When it comes to cruising, I’m a hard-core budget traveler. The more money I can save, the more often I can travel - and that's always my goal!

Although traveling has become increasingly more expensive in the last few years, I still find incredible value from cruising. With accommodations, meals, entertainment, and onboard amenities included in your cruise fare, it offers exceptional value for your money. My budget can be stretched further while cruising with so much included in the fare. 

However, there are always opportunities to splurge while cruising. Expensive add-ons and upselling both seem to be more prevalent than ever. Because of this, budget travelers might find constant temptation to splurge on cruise extras, including drink packages, internet purchases, specialty dining, and excursions. 

For me, 2024 was a big year of travel. I sailed on eight different cruises across four continents. These far-flung itineraries required long international flights, during which I flew on nearly 100 separate flight segments in 2024. This amounted to 135,206 miles of flying, with 13 days of the year spent in the air.

I was able to check a few major destinations off my bucket list this year by cruising, including South Africa, Madagascar, Belgium, Indonesia, and Australia. I was able to reach these countries while cruising on four extremely port-intensive itineraries. 

This included two sailings on Norwegian Cruise Line to South Africa and New England. I also cruised twice with Celebrity Cruises to Norway and Australia in 2024. Other sailings included weekend cruises with Carnival Cruise Line.

Between credit card points, cheap interior cabins, and my remote work jobs, I was able to stretch my vacation budget significantly this year. With a few big splurges in 2024, some purchases were absolutely worth the expense, while others felt like a waste of money.

Worth it: Balcony stateroom

One of my favorite cruises of the year was a 7-night Norway fjord sailing on Celebrity Apex with my husband. We departed from England and visited three ports throughout Norway, including one stop in Belgium.

Although we typically book cheaper cabins like interior guarantee staterooms, we decided to splurge on a more expensive balcony cabin for this cruise. We knew Norway would be incredibly beautiful with stunning views of the fjords throughout the week. Because of this, we wanted to have our own private balcony so we wouldn’t miss any of the sights!

Our deluxe porthole balcony stateroom was pricey at $4,200, which is certainly on the expensive side for a 7-night itinerary. But, the splurge was absolutely worthwhile! With extra space in the cabin and our own veranda, our cabin felt like a slice of luxury.

We also decided to splurge on choosing our specific stateroom instead of booking a balcony guarantee. Although we saved money last year booking this kind of cabin on our Jewel of the Seas cruise with Royal Caribbean, our stateroom was above the nightclub. We couldn't sleep until midnight each evening because of the loud noise! 

This time, we strategically picked our stateroom because it was nestled among other cabins. This was worth every single penny! 

The highlight of our balcony was sailing through the fjords from the privacy of our veranda. After bringing two bottles of wine onboard for embarkation day, my husband and I enjoyed a relaxing happy hour on our balcony each evening, sipping wine as the ship sailed away from the ports of call. Watching the awe-inspiring fjords drift by made the splurge unforgettable. 

Waste: Spa treatment

During our cruise through the Norwegian fjords, my husband and I decided to splurge on a couple’s massage. Cruise ship spas are notoriously expensive, so the $400 cost for our spa treatment was not surprising.

Unfortunately, the overall experience fell short of expectations. The massage itself was wonderful, but I expected more for the price. I had high hopes for the Edge class spa, which is often advertised as a top-of-the-line amenity for Celebrity Cruises. As a premium cruise line, the onboard experience is centered around modern relaxation and rejuvenation.

First, the massage room lacked ambiance - it felt very plain and resembled a basic spa in a shopping mall. Some of the aspects of the experience also felt cheap. For instance, the masseuse placed a rolled-up paper towel over our eyes for the facial portion of the massage. For the cost of the spa treatment, I would expect at least a warm towel for my eyes.

In the future, I will probably prioritize thermal spa passes that can be used throughout the duration of the cruise. While cruising in Africa, I spent about $200 on a thermal spa pass to use for the 12-night voyage. This was the first time I splurged on a thermal spa pass - and it was definitely worth it!

This was one of the best splurges I made during that itinerary. I enjoyed the heated loungers with my book every afternoon, often resulting in a nap. This purchase felt far more worthwhile, as I could enjoy the spa amenities every day of the cruise. On the flip side, massages only last about 60 minutes. 

Worth it: Drink packages

As a frequent cruiser, I hardly ever splurge on a drink package because they’re extraordinarily expensive. Before 2024, I had only purchased Royal Caribbean’s drink package once and struggled to get my money’s worth. Keeping up with the required level of drinking throughout the cruise felt excessive, and I ultimately lost money on the drink package.

Also, with my Royal Caribbean loyalty status, I receive five daily drink vouchers for complimentary beverages priced up to $14 each. This perk is more than sufficient for me, essentially providing the benefits of a drink package without the added cost.

However, one of the cruises I booked this year included a drink package in the cruise fare. I cruised with Norwegian Cruise Line to Africa onboard Norwegian Dawn in January 2024. The cruise line’s “Free at Sea” pricing included a drink package, in which guests only needed to pay for the gratuities on the package. I had never tried this package before, but I thought the price was reasonable. 

For the 12-night cruise, I only paid about $500 in gratuities for Norwegian’s standard drink package. This included most of the drinks that I wanted to order, such as mojitos, martinis, and piña coladas.

Being able to indulge throughout this port-intensive itinerary was worth the splurge. I appreciated not having to worry about paying for every drink consumed, although I do wish specialty coffee was included in Norwegian’s standard drink package. Even still, I easily drank more than $500 worth during the 12-night cruise - and I would splurge on Norwegian’s drink package again.

Waste: Specialty dining

Specialty dining is typically a splurge I enjoy. When sailing on longer itineraries, a specialty restaurant can provide a change of pace from the main dining room. Specialty restaurants on cruise ships include higher-quality entrees and more attentive service for a reasonable surcharge. However, this wasn't always the case during my 2024 cruises. 

While cruising in Norway with my husband, he was especially interested in dining at Raw on Five onboard Celebrity Apex. As a sushi-lover, we heard rave reviews about the upscale experience. During our first sea day, we booked Raw on Five for lunch to try this raved-about restaurant.

