Deciding which cabin to book for a Royal Caribbean cruise can seem daunting. With so many cabin categories available, from small interior cabins to multi-story suites, it’s helpful to get an idea of what each type of cabin offers.

On my most recent Royal Caribbean cruise, I booked a 170 square foot interior cabin on Brilliance of the Seas, a Radiance Class cruise ship that launched in 2001.

The total cost of my interior cabin for a South Pacific itinerary on Brilliance of the Seas was $2,018. This included taxes, fees, and gratuities for two people in the cabin, which brought the cost to $1,009 per person. Because the cruise was ten nights long, the price per night was around $202, or $101 per person, per night.

Initially I was a bit skeptical to spend ten nights in a tiny interior cabin, as I had never taken a cruise over seven nights long before. In fact, I even considered upgrading to an oceanview or balcony room, but ultimately decided against it. Saving money on my cruise fare enabled me to spend more on extras like shore excursions and even an additional post-cruise night in my disembarkation port of Sydney, Australia.

Related: I spent $3,214 on a 10-night Royal Caribbean cruise. Here’s what everything cost, from my $1,273 flight to $230 catamaran tour

While my windowless cabin was certainly nothing luxurious, it quickly became a cozy place to call home on Brilliance of the Seas. Let’s take a look inside.

My interior cabin had a king-sized bed, which was two twin-sized beds pushed together. The bed took up the majority of this area of the cabin, with just a small amount of space on each side of the bed.

A nightstand with a drawer and a nightlight were placed on each side of the bed, too. The master lights could be controlled via a switch on just the left bedside, with the stateroom’s telephone on the right.

My friend and I later had the bed separated into twin beds. Each bed was pushed to the wall and our nightstands were placed in the middle. By doing so, our cabin seemed to have more walking space, as the space on each side of the king bed was combined together in the middle between the two twin beds.

While my cabin was quite small, I appreciated the fact that we had a couch. Some interior cabins on Royal Caribbean ships only feature a small chair, and this is never ideal when both guests want to relax in the cabin without sitting on the bed.

Like all Royal Caribbean cabins, my Brilliance of the Seas cabin also featured a desk and vanity space. In this space was a desk with seven drawers along with a television, cooler, and additional shelving. I found the desk chair comfortable when getting ready for dinner in front of the mirror or working at my computer.

There were two North American-style outlets and two European-style outlets at my cabin’s desk. Because Brilliance of the Seas is an older Royal Caribbean ship, you will not find outlets by the bedside or elsewhere in the cabin.

While I do prefer charging my phone by my bed, I still found the amount of outlets adequate in the cabin. Bringing a European plug adapter ensured I could take advantage of all four outlets, too, and this was an essential item to pack for my sailing.

Related: 40 essential things to bring on a cruise

Depending on your cruise market, a kettle may be available in the cabin. Cruises from Australia and the United Kingdom, for instance, typically place a kettle on your ship’s vanity or dresser.

Above the television was a safe along with two additional shelves. Because of the amount of storage elsewhere in the cabin, though, I did not have a need for these extra shelves. Instead, I stored the cabin’s kettle in this area so it was out of the way for the sailing.

Below the television was a mini cooler, which came empty. Using the cooler was helpful during our cruise, whether to store beverages like Powerade and water bottles before a port day or to store fruit and desserts I brought back to my cabin.

Next to the vanity, closest to the cabin’s door, was a closet.

Inside the closet were six shelves along with ample space for hanging clothes. If you would prefer to use your cabin’s vanity drawers for storing belongings like snorkel gear and electronics, you should find more than enough space in the closet to unpack your clothing.

Being an older ship, I expected storage space in the cabin to be lacking, but I did not find this to be the case whatsoever, and there were more than enough shelves and drawers to fit my belongings, both in the vanity and closet.

It’s not a cruise from Australia if you don’t bring a pack of Tim Tams with you to the cabin, and these delightful cookies had a permanent spot in my cabin’s cabinet (until they were gone, of course).

Related: What surprised me on my first Australia cruise

My cabin had a private bathroom, and while not very spacious, it was well maintained given the ship’s age.

Like the rest of the cabin, the bathroom also had storage space, with shelving behind the mirrors for toiletries, hair styling tools, and makeup.

The shower had a cloth curtain, and while a combination body wash and shampoo was provided, I recommend bringing your own body wash, shampoo, and conditioner. Additionally, there were two small shelves in the shower.

Overall, I found my Brilliance of the Seas cabin to be comfortable during my ten night stay onboard. I found the cabin better maintained than the cabin I stayed in last year on sister ship Radiance of the Seas. There did not appear to be much wear and tear in my Brilliance of the Seas cabin compared to her sister ship.

Ultimately, there is no right or wrong cabin to book on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Booking an interior cabin could be the perfect choice for those on a budget, but a nightmare cabin for passengers in search of something more opulent.

Having such a tiny cabin encouraged me to spend time elsewhere onboard, allowing me to experience more activities and make friends with fellow passengers during the sailing.

I found my small, windowless cabin to be the perfect place to call home during my cruise.

Last month I flew across the world to take a cruise from Australia for the first time. My 10-night cruise embarked in Sydney and called upon five ports in the South Pacific. During my time onboard, there were a few aspects of the Australian cruise experience that surprised me.

Each cruise market is unique. Whether you’re planning a cruise from Shanghai or Miami, you can expect subtle differences in menus, restaurant choices, entertainment, and the onboard culture.

After taking my first cruise from the United Kingdom last year, I noticed several differences between cruising from the United States versus England, such as menu differences in the dining room to the passenger demographic.

Related: I tried my first cruise from the UK: here’s what you should know

For that reason, when I booked my first cruise from Australia—a country I had never visited before—I knew I might encounter differences in the Royal Caribbean experience compared to cruises in the North American market.

As I embarked my cruise on Brilliance of the Seas, though, I did not encounter as many differences as I predicted. For the most part, my experience onboard felt identical to cruising from the United States (albeit with a few more Australian accents).

However, there were a few surprises I encountered on my first cruise from Australia. From the exchange rate to the quiet ports, here are 7 things that surprised me during my time down under.

Flying to Australia was not as hard as I thought it would be

It’s no secret that Australia is isolated from much of the world. Therefore, when I was planning a cruise from Australia, the flight was the aspect of the vacation I was looking forward to the least.

Although you can fly from the eastern United States to some European cruise ports, such as Rome and Barcelona, within seven or eight hours, the same cannot be said about Australia. The shortest direct flight to Sydney from the continental United States is from Los Angeles, and even then it takes fifteen hours!

Fortunately I am based on the west coast, so I was able to book this “short” flight to Australia. Surprisingly, while spending fifteen hours in an airplane is not necessarily enjoyable, it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.

Considering it usually takes eleven or twelve hours to fly directly from California to Europe, the extra few hours were not a big deal. And even though I connected in Los Angeles from a smaller airport, my overall travel day was not as miserable as I initially predicted.

For those American cruisers based on the west coast, getting to Australia is not much more difficult than traveling to Europe.

Doing back-to-back cruises is worth it when traveling all the way to Australia

If you’re traveling all the way to Australia for a cruise, why not book two cruises? One thing that surprised me when planning a cruise from Australia was the variety of itinerary options.

Whereas a ship could visit the fjords of New Zealand one week, it might sail to picture-perfect Pacific islands the next. If you plan your travels correctly, you can book back-to-back cruises visiting vastly different landscapes and cultures.

Flights to Australia aren’t cheap, and booking back-to-back cruises helps spread out the cost of your flight over a longer period of time. If you have the vacation time, it’s worth booking two itineraries instead of one.

Related: Back-to-back cruises tips and advice

If you opt not to do a back-to-back cruise, be sure to include at least a few days before or after the cruise to sightsee within Australia. Although I did not book back-to-back cruises for my trip, I arrived in the country over a week before my cruise was set to begin.

This gave me time to explore some of the country’s highlights, such as the Great Barrier Reef and Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, before returning to Sydney to board my cruise.

Domestic itineraries are offered in Australia, which isn’t allowed in the United States

One major difference between cruises departing from Australia versus the United States is that Australia offers domestic itineraries.

Due to the Passenger Vessel Services Act in the United States, all foreign-flagged cruise ships departing from an American port are required to stop in at least one foreign port prior to returning to the United States.

This is why you will never see cruise itineraries visiting only ports in the United States. While a cruise from New York, as an example, may include port stops in Florida, they will always visit a foreign port, too, whether in The Bahamas or elsewhere in the Caribbean.

In Australia, though, this type of law does not apply. You can cruise from Sydney to ports along the coast of Queensland without the requirement to stop in another country.

You can visit the wineries of South Australia, marvel at panoramic views of Tasmania from Mount Wellington, scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef, and sail along the Whitsundays in Airlie Beach all without leaving Australia.

Plus, because most Australian cities are directly on the coast, cruising is a convenient way to experience these destinations.

Embarkation in Sydney is extremely convenient

Sydney’s cruise port is in Sydney Harbour, and it is perhaps the most conveniently located cruise port in the world. The port, otherwise known as the Overseas Passenger Terminal, is located in Circular Quay, which is directly in the city center.

Reaching the port on embarkation day is easy and stress-free. Passengers traveling from the airport can hop on a 20-minute train traveling from the airport to Sydney Harbour. Those staying in downtown hotels can walk to the port within a few minutes.

Related: 15 Royal Caribbean boarding process tips for a fast embarkation

Even if you’re not staying near Circular Quay, a short Uber ride can bring you to the port quickly.

Once at the terminal, I found the embarkation process to be straightforward. I was onboard Brilliance of the Seas within fifteen minutes of my arrival at the port.

As another plus, as your ship leaves Circular Quay, you will sail past famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, leading to absolutely spectacular views during sailaway.

The current exchange rate makes visiting Australia beneficial for American tourists

If you’re an American planning a cruise from Australia, you’ll find the current exchange rate between the US dollar and Australian dollar to work in your favor. Currently, $1 AUD is equal to $0.67 USD.

