Calista Kiper

Royal Caribbean News Round-Up: June 23, 2024

In:

23 Jun 2024

Happy Sunday! Hope you are having a relaxing weekend and enjoying summer! It is time to sit back, relax, and catch up on all the recent Royal Caribbean news!

Royal Caribbean has revealed the new shows and parties on its newest mega-ship, Utopia of the Seas.

The entertainment lineup on this Oasis Class ship has everything from original productions to late-night comedy shows.

Royal Caribbean plans to continue the Oasis Class tradition with an AquaTheater show and an ice skating performance.

Plus, countless parties and live musicians provide entertainment late into the night.

Royal Caribbean News

New RCB Video: I booked CHEAP 4 and 5 night cruises. Was it worth it?

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 — I booked CHEAP 4 and 5 night cruises. Was it worth it? — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 537th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available.

Matt recently sailed a 5-night Bermuda cruise on Liberty of the Seas with his family and shares everything that surprised him about the sailing.

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.

A look inside the crew member cabins on Utopia of the Seas

What do the crew member cabins look like on the second biggest cruise ship in the world?

A new video shows exactly what one crew cabin looks like on Utopia of the Seas, and it's definitely small.

While it's a private cabin, it does have a shared bathroom.

7 new things coming to Utopia of the Seas, including a giant slide and train restaurant

Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship, "The World's Biggest Weekend," is meant to appeal to passengers hesitant to book a weeklong cruise, and it's brimming with exciting features.

This vessel is weeks away from beginning guest cruises and Royal Caribbean is starting to reveal several brand-new features that can't be found on any other Oasis Class ship.

From a new category of Suite stateroom to the longest dry slide at sea, here are the new things available on Utopia of the Seas.

4 Ways to Tell If You're Getting a Good Deal on Your Cruise

How can you be sure your cruise vacation is coming at the best value?

Royal Caribbean has tempting sales every week, from BOGO deals to percentages off the price.

These deals may look good on the surface, but it's important to double-check that you're actually getting a good deal.

I took my first solo cruise on Royal Caribbean's biggest cruise ships. After 7 nights, here are the pros and cons of cruising alone

Calista took her first solo cruise on an Oasis Class ship and was surprised at the experience.

Like every sailing, cruising alone has its pros and cons.

After spending seven nights onboard Oasis of the Seas for a Mediterranean sailing, here's Calista's review on solo cruising.

I chose an inside cabin on my recent Oasis of the Seas cruise because it was the cheapest option, and I actually loved how much space it had

In:

Oasis of the Seas

21 Jun 2024

I went on my first solo cruise to Europe on a mega ship in June on Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas for seven nights around the Western Mediterranean.

I booked a 7-night Mediterranean cruise, sailing round-trip from Barcelona, Spain to Palma de Mallorca, Florence, Rome, and Naples, Italy.

Sailing on such a thrilling ship with exotic destinations was the perfect opportunity to choose a cheaper cabin, so I booked an interior guarantee stateroom.

The total cost of the cruise was $2070.02 (including pre-paid gratuities).

Since I cruised solo, the price came out to $295 per night.

A few weeks before my cruise, I saw that I'd been assigned room 7452, a windowless inside cabin located far forward on deck 7.

Guarantee staterooms are usually located in less-desirable spots onboard since Royal Caribbean assigns the leftover, unpurchased cabins before the cruise.

However, I ended up loving the position of this cabin.

It was conveniently close to the forward elevators, and being on deck 7, rather than a lower floor, helped me not feel seasick inside.

Royal Caribbean's deck plans indicate that the cabin measures 149 square feet in total.

When I first walked in, I was surprised to discover that the room felt quite spacious.

To the right of the door was a large couch, which could seat at least three people or expand into a double sofa bed.

Since I was traveling alone, I left it as a couch, and it made for a great place to leave my bags or clothes for the next day.

Thanks to the sofa bed, the cabin could sleep four guests in total, so it was a lot of space for one person.

Next to the couch was a large closet, complete with seven shelves, the stateroom's safe, and a large amount of hanging space and hangers.

I loved this space—especially since it was all in one area, making it convenient for me to keep all my clothes and swimsuits in one spot.