Read more: I tried Royal Caribbean's new loyalty match program. I missed having drink vouchers, but it saved me hundreds of dollars

Unfortunately, Raw on Five did not live up to our expectations. My husband tried two sushi rolls and one plate of oysters for lunch. While the food was edible, the meal was not particularly impressive. Similarly, I tried the pork butt and felt the meat was rubbery and tough. For $60, our money could have been spent elsewhere.

Not all specialty dining was disappointing, though. My husband and I also dined at Rooftop Garden Grill during our cruise and had one of the best meals on any cruise! I also tried Tuscan Grill on Celebrity Solstice, which is one of my new favorite cruise ship restaurants. In fact, the meal was so delightful the first time that we returned for a second visit during our 15-night cruise in Australia.

Worth it: Cruise line excursions

I’m a destination-focused cruiser, so I usually pick my sailings based on the ports of call. If I am going to spend time and money to travel, I want to make sure I'm visiting destinations that I actually want to see. Because of this, I plan my days ashore meticulously to maximize the time in port.

While excursions through the cruise line can be undeniably expensive, my splurges in 2024 on these tours were absolutely worthwhile. Cruise-sponsored excursions provide added security that your cruise ship will not depart without you. This means unexpected traffic or delays aren’t a cause for concern during your time ashore.

In addition, I’ve discovered that cruise-sponsored almost always receive priority for disembarkation. If you’re docked in a port that requires tendering ashore, cruise-sponsored excursions will be among the first to head ashore. These tours also receive priority for ports of call that require face-to-face immigration.

Throughout 2024, I splurged on excursions offered through the cruise line - even if the cost was significantly more than booking an independent tour. While cruising around South Africa, we booked multiple safaris throughout our itinerary. Most of these safaris were hours away from the ports and required significant travel. Not to mention, we were required to do face-to-face immigration in South Africa.

I felt Norwegian’s excursions would be the safest option for touring, especially while traveling to an unfamiliar part of the world. We also received priority disembarkation in every port, which allowed us more time ashore. Because we were booked on a Norwegian excursion, we also avoided the chaotic immigration line with those going ashore on their own. 

Throughout 2024, I found myself booking more excursions through the cruise line for these reasons. I also booked the Flam Railway during our Norway cruise through Celebrity Cruises. In addition, we visited the Great Barrier Reef while cruising in Australia. Instead of looking to save money with an independent tour, we opted for Celebrity's snorkeling excursion because we would be traveling far from the anchored ship. 

Worth it: Disembarkation tours

Disembarkation tours became a new favorite splurge of mine in 2024. These excursions allow guests the opportunity to tour the disembarkation city before heading to the airport or continuing on with their travels. Instead of waiting around at the airport all day, you can utilize your time to explore the surrounding area.

The first disembarkation tour I booked was in Cape Town, South Africa, which was through the cruise line. Because our flight did not depart until 11 in the evening, we had an entire day to tour the city. I was ecstatic to see a tour of the Cape Peninsula to visit Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope, which are the southernmost points in Africa. Of course, I couldn’t wait to also see the precious penguins waddling around Boulders Beach!

With just two days to explore Cape Town, I was thrilled with this all-day excursion, as it made the most of our limited time in the city. We were able to venture around the Cape Peninsula all day and still arrive at the airport with plenty of time. In addition, we didn’t need to worry about storing our luggage somewhere in a secure location on the coach bus.

After this positive experience, I decided to utilize the same strategy in Singapore after disembarking from my cruise around Australia. We only had one day to explore Singapore before flying home the following day, so we organized a disembarkation tour through Viator. 

With four people, we had a private van that shuffled us around the city to the main sights. We were able to keep our luggage in the car safely before checking into our hotel later that night. This was the best way to end a fantastic cruise. 

With future cruises, I will continue to book disembarkation tours if the right opportunity presents itself. I’d rather see more of the local sights than wait around all day at the airport!

It looks like it's actually going to happen this time, and you'll need to get a driver's license that is acceptable to cruise with.

The changeover from a traditional driver's license to a REAL ID has been in the works (and delayed) a few times, but this time it appears the new requirements will go into effect.

Beginning May 7, 2025, the US Department of Homeland Security will require every resident of a US state or territory who is 18 years of age and older to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification to go through airport security and board a flight within the United States. 

A passport is, of course, acceptable as well.

REAL IDs are marked by a star on the top of the card.

The reason why this is important is so many Americans fly to get on their cruise ship. 

Your old driver's license will no longer work on or after May 7th. Only a Real ID (or passport) will get you through the Transportation Security Authority's security check in order to to fly domestically.

What is a REAL ID?

Think of a REAL ID as an enhanced driver's license, and without one, you won't be able to get on a plane.

It was passed by Congress as a requirement in 2005 in an effort to standardize identification, such as driver's licenses.

REAL ID driver's licenses don't replace a passport. Rather, they just serve as the new standard for driver's licenses.

It's easy to figure out if you already have one. Check your driver's license or state-issued identification. If it has a gold star in the top right, it's REAL ID compliant. California and Maine have variations on this, but there's still a star.

How to get a REAL ID?

To get an updated form of identification, you'll need to go to wherever you were issued your driver's license in the first place.

Depending on your state, there could be special places for applying for a REAL ID, or you may just need to go to your local driver's license service center or tax collector office.

The exact paperwork needed to apply may vary, but you'll need proof of identity and status as a US resident or citizen, proof of your Social Security number and multiple proofs of your current address.

Originals or hard copies of documentation (birth certificate, Social Security card, US passport) are required, with photocopies and screenshots not accepted. Check your state's driver's licensing agency website for more specifics.

You should get a temporary paper ID until the REAL ID arrives in the mail a few weeks later.

The cost should be about the same as renewing your license or non-driving identification card. 

What happens if I don't get a REAL ID?

Unless the deadline gets extended again, you won't be able to fly with just a standard driver's license as of May 7th because you won't make it past airport security checkpoints.

Of course, you could still fly with other acceptable forms of identification: 

• A valid passport
• US Department of Defense ID
• Permanent resident card
• Border crossing card
• Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID
• Enhanced Driver's License, issued by Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington state 

Since many people that cruise have a passport, you could use your passport to fly domestically instead of getting a REAL ID.