Although Australia can be an expensive country to visit, the exchange rate means Americans' dollars will go further in the country. That $100 AUD shore excursion is more like $70 USD, and a $20 AUD meal will only set you back around $14.

I found it easier to stick to my vacation budget with the exchange rate working in my favor, and it allowed me to “splurge” more on add-ons like shore excursions, drinks, and souvenirs.

Those visiting from the United Kingdom or elsewhere in Europe will also find the exchange rate beneficial. $1 AUD is equal to only $0.53 GBP and $0.61 Euro.

The South Pacific islands are not as commercialized as those in the Caribbean

Another aspect of cruising from Australia that surprised me was the lack of commercialization at island ports.

I love visiting the Caribbean, but I often find the commercialization of cruise ports to be overwhelming. It’s hard to escape the massive amounts of crowds and find authentic experiences in the busiest cruise ports.

Related: 10 Royal Caribbean cruise destinations not to be missed

During my South Pacific cruise itinerary, I visited five islands in the French territory of New Caledonia and the Pacific nation of Vanuatu. Although these islands do receive tourists, I found them to have a more tranquil vibe compared to busy ports like Nassau and Cozumel.

Beaches were less crowded and fewer restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops were available—there was a noticeable lack of Señor Frogs and jewelry stores. I preferred the calmer atmosphere of these beautiful destinations, and I never felt taken advantage of as a cruise tourist when visiting islands in the South Pacific.

The last thing that surprised me about cruising from Australia is how eager I would be to go back

When I first planned my cruise from Australia, I assumed it would be a “one and done” place for me. I tried to fit as much as I could into my three-week trip, both in Australia and around the South Pacific islands, just in case I never made it back to the region.

I knew I would enjoy visiting Australia and the South Pacific, but I didn’t expect to love the country so much. Whether exploring Sydney’s buzzing streets, walking the esplanade in Cairns, or lounging on the beach in Mystery Island, every aspect of my trip exceeded my expectations.

Leaving Australia, I already couldn’t wait to plan a trip back. Whether that means booking a domestic cruise to South Australia or a 12-night sailing to New Zealand, I am already hoping to return to Australia soon.

Cruises are known for offering an impressive value in a vacation. Food, accommodation, onboard activities, and transportation to various ports is included in guests’ cruise fares, and this is what draws millions of people, including myself, to book cruises every year.

Last month I cruised to the South Pacific from Sydney, Australia, and I spent ten days aboard Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas.

Because it was my first time cruising from Australia, I wasn’t sure what to expect in terms of my cruise budget, but I hoped I could keep costs relatively low while still maximizing my vacation experience.

In total, I spent $3,214 for my cruise vacation. Here’s what everything cost, from my $1,273 flight to $230 catamaran tour.

*All prices are in US Dollar (USD) unless otherwise noted

I paid $1,009 for my cruise fare, which included all taxes, fees, and gratuities

I booked my South Pacific cruise nearly a year in advance. This meant prices were significantly cheaper than if I had booked just a few weeks or months before the departure date.

For a 10-night cruise, my interior cabin came out to just $2,018, which included all taxes, fees, and gratuities for two guests. As one of my friends joined me on the sailing, we paid just $1,009 each. This was a steal for a 10-night itinerary, bringing the nightly cost to just around $100 per person.

Flying to Australia is not necessarily cheap, but I found prices relatively reasonable. For a round trip flight on Delta from Los Angeles to Sydney, I paid $1,273. I booked the flight around three months before my cruise.

In addition to my flight, I spent around $45 on roundtrip transportation from Sydney’s airport to the city center. While I took the train into the city upon arrival, I decided on an Uber on the way back as it was more convenient with luggage, albeit more expensive.

I spent the night in Sydney before my cruise, and I spent $200 total for a hotel room

It’s always recommended to arrive in your cruise departure city the day before your cruise begins. This allows you to have extra wiggle room in case your flight gets delayed or canceled.

Most flights from the United States to Australia depart at night and arrive in Sydney in the morning. However, because of the time difference between the two countries, you will usually arrive two calendar days after your flight departs.

Related: The costly cruising mistake newbies make planning their first cruise

If your flight leaves Los Angeles at 10:30 PM on November 20, for example, you will not arrive in Sydney until the morning of November 22. Be sure to account for this when planning flights to Australia.

Regardless of when you arrive, you will need to book a pre-cruise hotel for the night before your cruise. I spent $200 to stay at the Holiday Inn Darling Harbour, which was located near the city’s Chinatown neighborhood. While the hotel was not the most luxurious in Sydney—consider the Hilton, Four Seasons, or Shangri-La for a more upscale experience—it provided a comfortable stay before heading to the cruise port the following morning.

I only spent $75 while onboard, but I had $50 onboard credit

One of the aspects I enjoy most about cruising is the fact that you can board a ship and, if you wish, spend absolutely nothing extra while onboard.

When I cruise, I try to stay relatively frugal on the ship. Because I receive five free drinks a day through Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society, I rarely spend extra on beverages. And, if I choose to dine at specialty restaurants, I tend to do so for lunch instead of dinner for the lower cover charges.

On my Brilliance of the Seas cruise, I only spent $75 total on top of my cruise fare during my ten days onboard.

On the first evening of the sailing I dined at Chops Grille, Royal Caribbean’s steakhouse, and the cover charge was $50. However, because I had a buy one, get one free deal through my Diamond Plus status, I split the cost with my friend, bringing our meal to just $25 each.

Related: 45 easy ways to save money on a Royal Caribbean cruise

Additionally, I spent $50 at the casino throughout my cruise, but I spent it far too quickly than I would have liked. After realizing luck was not in my favor, I chose to avoid the casino for the rest of the trip.

By the end of the cruise I had only spent around $75. I dined primarily at the ship’s complimentary venues and attended free activities, which made it easy to keep my expenditure so low.

Additionally, I received $50 onboard credit by booking my sailing through MEI Travel, effectively bringing my overall cost onboard to just $25!

In total, I spent $522 on shore excursions, something out of the ordinary for my cruising style

I rarely book shore excursions in cruise ports. After too many crowded, overly touristy shore excursions, I almost always prefer to explore ports on my own or hire a private guide instead.

Yet when planning my South Pacific cruise, I realized I had no idea how to spend my days in port. I had never been to that region of the world before, and some of the ports, such as Luganville, Vanuatu, are so infrequently visited by cruise ships that I could not find updated information online about the ports.

On our first stop in Lifou, I rented a bicycle for $30 and spent another $7 on an entry ticket to Kiki Beach, one of the most extraordinary beaches I’ve ever seen.

For the following two days in Luganville and Port Vila, Vanuatu, I booked a spot on a private tour of the islands, spending $65 and $105, respectively.

Related: Top 10 cruise ship shore excursion mistakes to avoid

Then, in Mystery Island, I split a private cabana rental for $55 per person and took an hour-long day tour of a nearby island for $30.

Finally, my day in Noumea was the most expensive yet, as I signed up for a spot on a private catamaran charter. For $230 per person, myself and seven other passengers spent a day sailing around New Caledonia’s stunning coastline and small islands.

Normally, I would never consider spending $230 for an eight hour excursion in port, but living in luxury for a few hours on a private catamaran—with food and rosé included—was entirely worth the cost.

While in port, I also spent $40 on food and drinks

Even though there is endless food included in your cruise fare onboard a Royal Caribbean ship, I always like to try at least a taste of local cuisine in each port. During my five port days, I spent $40 extra on food and drinks not included in my shore excursions.

In Lifou, I spent $10 on kava, a plant native to the region that is made into a beverage. The drink is a natural drug that can elevate your mood and increase relaxation. Although I’m certainly not advocating trying new drugs when you cruise, tasting kava is a right of passage when cruising to the South Pacific!

Unfortunately, the drink tastes like mud, and I could hardly drink it. I even tried a second cup a few days later on Mystery Island ($10), and it was just as rancid.

Nonetheless, it was an interesting cultural experience.

Aside from kava, I spent another $20 on miscellaneous food and drinks, including a delightful omelet and rice dish on Santo Island and passion fruit cocktails on Mystery Island.

After the cruise I stayed in Sydney one more night, which cost me $100 after discounts

I cruised to Australia with a friend who lives in the United Kingdom. Because we don’t see each other often, we decided to spend another night together in Sydney before returning home.

I decided to “splurge” on a hotel stay at the 5-star Shangri-La Sydney, and I booked a room for $300. However, I was able to use a hotel credit through my American Express card, giving me $200 off the room.

Related: I'm a budget cruiser. Here are 8 easy strategies I used on my recent Royal Caribbean cruise to save money

In addition to the $200 discount, I received a $150 AUD credit to use at the hotel, so my friend and I enjoyed cocktails at the hotel’s bar, which featured a stunning view of Sydney Harbour.

In total, I spent $3,214 for my cruise vacation, which included my cruise fare, airfare, hotels, and all shore excursions

Vacation budgets can vary greatly from person to person, but I found my 10-night cruise on Brilliance of the Seas to be surprisingly affordable.

When I first started planning a cruise from Australia, I expected to spend far more than $3,000 for the vacation. I assumed airfare alone would cost me $2,000, and the cruise fare might cost another $2,000 per person on top of that.

Yet I managed to stay within—even below—my initial budget, and I never felt limited during the cruise. I was able to book several shore excursions, try local food in port, and enjoy food and drinks on the ship without blowing my budget.

If I tried to visit the exotic islands of New Caledonia and Vanuatu on my own, I surely would have spent far more on flights and hotels in each destination. If anything, my cruise to Australia and the South Pacific was just another example of the incredible value a cruise vacation can offer.

Today’s mega cruise ships are packed with the latest thrills, from zip lines to indoor skydiving, but what is it like sailing on one of Royal Caribbean’s older cruise ships?

I recently cruised on Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas, a Radiance Class cruise ship built in 2002. During my exotic ten day sailing to the South Pacific—my longest cruise thus far—I relished the opportunity to enjoy a more traditional cruising experience.