It was large enough to hold all my clothes and luggage. I also liked that the hanging space had a sliding door, so I could close it to hide my luggage and dirty laundry.

To the left of the front door, I found the vanity/desk of the stateroom.

The left side had a set of shelves and a large mirror complete with a ring light.

The right side held the cabin's TV, which displayed over 20 free channels.

Below the TV were a set of three drawers and a mini-fridge, which kept my food so cold that I regretted leaving brownies in there.

The only thing I found inconvenient about the desk area was that there wasn't a chair in front, and the couch was too far away to use it to sit at the desk.

If I wanted to do my makeup at the vanity or otherwise use the desk, I had to stand up.

Past the desk and the couch, I faced the large Royal King bed.

Above the bed were decorations and paintings, and two bedside tables sat on each side.

Each table had an adjustable night light, and the left side held the stateroom's telephone, which I could use to call any services onboard.

The bed was so huge for one person, and I found it very comfortable.

Back to the front of the room, I found the door to the bathroom.

Though it was small, the space was well-organized, and I didn't have any problem using it for all my needs.

I was also very happy to see that the shower had a real door and tube encasing it, instead of a plastic curtain.

While the water pressure and temperature were great, the water spout got easily tangled, and I often had to wrangle it around my body to get the right flow.

The only provided toiletries in the bathroom were a bar of hand soap and a two-in-one hair and body wash.

While I used the hand soap and had no problem with it, I stayed far away from the body wash, finding it drying and too strongly perfumed.

A cute blue backsplash under the wide mirror continued the Royal Caribbean ocean theme.

Under the sink were a series of shelves, as well as extra towels and toilet paper.

Although the counter was narrow, it ended up being long enough that I had space to store anything I needed.

Above the counter, there were also more shelves. Again, they were a weird shape, running deep rather than wide. I felt like I had to reach my arm far in to grab my products.

Additionally, they each had a small metal bar in front, perhaps to prevent items from falling if the ship rocked.

Despite the strange shapes, I found that the bathroom had plenty of shelves and hooks for all my items.

Even though she's the oldest Oasis Class ship, Oasis of the Seas doesn't feel 15 years old.

The only aspect of the room that felt more aged was the lighting, which seemed dimmer than in other Oasis Class ships I've been on.

However, I was dissatisfied with the cleanliness of the cabin. I found items that I shouldn't have if the room had been thoroughly cleaned, such as tape on the walls and old earrings on the floor.

Altogether, the cabin was great and had more than enough space for me to store all the items I needed for 7 days of travel.

Since the itinerary was very port-heavy and the ship had so many amenities to explore, I didn't spend much time in the cabin.

In fact, there was so much to see that I barely slept at all!

I took my first solo cruise on Royal Caribbean's biggest cruise ships. After 7 nights, here are the pros and cons of cruising alone

In:

Solo Cruising

20 Jun 2024

What is it like to cruise solo on one of Royal Caribbean's mega-ships?

While I have cruised alone before, this month was my first time sailing on an Oasis Class ship by myself.

I took a 7-day Mediterranean cruise on Oasis of the Seas, spending my time alone exploring exciting ports like Barcelona, Spain, and Rome, Italy.

The Oasis Class is such a uniquely large and thrilling type of cruise ship that I was curious about what to expect onboard.

Would I feel more lonely in the wide expanse of the vessel?

Or would the increased number of people onboard provide more opportunities for connection?

In the end, I was surprised by just how amazing this cruise turned out to be.

Based on my experience, the pros of a solo cruise far outweigh the cons.

With proper planning ahead of time, you don't have to feel lonely or bored!

After seven days onboard Oasis of the Seas, here are the top pros and cons of cruising solo.

Con: Exploring ports by yourself

One of the biggest downsides to cruising by myself was that I had to explore ports alone.

When you're already visiting a brand-new country with a foreign language and unfamiliar customs, facing all this alone can make the experience even more uncomfortable.

It can be very difficult to have an international flight and travel to a new city all alone.

It caused me to feel much more aware of my safety and required that I do a lot of research to have a good experience.

I had to find a safe hotel, book it, and check in by myself. I had to carry my own suitcases and find the best tourist sites alone.

Without the support of someone else, the burden fell on me to stay safe and plan my itinerary.

One method I had for combating this responsibility was by booking group tours.