Can I cruise with a REAL ID instead of a passport?

You cannot use just a driver's license or REAL ID as the sole form of proof of identification in order to cruise.

Royal Caribbean allows Americans who are sailing from the same port their ship departs and returns to to sail without a passport, but you'll need more than just a REAL ID.

This is referred to as a closed-loop sailing, and nearly all Caribbean cruises departing from mainland U.S. states have cruises that are considered this sort of a sailing.

If you qualify, then you can go on a cruise with just a REAL ID and an original birth certificate.

A cruise ship can take you to amazing places, and a few itineraries are truly remarkable.

Royal Caribbean has the most cruise ships of any single line, and they sail to multiple continents every year. Even the commonly visited ports of call are still noteworthy for being the sort of places people want to visit.

When I speak with frequent cruisers, inevitably one of the common discussion topics are what is your favorite cruise port you've visited?

Inevitably the answer tends to be fall into a few popular choices and I think these are the places you'll definitely want to consider visiting as well.

Royal Caribbean tends to offer the most sailings to Alaska, Europe, and the Caribbean. These are popular places to visit, and each has crown jewels of vacation spots to see.

In addition, there are a handful of ships that visit Australia and the South Pacific, along with Asia.

With so many places to visit, how do you pick the best ones? What are the bucket list worthy places someone should absolutely get to at least once?

Here's my list of must-sees on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

Perfect Day at CocoCay

I know this sounds almost cliched, but Royal Caribbean's private island in The Bahamas is so darn good, it's what every other cruise line uses as the standard to measure itself against.

Located in the Berry Islands, CocoCay is available exclusively for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises passengers. No other lines can visit there.

It's the ultimate beach day without any hassle or thought. Royal Caribbean operates it all, and you simply walk off the ship and enjoy it.  An enclosed playground for passengers to do exactly what most people want out of a cruise vacation: a memorable day in a beautiful location.

Royal Caribbean designed CocoCay to deliver the perfect beach day experience.  "Perfect" is subjective, so they offer a lot of choices.  The perfect water park, the perfect beach for partying, the perfect beach for adults, the perfect upscale getaway, etc. 

There's no worrying about where and when to eat, or where to go because there are multiple choices. 

While you won't find any true authentic experiences that immerse you in a culture or history, but you will almost certainly have the Caribbean beach day you envisioned.

Inside passage cruise to Alaska

Everyone told me how amazing Alaska was, but until I experienced it, I could not properly appreciate it.

Royal Caribbean offers seasonal cruises in the summer to Alaska on four ships, operating from Seattle, Vancouver, or Seward, Alaska.

The reason why Alaska is one of the best destinations you can visit on a Royal Caribbean cruise is because of the amazing landscapes you can experience.

Glaciers, local culture, wildlife, and scenery will draw you in, and it seems like every day there's something else amazing to see.

The top two draws are probably the glaciers and animal viewing, and they do not disappoint in Alaska.

There are glaciers your ship will bring you close to, as well as glaciers you can get right up to with a shore excursion. It's magnificent to see these giant sheets of ice and rock.

Then there's the bears, whales, eagles, salmon, and many other animals you can see all around you.  The vast wilderness of Alaska is unparalleled. 

I know it seems almost counterintuitive to go somewhere "cold" for a cruise, but Alaska is worth visiting every single year.

Great Barrier Reef

Located on the coast of Queensland, Airlie Beach is a gateway to Australia’s Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef.

Cruises tender near the town of Airlie Beach, with a walkable main street and several attractions in the town itself, such as the Airlie Beach Lagoon, white sand beaches, and cafes, shopping, and restaurants.

Most visitors to Airlie Beach will opt for an excursion to discover the area’s natural beauty. Catamaran tours to the Whitsunday Islands, for example, give the opportunity to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe on the archipelago of 74 small islands floating off the coast.

If you’re looking for a unique experience, consider a flightseeing tour over the Great Barrier Reef, where you can spot the massive reef and nearby Whitsunday Islands from above.

Regardless of what you choose to do in port, Airlie Beach is sure to exceed your expectations for a gorgeous beach day.

Greek isles

When you combine natural beauty and a rich culture, you get the Greek Isles.

Cruise ships are well-suited for visiting the small Greek island that make up the southern part of the country, and it's where you'll find white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and iconic cliffside villages with whitewashed buildings.

The best part is not all the islands are the same. There's the volcanic islands like Santorini, and lush landscapes like Corfu. You can relax on Mykonos’ beaches, or go hiking in Crete.

Of course, Greece is synonymous with history, and there are so many ancient sites to explore Greek mythology. Ancient ruins dot the landscape, and it's going to draw you in just as much as the stunning landscapes.

If you're not sold yet on Greece, then you also get a chance to experience the amazing cruising. Fresh seafood, moussaka, baklava, and locally-produced olive oil are all must-eats. You'll be able to sample authentic Greek wines and enjoy traditional taverna dining.

A cruise makes seeing it all so much easier, because you can visit several islands without the hassle of ferries or constant packing/unpacking.

Norwegian fjords

If the dramatic landscapes are your thing, the fjords of Norway will not disappoint.

Cruises to Norway offer visits to its major cities and natural beauty of its fjords. You'll find towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush greenery.

The iconic fjords like Geirangerfjord, Sognefjord, and Hardangerfjord, are known for their breathtaking vistas. Cruise ships can provide the perfect vantage point because they will sail deep into fjords that are otherwise inaccessible by land.

Royal Caribbean's ships sail around Northern Europe during the summer, and it's the perfect way to see the region.

The history of the Viking people is also waiting for you here, and there's Viking museums, traditional Norwegian wooden churches, and picturesque fishing villages.

Bergen, Ålesund, and Flam, are all known for their colorful wooden houses, bustling harbors, and friendly locals.

Cruises around Asia

Royal Caribbean has a major presence in Asia, and you'll find cruises that can take you to China, Japan, and Thailand.

Their ships sail from China and Singapore, but the sailings from Singapore stand out as a fabulous choice for North American cruisers.