Although I love cruising on massive vessels with nearly endless activities to enjoy, there’s something special about the relaxed, quieter ambiance of cruising on a smaller, older ship. For the most part, I loved everything about my time onboard, from the attentive service to the itinerary and friendly faces around the ship.

Nonetheless, there were, like any cruise, a few things I did not enjoy. Whether the lack of specialty dining restaurants or the thin walls in my cabin, my vacation was not entirely perfect.

Here are six things I loved and three I hated about my Brilliance of the Seas cruise.

I loved the ship’s unique itinerary, which isn’t offered on newer and bigger ships

My cruising mantra is to always select itineraries that visit at least one destination I haven’t been to before. Whether a new island in the Caribbean or a new port in Alaska, exploring breathtaking destinations is a major reason why I book cruises.

When the opportunity arose to book a cruise from Australia, I began searching for Royal Caribbean’s most unique itinerary in the region during the month of November. I decided upon a 10-night South Pacific cruise that visited five islands in the French territory of New Caledonia and the Pacific nation of Vanuatu.

Related: 15 countries you didn’t know you could cruise to on Royal Caribbean

You can find South Pacific itineraries on new ships like Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas, which also sail from Australia, but they typically only visit two or three islands on each itinerary. 

Sailing on an older ship like Brilliance of the Seas gave me the chance to make the most of my long journey across the world to Australia. I absolutely loved visiting five diverse, breathtaking islands during my cruise, and I was happy I chose the most unique itinerary available.

I hated the limited specialty dining options

I’ve recently reached the Diamond Plus tier in Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society, and one of the new perks I receive with this status is a buy one, get one free dinner at a specialty restaurant.

I thoroughly enjoy eating at Royal Caribbean’s specialty restaurants, as I love the calmer atmosphere and wider variety of cuisines. Because of this, the BOGO deal was the perk I was most looking forward to trying on Brilliance of the Seas.

Unfortunately, though, older Royal Caribbean cruise ships often have limited specialty restaurant options, and Brilliance of the Seas was no exception. The ship only features four specialty restaurants: Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Table, Izumi Sushi, and Chef’s Table.

Only two of these restaurants, Chops Grille and Giovanni’s Table, allow guests to use the BOGO discount. I would have loved to dine at Izumi—my favorite of Royal Caribbean’s restaurants—but I was told this was not, unfortunately, covered with the discount.

Even though the food offered at Chops Grille and Giovanni’s Table is of great quality, I’ve been to these restaurants many times before on other ships, and eating the same meal over and over can get a bit boring.

Having limited specialty restaurant options was one of the few times I wished I were sailing on a bigger cruise ship.

I loved my Main Dining Room experience, from the delightful cuisine to attentive service

Despite the lack of specialty dining options, I found myself pleased with my experience in the Main Dining Room on Brilliance of the Seas.

With fewer options onboard for meals, you’re likely to find yourself eating in the Main Dining Room more often on smaller ships compared to on Royal Caribbean’s largest vessels. On my Brilliance of the Seas cruise, I ate in the Main Dining Room nearly every evening along with lunch on sea days and several breakfasts.

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

Although I frequently eat in the Main Dining Room on other Royal Caribbean cruises, the over-the-top service I experienced on Brilliance of the Seas was on a different level. My waiters, Stefan and Stephen, were beyond attentive, regularly bringing me surprise menu items to try and delivering food in record speed.

I felt so attached to them by the end of the cruise that I couldn’t even fathom eating dinner anywhere else! As a plus, the food quality and flavors were excellent as well.

I loved the ship’s tango show, and I wish I attended more productions while onboard

Whenever I sail on new ships like Wonder of the Seas, I prioritize attending entertainment shows. I just can’t pass up the entertainment offered onboard, from AquaTheater shows to ice skating shows and Broadway productions.

On smaller ships I tend to avoid theater shows. Although I can appreciate the talent of the cast on any ship, I’m never as thrilled with entertainment on old cruise ships. Whether the smaller budget or lack of a storyline, I would usually much rather spend my evening doing something else instead.

Regardless, during my time on Brilliance of the Seas, I figured I should at least try to attend one production show, so I attended a performance of Tango: Buenos Aires.

I grabbed a front row seat by showing up a half hour early, and I was quickly left impressed by the professional tango dancers and live music of the production. It was one of the more unique production shows I’ve seen on an older Royal Caribbean ship.

Following the performance, I wished I had attended more production shows during my time onboard, but I’ll definitely try to attend more shows next time I sail on an older ship.

I hated the Royal Mystery puzzle game, as it was way too difficult

I cruise with Royal Caribbean relatively often, and I find myself getting into a certain routine while onboard. While I’ll attend a trivia session or two during the day and listen to live music in the evening, I have realized I don’t try enough new activities to keep things interesting.

Determined to change this and try something new, I participated in the Royal Mystery puzzle game while onboard. The purpose of this complimentary activity is to "solve" the mystery of a museum heist during which important artwork was stolen.

Through a series of clues found throughout the room and in a folder of papers given to participants, each team is supposed to determine which character committed the crime.

While the concept of the game was intriguing, I found it to be exceptionally difficult. Of the hundred or so people playing the game, almost everyone appeared confused. Not only were the clues unclear, but there were so many steps to the game that only one team even got close to solving the mystery.

I’m glad I went out of my comfort zone to try a new activity, but I wish it would have been a little easier. Most passengers are not professional detectives, after all!

I loved the small ship experience and seeing familiar faces around the ship

Prior to my Brilliance of the Seas cruise, which was ten nights, I had never booked a cruise over seven nights in length. The main difference I found when cruising on a longer itinerary, particularly on a smaller ship, was the community that formed while onboard.

Being on a smaller cruise ship for ten days meant I saw the same guests again and again during my sailing. By the end of the cruise I had formed friendships with several passengers, and we spent our days attending activities together, playing cards at Schooner Bar, and sharing meals in the dining room.

Sure, it’s possible to form friendships on bigger cruise ships, but it’s a lot easier on the smallest Royal Caribbean cruise ships as you’re more likely to see the same passengers around throughout the sailing.

I loved the internet speed—it was the quickest I’ve ever experienced on a cruise ship

The internet speed on Royal Caribbean cruise ships has significantly improved since the launch of Starlink internet in 2022, but nothing could have prepared me for the insanely quick speeds on Brilliance of the Seas.

As someone who frequently works remotely from cruise ships, I rely on Royal Caribbean’s internet to complete tasks like uploading videos to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube channel. In the past, uploading content could take hours, which was certainly not ideal for productivity.

Related: Can you work remotely from a cruise ship? I put it to the test

While on Brilliance of the Seas, I encountered the most responsive internet connection I’ve ever experienced on a cruise ship. I was streaming Netflix with no issues, uploading large video files in under twenty minutes, and video chatting with friends and family back home without any connection delay.

Due to my ship’s remote itinerary in the South Pacific and the fact I was sailing on one of Royal Caribbean’s older vessels, I expected slow, frustrating internet speeds, but this was (thankfully!) not the case whatsoever.

I hated how thin the walls were in my cabin—I could hear everything from next door

One downside I’ve noticed when cruising on older ships are the thin walls in the cabins. Whether on Rhapsody of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, or Brilliance of the Seas, I’ve always been able to hear sounds from guests in the rooms adjacent to my own.

From alarm clocks to conversations and televisions, it’s not ideal being able to hear what is going on outside of your cabin. Although these sounds are somewhat muffled, I missed the thicker walls of cabins on newer cruise ships during my recent cruise.

I loved the new drink menu at Schooner Bar

When it’s time to grab a drink on a Royal Caribbean cruise, one of my preferred bars is Schooner Bar. Royal Caribbean’s nautical themed bar is found on every ship in the fleet, and it’s a popular spot for activities like trivia and live piano music.

In September 2023, Royal Caribbean revamped its drink menu at Schooner Bar, crafting cocktails such as the Peanut Butter Tropic, Parrot Punch, and Southern Belle.

Related: Royal Caribbean revamps its nautical themed bar with new menu

Because I cruise with Royal Caribbean often, I can’t pass up the opportunity to try a new drink menu. During my cruise I tried several new drinks at Schooner Bar, my favorite of which was the Desert Pear Margarita, which combines tequila, desert pear syrup, and lime juice for a distinct fruity flavor.

If anything, the new drink menu at Schooner Bar made me even more excited to try cocktails at one of the new bars on my Icon of the Seas cruise this January!

Following the massive success of Royal Caribbean's first private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay, the cruise line is planning to launch a second Perfect Day location in the South Pacific.

Perfect Day at Lelepa is set to launch in the coming years, although no official opening date has been set.  The private destination will be constructed on Lelepa Island in the South Pacific nation of Vanuatu.

During my recent South Pacific cruise itinerary, I jumped on the opportunity to visit Lelepa Island when my ship docked in nearby Port Vila. Although Perfect Day at Lelepa is not yet open—it hasn’t even begun construction—visiting the island gave me a first hand look at what this unique destination may offer cruisers.

From out-of-this-world snorkeling to gorgeous beaches and friendly locals, here are the main insights I gained from my day ashore that you should look forward to.

Like Perfect Day at CocoCay, Perfect Day at Lelepa will be a private destination exclusively for Royal Caribbean cruise passengers

Perfect Day at CocoCay is one of Royal Caribbean’s most popular cruise ports. The private island, located just 140 miles from Miami, features a waterpark, freshwater pool, exclusive beach club, and multiple beaches. Over two million cruise passengers visit the destination each year.

Related: 41 Perfect Day at CocoCay tips, tricks, and secrets

Given the popularity of the first Perfect Day destination, Royal Caribbean announced a second Perfect Day destination, Perfect Day at Lelepa, in 2019. Unlike Perfect Day at CocoCay, which offers thrilling activities like water slides and jet skis, Perfect Day at Lelepa will place more of a focus on the ecological beauty and diverse culture of Vanuatu.