That way, I had the support of a tour guide and the company of a group of other cruisers.

Pro: Going at your own pace

As someone who loves doing things independently, cruising solo feels extremely freeing.

You have an entire ship to explore, ports to tour, and no one limiting your schedule.

I love cruising because I get complete control over my itinerary, with no one else comprising my priorities.

I can nap when I choose, visit the museums and historical sites that I want to visit, and eat where I want.

Especially on an Oasis Class ship, with such a wide breadth of activities to choose from, cruising alone made it easier to make time for my favorite things.

Con: Eating alone

While I have no problem eating alone in my hometown, something about being on a cruise makes it more awkward.

Especially when I dined in the Main Dining Room, people seemed concerned or confused that I was traveling by myself.

Surrounded by big groups and loud families, I felt a little uncomfortable eating at a table alone.

However, being on an Oasis Class ship made this a better experience.

When I previously cruised solo on Enchantment of the Seas, I felt much more self-conscious.

People even came up to my table and asked me if I was okay.

On Oasis of the Seas, it was easier to blend into the crowd, and I even noticed other cruisers dining alone.

Pro: A room to yourself

One of my favorite aspects of cruising alone was getting a room all to myself.

Especially in those cheaper, smaller interior staterooms, it felt much more spacious with only one person.

Those 149 square feet were all my own.

I could use all the storage in the cabin, hang my clothes using the whole closet, and spread my items out over the room.

Traveling without a partner also meant that I got to shower, nap, and wake up whenever I wanted.

I enjoy ordering room service breakfast, and it can be hard to find space to eat and keep food for 2 in an inside cabin.

By myself, however, I had plenty of room to dine and leave my food on the desk.

Con: Feeling bored

Cruising with a travel buddy means you always have someone to talk to, and a partner to share exciting experiences with.

While sailing alone can be a peaceful experience, it also makes for a slightly boring cruise.

With just me to entertain, I sometimes found myself feeling dull and unsure of what to do next.

However, Oasis of the Seas also made it hard to be completely bored.

There were always events happening, and more activities than I had the chance to try!

When I put my mind to it, I could really enjoy the experience alone.

Pro: Meeting new people

Cruising solo forces you to make conversations and attempt to meet new people onboard.

Without bringing a travel buddy of your own, you become inspired to chat with others and make new friends.

When I cruised alone on Enchantment of the Seas, I barely talked to anyone onboard. Families and couples seemed to keep to themselves, not even making conversation in the elevators.

In contrast, Oasis of the Seas almost overwhelmed me with the amount of connections to be made.

People would chat on the elevators, speak to me on group shore excursions, or introduce themselves at the club.

I built relationships with my new buddies in the hot tub and at all the activities onboard.

In the end, I made so many friends that I had to start being intentional about getting time alone!

It hardly felt like a solo cruise at all.

I tried going alone on a group shore excursion, and it was a smart way to enhance my Mediterranean cruise

In:

Solo Cruising Excursions

19 Jun 2024

How can you safely explore ports on a solo cruise?

Whether you enjoy traveling alone or have a travel buddy back out at the last minute, solo cruises are a great way to enjoy a peaceful vacation on your own terms.

However, it's normal to feel concerned about your safety.

Traveling to a new place always poses new challenges and requires research to make sure you stay safe while exploring the port.

Especially if you're a young woman like myself, you may be wondering how to safely exit the cruise ship and tour ports without getting robbed or worse.

While on my second solo cruise, I decided to try group shore excursions.

This month, I traveled to Spain and Italy on a 7-night Oasis of the Seas sailing,

With the chance to see historic cities like Barcelona, Florence, Rome, and Naples, I wanted to ensure that I could explore safely and see all the Mediterranean ports had to offer.

I purchased three Royal Caribbean shore excursions: one in Florence, one in Rome, and the third in Naples, visiting Pompeii.

After taking three different group shore excursions on my own, I discovered they were a great way to enhance my cruise and safely see the world.

1. I didn't have to exit the ship alone

One benefit of purchasing shore excursions through Royal Caribbean was that the tour groups met directly on the ship.

Instead of exiting alone, I just had to walk down a few decks to the Royal Theater.

This was a huge benefit, especially in Mediterranean countries like Spain and Italy, which are infamous for pickpockets.