There's a mix of different cruises to offer something for everyone. Short 3- to 4-night shorts visits Malaysia and Thailand, whereas 10-night Southeast Asia cruises go to popular spots in Vietnam and Thailand.

When you think of Thailand, you’ll likely picture crystal clear beaches, green mountains, colorful temples, and spicy street food. Phuket, the largest island in Thailand, offers all of those attractions and more.

In short, you'll be able to visit the most sought-after destinations across Southeast Asia.

Bermuda

There are around 34 beaches and coves to discover in Bermuda, although the most famous is Horseshoe Bay, known for its clear waters and pink sand. The island also boasts excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities including underwater visits to shipwrecks.

Bermuda has an efficient public transportation system that makes exploring the island a breeze. You’ll enjoy taking a stroll around the colorful, colonial buildings in Bermuda’s capital of Hamilton, visiting Bermuda’s crystal caves, or touring the Royal Naval Dockyard.

Simply put, there’s no shortage of ways to keep busy in Bermuda despite the island’s small size.

You’ll find most Bermuda itineraries departing from Cape Liberty, New Jersey or Baltimore, Maryland, making visiting this Atlantic paradise convenient for those living in the northeast.

Booking a cruise is undoubtedly exciting, but the thrill can quickly fade when you start thinking about all the planning involved. Before your vacation can begin, there are some important steps that all cruisers should take.

Although one of the perks of booking a cruise is having minimal logistics, some preparation is usually necessary. Theoretically, you could show up on embarkation day without any prior planning and still have a great time. However, this doesn’t mean you should plan to show up to the cruise terminal without doing some basic planning.

After booking your cruise, you may find the planning process a bit overwhelming. Modern cruise ships rival floating cities, bustling with thousands of other guests and offering endless options for things to do. Between excursion planning, airfare, dining reservations and more, there are many details to iron before setting sail.

After sailing on 50 cruises, I’ve learned that a bit of preparation goes a long way. Here are 20 tried-and-true steps I always take before cruising to ensure my vacation is seamless and stress-free.

1. Verify travel documents

If you are planning a cruise, you should absolutely make sure you have the appropriate travel documents. Whether you are planning to cruise using your passport or your birth certificate (which is only allowed for certain sailings departing from the United States), confirming travel documentation is my top priority.

Double-check that your passport is not expiring within the next six months, which is often a requirement to visit other countries. If your passport is expired or expiring soon, you should start the process of applying for a new passport. This can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple months depending on the current backlog. 

Finally, confirm whether any visas are needed for your itinerary. For instance, my recent cruise from Sydney to Bali and Singapore required a tourist visa to visit Indonesia. If you’re sailing on a more exotic itinerary, this is especially important.

2. Book airfare, if needed

Some cruisers are lucky enough to live within driving distance of a cruise port; however, it’s not uncommon for vacationers to fly to their cruise embarkation port. However, you should always fly into your cruise port at least one day before departure to ensure you don’t encounter any delays or cancellations.

Most of my itineraries require airfare, so I usually look my flights shortly after reserving my cruise. I prefer to book further in advance to have the most options that align with my travel needs and the cruise schedule. 

3. Research itinerary and ports of call

As a destination-focused traveler, I extensively research every port of call on a cruise itinerary. I want to ensure my time in each port is maximized to the fullest, especially when I am on a tight schedule. For each port of call, I always spend time researching the top things to do in each destination to make sure I can see and do everything I want. 

For instance, some cruise ships will dock far from a city center, such as Le Havre, France or Civitavecchia, Italy. Le Havre is a port city that is advertised as the gateway to Paris while Civitavecchia is the closest port city to Rome, Italy. 

Without researching these ports of call, you might assume touring the famous cities of Rome and Paris are convenient and easy. However, Paris is more than two hours from Le Havre and Civitavecchia is one hour from the city of Rome.

4. Book cruise-line excursions

For any cruise, it’s important to look at the excursions offered by the cruise line. First, this can give you a good gauge on the top things to do in each port of call. Personally, I like to read the tour descriptions to see what each port has to offer, including which activities or attractions are feasible to visit from the port.

Second, I prefer to book excursions through the cruise line for certain destinations or itineraries. Cruise-sponsored excursions are convenient and provide a guaranteed return to the ship. Because of this, shore excursions through the cruise line can be very popular and sell out quickly.

It’s best to book your excursions as soon as possible, especially considering you can cancel your tour if you change your mind. The added flexibility and convenience of cruise line excursions is often worthwhile, in my opinion.

5. Prebook add-ons

In addition to excursions, it’s important to budget for other add-ons needed for your cruise. This could include drink packages, internet access, specialty dining reservations, spa treatments and other onboard experiences.

It’s usually best to prebook your add-ons before setting sail, as cruise lines offer pre-sailing discounts. Once onboard, you will often find higher prices for these add-ons (especially drink packages!).

6. Find a hotel for the night before

Because I usually need to fly to my embarkation port, I also need to book a hotel for the night before. Following the golden-rule of cruise travel, I always book a flight that arrives at least one night before my cruise embarks. If I am wanting to explore the embarkation port for longer, I will fly to the city a couple days in advance.

In this way, booking a pre-cruise hotel is one of my must-do items. You can book a hotel months in advance, and I prefer to secure my reservation using credit card points. The further in advance you can book a hotel, the more options you have for utilizing these redemptions.

7. Plan transportation to the port

After arriving to the embarkation city, you will also need to consider transportation to the cruise terminal. Sometimes this is easy and convenient, while other times require planning and research. If you are driving yourself to the cruise terminal, make sure you know where to park and how much you can expect to spend.

If you need to travel further, consider prearranging your transportation. This has proven useful in many occasions, especially for terminals located far from the city. Take into account how much luggage you’ll be traveling with as well.

For example, I’ve cruised from Southampton, England many different times for cruises. I always spend time in London before embarkation, which is about 80 miles from the Southampton cruise terminal. There are a few options for transportation, but I always book the direct train from London to Southampton beforehand.

8. Monitor pricing for a better deal or upgrade

Although this has become less common with increased prices and demand for cruising, I continue to monitor my booked cruises for better deals. If I find a cheaper cruise fare for my itinerary before final payment, I simply contact my travel agent and ask for a reprice. This has saved me thousands of dollars over the years!

