. Until 2024, these ships were the largest in the world, holding the record for over one decade— until Icon of the Seas officially joined the fleet. 

While not the largest ship in the world anymore, Oasis of the Seas is not small. She measures 1,187 feet long and 225,282 gross registered tons. 

In 2019, she received a $165 million amplification to help modernize the ship. This added new dining and bar venues, as well as a revamped pool deck, updated youth programming, and new activities. 

While everyone's cabin preferences vary, we can assume that nobody wants to be woken up by screeching pool chairs in the early morning hours. Likewise, if you are someone who enjoys retiring early, you probably won't want to hear the thumping of the nightclub into the late hours of the night.  

With nearly 2,800 staterooms onboard that can accommodate roughly 7,000 guests, there are certainly a few that you will want to avoid on Oasis of the Seas. 

Cabins underneath Deck 4 venues

Deck 4 is home to Entertainment Place. This is where you will find tons of entertainment venues including Studio B, Casino Royale, and the lower level of the Royal Theater. 

If you book an ocean view or interior cabin on Deck 3, you will likely be kept awake by the excitement above, whether it is an ice show, thumping of the Blaze nightclub, or cheers of someone winning a late-night casino jackpot. 

Those who like to go to bed early will want to avoid Deck 3. You must prioritize your rest, especially on a ship as large as Oasis. You will not want to waste any time trying to catch up on your sleep in the morning because you were kept awake. 

Staterooms above the Royal Theater

Speaking of noise bleed, the Royal Theater hosts numerous different events throughout the cruise, whether it's an original production show or a game show featuring other guests. 

While the lower level of the Royal Theater is located on Deck 4, the upper level is on Deck 5, meaning that certain cabins on Deck 6 should be avoided. These include those located closest to the Vitality Fitness Center:

• 6130 - 6164
• 6530 - 6564

Cabins above the Royal Theater are ocean view balconies and interior rooms. 

Connecting staterooms

Unless you're traveling with family members staying in the adjoining room, booking a connecting cabin will not do you any good. 

Families, of course, will benefit from the extra living space and two bathrooms, and parents will not have to worry about children being located down the hall or on a different deck. 

Connecting staterooms have a door that adjoins them, so you do not have to leave one cabin to enter the other. The issue, however, is that the adjoining door isn't as insulated as a standard wall, meaning you could be subject to noise bleed, depending on how noisy your neighbors are. 

An example of connecting rooms on Oasis of the Seas' deck plan (above) are rooms 10270 and 10272, 10282 and 10284, 10294 and 10296, 10310 and 10312, 10299 and 10301, 10311 and 10313, 10670 and 10672, 10682 and 10684, 10692 and 10696, and 10710 and 10712. 

If you're a family looking to increase the amount of living space you have while cruising on Oasis, that's great! There is no need to worry about booking connecting cabins. If, however, you're going to be sharing that adjoining door with a stranger, it is best to avoid these cabins. 

Boardwalk view cabins if you're sensitive to light

When launched, Oasis of the Seas was the first cruise ship in the world to feature interior-facing balcony cabins. For a cheaper price, you can enjoy a private verandah that overlooks either Central Park or the Boardwalk. Of course, you'll have less privacy than you would if you splurged on an ocean view room. 

The Boardwalk is a livelier neighborhood than Central Park, with AquaTheater shows often going on late at night. Playmakers is located on the Boardwalk, too, so it's not uncommon for patrons to get noisy during a sports game. 

Those looking to book an interior-facing balcony but who also want some peace and quiet should consider Central Park instead. Plus, these cabins are located mid-ship, whereas Boardwalk balconies are located in the aft (or back), meaning you won't have to walk as far to reach the Main Dining Room or Royal Theater.  

Read more: Royal Caribbean's Boardwalk: Everything you need to know

Staterooms underneath the pool deck

With three pools, a kid splash zone, and two whirlpools located on Deck 15, there's no denying that the pool deck on Oasis of the Seas is expansive. On sea days, it's a hub of activity. 