The island will also be the first private cruise destination in the world to achieve carbon neutrality.

According to locals, construction has not yet started for Perfect Day at Lelepa

Following the 2019 announcement of Perfect Day at Lelepa, the cruise line planned to open the destination sometime in 2022. These plans, however, were quickly derailed by the coronavirus pandemic.

Royal Caribbean has not released any new updates about Perfect Day at Lelepa since March 2022, when a few artist renderings were released about what the destination could look like. 

The company’s silence has many loyal cruisers wondering what the current status is with the destination. This is what I was most curious to find out as well.

As soon as my ship docked in Port Vila, I hopped in a taxi for a 30 minute ride to the western side of Efate Island, from where I would board a small boat to Lelepa Island and start my day tour with Lelepa Island Day Tours.

During our short five minute boat ride from Efate to Lelepa Island, I asked the boat’s captain about the private destination, and whether or not construction had begun.

He pointed to the far north side of the island to indicate where the destination would be located, and told me that construction had not yet begun. 

It’s unclear whether the infrastructure and buildings for the Perfect Day at Lelepa are being constructed elsewhere and will be transported to the island at a later date. That being said, if there’s one thing I learned during my time on the island, it’s that the opening date still appears to be very far away.

Lelepa Island’s coastline is dotted with beaches

Unfortunately my day tour to Lelepa Island was unable to visit the part of the island that will become Perfect Day at Lelepa. My tour guide explained that they used to bring visitors to that area of the island, but cannot do so anymore due to the agreement with Royal Caribbean.

Even so, I was able to catch a glimpse of what will become one of the island’s main beaches. While I only saw the beach from a distance, it appeared to be longer than other beaches around the island.

Of the beaches I visited during my day ashore, though, most of the beaches weren’t made of fine sand. Rather, they were composed of small pieces of coral.

While not as comfortable as the soft sand somewhere like Perfect Day at CocoCay, the crystal clear, refreshing water will certainly make visiting Lelepa a perfect beach day for visitors.

Snorkeling opportunities at Perfect Day at Lelepa will be far better than those at Perfect Day at CocoCay

Perfect Day at CocoCay is a popular snorkeling spot on any Caribbean cruise, but Perfect Day at Lelepa easily blows the Bahamian island away.

During my visit to Lelepa, I had the opportunity to snorkel amongst some of the most colorful and abundant coral I’ve ever seen. From the moment I put my head under the water, I was left speechless with the variety of marine life in front of me.

As our tour guide put it, “People say the snorkeling here is even better than the Great Barrier Reef.” I have to agree.

If there’s one thing to be excited about with the launch of Perfect Day at Lelepa, it’s the snorkeling opportunities. Bringing your own snorkeling gear ashore is a must. Like at Perfect Day at CocoCay, it’s possible that snorkeling and scuba diving tours may be offered at an additional cost.

The island also offers the ability to visit a large cave as well as a local village

Outside of the beaches, Lelepa Island offers a few more activities for visitors. Of course, it’s unclear whether these options will be offered to guests at Perfect Day at Lelepa, but it’s possible they could become shore excursions.

The first is a visit to Fele’s Cave, an 114 foot high cave with rock drawings up to 3000 years old. These cave paintings show animals, geographic shapes, and a human representation of Chief Roi Mata, a powerful chief of Vanuatu who was believed to have ruled in the 16th century.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when we approached Fele’s Cave during my visit to Lelepa Island, but I was stunned by the cave’s size and the spiritual history it represented for thousands of years.

We also made a visit to Natapao, the main village on Lelepa Island.

One of the most unique aspects of visiting a destination like Vanuatu is experiencing the unique cultures of Melanesia. Visiting the local village was a way to learn more about the local way of life on the island and purchase souvenirs that support the town's economy.

For those looking to experience the island outside of just the beach, these two options make an excellent choice.

Like any new project, locals have mixed feelings about the private destination, but overall thoughts remain positive

Although Royal Caribbean’s marketing puts forth the image that Perfect Day at Lelepa is a remote island, the reality is that Lelepa Island is located just across from Port Vila, the most populous city in Vanuatu.

Despite the island’s proximity to the main economic hub in Vanuatu, though, life remains relatively traditional for the 600 residents calling Lelepa home. With no access to freshwater, locals must visit Efate Island—where Port Vila is located—daily to collect water, and all electricity is provided via generators and solar power.

It goes without saying that a project as monumental as Perfect Day at Lelepa will likely change the lives of many on Lelepa Island. Most locals I spoke with seemed to be in favor of the private destination, as it will provide a significant source of economic generation for the island. Some, however, are of course worried about how it may affect the current way of life.

The island is sure to be successful with the Australian cruise market, but those in North America should also consider a visit

It's likely Perfect Day at Lelepa will quickly become a major selling point for cruisers based in Australia. South Pacific itineraries remain extremely popular in the region, offering a tropical getaway to islands primarily in New Caledonia and Vanuatu. Itineraries depart from both Sydney and Brisbane, Australia.

The benefit of visiting one of Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day locations over a traditional cruise port is the private atmosphere. Only Royal Caribbean cruise passengers will be permitted at Perfect Day at Lelepa.

Plus, even though some excursions may be offered at an extra cost, there will be no charge to visit Perfect Day at Lelepa, as it will be included in guests’ cruise fares.

Despite the fact that I could not visit the future destination’s exact location up close, traveling to Lelepa Island gave me an idea of what to expect once Perfect Day at Lelepa launches.

The most spectacular part of my day was the snorkeling—it was the most magnificent coral I’ve ever seen. Aside from exploring underwater, the beaches and pristine nature of Lelepa Island are sure to impress the estimated 800,000 passengers to visit the destination each year.

For more updates on Perfect Day at Lelepa, be sure to subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog newsletter and follow our Facebook page so you can be notified as soon as Royal Caribbean releases new information about this exciting new destination.

Bimini, Bahamas may not be as popular of a cruise port as nearby Nassau or Perfect Day at CocoCay, but the small island chain still has a lot to offer visitors.

Located just 51 miles off the coast of Florida, Bimini is a chain of islands with turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and laid-back culture. It’s so close to Florida, in fact, that you can easily take day trips to the islands’ stunning beaches from Miami or Fort Lauderdale!

If your upcoming cruise visits Bimini, it’s helpful to know what there is to do in port to make the most of your day. From snorkeling around a shipwreck to jet skiing along the coast, here are the 21 best things to do in Bimini, Bahamas.

Go to the beach

Photo credit: Pietro (license)  

Like most cruise destinations in the Caribbean, visiting the beach is a popular activity. Many of the best beaches on Bimini are found on the western shore of North Bimini.

One of the most popular beaches is Radio Beach, which is located closest to Alice Town, Bimini’s largest town. At Radio Beach you can expect clear blue waters and soft white sand, and the beach has excellent snorkeling opportunities.

Related: 11 of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean

Beach chairs and umbrellas are available to rent at Radio Beach and you’ll find bars and restaurants nearby. Outside of Radio Beach, visitors can enjoy other beaches such as Blister Beach, Paradise Beach, and Spook Hill Beach.

Day pass at Resorts World Bimini

Resorts World Bimini is an upscale resort featuring facilities such as a beach club with pools, a casino, DJs, cabana rentals, and beach access. Located only ten minutes on foot from the cruise port in Bimini, many visitors choose to spend their day lounging in the sun at Resorts World.

To access Resorts World guests must purchase a day pass, which is around $40 USD per adult and $30 USD per child. The day pass gives visitors access to amenities at the Hilton at Resorts World as well as the beach and pools at Resorts World.

For those looking for a Las Vegas-style pool party experience, Resorts World is a great option. Several restaurants and bars are on-site for added convenience.

Note that Resorts World Bimini Beach is home to Virgin Voyages’ Bimini Beach Club, but passengers from other cruise lines can use the facilities when a Virgin Voyages ship is not docked.

Go snorkeling

Snorkeling is an easy way to get up close and personal with the diverse aquatic life in The Bahamas, and Bimini offers a wide array of snorkeling opportunities.

If you’re looking for a guided snorkeling tour, you can book a day trip through Bimini Scuba Center for $99. During this tour you can visit underwater destinations like the S.S. Sapona Shipwreck and Rainbow Reef.

If you don’t want to shell out money for a snorkeling tour, feel free to bring your own snorkeling gear to the island. We recommend this mask for snorkeling, as it offers a full-face view and is easily packable in a day bag.

Visit the S.S. Sapona shipwreck

Photo credit: Ines Hegedus-Garcia (license)

A few miles off the coast of Bimini is the S.S. Sapona, a half-submerged shipwreck providing world-class snorkeling and diving opportunities.

Following a hurricane in 1926, the S.S. Sapona was left damaged, and it was later used for bombing practice during the Second World War. Because the wreck is only half-submerged, snorkelers and divers can explore both above and below the water.

Related: Bahamas cruise guide

The ship’s “skeleton” is home to a variety of marine life, from stingrays to sea turtles, schools of fish, and colorful coral. Exploring the shipwreck is sure to be a highlight of any visit to Bimini.

Scuba diving

If breathing underwater is more your style, Bimini offers several scuba diving options to explore under the sea. Certified scuba divers can book dives through the Bimini Scuba Center in North Bimini—dives include tanks and weights.

Diving around Bimini is fantastic. The clear waters allow for great visibility and give divers the chance to spot sharks, dolphins, turtles, and swim near continental shelf walls.

Visit the Road to Atlantis

A popular snorkel site in Bimini is the Bimini Road, often called the “Road to Atlantis.”

The “road” is a half-mile underwater rock formation in perfectly straight alignment. Since the road’s discovery in the 1960s, some have speculated it could be an ancient road to the Lost City of Atlantis, although we cannot, of course, verify those claims.

Many snorkel and diving tours in Bimini visit Bimini Road, so if you’re interested in discovering “Atlantis,” this can be an intriguing excursion option.

Rent a bicycle

Photo credit: Eclipse Rentals Bimini

Few bike rides are as relaxing as those by the sea, and you can rent a bicycle for just $25 per day in Bimini.

