Royal Caribbean Blog

I cruise multiple times each year, and I constantly notice fellow passengers making the same mistakes over and over.

Cruises are designed to be one of the most stress-free vacations you can take. With minimal planning and logistics involved, you can focus on letting loose and having fun instead of sticking to a strict agenda. 

For example, you won’t need to worry about sorting transportation between the various destinations you want to visit. Additionally, each port of call also includes a list of excursions for daily touring, meaning you won’t need to sort through tour operators if you don’t want to. Finally, meals, entertainment, and accommodations are conveniently located in one place to simplify your vacation even further.

However, cruising can be different than other ways of traveling. There are certainly more quirks than you might find with other vacations. First-timers and seasoned cruisers alike can make mistakes that end up putting a damper on their cruise experience. A little bit of preparation and awareness can go a long way to ensure a smooth cruise.

Last month, I set sail on a 4-night Wonder of the Seas with my best friend from Miami, Florida. This was her first sailing, while I’ve been on over 50 cruises and took charge of planning most of our vacation. Between her fresh perspective and my seasoned expertise, I noted how easy it was to make small mistakes that can make a big difference during your cruise.

Here are some of the most common mistakes that I saw cruisers make during my recent cruise, including things you can do to avoid these missteps.

1. Not downloading your boarding pass for embarkation day

You’ll be required to check-in for your cruise prior to embarkation day. Royal Caribbean requires that guests check-in online or in the app between 45 days and up to 48 hours before sailing. If you fail to do this, you will be required to complete the process at the terminal, which can be lengthy and delay the start of your vacation.

If you check in online, you will be able to download your SeaPass card directly to your phone. Think of this like a boarding pass for your flight, as it’s required to board the cruise ship. This allows the cruise terminal employees to easily scan your phone during the check-in process. You can also print your boarding pass, but this isn’t necessary.

However, I was surprised by how many cruisers at the terminal did not have their SeaPass cards downloaded to their phones or printed. In fact, there was an entirely separate check-in line for people who had not printed or downloaded their boarding pass.

Embarkation day is already hectic enough, so it’s important to have everything prepared for a smooth check-in. Without the proper documentation, this delays your boarding and, subsequently, your vacation!

2. Not knowing what’s included in your cruise fare

Wonder of the Seas is an Oasis class vessel, meaning it has world-class amenities and top-notch attractions. As one of the world’s biggest cruise ships, there’s no shortage of activities and thrills to keep you busy. While many of the attractions are already included in the cost of your cruise fare, there are always opportunities to spend extra.

Compared to other cruise lines, especially Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line, I find that Royal Caribbean has the most complimentary attractions. However, it’s still important to know what exactly is included in your cruise fare and what costs extra. When you’re already spending thousands of dollars on your vacation, you want to get the most value of your money.

For instance, I decided to try the Ultimate Abyss dry slide during our sea day. This is the tallest dry slide on a cruise ship at more than 150 feet above sea level. It’s certainly a wild ride — and even better, it’s included in the cost of your cruise! You can ride as many times as you want for free.

I couldn’t resist trying the slide for myself, and it was so fun. I screamed the entire way down! As I was walking across the Boardwalk, a woman approached me and said, “Excuse me, how much does it cost to ride the slide?”

I was shocked, and said in response, “Oh, it’s free! You should go try it for yourself.” The woman was surprised to learn the slide was included in the cost of her cruise. This interaction made me realize how important it is to know what’s included in your cruise fare.

If you’re interested in a certain activity or attraction, make sure to double check if there is any charge. In addition, some of Royal Caribbean’s attractions offer free "sample rides" during port days. For instance, you can ride the North Star on Quantum ships for a shorter “Basic Experience” for 15 minutes. If you choose the extended ride or want to ride during sea days, you’ll need to pay extra.

Additionally, my best friend didn’t realize that the ice cream machines were complimentary! As a first-time cruiser, she mentioned how it’s difficult to know what’s free versus what costs extra. In my experience, it’s best to check the cruise line’s app to see which attractions, amenities, and restaurants are already included in your cruise fare.

3. Forgetting to make reservations for the entertainment

One of the downsides of cruising aboard Royal Caribbean’s biggest ships is needing to book reservations for the nightly entertainment. With some of the best production shows at sea, you won’t want to miss the shows aboard the cruise line’s newest and biggest vessels.

Wonder of the Seas features both an AquaTheatre show and ice skating production - two of my favorites! In addition, the Royal Theatre is home to Effectors II: Crash and Burn, which is a Royal Caribbean original show with Broadway-style singing and dancing. You can find comedy shows and other productions aboard too.

However, reservations are required on Oasis class ships for most of these production shows. You can reserve your spot before embarkation either online in the Cruise Planner or in Royal Caribbean’s app. Unfortunately, I haven’t had the best luck being able to reserve shows beforehand, as the app always gives me an error message.

As such, I reserve shows on embarkation day immediately after boarding. The cruise ship will open more reservations once the sailing actually begins, and I’ve found this to be the best time to book the shows. Once I am connected to the ship’s internet, this is the first item on my to-do list.

I was able to secure our spots for all of the headliner shows with plenty of options available. However, one of the most common mistakes I see cruisers make is not reserving their entertainment. Instead, they often line up in the standby line for the show they wish to see. However, there is no guarantee that you will be able to see the show you want. This can make it difficult to plan your evenings aboard the ship compared to having a confirmed, reserved slot.

Avoid making this mistake by prioritizing entertainment reservations whenever possible. This ensures you’ll get to see the top-notch shows onboard at a time that works for your schedule. If you aren't able to secure reservations prior to embarkation, make sure to reserve them as soon as you get onboard. 

4. Only eating breakfast and lunch at the Windjammer buffet

Wonder of the Seas, along with all Oasis class ships, feature a wide variety of dining venues. With a selection of complimentary and specialty dining restaurants, you’ll probably run out of time to eat at all of the options!

On our cruise, I noticed many passengers making the mistake of only eating at the Windjammer buffet for breakfast and lunch. This makes sense, as the Windjammer is undeniably one of the most convenient places to eat with a self-serve buffet and endless options for cuisine.

