Of all the extra fees that come with a Royal Caribbean cruise, one in particular seems to be more problematic because of how easy it is to get overlooked.

It's no secret that the Royal Caribbean cruise fare does not include everything during your trip. Alcohol, shore excursions, souvenirs, and the spa all cost extra and for the most part, that comes as no surprise to new cruisers.

The one fee that seems to "get" people the most is the unreturned pool towel fee, and it's far more prevalent than you might think.

The cruise line offers as many pool towels as guests would like to use during the sailing, but they all need to be returned before the conclusion of the cruise.

The official policy states, "If guests do not return the same number of towels they checked out, a $25.00 fee per unreturned towel will be added to their onboard account. "

Sounds simple enough, but a lot of cruisers overlook ensuring their towels get back - and they are recorded as returned.

"Check your final invoice, you probably got charged"

On Reddit, IJustWorkHere99 shared a warning to other cruisers why you want to verify you don't have any towels left unreturned prior to the end of the cruise.

This person returned to their ship after a fun day at Royal Caribbean's private island of Perfect Day at CocoCay with towels they borrowed from the ship to use during the day.

Upon returning to the ship, they thought they returned the towels properly, but it didn't get recorded.

"We were met just after security by two crew members accepting pool towel returns. They did NOT scan anyone's SeaPass or write down stateroom numbers for accountability of the towels," the person posted.

According to the post, the crew members were trying to expedite the return process because bad weather had forced everyone back early and they didn't want a huge line.

"They assured us that we would not be charged for the towels and that everyone's' accounts would be zeroized for towels that evening."

Sure enough, it turned out they got charged for the towels.

"Well guess what happened? They charged my mom $25 for a pool towel and they charged me $100 for 4."

A lot of other past cruisers reported similar situations.

"Family we were traveling with on Icon got slapped with the towel fine twice, even though I was with them the entire time that day and watched them scan and return," wrote Julianus.

"We had a random towel charge right before leaving that morning. Still waiting for the credit to come through," added theresketo.

Downtown-Ball6994 actually had $300 in pool towel charges after the cruise ended because of a mix-up in how returned pool towels were scanned, "It turned out that when the attendant scanned my wife’s card, instead of returning the towels that I checked out, it checked out an additional 6 towels to her."

"It took a few days to get the charge removed because they said that they had to call the ship and verify what happened."

What to do if you get charged for towels

The first thing to do is verify there are no unreturned towels on your onboard account before you debark the ship.

To verify you're in the clear, you just need to go to Guest Services and ask them to confirm it.

It takes a few seconds to do so, and you should go over on the last day of the sailing to make sure you're walking off the ship without any surprise charges.

In fact, having Guest Services print out a summary of all your charges on the last day is a good idea to verify there are no surprises waiting for you.

If you don't realize you are getting charged for unreturned towels until you get home, the good news is you can still call and get it fixed.  It just takes longer to process this.

If you returned all checked-out towels but still received a charge, you can call Royal Caribbean's Post Cruise department at 1-800-256-6649 to assist with taking care of it.

It's much easier and faster if you can double-check the charges before you leave the ship.

Why do they charge for towels at all?

You might wonder why Royal Caribbean charges for unreturned towels, and it has to do with reducing waste.

The cruise line doesn't think guests covet towels enough to want to steal them and bring them home. After all, they're not great quality to begin with and have been reused many times.

The origin of the rule has to do with passengers leaving them behind in port, or elsewhere, rather than returning them.

If passengers leave towels behind at a beach somewhere, not only is it wasteful and littering, but it's quite noticeable where the trash is coming from to the locals.

The fee makes sure the towels get back to the ship, and not left for the local population to have to take care of.

Don't pack your own towels

Some people might be reading this article and think bringing your own pool or beach towels is a great workaround, but I think that's overkill for the problem.

Royal Caribbean offers towels for you to use onboard the ship or to bring to a shore excursion, and it's a terrific service (despite the issue of occasionally not recording those towels were indeed returned).

I don't recommend bringing your own towels because not only are they going to take up a lot of room in your luggage, but once they are soiled, it's going to be difficult to properly clean them.

It's my experience wet towels take a long time to air dry, especially if you don't have access to the outdoors.  

Even if you have a balcony, then you need to ensure they don't fly away due to the wind or get soiled again from a passing rain shower.

Let's put it this way: going to Guest Services is a lot easier than packing and caring for a bunch of pool towels.

Royal Caribbean Blog staff members cruised over 50 times in 2024, sailing on dozens of vessels to countless ports around the world. As professional cruisers, we certainly know the ins and outs of cruising. That being said, there are always lessons to be learned on any cruise vacation.

Whether sailing on the world’s largest ship, Icon of the Seas, or on one of Royal Caribbean’s smallest ships, Vision of the Seas, our team followed a wide range of cruise tips throughout the year.

From stocking up on cheap cruise essentials to opting out of Royal Caribbean's shore excursions, here are the top 10 cruise tips that worked for our Royal Caribbean Blog staffers in 2024.

Calista booked non-Royal Caribbean shore excursions to save money

Royal Caribbean Blog writer Calista took 7 cruises in 2024, trying out new ships like Utopia of the Seas and smaller, older vessels like Brilliance and Rhapsody of the Seas.

Her cruises took her around the Caribbean and Europe, visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay, Cozumel, and Barcelona, among other ports.

Related: 8 lessons I learned from every Royal Caribbean cruise I took this year

On most itineraries, Calista booked shore excursions directly through Royal Caribbean. Yet while this was convenient, Royal Caribbean’s excursions are typically more expensive than tours booked through independent operators.

So, during a visit to Nassau, Calista branched out and booked an excursion through shoreexcursions.com instead of through Royal Caribbean.

She paid just $50 per person for an excursion to nearby Pearl Island, whereas Royal Caribbean charged over $100 for a similar tour!

There are several advantages to booking directly through the cruise line, including a guaranteed return to the ship even if the tour runs late. Nonetheless, Calista had a great experience booking a shore excursion on her own.

Matt packed USB hubs and a long charging cable for his cabin

Matt boarded Allure of the Seas in February for a short 3-night cruise—one of his 14 (and counting) cruises in 2024. While packing, he made the mistake of assuming his cabin would have abundant outlets. Instead, due to the cabin's older design, he found himself struggling to charge all of his electronics throughout the cruise.