Eclipse Rentals Bimini offers bike rentals and tours around the island. For those looking to explore the entire island of North Bimini, a bicycle can be a fun, eco-friendly option. Exploring by bike allows you to stop at whatever attractions or beaches interest you without having to worry about taxis, shuttles, or tours.

A bicycle is freedom on two wheels, and renting a bike while visiting Bimini is highly recommended.

Explore Bimini by golf cart

If powering a bicycle sounds like far too much exercise on your vacation, consider renting a golf cart. Golf carts are effective means of transportation to get around an island as small as Bimini, and most rentals should cost between $90-110 for the day.

When splitting the cost with a group of four or six, a golf cart is an economical way to explore Bimini. As another plus, it gives you full control over where you would like to visit on the island and how long you want to spend in each place.

Related: 7 ways to have a great time in port without a cruise ship shore excursion

Full Island Tour

Photo credit: Daniel Piraino (license)

Whereas some cruise passengers prefer exploring ports on their own, many appreciate the convenience of a guided tour. If you’re looking for an all-around island tour of Bimini, why not book an organized excursion?

Bimini Island Tours is a local operator that offers tours of North Bimini and South Bimini. Tours bring guests to highlights around the islands, from shipwrecks to beaches, the straw market, and Dolphin House Museum.

Booking a tour means you don’t have to plan anything yourself. You can simply disembark your cruise ship, meet the tour guide, and have a memorable, stress-free day in Bimini.

Grab some drinks

Nothing screams vacation quite like a fruity cocktail near the beach, and grabbing a drink (or a few drinks) is certainly a fun way to spend your day in Bimini.

Whether you’re at the beach, eating lunch at a local seafood restaurant, or strolling around town, consider ordering a drink to put you into vacation mode. From fresh piña coladas to mango margaritas, a tropical cocktail will be extremely refreshing in the Bahamian heat.

As another perk, if you don’t have a drink package on your cruise ship, drinking in port can save you money compared to buying drinks onboard!

Go fishing

Some call Bimini the sport fishing capital of the world. The islands are located near the warm Gulf Stream in which fish can grow to record size. In fact, there have been dozens of record-setting catches around Bimini.

Whether grouper, snapper, bonefish, billfish, tuna, or wahoo, you never know which species of fish you’ll reel in. If you’re interested in fishing while in Bimini, we recommend contacting the Bimini Big Game Club to ask questions about fishing opportunities.

Ride the tram

There is a free tram on Bimini that transports passengers to areas of interest along North Bimini. Located just outside the cruise pier, boarding a tram is easy and convenient, and it lessens the amount of walking required in the heat.

You can take the tram to Kayak Beach, Fisherman’s Village, Resorts World Bimini Beach, and Paradise Beach. Note that if you are interested in venturing further south to Alice Town and Radio Beach you must take a taxi (around $5 per person) or rent a golf cart.

Visit the Dolphin House Museum

Photo credit: Dolphin House Museum

The Dolphin House Museum is an ocean-inspired museum in Bimini that is a must-visit upon venturing into Alice Town. Built by local Ashley Saunders, the museum features artwork made from ocean materials including conch shells and sea glass.

For $10 per person, visitors can tour the museum and learn more about the building’s history and craftsmanship from Saunders. As a plus, the building’s roof features one of the most beautiful views in all of Bimini—it’s the perfect spot for that Instagram shot.

Book a jet ski tour

There are few aquatic activities as adrenaline-inducing as jet skiing. Zipping through crystal clear water at over forty miles an hour is undoubtedly fun.

Passengers interested in jet skiing while at Bimini can book a tour through Bimini Blue Adventures, or through the cruise line if offered. While on the tour, visitors can ride the length of Bimini’s stunning coastline, offering a truly unique way to experience the islands.

Kayaking

If jet skiing sounds a bit too thrilling, why not try kayaking? Tour operators such as Bimini Blue Adventures offer kayaking tours, and you may be able to book a kayaking tour through your cruise ship as well.

While kayaking off the coast of Bimini you can enjoy pristine waters and view aquatic life up close. Because of the clear waters, it’s possible you’ll see several types of fish and stingrays while kayaking, and it can be a lot of fun for visitors of all ages.

Related: Top 10 cruise ship shore excursion mistakes to avoid

Try local cuisine

Trying local cuisine is a highlight of visiting any cruise port, and Bimini is no exception. From seafood to baked goods, your taste buds are sure to be delighted on your visit.

Here are some of our top food recommendations in Bimini:

• Bimini Seafood Company: this restaurant in Alice Town offers a Conch Bar, freshly caught seafood, and mouthwatering sandwiches
• Nate’s Bimini Breads: a local bakery famous for sweet breads, from cinnamon raisin swirl to guava and cheese, banana nut, and coconut bread loafs
• Big Mike’s Fresh Conch Salad: the perfect spot for beachfront conch salads and grilled meats

Bimini Nature Trail

Located on South Bimini island is the Bimini Nature Trail, a one mile looped pathway perfect for flora and fauna enthusiasts. Signage along the trail teaches visitors about the area’s wildlife and plant life, including the Bimini Boa and White-crowned Pigeon.

Unfortunately, visiting the nature trail while on a cruise ship can be challenging, as it’s not located on the same island where cruise ships dock. Nonetheless, if you find yourself in South Bimini near Bimini Cove Resort & Marina, the trail is a nice way to learn more about the islands’ natural world.

Swim with sharks

Yes, you read that correctly: you can swim with sharks in Bimini.

For most beach goers, sharks are something you want to avoid. Bimini, however, is home to a vast array of sharks, from hammerheads to tiger sharks, lemon sharks, nurse sharks, and bull sharks.

If you’re crazy enough to want to see these sharks up close, consider booking a swimming with sharks tour. On these tours, boats bring passengers out to reefs known for shark activity, and allow snorkelers to swim above the sharks.

Sure, it might be a little scary, but it’s sure to be exhilarating. 

Shopping at the Bimini Craft Center

Those in search of souvenirs should visit the Bimini Craft Center. This Bahamian straw market is where you can find a variety of knick knacks to remember your time in Bimini, from t-shirts to hats and bracelets.

It’s best to carry cash with you while shopping. Bahamian and US dollars are widely accepted.

Bimini Museum

Next to the Bimini Craft Center is the Bimini Museum, a complimentary museum which aims to preserve the history of the islands.

Inside the museum are artifacts, relics, stories, and pictures that tell the story of Bimini’s history, including memorabilia from Ernest Hemingway who once called Bimini home.

Visiting the museum in between shopping and the beach can make a nice addition to your day on the island, as it allows you to gain a better understanding of the region you are visiting.

Visit the legendary fountain of youth

Explorer Juan Ponce de León once heard rumors of a magical spring on Bimini that restored youth to the elderly who bathed in or drank the spring’s waters. Upon reaching Bimini from Puerto Rico in 1513, however, he neglected to find such a stream.

Nonetheless, there is a Fountain of Youth on Bimini today, although we can’t guarantee that it will reverse aging. Today’s Fountain of Youth is a small well carved out of limestone rock by groundwater several thousand years ago.

Wasting money is not on anyone’s agenda when planning a cruise, but unfortunately, thousands of passengers find themselves wasting money during their vacation.

Whether you’re a first-time or veteran cruiser, it can be challenging to navigate the ins and outs of going on a cruise. There is a lot included in your base cruise fare, but most guests onboard end up spending extra on add-ons like alcoholic beverages, shore excursions, and spa treatments.

What is “worth it” to one passenger may seem like a waste of money to another, but there are a few sure-fire ways to spend more than necessary. From purchasing forgotten items at onboard shops to buying photo packages, here are 17 of the worst ways people waste money on their cruise vacation.

Buying drinks without a drink package

Let’s say, for instance, a Deluxe Beverage Package costs $80 per day with gratuities added. With most cocktails priced around $16 each with gratuity added, you would have to drink around five drinks each day to break even.

Five drinks may seem steep, but when you consider how easy it is to enjoy a few drinks by the pool followed by a few glasses of wine at dinner, it’s not an unreasonable amount. In fact, many passengers find they drink far more than five alcoholic beverages a day on a cruise.

Related: Royal Caribbean Drink Package Guide

If you plan on imbibing all day, every day of your cruise, it would be a waste of money to purchase each drink individually. In this case, buying a drink package will allow you to enjoy unlimited beverages without raking up a massive bill by the end of your cruise.

Purchasing toiletries onboard

Forgot your toothpaste at home or your favorite bottle of shampoo? You’ll be able to purchase these items on your Royal Caribbean cruise, but it won’t come cheap. It’s not unheard of to pay $10 for a small bottle of Advil or $8 for a tub of toothpaste onboard!

Unfortunately, shopping options are limited while in the middle of the ocean. Royal Caribbean knows desperate passengers will pay whatever price is listed if they find themselves in need of these items.

To avoid paying high prices for basic necessities, try to remember packing everything in the first place. If you do forget an important toiletry item, see if you can find it at a pharmacy or shop in port before buying it onboard.

Reserving specialty restaurants individually instead of purchasing a dining package

Planning to dine at several of Royal Caribbean’s specialty restaurants? From Italian fare to hibachi, New England-style seafood, and a Brazilian steakhouse, there is a wide variety of specialty restaurants to choose from while onboard.

Specialty restaurants come with an extra charge, and there are two ways to book these meals. The first is by making restaurant reservations individually on Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner website or in the app. By doing this, you can select the date and time of your reservation months in advance.

The second way to book specialty restaurants is by reserving a dining package. Royal Caribbean offers several dining packages, from the Unlimited Dining Package to the 3-night Dining Package. With a dining package, you cannot book dining reservations until you board the ship.

Related: The Ultimate Guide to Royal Caribbean’s Unlimited Dining Package

Booking restaurants individually ensures you can better plan your dining times, but it comes with one major con: a higher price. In most cases, booking a Royal Caribbean dining package means you can save money at specialty restaurants, as the price of the package is cheaper than booking reservations individually.