While people will stagger in after breakfast, crew members use the early morning to arrange the deck chairs. This means that if you book a cabin underneath the pool deck, you will hear the crew dragging chairs around to get them ready for guests to use. 

Those staying in a balcony won't be able to enjoy the peace and quiet of their personal verandah during the day, either. Noise bleed from children running around and live bands playing will interrupt any hope of a relaxing nap! 

Read more: How to beat the chair hogs on your cruise ship

Cabins towards the front of the ship if you're prone to motion sickness

Cabins in the front of the ship are more likely to feel the motion of the waves than rooms in the middle of the vessel. Nobody wants to feel ill in their cabin, especially when they're trying to rest after a long day ashore! 

Of course, everyone has a different tolerance for motion. If you decide to book a stateroom in the middle of the vessel, there aren't any guarantees that you will avoid getting seasick. 

Cabins in the front (or bow) of the ship should be approached with caution if you're worried about getting motion sick, though. 

Read more: How to beat seasickness on a cruise ship

Obstructed view staterooms

Even if you think that an obstructed view will not bother you, there's a chance that the bright yellow lifeboat or bulky piece of machinery will get in the way of any aesthetic ocean views that you're hoping for.  

Although they're cheaper than unobstructed cabins, it is not worth thinking you can deal with them just to save money. Ocean view rooms at the front of the ship, for instance, will be obstructed by the ship's bow. 

While you'll be able to watch Oasis pull into port, you will have to deal with the helipad in your view for the duration of your cruise. 

Additionally, Central Park balconies on Deck 14 have the chance of being obstructed by the bulky walkway that connects the port and starboard sides of the pool deck above. These cabins include 14207 - 14217, 14607 - 14617, 14229 - 14235, and 14629 - 14635. 

Finally, if you are staying in a Boardwalk balcony, you shouldn't expect to get a clear view of the ocean, as the Ultimate Abyss causes the majority of these cabins to have an obstructed view of the ship's aft. 

Guarantee staterooms 

If you have a specific location you want your stateroom to be (i.e., by Adventure Ocean or near the aft elevators for easier access to the Main Dining Room), you won't want to let Royal Caribbean assign your cabin to you. 

Guarantee staterooms are cheaper cabin options that Royal Caribbean offers in exchange for allowing them the right to choose your exact room closer to the sail date. This means you trade the option to select your stateroom for a cheaper fare.

While you might think that you won't care where your balcony cabin is located (you're onboard the ship regardless, right?), you might be displeased if you get one that's located at the back of the ship since you will have to walk further to the entertainment venues. 

Read more: 6 reasons to refuse to upgrade your cruise ship cabin

Did you know that there's a dog who lives onboard Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas?

Rover is an adorable six-month-old golden retriever who lives onboard the massive cruise ship full-time with her handler Alison Hubble, whose job title is "Rover's Chief of Staff." 

During a recent webinar, Vicki Freed, Senior Vice President of Sales and Trade Support & Service for Royal Caribbean International, had the opportunity to chat with Hubble while hanging out in an Icon Loft Suite. 

Before they began their conversation, however, Freed gave some insight into how the idea of having a dog on a cruise ship was conceptualized. 

Believe it or not, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley thought having a dog onboard would be great for guests and crew. 

Behind Rover herself, Freed claimed that Hubble has the second-best job on the ship! 

Hubble began working with Royal Caribbean six years ago

When Hubble began working with Royal Caribbean, she was in the NextCruise department assisting guests with booking their next Royal Caribbean cruise vacation. 

Prior to this, she worked as a travel advisor on land. She helped people book with multiple cruise lines; however, roughly 80% of the calls were for Royal Caribbean. 

When she began applying for jobs on a cruise ship, which had always been a dream of hers, she only applied to Royal Caribbean. 