After this experience, he packed extra USB hubs and a long charging cord for the rest of his cruises in 2024. Even though cabins on new ships like Icon of the Seas have more than enough charging ports, this is not the case for cabins on older ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet.

Note: While Royal Caribbean banned multi-plug outlet adapters earlier this year, USB hubs are still allowed.

Angie reserved entertainment shows before her cruise to ensure she had a seat

On select Royal Caribbean ships, guests can reserve entertainment shows ahead of their cruise on the Cruise Planner website. Because popular productions like Broadway shows can book up quickly, it’s recommended that guests reserve entertainment prior to embarkation day.

Earlier this year, social media strategist Angie took advantage of this advice while preparing for her Harmony of the Seas cruise. She made reservations online for the Broadway production of Grease and other popular events, which guaranteed her a seat.

During the cruise, Angie was grateful she took the time to make entertainment reservations ahead of time. When entering the theater, she noticed a long line of passengers waiting for standby seats at these events.

Related: 7 mistakes I saw passengers make on Harmony of the Seas

Instead of waiting in line and hoping for a seat at a fully-booked show, Angie could walk directly into the theater with her reservation.

Speaking of lines, Angie reserved Traditional Dining over My Time Dining to save time and hassle

The Main Dining Room is a staple of any cruise, and Angie enjoyed dozens of meals in the restaurant on her 8 cruises this year.

While booking a Royal Caribbean cruise, guests must choose between Traditional Dining and My Time Dining. Traditional Dining means passengers dine at the same time each evening with the same table and wait staff. My Time Dining, on the other hand, gives guests flexibility to reserve different dining times each evening.

Related: Royal Caribbean My Time Dining Versus Traditional Dining

Although My Time Dining allows for more flexibility, guests must remember to make dining reservations in advance. If not, they’ll be stuck waiting in line for an open table.

Angie almost always chooses Traditional Dining, and she was glad to have a guaranteed table and dining time each evening of her cruises. There was no need to make reservations individually for each dinner, and she never had to wait in a long line to enter the Main Dining Room.

Elizabeth tried an extra-cost activity on a port day for free

When writer Elizabeth cruised to Alaska earlier this year on Quantum of the Seas—one of 11 cruises in 2024—she was excited to try RipCord by iFLY, the ship’s indoor skydiving simulator. This activity is only available on Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class ships, so trying the activity was a must for Elizabeth while onboard.

Related: I went on a 7-night cruise to Alaska. Here are 16 things that surprised me the most

However, RipCord by iFLY is unlike most Royal Caribbean activities in that it offers varied price options. On port days, the activity is complimentary for a 1-minute flight experience. Sea days, meanwhile, offer a 2-minute flight for nearly $100 per person.

Elizabeth wanted to save money, so she tried the skydiving simulator when her ship was docked in Icy Strait Point. The complimentary 1-minute experience allowed her to get a taste for the activity without spending extra.

Jenna booked her 2024 cruises with a travel agent, leading to savings and extra perks

Perhaps the most tried-and-true cruise tip we share at Royal Caribbean Blog is to book with a travel agent, and I followed this tip on each of my cruises in 2024.

As Royal Caribbean Blog’s video editor, I sailed on Royal Caribbean’s two newest ships this year: Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas. Although I typically book most travel, such as flights and hotels, on my own, I always book cruises with a trusted travel agent.

Related: Why first-time cruisers should use a Royal Caribbean travel agent

Booking with a travel agent meant I didn’t need to do anything myself, and I got extra perks like onboard credit and discounted rates along the way. On my Utopia of the Seas cruise, in fact, my travel agent scored an upgraded balcony cabin in a more central location than what I originally booked.

A good travel agent will cost you nothing extra, and it’s one of the most helpful cruise tips to follow.

Allie stocked up on cheap cruise essentials from Dollar Tree

Packing for a cruise can feel overwhelming, especially if you follow every packing list on the internet to a tee. That $30 pair of sandals and $300 underwater camera would be nice, of course, but there’s no need to spend hundreds of dollars on your cruise packing list.

Nonetheless, there are some essentials you do need to pack for a cruise, such as toiletries, and many cruisers also enjoy packing fun items like door decorations, too.

When Royal Caribbean Blog writer Allie was preparing for a cruise this year, she decided to shop at Dollar Tree for her cruise essentials. She purchased items like over-the-counter medication, magnetic clips, and travel-sized toiletries for just $1.25 each instead of spending significantly more at a store like Target.

Related: 5 Dollar Tree Items Cruisers Should Stock Up on Before Their Sailing

Sure, items may be more limited, but Allie was surprised how well this packing tip worked while cruising on a budget.

When sailing on the world’s largest cruise ship, Calista tried as many dining venues as possible

Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas was, undoubtedly, the most anticipated cruise ship of 2024, and Calista had the opportunity to sail on the vessel this past summer.

As the biggest cruise ship in the world, Icon of the Seas boasts mind-blowing entertainment venues like the AquaDome and endless thrills at the ship’s Category 6 Waterpark. Aside from activities, though, are an abundance of dining venues, from casual grab-and-go spots to high-end restaurants.

Related: Icon of the Seas restaurant and dining guide

During Calista’s week on Icon of the Seas, she made it a point to try the ship’s diverse dining options. She loved the Mediterranean bowls at AquaDome Market and grab-and-go snacks at Pearl Cafe.

It’s easy to get into a routine of dining at only the Main Dining Room and Windjammer buffet, but trying a variety of restaurants while cruising ensures that each day’s dining experience is different from the last. Plus, you might discover a new favorite dish!

Elizabeth tried Royal Caribbean’s coffee card, allowing her to try new beverages

Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package might be the most popular drink package—who doesn’t love unlimited cocktails, after all—but coffee lovers shouldn’t overlook the cruise line’s Cafe Select Coffee Card.

Elizabeth skipped a drink package on her recent cruise to Bermuda, instead opting for Royal Caribbean’s coffee card. For $36.58, the punch card entitled her to 15 espresso-based beverages throughout the cruise. As a plus, the card could be shared between Elizabeth and her travel partner (unlike a drink package).

Related: I tried the Royal Caribbean drink package nobody talks about. Why it's worth the money

With the card, the price per specialty coffee came out to around $2.43 per drink. Considering each drink could cost over $5 without the card, Elizabeth was pleased she gave it a try.

Matt arrived to his embarkation city with more than enough time to spare

European cruises are all the rage during the summer, and Matt was excited to head across the pond this past August for his own European adventure. Matt’s 7-night Spain and France cruise was set to depart from Southampton, so he made sure to arrive in London with plenty of time to spare before embarkation day.