However, this can often make the Windjammer difficult to navigate with big crowds and long lines. For this reason, I’d suggest cruisers try other options for breakfast and lunch, especially on Royal Caribbean’s biggest ships.

Instead of eating breakfast at the crowded Windjammer, we chose the quieter Park Cafe in Central Park, where you can grab breakfast sandwiches, build a bagel, or pick up grab-and-go snacks like fruit and yogurt. Johnny Rockets also serves breakfast at no additional cost on Oasis Class ships, while the Solarium Bistro is another hidden gem that often isn't busy. 

Additionally, we preferred visiting El Loco Fresh for a late lunch instead of heading back to the Windjammer buffet. This is a quick-service eatery on the pool deck with Mexican food, including burritos, quesadillas, tacos, and nachos.

We never encountered crowds or lines at these restaurants, making the experience more enjoyable and relaxing compared to the bustling buffet. Don’t make the mistake of only visiting the Windjammer during your cruise, especially if you’re cruising aboard Royal Caribbean’s biggest ships.

5. Arriving late for all-aboard time

While docked in Nassau, Bahamas, I told my friend that people often cut it close for all-aboard time. These people are infamously known as “pier runners” who sprint down the pier to make the cut-off time. All-board time is no joke, as the cruise ship will not wait for late passengers. In this way, it’s best to leave plenty of time for unexpected delays or traffic when returning to your cruise ship.

My friend was excited to see if we had any pier runners during our cruise; and as expected, the ship started paging a group of passengers. It was 15 minutes after the all-aboard time, so we concluded these were missing guests.

Sure enough, people came running down the pier and boarded our ship around 30 minutes late. My friend couldn’t believe that guests would be so nonchalant about the all-aboard time. Not only is this inconsiderate, but it’s also quite risky.

If you are stranded and left behind in a port of call, you need to spend your own money to either reunite with the ship or return to the disembarkation port. If you left your passport on the ship and it departs without you, this could cause an even bigger issue.

If you plan to venture far from the cruise port, it’s best to book a shore excursion with the cruise line. This guarantees the cruise ship won’t depart without you or the cruise line will organize logistics to get you back onboard. Whatever you do, make sure not to arrive after the all-aboard time while docked in a port of call. 

6. Only relaxing on the busy pool deck

The pool deck is one of the busiest and liveliest places on a cruise ship. From sunrise to sunset, you can often find passengers lounging in the deck chairs, hanging out in the pool, or soaking in the hot tub. It’s not uncommon to hear live music playing on the pool deck either, along with dance classes, poolside games, and belly flop competitions taking place.

However, the pool deck can be extremely busy during sea days, as many cruisers want to join in the fun! But if you’re wanting to relax in a quieter location, consider looking for other places to lounge.

During our cruise on Wonder of the Seas, my friend and I often retreated to the aft of Deck 5, which I would consider a hidden gem on Oasis Class ships. These massive vessels feature dedicated walking paths around the promenade deck, and at the very back of the ship, you’ll find some chairs perfect for unwinding.

This became our go-to spot during our cruise. It was a quiet place with hardly any other people and offered uninterrupted views of the ship’s wake. We ended up spending time here almost every day, retreating in the afternoons to read or relax in the shade while enjoying the ocean breeze.

In the evenings, this also became our favorite spot to watch the sunset. With comfortable chairs always available and a calming atmosphere, this was one of the most underrated areas onboard! I encourage all cruisers to look for these hidden spots, as it can make your sailing feel even more special.

7. Booking the wrong flights

I was shocked at how many people seemed to book flights that made their travel more stressful. Like always, I joined our sailing’s Facebook page with other cruisers.

One of the biggest mistakes that I see cruisers make is booking flights the same day as embarkation. Not to mention, our cruise in late August is considered peak hurricane season. This means Florida can experience sudden, unexpected rain showers throughout the day, leading to flight delays or cancellations.

A few people posted on Facebook that they were flying into Miami the morning of our cruise, and they were concerned about potential weather delays. 

This is one of the most important rules for cruising: you should always arrive at least the night before your cruise departure. If your flight has issues, you risk missing your entire cruise vacation!

In addition, some people were worried about the ship’s return time in Miami for their flights home. This is another important consideration, as you don’t want to book your flight too early after the ship returns. Disembarkation can take a while, along with customs and immigration. If you encounter traffic on the way to the airport, this can delay you further.

Avoid the mistake of booking flights at inconvenient times that only add stress to your vacation. Give yourself plenty of time to arrive at your embarkation port, and make sure your return flight isn’t scheduled too early on disembarkation day.

Royal Caribbean released a new deployment of cruise ships, but the biggest takeaway is what didn't get announced.

Royal Caribbean released its year-round 7-night Caribbean and short Caribbean sailings on Tuesday. There isn't much that's new or different than what we've seen in the past. Sure, there's a return to a port in the Dominican Republic, but most of what's been revealed is similar to where ships have sailed in past years.

A total of five ships had their 2027-2028 plans confirmed, including the biggest ship in the world, Star of the Seas.

It's clear cruisers are paying more attention to what didn't get announced yet than what actually did.

Where is Icon of the Seas going?

After reading through the latest deployment, Icon of the Seas isn't included with the deployment. That signals for the first time ever, Icon of the Seas will not be based in Miami.

Icon of the Seas first started sailing from PortMiami in January 2024 and instantly captured the attention of vacationers who recognized how impressive it is.

While sister ship Star of the Seas will remain in Port Canaveral, Icon's 2027-2028 plans haven't been shared.

If Las Vegas took bets on Royal Caribbean ship deployments, the safest bet is for it to move to Texas.

For years, Royal Caribbean has strongly hinted it would bring an Icon Class ship to Galveston.

Earlier this summer, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley told a theater full of travel agents to expect it.

A travel agent specifically asked, "when will an Icon class ship be arriving in Galveston, Texas."

Mr. Bayley quickly answered, "We're not going to answer that question. But I can tell you it's coming, baby."

He has hinted at bringing an Icon Class ship before that as well, having pointed out the new cruise terminal in Galveston was built to handle a ship of that size and it's not by coincidence.