One day, she received an email from Royal Caribbean stating that they were searching for a caretaker for a dog living onboard a cruise ship

After putting her application together, Hubble began the rather long interview process in which she spent a lot of time talking about her first dog, an Australian Shepherd.

When she told her mom about the position, who then relayed the information to her sister, she said that Hubble had found her dream job. Her sister, however, replied that she already had one since she was working onboard a cruise ship. 

Her mother then explained the position and how she'd be responsible for a dog on a ship, and her sister quickly changed her mind, stating that the new position was, in fact, her dream job. 

Hubble has been with Rover for roughly one month

Icon of the Seas wasn't the first ship Rover stepped foot on. They began their journey together on Freedom of the Seas. 

Hubble recalled a day when Rover had a rough time gaining her sea legs!

In case you are wondering, Freed said that they do everything possible to make sure that they're abiding by the American Humane Society's guidelines to ensure that Rover has an amazing life. 

One of the most rewarding parts of her job is seeing how guests and crew react when they spot Rover 

Whenever Hubble and Rover have somewhere to be, she tries to leave a few minutes earlier than she would otherwise have to because everyone stops to pet and love on Rover. 

It's not hard to be obsessed with her, as she has such a great personality. Hubble said that she loves people and toys. She also loves to chase her tail, which is something Hubble hadn't actually seen before. To her, it is hilarious!

Some crew members haven't seen their dogs in months, with most guests having been separated for only a few days; however, everyone's reaction is always the same: everyone lights up when they see Rover. 

While walking through guest areas is important, Hubble does try to spend time with Rover in crew-only areas. She said that it's beautiful to see how crew members interact with her. 

Rover isn't on a strict schedule

Whenever Hubble is asked about when Rover will be available for meet and greets (and rubs), she cannot give a definitive answer. 

Why? Rover's schedule is up to her! It's not uncommon for her to take naps ranging from two to four hours! 

Speaking of sleeping, Rover sleeps with Hubble in her cabin. She is crate-trained and has a second crate in The Bridge, where she can hang out with the Captain, who happens to adore her!

Guests may be able to spot Rover while relaxing at Perfect Day at CocoCay

Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private resort-like destination in The Bahamas, is quickly becoming one of Rover's favorite places. 

Here, she can dig all the holes that she wants, as well as blow bubbles in the crystal clear Bahamian waters. 

While she's still a bit hesitant about actually swimming in the ocean, Hubble said she's getting closer with each visit. 

As Icon finally made her way into PortMiami on January 10, Rover was celebrating her six-month birthday

Have you ever attended a birthday party, let alone for a dog, at 6:45am? 

Rover's six-month birthday celebration was complete with the cutest cake, and while Rover couldn't have any herself, she was given some delicious pumpkin cupcakes and plenty of attention! 

While Freed thinks that every Royal Caribbean ship should have a dog onboard, for now, Icon of the Seas is the only ship in the fleet where you can meet a new furry friend. 

If you're interested in following along with Rover's adventures, you can follow @chiefdogrover on Instagram. It's the official account of the Chief Dog Officer that's run by Hubble!

Onboard Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, prospective guests will find 13 different suite categories to choose from, including the cruise line's first-ever Ultimate Family Townhome and Sky Junior Suite. 

While these rooms come with a premium price tag, you're guaranteed a more elevated cruising experience. 

Whether you choose to relax on the suite-only sun deck or enjoy meals in the exclusive Coastal Kitchen restaurant, you're sure to enjoy the perks that accompany Icon of the Seas' Royal Suite Class. 

Below is a look at five suites that you will find on Icon: the Sky Junior Suite, Grand Suite, Icon Loft, Accessible Icon Loft, Owner's Suite, and Royal Loft Suite. Note that only the latter two of the categories can be found on other Royal Caribbean ships. 

Read more: Guide to Icon of the Seas cabins and suites

Sky Junior Suite (JY)

For the first time ever, you can book a Junior Suite onboard a Royal Caribbean ship and receive Sky Tier benefits. Typically, Junior Suites are only in the Sea Tier, which doesn't come with many perks. 