If there’s just one piece of advice to follow when planning a cruise, it’s to always fly into your cruise embarkation city at least one day ahead of time.

Related: The worst part of flying to Europe could easily ruin half your cruise

Our staff members have heard far too many horror stories of cancelled flights, missed connections, and other travel mishaps en route to a cruise. Booking a flight the same day your cruise begins is risky; no one wants to risk missing their cruise altogether due to a travel delay.

Therefore, Matt arrived in London two days before embarkation day. Not only did this ensure he would make it to the port even if he encountered delays, but it also gave him time to recover from jet lag. As a plus, Matt had time to enjoy London’s highlights, too!

First-time cruisers may be scared of falling overboard, but veteran cruisers know there are far more frightening (and plausible) things to be afraid of on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

We wanted to find out the biggest fears among cruisers, so we posed the question to members of the Royal Caribbean Blog message boards. Over 40 cruisers responded, sharing their biggest rational—and irrational—fears.

Some cruisers are panicked at the thought of getting left behind in port, while others are more concerned about what they would do if they forgot their underwear at home.

Forget falling off a cruise ship—these are the 11 things cruisers are actually scared of while onboard.

Leaving their passport at home

If there’s one thing that can ruin a cruise vacation before it even begins, it’s forgetting your passport at home.

Lost luggage? Forgot your sunscreen? These mishaps may be unfortunate, but at the end of the day, items like clothing and toiletries are easily replaceable. Your passport, on the other hand, is the single most important item you need for a cruise vacation.

Related: Can I cruise without a passport?

Message board member BXcruiser mentioned how forgetting their passport at home is their ultimate cruise fear; they constantly check to make sure the passport is packed before leaving home.

User loki007 added to the discussion by explaining what happened when they once forgot their passport. Fortunately, they realized their mistake while staying at a hotel the evening before embarkation, but the 7-hour round trip drive to retrieve the passport was far from enjoyable.

Evacuating the ship in an emergency

Every cruiser knows they must complete Royal Caribbean’s safety drill on embarkation day, but for most, the thought of a real emergency never crosses their mind. Cruise ships rarely encounter major issues at sea, after all, and emergency evacuations are largely unheard of.

Nonetheless, there’s a reason that millions of passengers complete safety drills each year—an emergency is always a possibility. Whether the ship is taking on water or a fire starts onboard, some cruisers stress about what an emergency evacuation could entail.

Message board member Geezer Of The Seas expressed his concerns, stating that “somehow, I don’t envision the real thing going as smoothly as the drills the crews perform periodically.”

Being left behind in port

We’ve all seen videos of frantic cruisers sprinting back to their cruise ship before it leaves port. Dubbed pier runners, these cruisers are frequently the target of jokes in the cruise industry. Several Royal Caribbean Blog message board members mentioned missing the ship as their biggest cruise fear.

It’s important to be cognizant of time while in port, as it’s crucial to return back to the ship in time. With the exception of those on shore excursions booked through Royal Caribbean, the cruise ship will not wait for late passengers. Those guests who miss the ship’s departure will need to make their own arrangements to meet up with the ship in the next port of call.

Related: What happens if you miss your cruise ship?

Moral of the story? Keep an eye on the time in port, and make note of whether your ship is following the port’s local time or ship time to ensure you get back onboard with plenty of time to spare.

Not making it to the embarkation city

Not getting back to your cruise ship before it leaves a port of call is a common cruise fear, but what about missing your cruise ship’s first departure altogether?

User smokeybandit explained how their biggest concern is getting to the port in the first place, particularly during the winter. User JimnKathy shared a similar remark, stating how “I never feel comfortable until the plane lands at our port of departure. Commercial air travel is SO unreliable these days.”

One of our most tried and true cruise tips at Royal Caribbean Blog is arriving at your embarkation city at least one day before your cruise begins. Even still, some veteran cruisers remain wary of travel delays that could cause them to miss the ship despite proper planning.

Something bad happening at home

Royal Caribbean Blog message board user RockerDom31 mentioned how their biggest cruise fear is something happening at home, such as an injury or death in the family. Many cruisers can relate to this fear, and it’s important to always be prepared for the worst case scenario.

No one wants to think of an emergency occurring at home while on a cruise, but it’s always a possibility. To be prepared for the worst, we recommend purchasing travel insurance before your cruise.

Related: Travel insurance for a cruise: Why you need it

Many travel insurance policies offer trip interruption coverage in case of the death of a family member back home, which may cover costs associated with an early departure from your ship when possible.

Plus, travel insurance will keep cruisers covered if something happens to themselves on a cruise, whether a sudden illness or emergency medical evacuation.

Losing luggage before (or after) boarding the ship

Frequent cruisers are meticulous when packing for a cruise, ensuring they pack the perfect outfit for each formal night or a day at the beach. Yet what if your luggage goes missing?

For several users on our message boards, losing luggage takes the top spot on their list of cruise fears.

Member asquared17 wrote how one of their biggest fears is watching their luggage float on the water as the ship pulls away from the cruise terminal. Traveling Mike shared similar sentiments, explaining how he would have trouble finding well-fitting clothing at the last minute if his luggage were to be lost.

Related: 6 tips to help keep a cruise line from losing your luggage

PhantomWolf shared a tip for those with luggage concerns, recommending that cruisers place AirTags in their luggage prior to leaving for a cruise. This way, cruisers can track down their bags on the chance they are misplaced.

Bad weather before, during, and after the cruise

Everyone wants a cool breeze and sunny skies when cruising, but weather will always be somewhat unpredictable regardless of where a cruise takes place.

From heat waves in the Mediterranean to hurricane season in the Caribbean, cruisers often express concern about encountering bad weather on a cruise.

Board user SPS explained how bad weather is his biggest fear on a cruise. Storms, winter travel, and cooler-than-expected weather can cause travel delays, missed ports of call, and miserably cold days at sea.

Royal Caribbean tries its best to complete every itinerary as scheduled, but out-of-the-ordinary weather patterns can occasionally put a damper on even the most anticipated cruise vacations.

The bar running out of a favorite drink

On a lighter note, what if your favorite beverage is out of stock on a Royal Caribbean cruise?

You can try dozens of unique drinks onboard a Royal Caribbean ship, whether a classic Cucumber Martini or tropical-inspired Parrot Punch. Some cruisers, though, prefer sticking to their favorites.