Additional circumstantial evidence is the fact all of Royal Caribbean's press materials for Perfect Day Mexico clearly show an Icon Class ship docked there.

To be fair, Icon of the Seas could be headed somewhere else other than Texas.  China has always been big target for Royal Caribbean, and New York is the biggest media market out there.

Missing ships in South Florida

If we're assuming Icon of the Seas will not be sailing from Florida, there are two holes in the deployment plan for 2027-2028 right in the heart of the capital of cruising.

As of now, Royal Caribbean doesn't have a ship offering 7-night Caribbean cruises from Miami.  This is arguably the flagship cruise route for the line's best ship.

Wonder of the Seas will sail 3- and 4-night cruises from Miami, but with Icon of the Seas seemingly moving away, that leaves nothing else in Miami for now.

Likewise, there are no ships confirmed to be sailing from Fort Lauderdale.

Port Everglades isn't as popular a homeport for Royal Caribbean as it once was, but it's quite possible we'll see ships based there once the Seasonal Caribbean deployment gets announced.

As an example, Legend of the Seas will be in Europe for the summer season of 2027.  It's quite likely she will return to Port Everglades in the fall, just as is the plan for winter 2026-2027.

Where will Icon 4 go?

Royal Caribbean's fourth Icon Class ship will enter service sometime in 2027, and that's a wildcard in the deployment plans.

We don't yet know the ship's name or where it will be based, but with Icon out of Miami, one could assume Icon 4 would take over that homeport.

Looking back at past ships that have debuted, often Royal Caribbean will move a brand new ship into a port to replace a slightly older ship.

As with all new ships, the cruise line typically doesn't include a new ship with the general deployment. Instead, new ships usually get their own announcement for where and when it will sail.

More ships are also unaccounted for

Cruisers are also curious where a few other big ships will end up based from.

Symphony, Allure, Odyssey, and Oasis of the Seas are notably absent from the deployment plans.

Answers should be coming in the next few weeks

We will get answers in the next two weeks when the final deployments for North America are posted.

The deployment schedule has cruises from Baltimore, Bayonne, Galveston, and Los Angeles being released next week.

The week after that, we get the "seasonal Caribbean" release, which are for ships that spend just the winter months in the Caribbean after a summer in Europe or elsewhere.

Each year's deployment schedule is like "musical chairs", where we have to wait until the end to see where everything ends up.

Royal Caribbean is helping Jamaica's relief efforts after Hurricane Melissa caused catastrophic damage across the country. 

Hurricane Melissa made landfall near New Hope, Jamaica, on Tuesday, October 28, as the strongest landfall the country has ever recorded. 

According to NBC News, the Category 5 storm is responsible for 32 deaths and up to $4 billion in insured losses in Jamaica alone. 

At Hurricane Melissa's peak, 77% of homes and businesses in Jamaica were without power. More than 80 roads were closed, too. However, as of Monday, over 27% of customers had their power restored. 

(Credit: Michael Bayley/Facebook)

In the days following the storm's direct impact, Royal Caribbean Group pledged to contribute more than $1 million in aid to Jamaica and The Bahamas.

Michael Bayley, CEO of Royal Caribbean International, took to social media to share that the first cruise ship had arrived with emergency relief supplies in Falmouth, Jamaica. 

"This morning the Rhapsody of the Seas will call into Falmouth, Jamaica on a relief call for a couple of hours to off load over 120 pallets of supplies of water, bedding, medical supplies, food items," he wrote on Facebook. 

(Credit: Michael Bayley/Facebook)

"The pallets will be offloaded and then items packaged as relief packages for immediate distribution with the help of GEM [Global Empowerment Mission] our relief partner.  A huge thank you to the Falmouth Port Authority and community for opening the port."

The images shared by Bayley depict supplies, including memory foam mattresses, bottled water, and t-shirts, being loaded onto the Vision Class ship. 

Rhapsody of the Seas departed San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Nov. 2 on a 6-day cruise to the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Grand Cayman. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean promises over $1 million in aid will be sent to hurricane-ravaged Jamaica & Bahamas

(Screenshot taken from Cruise Mapper at 9:25 a.m. EST on Nov. 4)

According to Cruise Mapper, the ship revised its itinerary to call at Falmouth one day earlier to drop off supplies for the locals. However, the port is still closed to tourists. 

Rhapsody of the Seas is expected to conclude its current voyage on Nov. 8 in Tampa, Florida. 

Jamaica remains closed to tourists

(Pictured: Falmouth, Jamaica, after Hurricane Melissa. Credit: Michael Wattkis)

After Hurricane Melissa passed, residents and tourists emerged to find their communities and resorts in shambles. Entire neighborhoods were swept away by the powerful winds and flooding. Power and communication lines were torn down, too. 

That said, Jamaica's tourism leaders are optimistic about the country's recovery, and they're eyeing a full restoration of the tourism industry by Dec. 15, 2025. 

"Tourism’s strength lies not just in its product offerings, but in its people and partnerships. The speed and synergy of our response show the industry’s resilience and our unwavering commitment to recovery with empathy, compassion, and innovation," said Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica's Minister of Tourism. 

Other cruise lines are also sending supplies to Jamaica

Carnival Horizon's current 6-night cruise was scheduled to visit Ocho Rios, Jamaica, on Nov. 4, and Carnival Cruise Line used the opportunity to assist those in need.

A letter from Captain Rocco Lubrano was delivered to passengers on Nov. 2, saying that Carnival had been in close contact with local officials about the planned visit. 

As expected, the local infrastructure and shore excursion partners weren't ready to provide a day of fun to the cruise guests. 

(Screenshot taken from Cruise Mapper at 9:45 a.m. EST on Nov. 4)

However, the 133,500 gross registered ton ship still called in Ocho Rios to make a brief supply stop. Passengers were not allowed to disembark, but they were given refunds for their shore excursions, as well as the port fees and taxes. 

Royal Caribbean has posted more cruises to book around the Caribbean through April 2028.

As part of its scheduled deployment release, we now have new sailings that encompass 7-night and Short Caribbean year round sailings.

These are new sailings on ships that spend all year sailing from a Florida homeport, including 3, 4, and 7-night cruises.