In fact, you are not able to access suite-only sun decks or dine at Coastal Kitchen for breakfast or lunch, which severely limits your "ship-within-a-ship" experience on vessels with dedicated Suite Neighborhoods. 

While these aren't the most opulent suites by any means, they are a more economical way to enjoy everything that accompanies booking a Sky Tier suite without completely breaking the bank. 

At just 322 square feet with an additional 80 square feet of living space on the balcony, you can comfortably fit up to four guests in a Sky Junior Suite, more so than a traditional cabin anyway. 

Grand Suite (GS)

Grand Suites are a staple suite found on Royal Caribbean ships. On Icon, they're part of the Sky Tier of the Royal Suite Class, meaning that you'll have access to The Grove Sun Deck, as well as Coastal Kitchen for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

There are only 10 Grand Suites onboard, each with the ability to fit up to four passengers. 

These 1-bedroom suites measure 431 square feet, with an additional 108 square feet on the private balcony. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean suites guide & review

In the living room, there's a soda bed that can be converted into a double bed. 

Icon Loft (IL)

Icon Lofts are a new category of suite onboard Icon Class ships that fall within the Star Tier of the Royal Suite Class.

Star guests have the most benefits available to them, including a Royal Caribbean drink package, VOOM Wi-Fi, Royal Genie, and more. 

The overall floor plan of the Icon Loft is reminiscent of Crown Loft Suites onboard Oasis Class ships. 

These spacious rooms measure 656 square feet, with a balcony that falls anywhere between 108 and 172 square feet.

In addition to panoramic ocean views from the two-story windows, guests staying in an Icon Loft will also enjoy a separate living and dining area, as the master bedroom is perched atop the second floor. 

Onboard Icon, there are only 7 Loft Suites, and like Grand Suites, they, too, can accommodate up to four guests. 

Upstairs, you will find a large master bathroom complete with a shower that's able to fit two people!

There's a second full bathroom downstairs, which is great if you're traveling with four people in the suite or plan on having frequent guests. 

Accessible Icon Loft (IL, ADA)

If you're someone with mobility issues, the idea of a two-story suite might not sound appealing. 

Thankfully, Icon of the Seas has a limited number of accessible Icon Lofts onboard, complete with an elevator to help you travel from floor to floor. 

At 807 square feet, the interior portion is larger than standard Icon Lofts. Balconies, however, don't have a set range; they are all 115 square feet. This brings the total amount of useable floor space, both indoor and outdoor, to 922 square feet. 

This two-level urban loft can accommodate up to four guests. 

Owner's Suite (OS)

While neither a new cabin category nor a multi-level suite, the Owner's Suite seems to get more luxurious with every new build from Royal Caribbean. 

This 658 square foot room comes with an expansive 190 square foot balcony. 

Compared to some other suites on Icon, the Owner's Suite has a larger capacity and can fit up to five passengers. 

You'll only find eight of these suites onboard. 

Royal Loft (RL)

The largest suite onboard Icon of the Seas is the Ultimate Family Townhouse. 

This massive, one-of-a-kind suite measures an astonishing 1,772 square feet and is outfitted with an in-suite slide, movie-viewing room, karaoke machine, and a "backyard" with a ping pong table, outdoor seating, and a fence leading directly to the brand-new Surfside Neighborhood. 

With an $80,000 per week price tag, however, it's not the most affordable suite onboard the ship. While not as expensive, the Royal Loft Suite is the third suite in the Star Tier onboard Icon of the Seas. 

Situated on Deck 17, this 1,482-square-foot suite features a balcony that overlooks Chill and Thrill Island. You'll get some mesmerizing ocean views, too. 

Read more: My family stayed in a $7,000 Royal Loft Suite on Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas

Your family of up to six will not have any trouble spreading out in the suite's two bedrooms and expansive living and dining areas, complete with a wet bar and piano!

On the second level, the master bathroom has an impressive vanity area that has more than enough storage for all of your clothing. 