Related: 21 drinks to order if you have a cruise drink package

Message board user Ryan79 stated how the scariest thing that could happen on a cruise would be “the bar running out of Kraken for my lava flow!” and, after 55 cruises, Mike45orlando mentioned that “all the bars running out of your beer of choice is our biggest nightmare.”

Fortunately, even if the cruise ship does run out of your favorite drink, there are more than enough other intriguing choices available.

Getting food poisoning

There’s nothing glamorous about food poisoning—no one wants to spend their entire cruise in the bathroom! As expected, many cruisers are fearful of catching norovirus or another gastrointestinal illness onboard.

User Pattycruise said her biggest fear is learning about multiple cases of food poisoning through her sailing’s Facebook group.

“Reading in the Facebook group for your sailing that numerous people have food poisoning... I had the ‘joy’ of norovirus on disembarkation day on one of those sailings.”

Our advice? Make sure to wash your hands frequently while onboard. It’s a good idea to carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer with you, too, which you can use after handling commonly-touched items like buffet tongs and door handles.

Losing car keys for the way home

In all the excitement of embarkation day, some cruisers may toss their car keys into the first convenient place they find in their luggage. Come disembarkation day, however, remembering where they put their car keys can be challenging.

Member Auto mentioned losing his car keys as one of his biggest cruise fears, having experienced this himself after one sailing.

“We got to the parking garage to go home and I can’t find the keys anywhere,” he explained. “After about 10 minutes of searching, I finally found them in a pocket of a backpack I have never used before (or since). Not a great feeling.”

For those driving to the cruise port, make sure to put your keys in an easy-to-remember place.

Looking at your bill at the end of the cruise

Finally, one of the scariest moments all cruisers can relate to is looking at the final bill at the end of the cruise.

While onboard, it’s easy to swipe your SeaPass card without much thought. Another $15 cocktail? Sure, why not! The $200 spa treatment is only $150 today? What a steal!

Related: How much does a cruise cost?

After days of spending—and treating yourself—comes the dreaded moment of receiving your final bill.

To avoid intense sticker shock at the end of the cruise, keep an eye on your onboard charges via the Royal Caribbean app. If the number frightens you just halfway through the cruise, that’s a great reminder to cut back on your spending.

When I cruise, I love taking advantage of every trick to save me time or money, but not all of them work as well as I hoped.

I find there are a lot of tried-and-true cruise tips and hacks that work quite well.  Some are so ingrained in my routine that I just consider them standard operating procedure, although they may not be so obvious to someone new to cruising.

Planning a cruise effectively means you side step common mistakes and set yourself up for a great time.  However, some strategies just aren't as useful as they may sound.

To be fair, I concede some tips work for others, but not for me. The first time I tried an over the door shoe organizer as a cruise hack to save on storage space, I thought it wasn't nearly as useful as I imagined.

Nonetheless, I love to try tips out all the time in order to make me a better cruiser.  Over my last few cruises, I found a few more duds that just didn't work for my family.  Some were tips that I think are overrated, while others may be ship or itinerary specific.

Here's why they generally weren't worth the effort (and what we found worked instead).

Wear a bathing suit to the ship on embarkation day

A really good cruise tip to know is you can use the pool and water slides on embarkation day, and it's one of the best times to do so without big lines or crowds.

With that tip in mind, you should bring a swimsuit with you so you can change into it in one of the public bathrooms after you board.  Personally, I hate changing clothes in a public bathroom because it's awkward and not comfortable at all. 

One tip was to simply wear your bathing suit when you board the ship under your clothes. 

It seemed like a good workaround, since by the time you're done swimming, your stateroom cabin should be ready to go and change back.

The issue I had was wearing a bathing suit for a few hours isn't that comfortable, especially men's bathing suits with a mesh lining. I'd put it on in the morning of the cruise, and then wear it through the cruise terminal until I got on the ship and into the pool.

After a few hours of wearing swim trunks, I felt as though the mesh lining becomes the single most uncomfortable item of clothing ever made. 

My preferred hack for enjoying a ship's pool or slides is to go on a port day instead.

Don't overpack

I'm an over packer and always have been, so I've tried to be better about it.  

If I'm cruising from a port in Florida where I can drive or take the train, overpacking really isn't an issue since I don't have to worry about luggage allowances. 

But when I fly to cruise, cutting down on overpacking seems like a good tip to follow.  Even if I'm cruising locally, having a smaller suitcase would be easier.

The problem I have when I under pack is it gives me anxiety about running out of clothes when I get on the ship. Plus, during summer months, I find I sweat through more clothes than I thought I would.

On a cruise to the Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles in June, I sweat so profusely in Mazatlan that I even surprised myself.

Of course, I can send clothes out for dry cleaning on a ship, but it's not cheap.

Having backup clothes just makes things easier, and I feel less anguish about if I should re-use clothing.

Skip the buffet on your first day

There are few venues on a Royal Caribbean cruise that get as busy as the Windjammer buffet on embarkation day.

It seems as though everyone that gets onboard wants to eat lunch, and they all head to the buffet.

I really like the buffet, and go there on nearly every cruise. But it's definitely frustrating trying to find a seat, especially on Royal Caribbean's older cruise ships.

There are two ideas for skipping the buffet with an alternative.

The first hack is to go to a different complimentary venue, but the value of this tip really depends on the ship.  If you're on an Oasis or Icon Class ship, it's a great idea because you can hit up Park Cafe or Aquadome Market.  

Each has a good selection of food, freshly prepared, and it feels like a meal.

On other ships, you're relegated to Cafe Promeande or Sorrento's Pizza. Maybe it's just a me thing, but I don't find either satisfying as a meal.

The other hack is to go to a specialty restaurant on embarkation day.  Sure it costs money, but you get to sit down and enjoy a full meal.  And you can find at least one specialty restaurant open on any Royal Caribbean ship on embarkation day.

The problem I have with this hack is I'm too excited for all the fun of the cruise to sit around for an hour or more to eat a meal.

While this option is indeed satisfying, when I board a ship, I want to explore and do things. I'm excited to cruise, and I'm not in the mood to sit around.

I doubt I'll adopt this hack, other than if I'm on a ship that has a really good alternative. Sign me up for Aquadome Market any day of the week, if I'm on a ship with that option!

Use the free showers in the fitness center

The last time I shared a cabin with my kids, my oldest daughter was hogging up the shower like all teenagers typically do.