If the final payment deadline has passed, you might be able to upgrade your cabin to a higher category. Even if I am unable to reprice my reservation, I’ve been able to upgrade my interior cabin to a balcony or suite when prices decreased closer to the sail date.

9. Check-in for cruise

It might seem obvious, but make sure you check-in for your cruise before heading to the terminal! Last year, I forgot to check-in for my cruise onboard Grandeur of the Seas before embarkation day. Although I was able to complete my check-in at the cruise terminal, this was a huge headache. 

I had to spend extra time confirming my documentation at the terminal, which delayed the start to my vacation! In addition, I had to confirm with guest services that my payment account was up-to-date onboard. Now, I always check-in for my cruise after receiving the reminder email from Royal Caribbean. This ensures I can choose the best arrival time for my schedule. I also find I am less likely to forget checking in for my cruise if I do this right after being reminded.

10. Confirm health requirements

Depending on your cruise itinerary, you might have health requirements that need to be met before embarkation. While most cruises in Europe, the Caribbean and Alaska do not typically have health requirements to consider, other destinations around the world do.

For example, you might need a Yellow Fever vaccine to visit certain countries around Africa or South America. Malaria medication might be recommended for cruises around Asia as well. Confirm you have proper documentation for any medication based on entry requirements for your itinerary as well. It’s best to check with your doctor about health requirements before your cruise begins, even if this simply entails routine vaccination.

11. Replenish my travel pharmacy

Speaking of health requirements, another thing I religiously do before cruising is replenish my travel pharmacy. Because onboard medication is expensive while cruising, it’s best to bring some over-the-counter medication onboard with you in case you need it. No one wants to think about getting sick on vacation, but even minor ailments can be a nuisance while cruising. 

For my travel pharmacy, I ensure I have everything from pain relief, antihistamines, seasickness medication and basic first aid necessities. I will pack a few extra doses for longer itineraries to make sure I don’t run low on any medication. It’s always best to be prepared for the worst case scenario, even if you don’t thing you will need it.

12. Print baggage tags

One must-do item that I tend to forget is printing baggage tags. Cruise lines will provide downloadable tags for you to print before arriving at the embarkation port. These are attached to your suitcases before handing your luggage to the cruise ship porters at the terminal.

The baggage tags are available either through the cruise planner or app. You print the tags and attach them to your suitcase using either tape, staples or a luggage tag holder. I prefer to use a luggage tag holder to keep my printed tags secure, minimizing the chance of the tag falling off.

13. Bring cash and small bills

Cruise ships are essentially cashless for purchases, but I always make sure I pack some cash before setting sail. This also includes smaller $1 bills for tips, which I often provide to the bar tenders throughout the cruise. In addition, I prefer giving cash tips to my cabin stewards and dining room waiters on the final day of the cruise.

Moreover, cash is sometimes needed throughout your sailing in different ports of call. Although credit cards are widely accepted, you shouldn’t be cashless while traveling. Having some cash on hand can be necessary for transportation or souvenir purchases.

14. Download Royal Caribbean app

The cruising experience on Royal Caribbean is almost entirely digitalized now in the post-pandemic era. Everything from the muster drill to daily schedules can be found on the app while cruising. Royal Caribbean’s app is very handy for not only the onboard experience, but also before you set sail. While some cruise lines only have apps that are usable onboard, Royal Caribbean’s app is a good resource for your cruise planning as well. 

You can see the deck plans, dining reservations, excursions and more when using Royal Caribbean's app. Therefore, I highly recommend adding the app to your phone before cruising. Royal Caribbean’s app is available to download in the iTunes Store for Apple products or in the Google Play store for Android devices.

15. Make dining reservations

When sailing on larger cruise vessels, such as Oasis or Quantum class ships, I always make sure I reserve specialty dining before embarkation. With so many people sailing onboard these bigger ships, specialty dining reservations can be hard to come by after boarding. These restaurants fill up quickly, so I want to make sure I can secure a booking that works for my schedule.

Also, it’s easy to change reservations once you’re onboard your cruise if you need to. I’ve had to adjust specialty dining bookings after embarkation, and it’s never been an issue. Although you might not have many options for time slots, you do have flexibility onboard.

16. Start packing list

After taking 50 cruises, I consider myself an expert cruise packer. I have my go-to cruise outfits and essentials, including cabin must-haves. Even still, I prefer to make a list of everything that I want to remember to pack for my cruise. This is especially important if I am sailing on a port-intensive itinerary or a longer cruise to a new destination.

In the notes app on my phone, I create a simple packing list of the essentials that I cannot forget to pack for my cruise. Everything from electronics to chargers and passports are typically on my packing list. 

17. Check the weather

In the same manner, I also religiously check the weather before packing anything for my cruise. Although the Caribbean and Mediterranean are typically sunny and warm, other destinations around the world are less predictable.

For example, Alaska cruising can bring blistering cold weather or clear sunshine on a beautiful day. I don’t want to pack the wrong attire for the climate, so monitoring the weather gives me a good idea of what to pack. Packing appropriately is essential for a smooth cruising experience - and preparing for a variety of weather changes can ensure you are prepared for anything.

18. Watch itinerary-specific YouTube videos

I’ve visited many popular cruising destinations over the years, including Europe, Asia, Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico, Alaska and Canada. However, if I am sailing to a new destination, I find YouTube to be an excellent resource for planning.

YouTube is full of useful, first-hand experiences for cruisers. This is especially true for more unique destinations, such as my upcoming cruise to India and Sri Lanka next year. Many different creators and local experts share practical tips for travelers and cruisers on YouTube. I find these videos help me set my expectations appropriate for my upcoming cruise, allowing me to plan more efficiently.

19. Join the Facebook group

Most itineraries have a dedicated group on Facebook to join. By searching your cruise ship and specific sail date, you can request to join these groups before cruising. These groups are very resourceful and allow cruisers to connect before setting sail.

The Facebook groups provides a place for cruisers to share tips and updates, along with asking questions about your specific sailing. Some cruisers will even plan meetups for their upcoming cruise!