A total of five cruise ships are included in this week's deployment release, and they are arguably the bread and butter of the cruise industry.  The ships and itineraries new cruisers and vacationers look typically look for first because they are the quintessential tropical cruise.

Here's a closer look at what's been posted, and what we can expect next.

Star of the Seas will sail 7-night Caribbean cruises from the family vacation magnet

The world's newest cruise ship (today), Star of the Seas, will continue offering 7-night cruises to the Caribbean from Port Canaveral.

Having debuted in summer 2025, Star of the Seas is arguably the best cruise ship in the world.  Not only is she the biggest, but she offers an approach to cruising that out classes the rest.

You can book 7-night cruises to Mexico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Select itineraries will also visit Labadee, Jamaica, Samaná, Dominican Republic, or Roatan.

A majority of the sailings are eastern Caribbean voyages that visit CocoCay, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten.

Utopia of the Seas is still doing short cruises only

Royal Caribbean isn't messing with what works, and will keep Utopia of the Seas offering short 3- and 4-night cruises from the Orlando area.

The ship debuted in 2024 and it's been marketed as the best ship for first timers because of how many parties and things to do are packed in there.

Utopia will sail to just two places: Nassau, Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay. The short distance is perfect for getaway cruises and those that simply want to try a cruise to see if it's the vacation for them.

Utopia of the Seas broke the mold when she became the first Royal Caribbean ship to ever enter service with just short sailings. Typically new ships sail weeklong cruises.

Wonder of the Seas is also back to short cruises

Royal Caribbean's formula will retain Wonder of the Seas doing exactly what Utopia is doing, but from Miami, Florida.

Wonder's itineraries match Utopia with visits to CocoCay or Nassau and sailing just 3- and 4-night cruises.

Each cruise begins on either Monday or Friday, meaning you can take a weekend cruise and be back on Monday morning.

Harmony of the Seas will offer mostly 7-night cruises from Port Canaveral

An Oasis Class ship will be based in Orlando (Port Canaveral) to offer weeklong cruises to the eastern and western Caribbean.

There are also a smattering of 2- and 5-night cruises thrown in as well, but the 7-nighters are the norm.

Harmony of the Seas is getting a makeover in early 2026 when she gets a Royal Amplification.

The ship will get a pool deck upgrade, new specialty restaurants, and even a few new suites and cabins.

Radiance of the Seas will sail from Tampa

It's not just megaships in this week's deployment, as Radiance of the Seas will be homeporting in Tampa.

This is a Radiance Class ship, accommodating a little over 2,000 passengers. However, it's a fan-favorite because of quaint and well-laid out it is.

Radiance will offer 4-, 5-, and 7-night cruises to destinations in the western Caribbean.

Most of the sailings visit either Cozumel or Costa Maya, or both.  Costa Maya will be transformed in late 2027 to become Perfect Day Mexico, adding a lot of value to these sailings.

Icon is missing from this week's deployment

For those keeping score at home, Icon of the Seas isn't included in this week's deployment and that could be because Royal Caribbean has bigger plans for it.

In fact, there's no ship listed yet to be sailing 7-night cruises from Miami.

That means Icon of the Seas is likely not sailing from Miami beyond April 2027. Since we know all the ships sailing from Florida year-round through early 2028, it's likely Icon is headed to another homeport.

Moreover, there's a new spot open in Miami.

We're expecting a new unnamed Icon Class ship to be delivered in 2028. Icon 4 just began construction, but the cruise line hasn't announced any details yet about this ship.

Since Legend of the Seas will be in Europe for summer 2027, that likely means Legend won't be taking up the 7-night cruises from Miami.

Let the rumor mill swirl!

More deployments next week

Royal Caribbean will continue releasing new sailings next week when we get cruises from the Northeast US, Texas, and California.

The new sailings are coming the week of November 10, and could be any day that week.

• Week of October 20, 2025: Alaska
• Week of October 27, 2025: Europe
• Week of November 3, 2025: 7-night & Short Caribbean Year-Round
• Week of November 10, 2025: Northeast, California & Texas
• Week of December 8, 2025: Seasonal Caribbean

With each deployment, we get a clearer picture of where all of the ships will be based in the coming years.

I tried buying everything I needed to make my cruise ship cabin better by shopping exclusively at a dollar store to see if I could save money.

Whether it's your first cruise or not, I think a lot of people do pre-cruise shopping before any voyage to ensure they have everything they need before they get onboard.

Not only can you not run out to the store once you're on the ship, but most people want to be prepared.  Typically, I'd buy these items on Amazon or at a big box store.  There's nothing wrong with those places, but I was curious if a dollar store would do the trick while also saving money.

Prior to a recent cruise, I went to a Dollar Store with a list of the best things to buy for a cruise to make your cabin experience better.

I spent just $21.94 for 13 of the things on my list, and I was surprised how cheap everything was, even if tracking down everything wasn't easy.

Tissues

There is a tissue box in your Royal Caribbean stateroom, but I find them to be harsh to the touch. They work, but if you had a runny nose it would get uncomfortable quickly.

I recommend bringing your own tissues that will feel much softer.

I found a box of of tissues, along with travel size tissues.  The travel size is perfect for packing, so I went with those instead.

Dry erase board

A fun and popular way to stay in contact with people in your room is to get a dry erase board with a magnetic back to it.

The idea is to put the board on your door and leave messages to let cabin mates (or friends) know what you're up to. 

Since I was solo, I used the board to leave fun messages for others, like what drink they found that's really good.

It worked well until the (presumably) teenagers nearby discovered it and then started writing the "6 7 meme" all over it.  

In the future, I'd leave the dry erase board on the inside of the door as a way to leave messages for cabin mates. That or just stick with a WiFi package so we can text.

It was fun before the teens got to it, but live and learn.

Pencil case

Families traveling with various forms of paperwork and identification might find buying a pencil case a neat idea.

I got this idea from Life Well Cruised to use a pencil case as a convenient way to keep your passports, paperwork, and any other important documents in one place.  Zip it up and you're good to go so you're not digging through pockets to find it all.