The views don't end in the bedroom, either, as there's yet another floor-to-ceiling window. 

The master bathroom is one for the books. There's a chance you'll spend longer than you intend in the soaking tub, especially after spending all day exploring everything exciting onboard. 

If you booked a suite on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, there's an entire section of the ship reserved just for you.

Among the eight neighborhoods on Icon, the exclusive Suite Neighborhood offers upscale amenities like a private two-story sun deck and restaurant. 

The Suite Neighborhood overlooks the vibrant pool deck below, including Swim & Tonic, the cruise line's first swim-up bar at sea. 

Throughout The Grove Suite Sun Deck, you'll find tons of plush seating with direct oceanfront views, as well as colorful tropical decor. 

Read more: How to beat the chair hogs on your cruise ship

During the day, Suite guests can grab a bite to eat at The Grove, a fast-casual Mediterranean venue located within the Suite Neighborhood that features al fresco seating. This surely will beat venturing to the Windjammer or El Loco Fresh!

This brand-new dining option is located steps away from the private pool. 

Read more: Everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean's Royal Suite Class

Of course, Suite guests may also take advantage of Coastal Kitchen, the elegant suite-only dining room that's open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

Non-suite passengers are unable to dine at Coastal Kitchen, even if they're willing to pay. 

They will have to choose from one of the numerous other specialty restaurants, such as Empire Supper Club, Izumi Sushi & Hibachi, Chops Grille, etc. These are open to suite guests, too. 

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

Pinnacle Club members, or those who have reached the highest tier of Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society, have the opportunity to enjoy meals in Coastal Kitchen, subject to availability. 

Coastal Kitchen is located on Decks 16 and 17 with large windows overlooking the ship's indoor AquaTheater within the AquaDome Neighborhood. It's a great place to grab a pre-show cocktail! 

Being located so close to the AquaDome Neighborhood means that Suite guests are only steps away from the AquaDome Market, Overlook Pods, Hooked Seafood, and more. 

Read more: I walked through Royal Caribbean's new food hall concept and it could radically change casual dining onboard

Within the Suite Neighborhood, you will find numerous places to get a drink, which is great since some of the most exclusive (and expensive) suites onboard include a Royal Caribbean drink package! 

Those with children and/or teens will appreciate how close the suite-only spaces are to Thrill Island, which is home to the largest water park at sea: Category 6. 

Activities such as the Flowrider and the brand-new Crown's Edge can be found at the aft of the ship on Deck 16. 

Icon of the Seas has eight new suite categories that cannot be found on other ships within the fleet, including the Sunset Junior Suite, Sunset Corner Suite, Icon Loft, and Ultimate Family Townhouse. 

Read more: Guide to Icon of the Seas cabins and suites

The benefits that you will receive vary based on which tier the suite is in. Sunset Junior Suites and standard Junior Suites, for instance, won't have as many perks as the Ultimate Family Townhome. 

If you want to access The Grove, you'll want to book a suite that's located within the Sky or Star Class. Sea Class suites (i.e., Junior Suites and Sunset Junior Suites) do not have access to the private sun deck and can only eat at Coastal Kitchen for dinner, subject to availability. 

Cruise ship cabins are smaller than traditional land-based hotel rooms, and while they may try and pack as many essentials and conveniences into the limited space, there's a chance that they will fall short of meeting all of your needs.

Whether you are staying in an inside cabin or splurging on a suite, there's one common household item that you should bring to upgrade your stateroom experience: a night light. 

Even if you have an expansive suite or balcony, the ocean is pitch-black at night, and you won't be able to rely on any natural light to guide you from your bed to the ensuite bathroom. 

While you can leave the bathroom light on, this sometimes emits more brightness than some would prefer when trying to sleep. 

A night light is a great workaround since it will illuminate your stateroom without potentially waking any sleeping cabinmates. Plus, some children (and adults) might not be fans of sleeping in total darkness. 