20. Allocate enough time to pack

Last-minute packing can be very overwhelming for some people. I prefer to pack the weekend before my cruise to be certain that I have enough time to pack everything I need. I do not want to be rushed while packing, as this often leads to forgotten items and unnecessary stress.

Generally speaking, packing usually takes me longer than I anticipate. For longer itineraries with varying climate, such as my 12-night cruise to Iceland last summer, I easily spend four to five hours packing. Waiting until the last minute or running out of time only leads to more stress right before your vacation.

A cruise ship is my favorite place to vacation, but there are a few areas of the ship I rarely, if ever, visit.

Cruising is a matter of style, and I've learned everyone cruises different. That's part of this vacation's charm: it's not the same experience for everyone. You could get on the ship and spend it all in your cabin, or go and be the life of the party at the different events onboard.

I hate to make generalizations because I try to experience as much of a cruise as I can, but I've found there are a few spots I just don't go to anymore.

It could be because my personal cruising style has changed, or I simply have no interest in it.  Keeping in mind that this isn't meant to be a list of places you shouldn't go. Rather, I'm sharing my own experience.

Call me crazy, but these are the six places I really never go to on a Royal Caribbean ship.

Sports court

Insert your own comment here about a blogger that doesn't spend much time at the sports court, but I'll own it.

Any time of day, I'll see plenty of people playing basketball, pickleball, soccer, or volleyball on the sports court of a ship. I just never had the urge to go.

Royal Caribbean offers organized games as well as "free play", and it's an opportunity to get out and play a favorite game.

I think my disdain for the sports court has less to do with the activities offered, but rather it's usually exceptionally hot on the sports court.  There's no shade and most months of the year, I'd start sweating before my first volley or basket.

I think I've been on the sports court engaged in a game twice that I can recall: when pickleball first got added to ships, I remember playing a game once on Mariner of the Seas.  And the other time was badminton in the SeaPlex on Odyssey of the Seas.

DJ dance parties

Even in my college days, I never loved a really loud dance party.  So it's no surprise I don't get into the offerings on a cruise ship.

Royal Caribbean's dance parties have become quite popular, from the fleetwide Red party to the new offerings on Utopia of the Seas.

One of the sure fire signs you're getting old is when the music at a party always seems too loud, so I guess that's me.

Just like the sports court, there's plenty of other cruisers to take my place at the dance parties onboard.

Royal Promenade dancing

If your Royal Caribbean ship has a Royal Promenade, then there will be a few evenings where there's a dance party held here.

This is more of a "street party" vibe than the DJ music I touched up on earlier.  

My issue with these dance parties is they seem passé and clichéd in the sense Royal Caribbean has been doing them forever it seems, and many are rooted in an aging demographic.

Besides the theme or music preferences, my bigger issue with the Royal Promenade parties is it shuts down everything else on the promenade. It's like the muster drill of entertainment.

Cruising has many traditions, and the street party is one of them that I wouldn't mind see retired. 

Read more: What it was like to go on a Royal Caribbean cruise in the 1970s

Art auctions

Another activity that's seemingly been on cruise ships forever are the art auctions, and this was a "one and done" for me.

To be fair, I'm not a connoisseur of fine art by any means. If you're into all of this stuff, that is wonderful. Just know that it isn't necessarily a bargain — no matter what the salespeople try to tell you.

Read more: I went to the controversial cruise ship activity to see if its reputation is as bad as I've read

Card room/Library

Every Royal Caribbean ship has a few public spaces for gatherings, such as a card room or library.

I understand why these spaces exist, but I'd rather go to the art auction because at least something would be happening there.  I'm not against quiet spaces, but I have no desire to go hang out in one of these places.

If I was going to read, I'd rather go to the pool deck, balcony, or promenade deck seating areas. 

For what it's worth, I think Royal Caribbean also punted on the idea too. Icon of the Seas, their newest ship design, has no library intentionally.

FlowRider

Proving I have no athletic ability, I'll add one more physical activity on a cruise ship you will never, ever find me on.

Royal Caribbean made a name for itself when it added its first FlowRider surf simulator to one of its ships. 

As advertised, you can actually learn to surf on a cruise ship and I've seen plenty of people love it.

It's free to try, and a really neat activity.

I not only have no good sense of balance, but can also foresee my own demise on this thing trying to stand up and then subsequently faceplanting. Bathing suit flying off at the same time, optional.

Most people seem to love trying it out, and I'll gladly watch from the nearby seats.

I love to cruise on Royal Caribbean, and in 2024 I got to cruise the most I've ever done in one year.

This year, I've been on a ship for 70 nights (and have another couple days left before the year ends).

Because I live in Florida, it's logistically easier to get on a cruise ship given how close the major ports are to where I live. Nonetheless, I also flew to New York and Europe to go on cruises in order to expand my options.

After so many cruises, you might think things would get rather repetitive, but I relish certain cruising traditions that I feel obliged to do every time.

On nearly every trip, I have some absolute must-dos that I simply can't skip. No matter how much I cruise, these are the six things that never get old.

Go to the Windjammer for my first meal onboard

It just doesn't feel like a Royal Caribbean cruise to me unless I start things off with lunch in the Windjammer buffet.

While I do occasionally hit up a specialty restaurant first (such as when I have a dining package), I still prefer lunch at the ship's buffet.

This is a cruising tradition going back to my very first Royal Caribbean cruise on Explorer of the Seas. I distinctly remember going to the Windjammer with my family and being amazed how much variety there was.

Besides nostalgia, I don't usually eat breakfast, so by the time I get going and on the ship, I'm pretty hungry and ready for a meal.

While the buffet can get busy on embarkation day, I try to go there before noon to beat the worst of the crowds.

With a belly full of food, I'm ready to start any cruise.

Spend my evenings in the pub with great music

When Royal Caribbean Blog readers ask me where to find me on a ship, I always tell them there's a good chance I'll be in the English Pub most nights.

You'll find a pub on nearly all the ships in the fleet, and they play the kind of bar music hits on a guitar that I really enjoy.

Basically, these are songs you likely know all the words to and likely have heard in many bars before.

Pub singers come in all styles, but my favorite this year had to be Kevin Phillip while he performed on Icon of the Seas.  I'd book a cruise if I knew he was performing on it, because of how talented and engaging with the crowd he is.