I think it worked well, although some other cruisers suggested using a gallon size zip lock bag instead. That would probably work too.

Travel size toothbrush and toothpaste

I've been traveling with a spare toothbrush and toothpaste for years, and that's because when you forget your good toothbrush on a trip, it stinks.

For about $2 I can get essentially a disposable set to use on a cruise and then throw away when I'm done.

The downside to buying at the Dollar Store is you're going to find generic brands, which means it's not the flavor I'm used to. Nor will it have a specialty type of toothbrush or toothpaste that you may prefer.

Shower travel kit

Royal Caribbean provides a 2-in-1 mystery liquid in your stateroom shower, but I think a lot of people prefer the shampoo, conditioner, and body wash they're used to.

A more economical idea than finding travel versions of your preferred brand is to get a shower travel kit.

You get 3 mini bottles that you can fill with your favorite shampoo and body wash, and if you bought a giant size, then you can get more value out of it.

Medicine

No one thinks they'll get sick on a cruise, but it's really smart to travel with common over the counter medications, just in case.

Royal Caribbean sells some medicine onboard, but you'll pay top dollar for it.  And they don't include every kind of medicine.

One woman went down to the ship's medical center to get Benadryl but was charged $390. 

The Dollar Store had plenty of generic drugs to get, including meds for a headache, diarrhea, nausea, and basic cold symptoms.

Disinfecting wipes

I'm not one to wipe down every surface I encounter, but it's not a bad idea either.

I found they had a few kinds of wipes to choose from, but I wanted a disinfectant wipe that I could use on any surface.

Just be sure not to flush these wipes down the toilet (or any wipe, even ones claiming to be "flushable").

Odor control spray

Real talk: cruise ship bathrooms don't have fans and there's really no air flow in there.  So you can imagine what could happen in there after being used.

The Dollar Store had an off brand toilet spray, which is exactly what I needed.  It wasn't a travel size, so those flying would have to put it in their checked luggage as it wouldn't adhere to TSA carry-on liquid size regulations.

Collapsible storage container

Another smart hack I ran across was to buy a storage container for keeping shoes organized.

Usually I just pile up all my shoes in a corner, but they easily get thrown around the cabin.

A collapsible storage container makes it easy to pack and then use as a designated shoe box.

You probably need more than one for more than two people, but it was nice having my shoes in one spot.

Liquid hand soap

Ever since I started bringing liquid hand soap with me, it's been a gamechanger.

We started bringing liquid hand soap to make it easier for my kids to wash their hands on a cruise when they were young.  Royal Caribbean provides bar soap in the cabin, but it's inconvenient and they always leave my hands feeling dried out.

A cheap liquid hand soap dispenser makes a big difference and I always bring it on my cruises going forward.

Deodorant

Consider this a public service announcement: in case there was any doubt, everyone should be wearing deodorant every day of their cruise.

Similar to the toothpaste idea, buying a travel size version makes it easy to pack.  

Sunscreen

No matter how many times you think you won't get sunburned, it happens to the best of us.

Ordinarily I'd put sunscreen in the same category as medicine, but it's really important to have so it gets its own call out.

The only catch might be the time of year you shop, because the Dollar Store in Redding, PA might not carry sunscreen in February. 

Since I live in Florida, there was plenty of it.  So be sure to do your shopping to leave enough time to get some online if necessary.

Stain wipes

I went into the store looking for a stain pen that you can easily blot out stains from clothes, but they had wipes instead.

I never cease to be amazed how I can still spill spaghetti sauce, soy sauce, or curry on my shirt or pants. I probably need to wear my napkin as a bib, but since I won't do that, having stain wipes handy is a good idea.

Using these can easily blot out a stain before it sets and ensure you don't have a permanent reminder of that spaghetti bolognese.

I tried to buy magnets but they didn't have the right kind

The one thing they didn't have were heavy duty magnets to buy.

A set of heavy duty magnets is one of the best cabin hacks out there because they're so versatile. You can use them to hang clothes, decorations, hats, and more.

The only magnets my store had were magnets for holding up papers, so I skipped it.  Looks like I'll have to rely on Amazon for finding the right kind of magnets.

I wouldn't buy an outlet extender at a Dollar Tree

Another great idea for almost any cruise room is to bring an outlet extender because there are so few power outlets.

The problem is nearly all the outlet extenders my store had were the kind that are banned by Royal Caribbean because they have more than one electrical outlet.

You can bring an outlet extender that has one electrical outlet and as many USB outlets as you can fit.  Whether it's wired or not is irrelevant.

I recommend picking up this outlet extender because it's not only cruise line approved, but works well when traveling overseas.

I'd also skip the over the door shoe organizer

One of the oldest cruise cabin tricks in the book is to buy an over the door shoe organizers. While they were available to buy at my Dollar Store, I'd recommend skipping it.

You put them on your bathroom door but I find they are very shallow, limiting what you can really use it for to store things. Plus, it always gets caught in the door when the door is opened or closed.

While it's only a dollar, I'd still skip it because I don't think it adds as much value to your life as it does become a nuisance.

Royal Caribbean announced plans for a new beach club to open in 2026, and it's part of a trend to improve the ports that passengers complain the most about.

Earlier this week, Royal Caribbean unveiled plans to open a brand-new beach club on the Greek island of Santorini. While some were surprised by the announcement, it could be argued that the new beach club was only a matter of time.

In recent years, Royal Caribbean has made significant investments to enhance the in-port experience for its guests, particularly in destinations that have been ranked as cruisers’ least favorites. By enhancing onshore experiences, Royal Caribbean can capture more spending from passengers while delivering a smoother, safer, and more appealing visit for cruisers. It's a win-win situation for the guest and cruise line.

Earlier this year, we reported on the ports travelers said they’d never want to visit again, with Santorini, Nassau, and Costa Maya topping the list. While these ports each have their own drawbacks, guests cited logistical frustrations in Santorini, pushy vendors in Nassau, and the entire tourist trap of Costa Maya’s port.

As such, Royal Caribbean has seen an opportunity to address these pain ports for customers, leading to targeted investments from the cruise line. And the company’s latest investment with Royal Beach Club Santorini is a prime example of this shift.