I then remembered a commonly shared cruise tip to use the free showers in the fitness center.

On every Royal Caribbean ship, the gym has a changing room and shower that anyone can use.

I gathered my stuff and was about to go use this tip when I remembered an equally important tip from college: you need to wear shoes of some kind to avoid athlete's foot.

I didn't have the proper shoes for it, so I had to skip this tip. While I've sworn off sharing a cabin with my kids at this point, if I ever did again, I'd have to remember to bring the right kind of footwear with me.

A 74-year-old man takes his wife that he's been married to for 55 years on a cruise twice a year, and he has no intention of stopping.

Ron Lodowski lives in upstate New York with his wife, Susan, and they love to go on cruises as a way to escape to the tropics and enjoy a carefree trip.

While Millennials lead the post-Covid recovery in travel, baby boomers are increasingly booking trips. That's according to Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty.

In an interview in 2023, Mr. Liberty said Baby Boomers tend to pay more for a cruise (because they prefer higher end accommodations) and they bring their kids and grandkids with them.

"That Baby Boomer is bringing in more of that multigenerational travel, as the grandparents are looking to travel with their kids and their grandkids."

Ron is part of that Baby Boomer generation, and he likes how everything is taken care of on a cruise, "Need a meal? Royal has you covered. Need your cabin or suite cleaned? No problem. Want to see some form of entertainment after dinner? Look no further. Royal Caribbean cruising is one stop vacation shopping."

He didn't start cruising until later in life. His first cruise was in 2008 as a gift to his daughter. While he admits he made a "big mistake" choosing a Carnival cruise as his first cruise, he quickly made the jump to Royal Caribbean and now goes on multiple cruises per year.

"I cruise twice a year, on average, normally, once in March or April and once is September or October," he said.

"Living in the Northeast... these dates tend to extend the warm summer for us instead of having the summer begin in May and end in late August or early September."

I asked Ron for his tips for how to plan the right cruise based on how he likes to cruise with Susan and his family.

Book early

Ron says he picks his cruise based on four criteria: the time of the year, the itinerary, the ship, and lastly the price.

As an example, "With the introduction of the newest Icon and Oasis class ships, the cruise decision based upon ship has jumped ahead of the itinerary."

His first tip for booking a cruise is to book the cruise sooner than later.

"The sooner you book, normally the lower the cruise fare.  If the price does decrease, you can always cancel and rebook as long as it is before the final payment date."

The ability to re-book up until final payment to take advantage of a price decrease is available to residents of certain countries, such as the United States or Canada. It is indeed one of the best ways to save money on a cruise.

"I have done this numerous times and have saved thousands of dollars. Better yet? Have your travel agent do this for you. Their charge is nonexistent, and their service is priceless."

Our team recommends using a good travel agent for the service they provide, as well as the opportunity to save money, just as Ron described.

Splurge

Ron approaches every cruise with a sobering but pragmatic view, "Treat ever cruise like it might be your last cruise."

To that point, he doesn't shy away from spending more on cruise extras.

"Enjoy the specialty dining experience, have that extra cocktail after dinner, treat yourself to a suite with all the suite benefits. Or better yet? Go full out and experience the pampering which you will receive from a Royal Genie. You will never forget it!"

While there are a lot of freebies on a Royal Caribbean cruise, Ron sees cruising as an escape. 

I asked Ron what he'd tell someone else his age about why they should try a cruise. He joked, "I would first tell them to turn up your hearing aid" and then said he would explain how a cruise can transport you to amazing places.

"Cruising is an amazing experience. You get to travel to beautiful, scenic places and once onboard everything which you might want, or need is taken care of by one of the helpful crew members"

He also emphasized the importance of meeting new friends on a cruise, "And most importantly, unlike land vacations, where people come and go, when you are on a cruise, people you meet become your friends for life. I speak from experience. "

Book off season

Ron's last tip is to look for off season rates, which can save a lot of money compared to peak season.

As a retiree, Ron and Susan can take advantage of times of the year when there is less demand because school is in session, and thus, families are reluctant go to on vacation.

"Off season rates, January thru March and September thru November are usually much cheaper, so why not take advantage of these months?"

"You're retired, so you have no job or family to interfere with your vacation plans. You deserve it!"

Going on a cruise in the months Ron mentions can be a great time to go on a cruise for those added savings.

While the Caribbean is a year-round destination, booking a trip during one month over another could be the difference in hundreds of dollars.

Good etiquette extends to a cruise ship vacation, and there are a few things some cruisers do that are sure to annoy others around them.

Everyone's on vacation, so there's a certain degree of a laid back atmosphere on a cruise. However, vacation isn't an excuse to be inconsiderate of others.

I've cruised enough to notice when certain behaviors irritate others, and it's either the result of ignorance or selfishness. I'm not saying I've never gotten into an elevator and hit the "close door" button because I wanted to get going. We're all a little bit selfish, but I like to think I have never done any of the 10 most annoying habits on a cruise.

You don't need to go on a cruise to make friends, but you can do little things to avoid being that guy. If you've never cruised before, consider this a good list of what not to do.

Smoking where you're not supposed to

Royal Caribbean has designated areas of the ship specifically for smoking or vaping, and everywhere else it's not allowed.

Unfortunately, a few people will sneak smokes in elsewhere, such as on their stateroom balcony or even in public areas around the ship.

Smoking is not permitted in any dining venue, theater, bar, lounge, hallway, elevator, and jogging track. Outdoor areas near restricted areas, food venues, and kids play areas and pools will not allow smoking.

In my experience, people vaping indoors is the most commonly occurring example of this.  Almost always they try to be sly about it, exhaling into their shirt, up in the air, or down to the side.

This is one of the few annoying habits on this list that is more than about being inconsiderate, it's flagrantly against Royal Caribbean's rules.

Using your hands at the buffet

I'm always surprised when I see someone use their hands to grab food from the buffet, but it happens.

It might seem innocent, like grabbing a bread roll or cookie.  The issue is mitigating the spread of germs onboard, and using your hands doesn't help with that.

It's unsanitary, and others around you are sure to notice.

Not letting others out of the elevator first

When an elevator arrives at a floor, the people waiting for the elevator should stand aside from the doors to let others out of the elevator first, before getting in.

Unfortunately this lack of elevator etiquette is not limited to cruises. I see it at hotels on land all the time, but it doesn't excuse it.

Not only is it polite to let others out of the elevator first, it benefits you to do so because it frees up space in the car.