The rare exception is when I'm on Utopia of the Seas and the Country Trio is playing, and then I'll skip the pub and head up to the Mason Jar bar.

Seek out my favorite foods

Royal Caribbean executives have said the top two reasons most people go on a cruise is for the destinations and the food, and I can certify I love to cruise for the food too.

Depending on the itinerary, ship, and who I'm cruising with, I'll dine at a variety of restaurants on Royal Caribbean that are included and cost extra.

My wife will attest to the fact I go out of my way to find my all-time favorite Royal Caribbean foods.

In no particular order, here's my cruise ship must-eats:

• French onion soup from the Main Dining Room or Coastal Kitchen
• Popcorn
• Sushi from Izumi
• Indian curry from the Windjammer
• Asian stir fry from the cooking station in the Windjammer

These are deeply satisfying foods that I could probably eat every single day. I'm pretty sure on some cruises this year I did eat one of these every day.

There are other foods I love too, but this is the list of what I can find and seek out on pretty much every ship.

Try to plan at least one epic shore excursion

I'm not sure when this started, but one way I like to spice up any cruise I take is to plan a really fun shore excursion.

I think this was born out of visiting a port of call many times over the course of my cruising career, but I try to book a tour, cabana, private boat, or something else that truly stands out.

It's easy to fall into the same routine on cruises, especially as you repeat itineraries.  So as a way to mix it up and also treat my family, I look for ways to do something a little different.

Royal Caribbean is fond of saying their ships are all about making memories for their guests, and I like to apply that mantra to my own plans. My kids may not remember the umpteenth time we sailed on Mariner of the Seas, but they definitely remember when we do something extraordinary.

Some examples from this year include:

• Chartering a catamaran in Bermuda
• Snorkeling in St. John
• Staying in an Airbnb in London

If you want an easy but really fun shore excursion idea, look into chartering a boat. Whether it's a catamaran, fishing boat, or yacht, they are plentiful and never disappoint.

Take a nap

Call me old, call me boring, but I don't care. I love to nap on a cruise.

I don't usually sleep in, but right after lunch on a sea day, I usually feel a knack to lay down and take a break.

It's not only relaxing, but napping allows me to (probably) stay up later if I'm well rested.

Start planning my next cruise

As the cruise starts to wind down and we approach the last day or two of the sailing, I'll begin looking forward to my next sailing.

I think this is a coping mechanism for dealing with the end of a fun vacation, so starting to look at shore excursions or dining plans is a good distraction.

I'll also take this opportunity to see which of our friends or family could potentially join us.  After all, cruising is more fun with friends!

Whether you are in college or taking your school-aged kids, spring break is a popular time to take a cruise vacation every year.

Spring break is the first major opportunity since the New Year holiday to go on vacation for more than just a weekend, and spring break is a popular time for many families and young people to take a cruise.

A getaway on a spring break cruise is probably more popular with school-aged families than college spring breakers, but you'll find both groups onboard.

What should you know about planning a spring break cruise, and what's different about a cruise this time of year compared to other times? We've got helpful information you should know before you sail.

How busy is a spring break cruise?

Probably the number one question about spring break on a cruise ship is how busy it is onboard.

Certainly more people look to go on a spring break cruise than in the weeks prior or after, but it doesn't mean the onboard experience is a zoo either.

Spring break tends to see increased families with kids.  School is on vacation break so there will be more kids will be vacationing and that includes cruises. After all, Royal Caribbean International is a family cruise line, and there will always be plenty of children onboard, whether it is spring break or not.

When you have more children, you also tend to get more passengers. Ships run higher volume than the double occupancy capacity numbers that are often used to measure ship guest counts.  

So it may seem seem "full" onboard since there are more people than usual on a cruise.

Are there a lot of college kids?

A Royal Caribbean cruise is not the prototypical spring break vacation of choice for the younger crowd, but there are some sailings that see their fair share of them.

Generally speaking, shorter cruises, such as 3 & 4 night sailings, can often see a younger college crowd looking for a party spring break cruise. The 4-night cruises especially tend to attract college groups because they are usually priced lower since they depart on a Monday and return on a Friday.

A short cruise might seem like the obvious choice for college student spring breakers, but a family vacation can also go on longer sailings.

Longer sailings tend to come with a higher price tag, and that can put it beyond a college friendly budget.

How much is a spring break cruise?

Like any cruise throughout the year, the price of spring break cruises will depend on the ship, length, cabin, and itinerary you choose.

The travel industry largely follows supply and demand principals the "in demand" aspect of spring break can lead to higher prices.

Here are some cruise basics if you're new to cruising and trying to wrap your head around a spring break cruise:

• Inside cabins will cost less than balcony staterooms, and balcony rooms will cost less than suites
• Short cruises tend to cost less in total, but longer cruises can be cheaper per night
• Most food and entertainment is included. 
• Alcohol costs extra, but unlimited drinks packages can save money.

Just like pricing out airfare, you need to compare cruise fare prices to get a sense of which sailing will be the best deal for you.  The best strategy is to book your spring break cruise as early as you can. Cruise prices tend to go up over time, so booking earlier will likely net you a better price.

Can I get a free cruise if I bring a group with me?

Yes, Royal Caribbean does offer benefits to the tour conductor (that's you) if you form a group with Royal Caribbean.

You can't just have a bunch of friends book a cruise and then ask Royal Caribbean for credit.  You must instead work with the groups department to create a group, and then be named the leader. Don't worry, this is pretty easy and even easier if you work with a travel agent.

A travel agency can set up a group with Royal Caribbean that can possibly save money, or get you special perks back.  Moreover, the travel agent can handle the logistical issues of payments, price adjustments and answering common questions.

When you organize a group, you're going to need to get 8 rooms booked in your group and then you can qualify for a free berth (passenger).

Bottom line, work with a travel agent to organize a group if you think you might be able to get at least 8 rooms.

Where do spring break cruises go?

Many college spring break cruises will visit destinations in the Bahamas and Caribbean.

Spring break occurs mostly in the month of March, as well as April.

The short 3- and 4-night cruises will visit Royal Caribbean's private island of Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau.