Santorini is infamous for its logistical challenges.

Santorini, Greece is easily one of the world’s most photographed cruise ports, but the Greek Island is also one of the most frustrating. 

Santorini’s blue-domed churches and cliffside villages attract millions of visitors each year, but this inevitably creates a gridlock along the narrow streets of Oia and Fira. Not to mention, it’s common to have multiple cruise ships anchored in Santorini during peak summer months, leading to even more crowding on the small island.

Because ships must tender passengers ashore, simply getting into town can be a challenge. The steep cliffs mean cruisers must choose between waiting in long lines for the cable car, hiking hundreds of steps, or taking a controversial donkey ride, which many avoid due to concerns for the animals.

Although the island is stunning, the logistical challenges can often overshadow Santorini’s beauty. With this in mind, Royal Caribbean saw an opportunity to build the Royal Beach Club to offer a more relaxed alternative for cruisers. The experience will be offered as a shore excursion with visits to Oia and Fira, along with a few hours lounging at the beach club by the Aegean Sea.

The cruise line stated in the press release, “As Royal Caribbean Group prepares for the beach club’s opening next summer, the company’s ultimate beach club experience will feature a new innovative way to alleviate congestion throughout the island by better distributing guests arriving to Santorini. Vacationers can start their journey in one of three locations, minimizing crowding while maximizing time spent enjoying sights and sounds.”

In doing so, Royal Caribbean aims to ease some of the logistical challenges of visiting Santorini while simultaneously creating new opportunities to capture guest spending ashore.

Cruisers also cite Nassau as their least favorite cruise port.

Nassau, Bahamas, might be one of the most visited cruise ports in the world, but it’s also one of cruisers' least favorite destinations. Because of its proximity to Florida, Nassau appears on many short Caribbean itineraries. This means frequent cruisers have visited Nassau repeatedly, leading many guests to stay onboard rather than disembarking.

The city has tried to change its reputation, recently completing a $300 million cruise port redevelopment. The project greatly modernized the cruise terminal area by adding performance spaces, local shops, restaurants, and bars. However, the city itself remains polarizing.

Cruisers regularly complain about aggressive vendors, safety concerns, and a lack of authentic experiences. Excursions can also be expensive in Nassau; for example, visiting the famous Atlantis resort can cost hundreds of dollars for just a few hours.

To tackle these complaints, Royal Caribbean is building its brand-new Royal Paradise Island Beach Club. The new venue will require guests to purchase admission, along with a drink package if they want open-bar access. The private-style experience is only for Royal Caribbean cruise guests and will feature multiple pools, dining options, and the world’s largest swim-up bar.

Royal Caribbean hopes to give cruisers a relaxing and secure alternative to the hectic city while still generating revenue ashore. This mirrors the success of the cruise line’s Perfect Day at CocoCay, which offers an elevated, controlled environment designed to rival the onboard experience.

In Cozumel, vacationers want something new

Royal Caribbean's research told them that while Cozumel isn't poorly rated by guests, it's grown a bit tiresome.

That's why Royal Beach Club Cozumel will open in December 2026 in an attempt to fix a different "problem" that cruise passengers have with the port.

Jay Schneider leads the Product Development team, and during a preview event for the opening of the beach club, said that Cozumel is great, but lacks something fresh.

"What we've heard from research is a lot of guests have been to Cozumel. They're looking for something new," he explained.

"They love Cozumel, but they want diversity of the offering."

Royal Caribbean wants to bring something new that will excite passengers to add onto an island that's already well-regarded.

Finally, Royal Caribbean will give the tourist trap of Costa Maya a major makeover.

Along with Nassau, Costa Maya in Mexico is often considered one of the least favorite cruise ports for many travelers. This Western Caribbean port is frequently called a massive tourist trap, with a cruise terminal built entirely for passengers.

Visitors must weave through crammed shops, restaurants, wildlife encounters, and a swim-up bar just to exit the terminal. The entire port area feels like one giant, endless maze. Beyond the cruise terminal, the small beach town of Mahahual offers a more relaxed vibe, but even then, options are limited.

To address this, Royal Caribbean purchased the port of Costa Maya to build its newest private destination, Perfect Day Mexico. The new project will span 200 acres and offer an all-inclusive beach experience for cruisers, modeled after its private island in the Bahamas.

This new development will transform the underwhelming port into a destination itself. Instead of being a least favorite destination for cruisers, Costa Maya could soon be a highlight for Royal Caribbean guests. The cruise line plans to offer shaded cabanas, snorkeling, water activities, and controlled access designed to avoid the current tourist chaos.

It’s only a matter of time before Royal Caribbean rolls out more plans to upgrade problem ports, creating new opportunities to boost revenue while improving the guest experience on land.

If you forget something on your ship after the cruise ends, what can you do to try to get it back?

Vacationers mistakenly leave behind personal items in hotels, airplanes, taxis, and even cruise ships. Forgetfulness is an unfortunate reality of travel.

My kids have left behind phone chargers, toys, and clothes that got misplaced, fell somewhere, or were simply ignored until it was too late.

Unfortunately, once you disembark the cruise ship on the final morning, you cannot go back and try to get it back.

If you find yourself in this situation, there are a few things to try in order to hopefully get things back.

Report the missing item to Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean provides a means of reporting missing items to start the claims process.

It's somewhat similar to if you left something behind on an airplane and the process of working with the airline to get it back.

Guests can fill out a Lost and Found Request Form that is processed by a third-party company called Chargerback.

You should fill out the form as soon as possible once you realize you forgot something.

You'll need to provide your personal information, along with where you last saw the item, your sailing information, and where they can send it if they find it.

According to the cruise line, some thing cannot be returned

• Food & Beverage​
• Clothing Items​
• Money, casino chips, or credit cards (Credit cards are destroyed for your protection, and Casino chips/money are processed onboard and added to the credit card on file)​
• Makeup, Grooming Items, Perfumes, Lotions
• Alcohol or tobacco item​
• Any other item that may pose a risk or is prohibited by law

If they find the items, you are responsible for paying for the shipping to get it back to you. In addition, Chargerback claims it can take 2-3 weeks to get the item shipped.