Therefore, if you plan to dine at several specialty restaurants during your cruise, it’s recommended to purchase a dining package to save money in the long run.

Buying “local" souvenirs in port

Regardless of whether your cruise docks in Cozumel, Athens, or Phuket, you’re likely to see an abundance of souvenir shops once ashore. And while some souvenir shops may offer local, handmade artwork and trinkets, the majority will not.

Before spending $20 on a “handpainted” magnet or $50 on a piece of “local” jewelry, try to ensure the souvenir is actually worth the cost. More often than not, you’ll see every souvenir shop selling the same souvenirs that arrived in bulk from a factory in another country.

While you can find locally-made souvenirs in port, it takes some extra digging.

Losing a pool towel

Prone to forgetfulness? If so, be extra cautious with pool towels on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

While onboard a Royal Caribbean ship, passengers must scan their SeaPass card at a towel station to check out a towel. You are able to check out as many towels as you’d like, but there’s one catch: if you do not return a towel by the end of the cruise, each towel lost will incur a $25 charge.

Fortunately, it’s not too difficult to keep track of your pool towel onboard. We recommend returning your pool towels after each day of use. Having fewer towels checked out at once will help prevent any towel from becoming lost.

Not bringing their own drinks onboard

Each guest on a Royal Caribbean cruise can bring a certain number of drinks with them on embarkation day. By doing so, passengers can save money by avoiding purchasing these beverages onboard.

Each guest of drinking age is permitted to bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne to the cruise terminal on embarkation day. Passengers may also bring up to twelve standard (17 oz.) cans, bottles, or cartons of non-alcoholic beverages per stateroom, such as soda and sports drinks.

Related: 30 Do’s and Don’ts for the first day of your cruise

If you enjoy drinking wine or soda but did not purchase a drink package, you’ll almost certainly waste money by buying these drinks individually. Plus, if you prefer a certain type of wine or soda, there’s no guarantee your preference will be available on the ship.

Spending too much time in the casino

It goes without saying, but you’re more likely to waste money than win money in the casino on Royal Caribbean. Although there’s nothing wrong with spending a few evenings gambling onboard, it’s better to go in with the mindset that you may lose money.

Of course, there is always the possibility of winning money onboard. It’s not unheard of for passengers to win thousands of dollars gambling on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Like any casino, though, you shouldn’t expect to strike it rich.

Only booking tours through the cruise line

Shore excursions are among the most popular add-ons to purchase for a cruise vacation, but keep your options open. Even though booking tours through the cruise line is convenient, booking a similar excursion through an independent tour operator can be a lot cheaper.

Related: 5 quick and easy tips for finding a great shore excursion on your own

Before booking the first shore excursion you see, do some research. Browse websites like GetYourGuide, Viator, and TripAdvisor to see a wider range of tours available. Although booking through an independent tour operator will not offer the same protections as booking directly through Royal Caribbean, many passengers prefer the lower prices and wider range of options.

Thinking a shore excursion is always necessary

Speaking of shore excursions, another way people waste money on their cruise is by booking an excursion in every port.

When planning a cruise—especially as a first-time cruiser—it can be tempting to book an organized tour in every port of call. After all, if you’ve never been to a particular destination, a shore excursion is an easy way to visit the area’s highlights.

Nonetheless, shore excursions are not always necessary, and some passengers almost never book tours in port. Depending on where your cruise ship visits, it may be easier to explore on your own rather than book an excursion.

This is especially true in smaller ports, where the main attractions are within walkable distance to the cruise port. Skagway, Alaska, as an example, boasts more than enough to do without spending anything extra on a tour or ground transportation, and you’ll find similar scenarios in many European cruise ports.

Related: 16 cheap and free things to do on an Alaska cruise to avoid spending hundreds on shore excursions

Before spending hundreds on a tour of every port, research low-cost activities instead. You may be surprised to find enough to do without an organized excursion.

Using the ATM onboard

All Royal Caribbean cruise ships are equipped with an ATM, but withdrawing money from the machine can come with a hefty $6 fee per transaction.

One way to combat this is by using a debit or credit card that does not charge for ATM fees. In many cases, these cards will initially charge you and then reimburse any applicable fees at the end of the month.

While an ATM fee isn't huge, those small amounts can quickly add up.

Purchasing art at art auctions

Think twice before bidding on that $5,000 piece of artwork on your cruise.

Art auctions are a notorious activity on cruise ships, and they are extremely controversial. They promise a stellar investment on an original piece, and many passengers fall for the trap of spending way too much money on these paintings.

Related: What should you not buy on a cruise ship?

Although browsing the artwork can be fun—and the free champagne at the auction is a nice touch—bidding on artwork is arguably one of the worst ways people waste money on a cruise.

Forgetting to put their phone in airplane mode

As soon as your ship sails away from port, be sure to put your phone into airplane mode. Even if your cell phone coverage includes international service, it will not include roaming coverage from a cruise ship.

A simple call to friends and family back home while at sea could quickly result in a $100+ phone bill. Additionally, if you don’t have any international coverage at all, taking your phone off airplane mode while in port can see similarly high charges.

Avoid wasting money on this unnecessary expense and remember to always put your phone into airplane mode while onboard. If you need to connect to the internet on a cruise, purchase a wifi package instead.

Read more: The simple trick to avoid thousands of dollars in cellphone charges on a cruise ship

Buying professional photos

It’s impossible to miss the photographers onboard your Royal Caribbean cruise; they walk around the ship and set up backdrops hoping to capture that picture-perfect image of your vacation.

These photographers will, more than likely, ask you to pose for a photo. Having a photo taken does not cost anything extra, but purchasing the professional photos comes with a steep charge.

An individual, 8x10 photo print on a Royal Caribbean cruise costs around $20. Photo packages are available to reserve in advance, but these aren’t cheap either, with a package of twenty photos priced at over $160.

There’s nothing wrong with purchasing a professional photo by which you can remember your cruise vacation, but modern phones can take pictures with excellent quality. If you’re cruising on a budget, it’s best to just use your phone’s camera instead.

If you're a Diamond member or above in Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society, however, you get one free photo.

Only reserving massages on the ship

You’ll find the Vitality Spa on every cruise ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet. While offerings may vary slightly from ship to ship, you can expect to see services such as standard massages, stone therapy, thermal suites, and facials available to reserve.

Spa treatments on Royal Caribbean are not cheap, with most 70 minute massages priced at over $200 per guest.

Depending on your travel style, a spa treatment may or may not be viewed as a waste of money. That being said, weigh your other options before booking a massage on the ship.

At some ports, you may be able to find massages priced much lower than onboard. Plenty of beach clubs in popular ports like Cozumel and Costa Maya, for example, offer in-house spa treatments for around half the price as onboard offerings.

If you’re flexible with massage options, booking a treatment in port can help you avoid wasting extra money onboard.

Buying bottled water onboard

Some cruisers may swear by drinking the bottled water on a cruise ship, but in most cases, this is not only a waste of money, but worse for the environment, too.

Water on a Royal Caribbean cruise is safe to drink, and the cruise line provides unlimited glasses of water free of charge. Yet instead, plenty of passengers choose to purchase water bottles on the ship, which cost around $3 each.

Not only is drinking from plastic water bottles worse for the environment, but it’s a waste of money when considering you can enjoy unlimited water onboard anyway. And, even though bottled water is included in a drink package, it’s more environmentally friendly to bring a reusable water bottle and fill up the bottle from complimentary glasses of ice water instead.

Tipping twice

Certain onboard purchases come with an automatic, 18% gratuity charge, including drinks and spa and salon treatments. When you reserve a $167 spa treatment, you will pay around $30 in gratuities upon checkout.

Likewise, 18% gratuity is added to drinks like cocktails and coffee beverages, too—each $14 cocktail will actually cost over $16.

Related: Tipping on a cruise ship: what you should and shouldn’t do

Because you are already paying tips with these purchases, you shouldn't feel the need to tip extra once onboard for drinks, spa treatments, and dining. If you would like to give something extra to crew members, you’re always welcome to do so, but remember that you already paid gratuities for these services.

Waiting too long to book flights and hotels for the cruise

The last of the worst ways people waste money on their cruise vacation is by waiting too long to book flights and hotels before the cruise.

If you are not within driving distance of a cruise port, odds are you’ll be flying to the departure city. It’s best practice to buy flights as far in advance as you can to ensure you have the most options and see the lowest fares.

Far too often cruisers wait too long to purchase flights for their cruise and see that prices have raised dramatically. No one wants to pay hundreds of dollars more than another passenger on a plane, so booking flights early can, in most cases, save you money.

Hotels are another pre-cruise expense that should be booked early. You may be able to find cheap last-minute hotel deals, but this isn’t always guaranteed. To avoid spending more than necessary for a pre-cruise hotel, book the hotel as early as you can, especially when traveling during peak season.

When you book a Royal Caribbean cruise, you have the option to book your flight directly through the cruise line, but should you?

Air2Sea is the name of Royal Caribbean’s flight booking system, and through Air2Sea you can purchase airfare that links with your cruise reservation.

Booking airfare through the cruise line comes with added perks, such as special promotions and 24/7 support in case of travel emergencies. It can come with cons too, including fewer airline options and added difficulty when making changes.

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of booking your flight through Air2Sea versus booking on your own to help you determine which is the better option for your cruise vacation.

Pro: Booking your flight through the cruise line can result in cheaper fares

One perk of booking airfare through Air2Sea is that you may come across special fares and promotions.

Cruise lines will sometimes work with airlines to reserve seats on a flight in advance. By doing so, you can often find cheaper flights compared to booking the same itinerary on your own.

This past summer, for example, Air2Sea offered special deals for select flights to Seattle, resulting in cheaper flights than you could have found directly on the airlines’ websites.

Finding cheaper flights when booking through Air2Sea is not always guaranteed, though. More often than not, in fact, booking flights directly through the cruise line results in the same flight prices. If you can snag a special promotional deal, however, it can lead to nice savings.