These cruise ships sail out of Port Everglades (Ft. Lauderdale), Port Canaveral (east of Orlando), or Miami.

Another popular destination is Cozumel. No matter where you go in the Caribbean, expect to find beautiful beaches and plenty of activities.

How to get a deal on a spring break cruise

The best way to get the best value on any cruise is to book it as early as you can while there are lower prices.

As you get closer to spring break, more and more people book cruises and that leaves less capacity, which in turn drives prices up.

If you're on a tight budget, booking a cruise more than a year in advance might get you a spring break for less money than if you wait to just a few weeks before the ship is scheduled to sail.

Another benefit of booking a cruise early is you can reprice it if the price drops before final payment date. Booking early is usually your best option.

Four-day cruises tend to be priced lower than three-day cruises. Longer cruises might cost more overall, but be cheaper per night.

Read more: 45 ways to save money on a Royal Caribbean cruise

Do I need a passport for a spring break cruise?

U.S. citizens may travel with only a birth certificate together with a government issued photo ID on cruises that begin and end in the United States.

It's a good idea to invest in a passport book, but not necessary.

Regardless, I highly recommend getting a passport to streamline the U.S. Customs process and protect yourself in case of an emergency.

Read more: Do you need a passport for a cruise?

Is there a way to know if I'm booked on a college party cruise?

Royal Caribbean will not tell you which groups are booked on a cruise you are sailing on.  There are usually various groups on any sailing, but some people would rather avoid a cruise if there are a lot of college-age kids.

The best strategy is just google your ship name, sail date, and the words "spring break" to see what comes back.

As an example, "Utopia of the Seas March 14, 2024 spring break" would return a result for a group on that week.

Even if you are booked on a cruise with spring breakers, it does not mean your cruise is going to be awful or ruined.  Having sailed on spring breakers an entire week on Mariner of the Seas in 2018, it ended up being a lot of fun. They did their special events, and we did what we liked. One nice thing about Royal Caribbean is that it rarely skews heavily towards one demographic entirely.

After a friend wanted to try a Royal Caribbean cruise because he knew of my love for it, he ended up losing money when he changed his mind later on.

I felt bad for my friend, partially because I felt somewhat responsible for not doing a better job explaining the pros and cons of cruise fares, and what to consider when you're booking a cruise more than six months in advance.

He didn't blame me one bit for his oversight, but I reconsidered what I'd tell him, or any friend, in the future that wants to try their first cruise.

It's easy as a cruise fan to overlook certain important details about booking a cruise. The fine print makes a difference, and while I inherently understand them, I shouldn't assume others do too.

Understand the differences between refundable and non-refundable cruise fare

The problem my friend ran into was he booked non-refundable cruise fare and then later wanted to change his mind.

Royal Caribbean offers two kinds of deposits when you want to book a cruise: refundable and non-refundable cruise fare.

If you booked non-refundable fare (or have made it past the final payment date), there are penalties for changing your mind on the ship, sail date, or both.

In my friend's case, he booked the cruise and then a few days later, wanted to shift dates. He was shocked there was going to be a change fee.

It was at this point I realized he booked non-refundable fare, and tried to explain the two pricing options he had when making the booking. It was too little, too late.

Non-refundable cruise fare is usually cheaper, and the difference can be negligible or even thousands of dollars. However, refundable cruise fare allows for changes and cancellations. 

Speaking of fare rules, it's just as important to know what happens if you cancel or change your mind after final payment date.

Regardless of if you booked refundable cruise fare or not, after the final date passes, there are major penalties for changes.

Depending on when you cancel, you could be out just the deposit, a percentage of your cruise fare or the entire cost of the cruise. 

When in doubt, book refundable

I would tell anyone that's trying a cruise for the first time and isn't totally certain of their plans to opt for refundable cruise fare for the flexibility it provides.

If you're booking a cruise less than six months early, you're probably close enough to your sail date that it's unlikely you'd change your mind.

Booking a cruise a year in advance is one of my top ways to save money, but I think the risk of changing your mind is higher.

The further out your cruise is, the more I'd lean towards a first time cruiser booking refundable cruise fare.

Shop around for special rates

It's so easy to discover a particular sailing and want to book it immediately, but you should shop around.

I know how tempting it is to find a great sounding vacation option and want to jump on it right away. Fear of it selling out or the price changing is something we all think about.

What I'd tell anyone to do before they book is to at least shop around a bit, especially when it comes working with a good travel agent.

Travel agents do much more than simply book the cabin. Their services also include finding you the best deal, and often that's a result of special rates they have access to.

There are two kinds of special rates you should always ask about: group rates and consortia rates.

Theses are special fares that don't always get advertised, and they are the result of the agency negotiating special prices for their customers. Don't worry about why they have them, but know they can sell them to anyone.  There could be a chess players group on the same sailing as you and you could get their special rate, even though you will not see or interact with the group at all.

Buy travel insurance

While my friend changed his mind about his cruise arbitrarily, I started thinking about what would have happened if he lost his job, his wife became pregnant, or some other unforeseen situation that prevented him from going on a cruise.

Travel insurance is so much more than extra medical insurance, and it covers a variety of scenarios.

It is incredibly helpful when there's a problem before, during, or after your cruise. As an example, if you had a medical emergency outside the United States, most of the expenses would be covered (whereas your primary medical plan would not).

If you were to be injured before the cruise began and was unable to travel because of the medical condition you were in, travel insurance covers that.

There are so many more potential situations that travel insurance covers that would otherwise leave you on the hook financially. 

Verify final payment date

While my friend never got to this point, I think it's also important for someone new to a cruise to verify exactly when they need to pay the full amount of the cruise.

Unlike airfare, there's only a deposit needed when you book a cruise early.

Royal Caribbean takes a deposit up front, and then doesn't require the rest of it to be paid until the final payment date, which is usually 90 days before your cruise.

I've become complacent in waiting for my travel agent to email me a week or two before final payment date. But new cruisers won't necessarily have such a good system in place.

If you book through a travel agent, have them remind you when the final payment is due. If you booked directly with Royal Caribbean, mark your calendar and plan to make the payment several days before the final due date.

If you miss final payment, Royal Caribbean will cancel the reservation.