Playing music loudly

In today's age of Airpods and noise cancelling headphones, I'm always surprised when someone is playing their music too loudly.

I experience this less at the ship's pool than in cabins. Some people are used to listening to music in their room as they get ready, and I suspect that might be why some passengers play their music too loudly.

Cruise ship staterooms are not very well insulated against noise, and your music will absolutely bleed through the walls.

Likewise, when bringing a speaker to the pool or beach, make sure the volume is not high enough to be heard all around you.

Yelling at someone else

We all have moments where there's an issue and your blood boils and you want to lash out at a family member, friend, or stranger. But yelling and creating a scene isn't the solution.

This is one of those "easier said than done" bits of advice, because when you become frustrated, you're not going to start thinking of blog posts.

Likewise, if another passenger gets on your nerves, my advice is walk away to defuse the situation.  It's simply not worth hashing it out with a stranger and then having to become a spectacle in that moment.

Hogging a pool chair all day

Chair hogs are a real issue that probably rank among the most frustrating parts of a cruise.

My definition of a chair hog is someone that goes out to the pool in the early morning, puts towels or belongings down on chairs to reserve them, and then disappears for a few hours.

A lot of people want to be in or near the pool, especially on sea days. It's fine if you want to wake up early and enjoy time by the pool, but you shouldn't take up chairs if you're not going to be there for an extended period of time.

While I doubt the chair hog problem goes away anytime soon, try not to contribute to making the problem even worse.

Talking loudly during shows

While a Royal Caribbean theater is not as formal or swanky as a Broadway theater in New York, talking during a performance is rude to both your fellow passengers and the cast on stage.

Obviously it's okay to whisper something to someone sitting next to you, but having a full conversation is a faux pas to avoid. Especially at normal speaking volume.

It's perfectly acceptable to excuse yourself to step out of the theater to take a phone call or speak with someone else.

Holding up disembarkation lines

Getting off the cruise ship in the morning is never fun. Your vacation is over, and you're headed back to reality.  So the last thing you want to do is slow the line down disembarking.

There's usually a line to exit the ship, and all that's required is you scan your SeaPass card.  Yet, there's always a number of passengers who either don't have their SeaPass card ready or left in in their cabin.

The SeaPass is needed to scan so the crew knows you've disembarked. So keep your SeaPass with you as you exit the ship, and have it ready to scan when you get close.

Trying to register at kids club at prime time

Royal Caribbean holds an open house for the entire afternoon on embarkation day, and yet there's usually a family that tries to register their kids at Adventure Ocean at check-in later that evening.

The problem is there's just one entrance to the kids club for each age group, and if someone is registering their kids, it blocks the rest of the line.  This means everyone else must wait to sign their kids in while the parent at the front finishes the registration paperwork.

Adventure Ocean registration begins at 1pm on the first day of your cruise, and it's a great time to go and meet the counselors and get everything taken care of so drop off is super quick.

Being disrespectful to crew members

There's never an excuse to be rude to a crew member.

Crew members work extremely hard to make your vacation amazing, and sometimes accidents happen. Or they're there to enforce important rules, regardless if you agree with the rules or not.

Unfortunately, some passengers will completely ignore a crew member, yell at them, or lecture them like a child.

If there's an issue at hand, ask to speak to their manager or go to Guest Services to get it resolved. 

And if a crew member gives you an instruction, it's your obligation to follow it. They didn't make up the rules, they're just reminding you of what you should be doing.

One travel agent is raising a red flag about common scams she's seen that could ruin your cruise vacation plans.

 Jenn Greene is a Travel Planner affiliated with MEI Travel and regularly books Royal Caribbean cruises. She's one of the top earners at her agency, and she's run into all sorts of scenarios with her clients.

While most people have no issues, she's noticed an influx lately of bad actors who are causing problems, "With cruising being more popular than ever, we are seeing an uptick in scammers trying to take advantage of travelers."

Consumers should always be vigilant about sharing personal information, as well as deals that seem "too good to be true".

Whether it’s an overly aggressive salesperson on the other end of the phone, or an all-too-friendly Facebook profile, there’s plenty to be wary of.  Here are the most popular scams Jenn is seeing right now. 

Oversharing in cruise groups

While it may be a fun idea to join a group to coordinate with others on your cruise, user beware because scammers are among you.

We recommend finding a Facebook group or roll call thread for your upcoming sailing because of the opportunity to meet new friends and learn more about your specific sailing.  However, you want to keep your guard up in these groups.

Ms. Greene recommends not posting too much information about yourself or your cruise, "It’s ok to make plans to meet up at the bar once onboard, but don’t trust giving your information to others via private messages."

"Before you know it, a scammer has your phone number, email and booking information, which gives them easy access to your vacation plans."

If you think Ms. Greene is exaggerating the concern, a woman recently learned this lesson the hard way when she lost a $15,000 cruise after posting reservation number on social media.

Call the right phone number

This may seem trivial, but scammers pay a lot of money to have their fake phone numbers land on Google searches. 

If you are looking for a contact number for Royal Caribbean, go directly to cruise line website, not the internet search bar.

Ms. Greene shared she's seen an uptick in these problems, "Just recently, cruisers that are booked have almost been scammed by these fake numbers, posing to be the cruise line."

She explained before the phone agent can "help you", they tell you that you owe more money for an embarkation fee, or a deck fee, which are all fake fees. 

"Once you pay them, they will then help you with whatever you may be calling about. When you hang up, they will have taken your money, and have your credit card information - and you still have no resolution to your problem," she explained.

"Free" cruise scam

If something seems too good to be true, then it probably is, including an offer for a free cruise.

Social media is rife with these posts that claim there's a giveaway for a free cruise, airplane ticket, or trip to a resort.

"It’s very common to see posts on Facebook, Instagram or other social media giving away the trip of a lifetime," Ms. Greene explained.  "Usually it’s an impersonation of a major cruise line, offering a free cruise giveaway or telling you that you’ve been specially selected."

She recommends if you are contacted by a cruise line on social media, do not trust it. 

Read more: 4 warning signs a cruise deal is too good to be true

Fake social media accounts

It’s common for scammers to create fake social media accounts based on well-known people in the cruise community, such as Captain Kate from Celebrity Cruises, or Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley.  

For example, you might receive a message that there’s a problem with your cruise booking or that there’s an exclusive offer on a cruise, but at some point, you’ll always be asked for your bank details as scammers try to get your money. 

