Certain cruise mistakes can quickly turn into costly, unforgettable experiences — for all the wrong reasons.
Royal Caribbean is one of the most popular cruise lines in the world and welcomes millions of passengers annually. With their massive ships, record-breaking onboard activities, and itineraries spanning the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, and beyond, it is easy to see why so many cruisers are Loyal to Royal.
However, it isn't always sunshine and rainbows at sea. We asked Royal Caribbean passengers what their biggest cruise-related mistakes were, and after reviewing over 700 answers on our Facebook page, it quickly became clear that many travelers shared the same avoidable regrets.
From booking the wrong cruise room to purchasing unnecessary add-ons, there are plenty of easy ways to screw up your Royal Caribbean vacation. Here are the seven most common Royal Caribbean cruise regrets — and how to make sure you don't make the same mistakes on your next vacation.
A lot of cruisers booked the cheapest cruise room to save money.
Repeatedly, people said they regretted choosing a windowless, interior cabin. When many envision cruise vacations, they picture breathtaking sunsets and slow mornings on their private balconies, pulling into port. However, those expectations don't match reality for guests in interior rooms.
Many commented that they'd never stay in an inside cabin again. As one traveler put it, "We had [a Promenade View inside cabin on Liberty of the Seas,] and it was awful. Right above the ice cream shop and [we] heard nothing but [the] freezer door banging."
There's nothing wrong with trying to save money on your accommodations, but it is important to understand exactly what you’re giving up in exchange for the lower price, whether that's the ability to select your exact cabin or a view and natural light.
Many travelers regretted overpacking for their cruise.
Several passengers told us that they regretted overpacking, claiming that they brought way more than they needed for their sailing.
While you may be used to overpacking for trips to the beach or theme parks, a cruise environment is very different — and you have far less storage space than you might be accustomed to. This is especially true if you're sharing a cabin with two or three other guests.
You definitely want to come prepared, but you also don't need to pack multiple outfits for each day of the cruise. It's more than acceptable to re-wear dresses to dinner, and you do not need as many swimsuits as you think.
They bought the Royal Caribbean drink package.
Many commenters mentioned they didn't think the Royal Caribbean drink package was worth the cost, and those who did purchase it often consumed too much alcohol, leaving them unable to enjoy their port days.
While the convenience of prepaid drinks sounds appealing, it often leaves guests feeling pressured to "get their money’s worth" by overconsuming. Of course, if you are a heavier drinker and don't buy a package, you may end up with a surprisingly expensive onboard statement at the end of the cruise.
That is why it is so important to calculate your daily drink intake to determine whether you should buy a drink package or purchase each beverage individually. And don't forget that there are more options than the pricey Deluxe Beverage Package. Royal Caribbean cruisers may also select an inclusive non-alcoholic package or a soda-only package, both of which are more affordable than the alcohol-heavy option.
Others wasted money buying the Unlimited Dining Package.
Another unpopular add-on is the Unlimited Dining Package (UDP), especially on newer, larger ships. Although the package is valuable to specialty dining-focused travelers, others argue that it is just too much food to fully enjoy.
One traveler wrote that they bought the UDP on Icon of the Seas, but regretted it because there were so many other complimentary and low-cost dining options aboard the vessel.
From the Windjammer buffet to late-night pizza, unlimited desserts, poolside Mexican fare, and indulgent three-course dining room meals, there's more than enough food included in your cruise fare — and you will get way more bang for your buck by sticking to the "free" options.
They flew in on embarkation day.
For many experienced cruisers, flying in on embarkation day is one of the biggest mistakes you can make before any sailing. Countless travelers have shared horror stories about delayed flights, canceled connections, and weather disruptions that caused them to miss the ship's departure.
Although flying in on embarkation day saves money on a pre-cruise hotel and may require less PTO, it leaves no room for error the morning of embarkation. Even if you make the ship on time, the stress of awaiting your flight's departure and rushing to the terminal isn't how you should want to begin your long-awaited vacation.
Instead, it is recommended to arrive at least one day before embarkation. Not only will this give you more of a buffer in case of unexpected delays, but you can also start your vacation by exploring your chosen embarkation city — whether that means browsing the famous artwork at Wynwood Walls in Miami, enjoying fresh seafood in Seattle, or wandering the streets of New York City (and snacking on a fresh bagel!).
No one seemed prepared for disembarkation.
The final morning of your cruise often comes far too quickly. Before you know it, you'll be asked to place your luggage outside your stateroom, purchase your last-minute photographs, and vacate your cabin so the crew can begin preparing it for the next set of guests.
Regardless of whether you book a three-, five-, seven-, or ten-night cruise, it never feels long enough once you're on the ship, and many commenters regretted not booking a longer itinerary.
On the other hand, a few mentioned that they wished they had made a booking for their next cruise while still onboard. Royal Caribbean offers exclusive discounts at Next Cruise, meaning you can save money by thinking ahead!
Finally, a lot of passengers said they will never cheat on Royal Caribbean with other cruise lines again.
With so many other cruise lines and ships at sea, it is not uncommon for cruisers to branch out in hopes of saving money or trying something new. However, many Royal Caribbean loyalists shared that they regretted switching to lines like Carnival, Costa, MSC, and Princess.
Nothing comes close to the cruise line's entertainment lineup, ship designs, dining options, and overall onboard experience. As such, it isn't surprising for passengers who try other cruise lines to return with a greater appreciation for what Royal Caribbean offers.
Plus, by sticking with Royal Caribbean, you climb the company's prestigious Crown & Anchor Society loyalty tiers faster, which unlocks valuable perks like free daily drinks, welcome amenities, casino credit, and more.