Another money-saving perk of booking through Air2Sea is the program’s price guarantee. If you notice a lower airfare price on a major US travel website within 24 hours of booking a flight on Air2Sea, you will be credited the difference plus another 10% as onboard credit during your cruise.

Pro: You don’t have to pay for the flight until final payment date

Another benefit of booking with Air2Sea is that, in most scenarios, you do not have to pay for the flight right away. Instead, the cost of the flight is incorporated into your overall cruise reservation and is due at the time of final payment on your cruise.

With Air2Sea, you can book flights anytime between 330 and 4 days prior to your cruise.

Depending on the length of your cruise, final payment is between 75-90 days before your cruise begins, and this is when all fees are due on the cruise fare, taxes, and airfare.

Up until final payment, you do not need to pay even a penny for your Air2Sea flights, and you will not incur any cancellation or change fees either. This is hugely beneficial for travelers who may need to change plans, or for those who aren’t quite ready to shell out hundreds (or thousands) of dollars for their flights months in advance.

Of course, if you book your flights just a few weeks before your cruise, you will be required to pay for the flights at the time of booking.

Con: There is a small fee

Currently, Air2Sea charges a small fee when booking flights for your Royal Caribbean cruise. For travel within the United States and Canada, each passenger incurs a $15 fee, and for travel outside North America this fee raises to $25 per person.

While minimal, this fee will add to your overall vacation cost, especially when traveling with a larger group. That being said, the benefits of booking through Air2Sea may justify the small fee for many travelers.

Pro: You get help during unexpected travel delays

Almost nothing about air travel is predictable, and if things go haywire, you may be at risk of missing your cruise altogether.

When flying to your cruise port, we always recommend flying to your departure port at least one day before the cruise begins. By doing so, you have enough wiggle room in the case of any unexpected travel delays or cancellations.

If things really go wrong while traveling, or if your flight itinerary did not allocate enough time for delays, you may miss the ship’s departure from port. In this scenario, you’ll be happy you booked a flight directly from the cruise line.

Related: Flight attendant shares 20 tips to minimize air travel fiascos

Booking a flight through Air2Sea offers what is called “assured arrival,” which means Air2Sea will work to get you to the next port of call should you miss the ship’s departure on embarkation day.

Air2Sea has 24/7 support available to help travelers as they fly to their departure port. If your flight gets delayed and will cause you to miss your ship, Air2Sea will work to find alternative options, such as flying you to the next port of call instead.

Con: Assured arrival does not always mean guaranteed arrival

While beneficial, Air2Sea’s assured arrival practice is not perfect.

First, Air2Sea can only bring you to the next port of call where you can legally join the cruise ship. This becomes problematic on Alaska cruises, as passengers are not legally allowed to join the ship at a secondary port of call without being in violation of the Passenger Vessels Services Act.

Plus, there’s no guarantee there will be flight itineraries available within the necessary timeframe to get you to the next port of call, and it means your vacation will be delayed by at least one to several days.

Pro: Booking flights that arrive the day before your cruise should negate any of these issues

Missing your cruise ship’s departure is not, by any means, a good way to start a vacation. Although Air2Sea can usually help navigate this problem by getting you to the cruise ship one way or another, the best solution is to simply book a flight that arrives with ample time to spare.

Regardless of whether you book your flights directly through the cruise line, booking flights that leave a day or two before your cruise should negate the effects of any potential delays.

Even if, as an example, your flight to Miami gets delayed five hours the day before your cruise, you’ll still get there well within your ship's departure time. If that same delay were to occur on embarkation day, you might miss the ship altogether.

If you book your flights correctly, you don’t necessarily have to book them directly through the cruise line. While Air2Sea’s assured arrival is beneficial, it’s unlikely that you’ll need this service if you have enough wiggle room for delays and cancellations.

Con: It can make changing your flights more complicated

If you book a flight directly through an airline, making changes to your reservation is easy. You simply need your confirmation number and can make most changes—or cancel the flight altogether—via the airline’s website.

When booking flights directly through the cruise line with Air2Sea, most changes must be made through Air2Sea. If you want to change your flight time, for instance, you’ll have to call your travel agent or Air2Sea to make the change.

Related: Top 5 things to look for in a good travel agent for your cruise vacation

Air2Sea acts as a “middle man” between yourself and your airline, and this might make changing your flight cumbersome.

Con: Not all airlines and itineraries are offered with Air2Sea

Unfortunately, not all airlines are offered with Air2Sea, meaning your itinerary options may be more limited compared to booking flights on your own.

Southwest Airlines, most notably, is not available to book on Air2Sea’s website. This major airline serves all major cruise departure cities in the United States. By booking airfare with Air2Sea, you could be missing out on low prices and a wider range of flight itineraries.

Related: What is the earliest flight I should book after the cruise?

Budget carriers such as Frontier and Spirit are not available on Air2Sea, either. While we don’t usually recommend booking flights on a low-cost carrier, these cheap flights can occasionally be the best option, especially if they offer a direct flight.

Additionally, some cruisers find that there are not as many flight options on Air2Sea compared to searching for flights on a website like Google Flights. If you aren’t seeing your preferred itinerary on Air2Sea, you might have to contact your travel agent or Air2Sea directly to ask if you can book a different flight.

Con: Air2Sea does not consider nearby airports

Another con of booking flights directly through the cruise line is that Air2Sea does not consider nearby airports.

When browsing for flights to the inaugural Icon of the Seas sailing in January, Air2Sea populates flights only to Miami International Airport. Although this is the closest airport to the cruise port, it neglects to search for flights to Fort Lauderdale, located just a short ride away.

Even though flying into Fort Lauderdale would not be as convenient, it could result in lower fares and/or more direct flights for some cruisers. Air2Sea does not search for these flights. Theoretically you could probably book a flight to Fort Lauderdale by contacting your travel agent or Air2Sea directly, but this adds an extra step to the process.

Con: You can’t pay with miles

If you’re racking up thousands of frequent flier miles and plan to use them for your vacation, you’ll be out of luck when booking through Air2Sea.

When booking flights through the cruise line, you must pay with a credit or debit card. Using miles to pay for a flight is not allowed, so if you have a stockpile of miles, it may be best to book directly with the airline instead.

The good news is that you will still receive airline benefits by booking through Air2Sea, provided you connect your reservation with your airline loyalty number.

The bottom line: should you book your flight directly through the cruise line?

As you can see, there are several pros and cons to booking your flight directly through Royal Caribbean.

If you’re someone who values convenience and having all travel information in one place, booking through Air2Sea may be beneficial. You won’t have to worry about making multiple payments, navigating several different websites, and searching for the perfect flight yourself: Air2Sea and your travel agent can help you with everything instead.

And, if things go wrong while traveling, having the support of Air2Sea is undoubtedly helpful, especially if you’re flying to your cruise on embarkation day.

That being said, if you’re flying a day or two early to your cruise port, the assistance of Air2Sea may not come in handy anyway. Plus, you might become frustrated if you need to make any changes to your flight schedule, as in most cases you won’t be able to make changes directly with the airline.

When searching for flights for a cruise, it’s helpful to look at the options through Air2Sea and compare the flights with those you can find on Google Flights or on an airline’s website. While sometimes you can find a fantastic deal, other times it may be more efficient to book directly through the airline, especially if it’s an airline not offered by Air2Sea.

It’s no secret that Royal Caribbean is at the forefront of the family cruise experience, but how does MSC Cruises compare?

Twelve members of my family and I planned a vacation together this summer. We were disappointed in Royal Caribbean’s prices. Instead, we bit the bullet and booked a cheap sailing on MSC Cruises.

Despite the fact that my family usually cruises with Royal Caribbean, we couldn’t fathom spending double the price for what would likely be a similar experience.

MSC Cruises, a European cruise line based in Switzerland, has recently begun gaining traction in North America, yet reviews remain questionable at best. Some cruisers rave about the elegant ships and low prices, but others complain incessantly about the dining options and service.

My family and I remained cautiously optimistic, however, and I felt better having already had a positive experience on another MSC cruise a few months earlier.

After spending a week onboard an MSC cruise, here’s how we would compare the experience to Royal Caribbean.

My family’s initial vacation planning involved comparing prices between cruise lines, and we were surprised by high prices

When planning a vacation with a large group, it’s important to be cognizant of each person’s individual budget. While one member of the family might prefer a luxury vacation on Silversea, another is looking to get the best bang for their buck.

When planning our family vacation, naturally, we started by browsing Royal Caribbean’s website for July cruises. Seeing as though many members of my family had already sailed with Royal Caribbean, it made sense to book with the cruise line we were most accustomed to.

Yet when we started browsing cruises, we were disappointed with the high prices we found. Most 7-night cruises were around $1200 per person for interior cabins on older, smaller ships. If we wanted to book a newer ship in an ocean view or a balcony cabin, we would almost certainly be shelling out around $3000 per cabin.

Related: How much does a cruise cost?

Keeping our options open, we decided to check other cruise lines' websites and compare prices, but we were equally surprised by high prices on Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line.

While we certainly could have booked a $1500 per person cruise, my family was hoping to keep the base cruise fare low in order to allocate our budget toward add-ons like specialty dining and shore excursions.

Browsing MSC’s website, I found deals too good to pass up

After striking out with Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Carnival, I decided to check MSC Cruises’ website to compare the fares.

As MSC grows within the North American market, the cruise line hopes to reel in new passengers with unbeatable prices, and that was exactly what they did for my family.

I found a cruise on MSC Seaside for just $593 per person for the week in an interior cabin. The cost of the cruise was half of what I found on Royal Caribbean and other mass market cruise lines—it seemed too good to be true, but it wasn’t!

Related: 45 easy ways to save money on a cruise

Plus, for just $130 per person we could add an alcoholic drink package and a two-device wifi package for each guest. That is completely unheard of on Royal Caribbean, as the equivalent drink package can be priced at over $70 per day.