Ms. Greene added, "it’s highly unlikely that a cruise CEO or Captain is reaching out to users on social media."

How to protect yourself against scams

Hopefully this warning will ensure you think twice in the future, but another safeguard is to work with a trusted travel agent.

A good travel agent can answer any questions you may have along the way. You'll have a direct contact at all times to assist with your plans.

Want to change your dining time? Not sure, if you already prepaid gratuity? Travel agents are always there to help. A good travel agent will never charge a fee, and will help you every step of the way.

Royal Caribbean Blog works exclusively with MEI Travel and cannot say enough about their professionalism and service. 

I've taken 8 cruises in the past 12 months, and each one taught me something.

As a new cruiser, I knew I had a lot to learn from personal experience.

Not only was cruising a new form of travel when I started, but my cruises also took me to regions I'd never visited before.

Although all my sailings took place on Royal Caribbean ships, I sailed different ships each time; Wonder of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, Enchantment of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Icon of the Seas, and Oasis of the Seas.

Each different itinerary and ship type introduced me to a new aspect of cruising.

From choosing the right stateroom to saving money on shore excursions, I'll explore the top lessons I learned from each sailing. 

Read more: I've never been on a cruise, but spent a week researching what I need to know. My top 11 important lessons I think I learned

Your cabin selection has a huge influence on the experience

Cruise: Wonder of the Seas

My first cruise took place on Wonder of the Seas, sailing a 7-night Eastern Caribbean and Perfect Day at CocoCay itinerary.

Any Oasis-class ship would make for the perfect first cruise.

I was blown away by the amount of dining, activities, and amenities onboard, and felt like I barely had enough time to experience it all.

But while we splurged on specialty dining and shore excursions, we also tried to save money by booking a guarantee stateroom.

It turned out that this cheaper cabin selection had a huge influence on the entire cruise.

We were assigned a windowless interior cabin at the very front of the ship, and I quickly learned why other cruisers tend to avoid that location.

The room was consistently dark, without a view, and we often heard the noise of the anchor chain banging on the ship's hull.

I also learned that I suffer from seasickness while cruising, and the forward location of the stateroom left me even more susceptible to the vessel's rocking motion.

If I hadn't packed Dramamine, the nausea would have been unbearable.

Although I've booked interior cabins since this cruise, and find that the darkness makes for a good night's sleep, I regret not picking a better cabin for my first cruise.

For a first cruise (or the first one in a while), splurging on a better cabin will upgrade your experience.

Snorkeling is worth it, and you don't always have to pay extra

Cruise: Freedom of the Seas

My Freedom of the Seas cruise took place over a few short days, sailing to Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay.

For this trip, I decided to invest in my experience on Royal Caribbean's private island. 

I purchased the snorkel shore excursion, which turned out to be an amazing way to see the beaches of the Bahamas.

After renting the snorkel equipment, I took a self-guided tour of the shipwreck and natural life near the shores of CocoCay.

I saw sea snakes, tropical fish, and a jellyfish!

It was a cool experience, and I later realized that there was nothing stopping me from purchasing and bringing my own snorkel equipment to the island.

At any visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay, you could experience the snorkel shore excursion for free.

Cruising smaller ships is a marvelous way to relax

Cruise: Radiance of the Seas

My third cruise was my first on a smaller ship—the 961-foot Radiance of the Seas.

The 5-night getaway sailed the Western Caribbean, taking me to ports I hadn't visited before.

While I wasn't sure what to expect, I learned that a smaller ship makes for a great way to relax.

The cruise was a calming getaway. The pool areas were always clear, and the elevators were easy to navigate.

I also noticed a more distinct ship culture; the crew members all seemed to know each other, and the captain even walked around to meet cruisers onboard.

Despite all the flack that smaller ships get, I found the cruise a quiet, enjoyable experience.

Plus, we got to visit exciting ports of call that the large ships can’t visit. 

Research thoroughly before sailing a new region

Cruise: Enchantment of the Seas

Enchantment took me to new regions as well: I cruised a 7-night Athens to Barcelona Mediterranean sailing, having never visited the continent before!

I tried to have a more flexible mindset for this cruise, assuming that I'd learn things as I went along.

While I'm usually a big researcher, I did less preparation beforehand and expected to learn from experience.

This isn't the best move when it comes to visiting a new country.

I found myself at a loss when it came to Greek culture or Spanish phrases. Also, when I visited some historical locations such as the island of Crete, I wished that I'd read up on their impact. While the tour guides did give us a lot of information, more reading beforehand would have enhanced my experience.

Read more: 8 lessons learned after trying a European cruise for the first time

The suite life is very sweet indeed

Cruise: Allure of the Seas

My 3-night weekend cruise on Allure was my first time staying in a suite—and it was luxe.

For the first time, I realized just what a huge difference splurging on your cabin could make.

We were greeted with champagne and snacks, and our own coffee machine.

The stateroom had a huge balcony we could eat dinner on and a deep bathtub I used twice during the 3-day cruise.

Plus, the Grand Suite granted access to the suite lounge and other great benefits.

Once again, I saw that splurging on your stateroom really makes a difference.

Purchase shore excursions separate from Royal Caribbean to save money

Cruise: Anthem of the Seas

For the majority of my cruises, I was a loyal to Royal shore excursion buyer.

As soon as the cruise was booked, I would hop on the website to peruse the cruise line's sponsored tours.

While I knew that it was more expensive to purchase through Royal Caribbean, I figured the safety and security it gave me would be worth it.

However, on my Anthem of the Seas Bahamas and Perfect Days sailing, I decided to branch out and find an excursion on shoreexcursions.com.

I purchased a Glass Bottom Boat Ride with a stop on Pearl Island for about $50 per person.

When we arrived at the tour, we had an amazing time, and I discovered that the guests who paid for the same excursion through Royal Caribbean had spent $100-$150 on the excursion.

That means they spent double or even triple for the same tour!

The guides winked and told us not to tell anyone how much we'd saved.

Try as many different dining venues and dishes as you can

Cruise: Icon of the Seas

My next cruise took place on the much-hyped Icon of the Seas, and I truly believe she deserves all the praise she gets.

On this 7-night Western Caribbean and Perfect Day sailing, I was grateful that I made it a priority to try all the different cuisines onboard.

The ship blew me away with its range of dining options and upgrades to previous Royal Caribbean venues.

Read more: 10 lessons learned after trying Icon of the Seas for the first time

It was the best food I'd had on a Royal Caribbean ship—and I only tried the complimentary venues!