Read more: 30 Cruise cabin hacks that cruisers love

Bringing a night light on your cruise means you will not have to worry about tripping over a stray cord or pair of shoes in the middle of the night

If you are staying in an ocean view room or above, your stateroom will slowly brighten up as the sun rises in the morning, meaning that you'll only have to worry about having minimal light at night. Inside rooms, however, go dark as soon as you turn off the lights, even if that's at 12:00pm. 

Night lights will ensure that even these windowless rooms are never pitch-black. As someone who travels in inside cabins more often than not, it can be pretty disorientating to wake up to a completely dark room, even if it's in the middle of the night to use the restroom. 

I've found myself relying on my phone's flashlight to avoid accidentally stubbing my toe or running into the vanity. While this is not a bad option, the light can be pretty bright, so this is not ideal when I am sharing the room with someone else. 

Battery-powered tea lights work, too, as they can be placed next to your bed on the nightstand, on the vanity, or in the bathroom without having to worry about using a plug to illuminate the room. Since a single tea light is so small, it's easy to carry with you to the bathroom, too. 

Depending on which night light you have, tea lights might take up less space in your luggage, giving you more room for souvenirs, toiletries, etc. 

One drawback of traditional night lights is that they will take up one of your outlets at the vanity

The majority of cruise ship bathrooms don't have standard plugs in them, so you'll have to use the outlets at the vanity for your hairdryer, straightener, curler, etc. With some older rooms only having two American plugs, you might not want to sacrifice your phone's health for a night light. Navigator of the Seas, for instance, only has two standard American plugs, in addition to a single European one. 

While newer ships tend to have more charging options, they usually come in the form of USB ports, rather than extra outlets. If you are like me and only have USB-C chargers, these are not too useful; I rely on the actual outlets to charge all of my devices. 

Thankfully, there are night lights out there that are battery-powered. For less than $25, you can purchase one that is also motion sensored! With over 2,000 four- and five-star reviews, it's a great investment for your next cruise that you can also use when you return home. 

It can be stuck anywhere in the cabin, so you aren't limited to using it just at the vanity. This means that you can place it in your stateroom's bathroom, so you do not have to turn the light on at night. Coming from a pitch-black room, the bathroom's light can be pretty blinding, even if you're prepared for it. 

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

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

What are some other cruise cabin hacks to make your stateroom more functional?

While a night light is a must-have on cruise ships to help better the cabin experience, there are some other items you may want to consider purchasing ahead of time to help make your stateroom as comfortable as possible, even if you only plan on using it as a base to rest and recharge for the next day. 

A shoe organizer, for instance, will help you organize toiletries, shoes, jewelry, and more. If you're going on a short weekend cruise, you might not find this too useful; however, those on longer voyages will appreciate the additional storage space. 

Plus, it's easy for staterooms to get messy a few days into the trip. An organizer will help ensure that everyone keeps their belongings in the correct place. 

Wrinkle-release spray is another must for me, especially since steamers and irons are prohibited onboard Royal Caribbean ships. Note that if you try to bring either of these items with you, it'll be confiscated on embarkation day. You will be able to retrieve it once you disembark. 

I hate walking around in wrinkled clothing, so I travel with a travel-sized bottle to help get out some of the bigger wrinkles. A small bottle is key, as I do not want to take up too much storage space. 

After spraying the item down, I'll usually place the article of clothing that I want to wear in the bathroom while I shower to help de-wrinkle it as much as possible. 

Finally, packing cubes are a great investment for your upcoming cruise if you don't already have them. They are truly the packing tool that keeps on giving since you can reuse them for future vacations, whether it's a weekend trip to the beach or an extended European holiday. 

Not only will they help keep your suitcase organized, but packing cubes will also help reduce the amount of time you spend unpacking. Upon receiving your luggage, simply pull the cubes out and place them inside of drawers or on the racks in the closet. 

The less time you spend unpacking, the more time you get to spend enjoying all of the embarkation day festivities!