Although I felt like I was “ditching” my beloved Royal Caribbean behind for something new, I couldn’t fathom spending double on the Royal Caribbean cruise. Excited to expand our cruising horizons, my family and I booked our cruise on MSC Seaside.

Almost immediately, we missed certain aspects of Royal Caribbean’s cruise planning process

“Jenna, this app is terrible,” my brother texted me shortly after we booked our MSC cruise. “I can’t research anything!”

Something I love about cruising with Royal Caribbean is the stellar quality of the cruise line’s cruise planning process. In the days and months leading up to a Royal Caribbean cruise, I enjoy browsing the app and the Cruise Planner website to plan my cruise as much as possible.

From a seamless online check-in process to browsing restaurant menus months in advance, I find Royal Caribbean’s app to be of tremendous help when preparing for my cruises.

Related: Royal Caribbean app walkthrough and tips

MSC’s app, on the other hand, is disappointing during the cruise planning process, although it gets better once you board the ship. When planning my MSC cruise, I encountered technical problems on the app and was limited in the amount of information I could research prior to the cruise.

Even once onboard, I was not overly impressed by the app. My family and I wanted to make a specialty dining reservation one evening, for example, and usually we like to browse the main dining room menus in advance. If a menu does not look appealing one evening, we will book a specialty restaurant that evening instead.

On MSC, however, you cannot browse menus in advance—they appear on the app just a few hours before dinner. While a small inconvenience in the long run, it was certain details like these where we found Royal Caribbean shined over MSC.

On embarkation day I entered my MSC cabin for the first time, and it was basic yet comfortable

Like most cruises I take, I booked the cheapest interior cabin for my MSC Seaside cruise. Upon entering my cabin for the first time, I found it to be adequate and, when overlooking the bright pink color scheme, modern.

My cabin was a comfortable place to call home during my week onboard, and it had everything you needed in a stateroom: a king bed, closet, desk, vanity, and private bathroom. I could see where MSC cut costs in cabin design, such as placing a simple chair into the room instead of a plush couch, but it was not bothersome to me.

The cabin did not have as much storage space as you would find on Royal Caribbean’s newest ships, but I still found the amount sufficient. I was cruising solo in my cabin, but even if there had been another guest with me, there would have been ample space left.

Something I appreciated in the cabin were the light switches to signal whether or not you wanted your cabin serviced. If I was leaving my cabin, I would press a button to let my stateroom attendant know they could enter my room, and vice versa when I wanted some privacy. This felt much more modern than Royal Caribbean’s double-sided magnets.

Overall, I found my MSC Seaside cabin just as nice as Royal Caribbean’s small inside cabins.

My family and I found the food on MSC to be relatively comparable to Royal Caribbean

Every cruise line has stereotypes, from the party atmosphere of Carnival to the sophistication of Celebrity. MSC Cruises has several stereotypes, the most common of which is definitely the “bad” food.

Chances are, if you search for MSC reviews online, you’ll read many complaints about the cruise line’s food. However, in my experience on the two MSC cruises I’ve sailed on thus far, these negative reviews couldn’t be further from the truth.

My family and I were satisfied with the quality and selection of food on MSC Seaside. We found the Italian dishes—MSC’s specialty—spectacular, and enjoyed excellent meals in both the buffet, main dining room, and Kaito Teppanyaki specialty restaurant during the sailing.

Members of my family were split on whether they liked the food better on MSC or Royal Caribbean. While most thought they were comparable, some, like my brother, preferred dishes on MSC whereas others, such as my dad, thought Royal Caribbean’s food selections were better, especially those in the buffet.

Related: The best things I ate on my Royal Caribbean cruise

I find myself somewhere in the middle. Whereas I love the Italian pastas, breads, and pizza on MSC, I prefer Royal Caribbean when it comes to other international flavors, such as Indian and Mexican cuisine.

Comparing Royal Caribbean’s cardboard-tasting Sorrento’s pizza to MSC’s delectable Naples-style pies, it's no brainer which cruise line’s slice is better. Yet while comparing the amount of choice in food options and dining venues on Royal Caribbean to MSC, Royal Caribbean takes the cake.

While MSC’s service wasn’t bad, it wasn’t as spectacular as Royal Caribbean’s

Perhaps my favorite aspect of cruising on Royal Caribbean is the outstanding customer service.

I have never encountered service as helpful and friendly as on Royal Caribbean. While onboard a Royal Caribbean ship, I quickly lose count of the amount of warm greetings I receive from crew members. From a quick hello in the hallway to long conversations with bartenders, Royal Caribbean’s service makes every passenger feel welcomed and special.

On MSC Seaside, my family and I were not disappointed in the customer service onboard, but we weren’t blown away, either. Whereas on Royal Caribbean a table will be cleared in record speed at the buffet, this process seemed to take much longer on MSC Seaside. Ordering a drink took much longer than expected as well—the bars seemed to be understaffed.

Not everything was slow, though. When eating breakfast in the main dining room, for example, I was pleased with some of the quickest, most attentive service I’ve experienced at sea yet.

Outside of food and beverage service, my family ran into several issues with their onboard credit during our MSC cruise. The onboard credit they received when booking did not appear in their accounts, and, for some of my relatives, it took three trips to Guest Services before the issue was resolved. Later, we found out we had been charged for gratuities twice, necessitating another trip to Guest Services.

Although my family is not picky, and we recognize how diligently cruise ship crew members work, we couldn’t help but notice these slight differences in service.

I enjoyed the ocean-facing views on MSC Seaside, something I find lacking on Royal Caribbean’s ships

I love the activity-filled, innovative designs of Royal Caribbean’s newest ships, but one thing I don’t like about the fleet’s biggest vessels is the lack of ocean views. Most venues onboard ships like Wonder of the Seas and Odyssey of the Seas face inward; on these cruise ships, it’s easy to forget you’re on a ship altogether.

And while I didn’t love everything about the design of MSC Seaside—namely, the atrium-design over a thoroughfare like a promenade—I did love the amount of ocean views.

Most bars onboard had floor-to-ceiling windows of the ocean, and restaurants such as Kaito Teppanyaki had a gorgeous layout with a full view of the ocean. I found myself spending most of my time onboard sitting by a window with a view, and these bars quickly became my family’s meeting point for a pre-dinner drink and get together.

Only adults joined my family cruise, but MSC offers kid-friendly activities like Royal Caribbean

My family’s vacation on MSC Seaside was free of screaming children… from our family, at least.

Like Royal Caribbean, MSC is a family-friendly cruise line that caters to passengers of all ages. You’ll find kid-focused programming onboard both MSC and Royal Caribbean, including complimentary kids clubs, zip lines, aqua parks, and waterslides.

The buffet even has a kids zone, which is a shorter buffet stand that allows kids to serve themselves. Unsurprisingly, this is where you’ll find the ship’s soft serve ice cream machine, hot dogs, and chicken fingers.

Related: 7 best Royal Caribbean cruise ships for kids

When comparing Royal Caribbean's new ships with MSC Seaside, I would say they seemed similar for kid-friendly fun. The only downside with MSC Seaside was that some activities, such as the zip line and bowling, come with an extra cost. Most activities, however, such as the waterslides, ropes course, and LEGO club, are included in the cruise fare.

Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay offers a far greater variety of activities compared to MSC’s Ocean Cay

One of the ports on my family’s Western Caribbean cruise itinerary was Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC’s private island in The Bahamas.

Like Royal Caribbean, MSC operates a private destination in The Bahamas, providing a picture-perfect beach day to guests. And, as is with Perfect Day at CocoCay, the island provides complimentary food and beach access, and drink packages work on the island.

When comparing Ocean Cay to Perfect Day at CocoCay, it was clear Royal Caribbean’s private island offered a wider range of activities. From Thrill Waterpark to the Coco Beach Club and Oasis Lagoon pool, there is more to choose from at CocoCay.

Ocean Cay, on the other hand, focuses almost exclusively on beaches. You won’t find a pool, waterpark, or adults-only retreat on the island. While there are a few shops and a suites-only area, the overall atmosphere is far more chill than that of Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Nonetheless, having fewer choices isn’t necessarily a bad thing. My family and I appreciated the low-key vibe of the island, and it was much quieter than the party atmosphere we’ve encountered at CocoCay.

As a plus, our stay at Ocean Cay included a sunset DJ party on the island, and staying on the island into the night was a unique experience you cannot have at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

I wouldn’t say one island is better than the other, but Royal Caribbean’s private destination offers much more than just the beach.

My family and I aren’t opposed to cruising with MSC again, but we’ll still check Royal Caribbean’s options first

“If the prices are the same,” my dad explained on the last evening of our cruise, “I would book a Royal Caribbean cruise, but I wouldn’t pay double for Royal Caribbean.”

My dad’s quote just about sums up my family’s overall consensus about our cheap MSC cruise. For the price we paid, the value we got from our vacation was outstanding, especially considering we also had a drink package and wifi package.

Despite the fact that we preferred certain aspects of the Royal Caribbean experience, I don’t think it justified paying double for, all things considered, a similar experience.

If the price of a Royal Caribbean and MSC cruise were roughly the same, I would probably book with Royal Caribbean.

Even though MSC does status matching with Royal Caribbean’s loyalty program, it still doesn’t beat the Diamond Plus benefits I receive through the Crown & Anchor Society, like free drinks and access to a private lounge.

The elevated entertainment, service, and greater variety of dining venues also gives a slight edge to Royal Caribbean. That being said, MSC offers more varied and intriguing itineraries than the latter, as they sail to destinations like Brazil, Dubai, and Namibia.

Whether sailing on Royal Caribbean or MSC, there’s no doubt a cruise vacation makes for an excellent family trip, and I’m grateful for the memories I made with my siblings, parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins on MSC Seaside. Personally, I feel MSC’s negative stereotype is unwarranted.

When we plan our next family cruise, we’ll likely check cruise prices on Royal Caribbean’s website first, but we will remain open to trying new cruise lines as well.