If you're planning on cruising Icon, be sure to try as much of the food as you can, and I'd recommend splurging on the specialty dining as well.

A summer trip to Europe is rough, but a positive attitude will take you far

Cruise: Oasis of the Seas

On my second European cruise, I was determined to learn from my past mistakes, and I did tons of research beforehand.

I told myself it would be a great cruise, and it was one of my favorites!

However, sailing to Spain, Italy, and Greece during June is a sure-fire way to run into crowds of tourists, and I did.

Although my research told me I could expect huge crowds, I was unprepared for how much that affected my experience.

When I visited museums, I only got a few seconds in front of the paintings before a group would get in my way. And traffic on the roads cut into our time at port.

Although it ended up being an amazing experience, I would have much preferred a less crowded season.

Just like the cabin, your cruise ship bathroom is going to be small. But there are ways to make it better.

I've heard comedians joke that showering on a cruise ship is the most intimate experience they've had—with a shower curtain!

Cruise ship bathrooms usually lack storage space and have limited air circulation.

But before you start stressing about having a miserable time whenever you have to use the bathroom on your cruise, we have some hacks that will help.

To make the most of your experience, you'll have to get creative and be prepared with some extra supplies.

Don't skip these tips for how to improve your cruise ship cabin's bathroom.

Here are seven bathroom hacks that will help you stay fresh and clean for the length of your cruise.

Please note that we have linked Amazon items in this article containing affiliate links. The affiliate links cost you nothing extra, but Royal Caribbean Blog will make a small commission if you purchase the item through the link.

1. Use an air freshener

Cruise ship bathrooms can be tiny, and you’ll end up sharing them with your travel group for the length of the cruise.

With every person doing their business at least once a day, it’s easy for smells to build up in the air.

It’s easy to start dreading opening the bathroom door and being hit with a nasty scent. You might even begin delaying your showers to avoid smelling the bathroom for too long.

To avoid these smells lingering in the air, pack an air freshener or poo-pourri spray.

By keeping this close by, you’ll improve the scent in the bathroom and ensure everyone has a pleasant cruise.

Read more: 40 essential things to bring on a cruise

2. Night light

You'll want to bring a night light to keep in your bathroom to avoid feeling like a deer in headlights.

On many Royal Caribbean ships, it's pitch black in the cabin once you turn off the lights at night, including the bathroom.  The bathroom light only has two modes: on and off, and the on mode is extremely bright.

To avoid being blinded when you go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, a night light is a great idea.

It can be disorientating to wake up to a completely dark room, and then turn the light on to use the bathroom. And trying to use the bathroom with the lights off? Always seems like a better idea than it is.

Pack a night light and you can use it over and over again on every cruise.

3. Upgrade your experience by bringing your products

Royal Caribbean provides soap, shampoo, and conditioner in its cabins, but, unless you’re in a suite, this will come in the form of a 2-in-1 product.

While you can always opt to use the provided soaps, I highly recommend bringing your own shampoo and conditioner.

Especially if you have dry skin, textured hair, or a sensitive face, you’ll want to bring along your own bathroom products.

These will help to enhance your experience, keeping you clean, moisturized, and healthy for the length of your cruise.

Plus, if you do end up needing more products while onboard, the items sold on the ship will come at a high price.

Before you leave for your cruise, try to pack all the products you usually use in the bathroom.

Here’s a list of toiletries you should consider packing: 

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Body wash
• Loofah
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste 
• Dental floss
• Mouthwash 
• Contact lens and solution
• Deodorant
• Perfume or cologne 
• Shaving cream and razors 
• Feminine hygiene products 
• Lotion
• Sunscreen
• Tweezers 
• Nail file and clippers 
• Lip balm or chapstick 
• Hairbrush and comb 
• Hair products such as mousse and gel 
• Hair ties and scrunchies

4. Hang and organize your toiletries

Cruise ship bathrooms can be short on space, but (as mentioned before) you might have a ton of products you’ve packed along.

Most cruisers like to unpack everything for the length of their cruise (especially if it’s longer than 5 nights) but can become limited on counter space.

To keep everything within reach and ensure that no one fights over cabinet space, bring along a shoe organizer or toiletry hanger.

Other than a way to fit shoes in the cabin, bottles of shampoo, lotion, and conditioner can also fit well into a shoe organizer.

Special toiletries bags also have useful compartments for all the items you might pack, like toothbrushes and toothpaste.

Bringing an organizer that can hang up is a great alternative to save space; instead of taking up room on the counter, you can fill up a blank wall.

No hooks where you want to hang it? No problem. Bring some magnetic hooks, and they’ll stick to the walls anywhere in the cabin.

5. Use wrinkle-release spray for messy clothes 

Royal Caribbean prohibits you from packing irons or steamers onto its cruise ships. These items present a fire hazard, so they will be confiscated if you attempt to bring them onboard.

Laundry services onboard also come at an extra cost.

So, how do you get rid of any pesky wrinkles, especially after you’ve folded up clothes in your suitcase?

We recommend bringing a wrinkle-release spray, such as Downy Wrinkle Release.

Simply spray your clothes, hang them up, and wear them when ready!

Hanging your clothes up in the bathroom in some post-shower steam also helps smooth out those wrinkles.

6. Bring along a Tide Pen to prevent stains

Whether I’m going on a 7-day cruise or a day trip out of my house, I always try to bring a Tide To Go Pen.

This small, portable pen can be quickly rubbed on any stain to prevent it from setting.

On a longer cruise where you may not be able to do laundry, these pens are a lifesaver for preventing lasting stains on your favorite clothes.

They work best on food and drink stains, even for deep colors like red wine or pasta sauce. All you have to do is remove the cap, rub the pen on the stain, wait for the fabric to dry, and then blot off any extra solution with a napkin or paper towel.

Tide Pens can truly rescue your clothes on a cruise.

Read more: I tried the best inside cruise ship cabin hacks to see how well they worked

7. Dry clothes on the provided clothesline

Another great laundry hack—especially for those wet bathroom suits that will quickly stack up—is to look for the clothesline inside your cabin bathroom.

Most Royal Caribbean ships have a small clothesline that pulls out of the wall and attaches to the opposite wall, usually somewhere over the shower.

It might be hard to find the small knob but keep an eye out for this useful tool.

As a bonus hack— hang your clothes on hangers, and then place the hangers on the clothesline to save more space. 

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