No matter where we walked, I was traveling in a larger group who could look out for each other.

2. Tour guides ensured I made it to and from my destination

Solo trips can be dangerous because there's no one else to look out for you.

If I'd explored ports on my own, there would be no one who knew where I was going or what time I planned on being back.

In contrast, shore excursions through Royal Caribbean provide tour guides, whose job is to make sure you get to your destination and back to the ship safely.

One of my guides took her responsibility so seriously that she called herself our "mother" for the trip.

Each guide would take note of every person's name and room number, ensuring that they could easily check if anyone was missing.

Not only that, they also provided emergency numbers to the tour guide and the company.

If I'd gotten lost or in trouble, I had someone to call.

Even when tours gave us free time to explore, we were assigned a meeting place and time, so they would have noticed if I didn't return.

These measures served to ease my anxiety and free my mind to enjoy the historic cities.

3. I could strike up conversations and make friends with my tour group

Group tours also provided the opportunity to meet people and make friends, rather than exploring every city alone.

Whether we were taking the bus to Rome or walking around Pompeii, I found that there was always someone I could talk to or relate to.

This made it less lonely to travel by myself, especially because many of the other cruisers were also from the U.S.

Even while solo traveling in a foreign country, a group tour allowed me to find people who spoke my native tongue.

Safety in numbers applied here. The more people I met and talked to, the more could recognize and look out for me.

And vice versa applies: when I saw cruisers I recognized from my tour, I gave them directions and passed on information from our tour guide.

4. Background information was provided about each location

When you're traveling alone, there's only so much information you can teach yourself.

And while I checked out books and read articles about the destinations I planned to visit, you don't know what you don't know.

As a solo traveler, you don't want to be that person standing in the middle of the street Googling where to go, so my tour guides became an invaluable resource.

Each of my guides hailed from the region we were visiting and took the time to tell us about the history and culture.

They taught us words like "thank you" and "good morning," handed out maps of the cities, and pointed out important landmarks.

In Florence, we received some free time to explore on our own. Before we left, our guide even pointed out the restaurants she recommended we visit.

Getting background information from a knowledgeable local was one of the best ways I enhanced my cruise.

5. Some tours provided water and bathroom access

Another benefit of purchasing shore excursions is that it often becomes an all-in-one price.

When you pay for one, you receive transportation, a tour, and sometimes food, water, and bathroom access.

While my Mediterranean cruise took us to exciting destinations, the cruise ports were often pretty far from the most famous cities. For example, it took us three hours to travel from the cruise port, La Spezia, to Florence, Italy.

Having transportation already taken care of really eased my mind.

Additionally, the tour guides ensured we made bathroom stops and told us where to get food or water.

One culture shock I experienced in Europe is that you have to pay to access public restrooms.

However, our tour guides ensured we wouldn't have to. To prevent us from paying, they took us to rest stops or gave us tickets that would exempt us.

This saved me money and lessened the number of places I would have to find and go to alone.

6. The ship waits to depart if we get delayed

Royal Caribbean shore excursions are also great for solo cruisers because the ship is contracted to wait for you if the tour is delayed.

When we were traveling to Florence, our tour was delayed by an hour because of an accident on the road. We didn't get back to the ship until 7:00 P.M.!

I felt better knowing that the crew would have to wait for us before they sailed to our next port.

As a solo traveler, getting left behind in a foreign country by yourself sounds like my worst nightmare!

Staying with a group for my tours ensured that I wouldn't be left alone, and the ship would wait for us if anything happened.

Royal Caribbean News Round Up: June 9, 2024

In:

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up

09 Jun 2024

Happy Sunday! We hope you are having a great weekend and ready to talk a little Royal Caribbean.

There are easy ways to save money on cruises with a family, thanks to a few tricks I've learned.

After more than 44 cruises with my kids, Matt has figured out a few ways to save money along the way.

Cruising with the whole family has become more and more popular on Royal Caribbean ships.

Royal Caribbean News

5 Reasons to CRUISE SOLO (and 1 reason not to)

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 — 5 Reasons to CRUISE SOLO (and 1 reason not to) — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Cruiser complains about "obstructed" balcony and sparks Internet backlash

A cruiser who recently sailed on Icon of the Seas took to the Internet to ask if her balcony view should be considered obstructed.