What are the chances I'll get my lost things back?

Experiences with filing a lost and found claim vary considerably, and in reality there's a chance you may not get it back.

Part of the issue is the lost item needs to be found and reported as a lost item.

The final morning of a cruise is a busy day when crew members are hustling to prepare the ship for the next sailing and they're working very hard to prep staterooms.  Because guests leave behind trash and discarded items, it's easy to overlook something that is "lost" versus something that is left because it's unwanted.

If a crew member spots what appears to be unintentionally left behind, they'll give it to their supervisor who then passes it along to the Guest Services team.

The Guest Services team will log the item and then it goes through the process of being being transferred from the ship to a facility on land so it can eventually be returned.

Without a doubt a quick claim is critical to ensuring word gets passed along to look for a certain item.

File a claim with travel insurance

While getting the lost item back would be ideal, you may have to accept it's gone and try to replace it.

If you have travel insurance, you may be able to claim the lost item with them and be compensated for it.  This is more useful for items of higher value than a kids toy or everyday garment.

Most travel insurance plans cover lost items on a cruise through baggage loss and baggage delay benefits, which can reimburse you for lost, stolen, or damaged belongings.

You will want to file a claim as soon as you realize the item is missing and trying to reclaim it with the cruise line isn't going to work.

You may need to provide confirmation from the Lost and Found process mentioned earlier that the lost item cannot be found as proof.

Filing a claim with travel insurance is probably an option for high value items, and not a pair of sunglasses, children's toy, or souvenir.

Two hacks for reducing the chance you'll forget something on a cruise

I've come across two creative ideas for how to lessen the likelihood you'll need to fill out a lost and found form.

Losing your cell phone is probably at the top of worst things you could leave behind on a cruise, so you could change your homescreen to make it easier to get back to you.

Change your screen saver or lock screen image to be your SeaPass card or something the cruise line can use to identify you.  

While a pretty wallpaper you usually have looks great, someone that finds your phone can't access your personal information because it will be locked.

By using an image on your lock screen that the cruise line can reference if you lose your phone on board, you stand a much better chance of getting it returned. 

The other trick is to put your shoe in your stateroom safe.

The idea is by putting your shoe in the safe (just one should suffice), you cannot possibly leave the ship without having gotten everything out of your safe because you'll need your shoe.

Considering jewelry, wallets, and money are among the most commonly forgotten items on a cruise ship, verifying your safe is empty before departing is a good idea.

Happy Sunday! Temperatures may be dropping, but there is plenty of Royal Caribbean news to share.  This is your weekly summary of all the Royal Caribbean news from this past week, perfectly fitted for your consumption.

Royal Caribbean teased a big change is coming to its loyalty program soon.

Early next year you can start earning points for a Royal Caribbean cruise, even if you sail on Celebrity or Silversea.

Points Choice will further enhance the status matching between the Royal Caribbean Group lines, and it looks very promising so far.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean promises over $1 million aid will be sent to hurricane ravaged Jamaica & Bahamas
• More cruisers from other cruise lines are switching to Royal Caribbean, CEO says
• I've been on nearly 100 cruises. Here are 13 things cool things to pack and 4 I leave at home.
• Royal Caribbean crew member reveals hidden side of the AquaTheater show on cruise ships
• The key to a great family vacation is staying in contact with one key purchase
• What to expect on your first Royal Caribbean cruise

New RCB Video: Drink Package Questions I'm Asked All The Time

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — Drink Package Questions I'm Asked All The Time! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean will open a beach club on a popular Greek island

A Royal Caribbean cruise ship visiting Santorini will offer a new exclusive beach day next year.

Plans for Royal Beach Club Santorini were revealed this week, and it will open in summer 2026.

Beach clubs are limited capacity excursions owned and operated by Royal Caribbean to offer a superior day of fun in the sun and it's only open to Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruise guests.

Family sues Royal Caribbean over woman that jumped off cruise ship

A year ago a woman jumped overboard from her Royal Caribbean ship and the family is now suing the cruise line alleging wrongful death.

The family blames the crew on Allure of the Seas for overserving the woman when she had an unlimited drink package.

The lawsuit claims she was served, “at least seven alcoholic beverages continuously within a span of approximately six hours and eight minutes." 

New Europe 2027 cruises added, including the return of one of the biggest cruise ships

All the summer European cruises for 2027 are available to book, including sailings on Legend of the Seas.

There are cruises that visit the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Norway, and the Greek Isles.  

Legend will head back to Europe in 2027, marking the first time an Icon Class ship will sail to Europe for the summer season.

Photo captures moment man caught precariously sitting outside cruise window

An incredible photo was taken of a man breaking the rules and sitting in a dangerous spot while on his cruise.

While sailing on Star of the Seas, a man was seen sitting outside his infinite balcony stateroom.

The brazen act could have resulted in severe injury had he slipped.

What to expect for Royal Caribbean's Black Friday sales

We are just days from the start of Royal Caribbean's Black Friday sales beginning.

While we don't yet know what discounts will be offered, it's clear the first sale will kick off next week.

While cruise deals differ from retail Black Friday offers, there's still potential to save a lot of money off a cruise.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 581st episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available at all our links.

Matt breaks down what executives said about cruise prices and what we should expect in the future.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

Royal Caribbean will kick off its Black Friday sales in early November and it might be the best time to lock in extra cruise savings.

Black Friday falls on the Friday after Thanksgiving, which this year is November 28.  Royal Caribbean is already hinting when it will kick off its big sale leading up to the holiday.

Cruise passengers with a Royal Caribbean cruise booked can see a countdown clock indicating exactly when the new sale will start, and it's well before the actual Black Friday holiday.

Last year, Royal Caribbean had a month long parade of Black Friday offers, and it appears we might see a lengthy promotional period as well in 2025.

This post will be updated with new Black Friday offers as soon as they are revealed.

Royal Caribbean will start its Black Friday sale next week

The Cruise Planner site lists a countdown that points to the start of the Black Friday sale at the end of next week.

According to the countdown, Royal Caribbean should roll out its Black Friday sale beginning Friday, November 7, 2025.

That's almost exactly the same start as last year, when the Black Friday sale began on November 8 and ended up going through Cyber Monday and wrapped up December 9th.

We don't yet know the exact discounts that will be offered, but suffice to say you should expect a sale on both pre-cruise purchases as well as new cruise bookings.

What discounts you can expect

Royal Caribbean has teased there will be discounts up to 50% off onboard extras including drink packages, internet and excursions on qualifying purchases made during the sale for a booked sailing. Savings vary by stateroom category and itinerary
length. 

We've also confirmed that there will be a Black Friday bundle offered, called "The All-In Package,"which includes unlimited deluxe beverages, unlimited specialty dining and streaming Wi-Fi as low as $109 per person per day. 

If your cruise visits Nassau, the package also includes a day pass to Royal Beach Club Paradise Island starting from $139 per person per day.  

Typically the Cruise Planner sale occurs in tandem with the new cruise booking sales, and offers discounts on drink packages, shore excursions, The Key, specialty dining and more.

The top discount everyone seems to look at first are for drink packages, which can often see the lowest prices of the year.

Some people saw prices as low as $54.99 per day for the Deluxe Beverage Package during its Black Friday sale.

Last year there were special Black Friday bundles that included an add-on aspect of Royal Caribbean's private island of Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Regardless of what prices you see, the discounted offer online is always cheaper than waiting to buy a drink package, shore excursion, or Wi-Fi once onboard the ship.

New Visa credit card offer

Something new for Black Friday this year is a special offer for the Royal Caribbean Visa Signature card. 

Starting October 28, 2025, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises will run a special 35,000 Bonus Points online offer on the Royal Caribbean Visa Signature card and Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature card. 

Those who apply for the respective cards and make $1,500 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening will receive 35,000 bonus points, which can be redeemed for $350 onboard credit or stateroom upgrades and more.

What about deeper savings on booking a cruise?

Much of the Black Friday focus is on the extras you can buy, but there will be a Black Friday sale for the cruise fares too.

The cruise line has confirmed short cruises will see some very cheap fares. For example, Quantum of the Seas from Los Angeles or
Wonder of the Seas from Miami, prices start as low as $249 per person for the first and second guests. 

When does the actual Black Friday sale begin?

Based on the last few years, Royal Caribbean will announce a series of preview sales leading up to the actual Black Friday sale.

The sales will begin on November 7 and you should expect them to continue through the actual Black Friday and Cyber Monday holidays.

As for the actual discounts, prices last year seemed to be pretty consistent once the early Black Friday sales began and extended out through the end of November.

It's always a good idea to periodically re-price anything you bought, regardless of the advertised percentage off, to see if the price has indeed changed.

My best advice is to start shopping for Black Friday deals once the first sales hit, and then check back every few days to see if there's been any change. You can always cancel and rebook any pre-cruise purchase with no penalty. 

I've taken dozens of cruises with my family over the years, and having internet access went from "nice to have" to "critical" for keeping up with everyone.

Unfortunately, internet access at sea costs extra on a cruise ship, but that's largely because of how expensive satellite internet is compared to what a land hotel pays for a wired connection.  It has gotten cheaper thanks to Starlink, but it will likely never be free.

Nonetheless, I consider buying an internet package for a family one of the most useful cruise extras to consider because it's a real difference maker in making it as simple as possible for to check in with everyone in my family.

While there's this notion disconnecting from the world is a more relaxing vacation, as long as you can exercise restraint and skip the work emails, internet access is a must buy.

Being connected doesn't mean work emails

I love having internet access because so much of our personal lives rely on it, not just work.

From checking the weather, to staying in contact with family, or following sports teams, the internet is how so many of us interact on a basic level these days.

The idea that if you have internet access it means answering work emails is misconstrued, in my opinion. If you have work emails on your phone, turn off notifications for that app and stay out of it.

Not only does having internet access make every day life easier, it's a godsend for being able to communicate with friends and family onboard the ship.

While I appreciate the notion of "unplugging" as a novel escape from the daily grind of our lives, I think it's romanticized in the same way people talk about "sleeping under the stars" in the woods somewhere while conveniently forgetting how uncomfortable that can be.

The free chat feature in the app isn't nearly as good

While Royal Caribbean app has a free chat feature, it's not very good.

It works well enough, but it's lacking key features and doesn't work at all for kids.

You have to be at least 13 years old to use the chat feature, so it means kids either cannot use the chat feature at all or you have to log them in under an adult's account.

Plus, the chat feature requires both you and the person you're trying to reach to accept each other as contacts.  

This means if you try to message someone who hasn't accepted your invitation to chat first, they'll never see the message.

Lastly, the notifications are hit or miss within the app. I've had pretty good luck with getting a push notification of a new message, but not always.

Let's face it, the tried-and-true messaging apps millions rely on at home just work better.

Having internet access on shore excursions is even more important

If having Wi-Fi on a cruise ship is nice, having internet while touring ports is a must-do.

Thanks to cheaper cell phone roaming plans, I've found having at least one device with cell phone access is helpful in knowing where to go, where to eat, and generally navigating your day.

When I was in Europe this summer, I relied heavily on an e-Sim and AT&T internet pass while in various countries and I know it made my experience so much better.

I was able to quickly navigate where the next spot to visit was, understand which form of public transportation would be best, and download apps we needed to get around.

Even when I was on a shore excursion sold by the cruise line, having internet access made waiting less dull, and provided context when we were on our own.

Not cheap, but affordable

Getting Wi-Fi on your Royal Caribbean cruise doesn't have to be expensive, if you know when to buy it.

The cruise line sells internet packages before the cruise begins and pre-purchasing is going to save you the most money.

As an example, an unlimited one device at a time internet package costs just $18.99 per day if I buy it now, compared to $27.99 per day if I wait to get it onboard the ship.

Sales like this are quite common, so there's no excuse not to buy before the sailing.

In fact, you can pay less per device if you add more concurrent devices to use.  Royal Caribbean's Voom packages come in 1, 2, 3 or 4 devices plans. 

You can share internet access with friends or family, as you're just limited to however many devices are in your package at one time.