In her viral TikTok, @abbiesnormal asks if the railing below her balcony is considered an obstruction.

Thousands of commenters responded, most of them disagreeing with Abbie's categorization.

How a Gen Z trend is changing the cruise drink menu

Studies have found that Gen Z is more and more sober-curious, often opting for non-alcoholic beverages.

To meet the shifting remand, the cruise line has begun to adjust its drink menus.

Here's how Royal Caribbean is catering to the younger demographic.

We asked our readers what one easy thing they do to make their cruise better

Are there any low-effort ways to improve your cruise experience?

We took to the Royal Caribbean Blog Facebook group to ask our readers what one easy thing they do that makes their vacation better.

From ordering room service to using a travel agent, these are the 12 easy things our readers do to make their cruise better.

95 Things You Can Pack For A Cruise in 2025

In:

Packing

07 Jun 2024

What are you allowed to pack for your next cruise?

Even the most veteran cruisers can forget to pack important items for their trip.

And new cruisers will discover that packing for a cruise is different than for vacations on land.

Most cruise ships visit multiple different ports of call, each a unique destination with a different culture, climate, and tours available.

Not only that, but you'll be staying on a cruise ship that has a variety of exciting events and activities, from social events like dance parties to exciting adventures such as ziplining, ice skating, and rock climbing.

You'll need to be prepared to take advantage of all the thrills a cruise has to offer!

Packing the right items will save you time and money in the long run.

Even if you find a forgotten object for sale on the cruise ship, it could cost much more than it would on land.

Whether you find yourself in a rush or you want to double-check your packing list, here's a helpful guide to 95 essential items you can pack.

Please note that we’ve linked items on Amazon, which contains an affiliate link. This affiliate link costs you absolutely nothing extra, but Royal Caribbean Blog makes a small commission if you purchase it. You can shop more on our Amazon Storefront!

1. Passport

Remembering your passport or other identification is key to having a smooth cruise.

You'll be required to present these to board the ship, exit at ports of all, and disembark when you return home.

Also, having a passport on hand is useful for any emergencies, such as if you get stuck on land or need to fly home early.

2. Wallet

Don't forget your wallet or purse to carry cash, cards, and ID. You'll want one that closes securely and can be tucked away into a bag or snug pocket.

3. Credit or debit cards

While you can use your SeaPass cards for payment on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, having a card on hand is still a good idea for port visits, getting cash, or any emergencies.

4. Cash

You'll also want to pack cash with you, especially to tip the porters who will take your bag on embarkation day and tour guides on your excursions. You may also want to give crew members cash gratuities.

We recommend bringing a minimum of $100 in cash.

5. Glasses and glasses cleaner

If you wear prescription glasses, bringing the necessary supplies for them is essential.

There will be lots of beautiful sights to see, and you never want to make a mistake that leaves you virtually blind!

6. Contact lens and solution

On the other hand, if you choose to wear contacts instead, make sure you have everything you'll need for them to stay clean and moisturized.

Bring a lens case, lens solution, and eyedrops at a minimum.

Consider also bringing a backup pair of glasses in case you lose a contact lens.

7. Phone

Your electronics will come in handy on a cruise, especially a cell phone. Royal Caribbean allows you to check in and complete your muster drill online.

You can also reserve shows and activities, and find information about the cruise ship from your phone.

8. Laptop or tablet

If you also like to use a larger electronic device, you can pack one for work, emails, movies, or writing.

9. Charger

Don't forget all the chargers you might need!

Whether for a phone, laptop, tablet, camera, watch, or razor, check that you have the right charging cord for each device.

10. Camera

A cruise is the perfect time to snap some gorgeous pictures.

Whether you use a digital camera or a Polaroid, don't forget to pack it!

11. Headphones

Skip the loudspeaker, and pack headphones instead.

They will allow you to listen to podcasts or music, or have phone calls without disturbing other cruisers.

12. Portable charger

Cruise ship cabins don't always have a lot of outlets available.

When you have multiple cruisers using their phones a lot, it's easy to run out of space to charge.

We recommend bringing a portable charger bank, which also allows you to charge off the ship as well!

I like the long-charge Anker PowerCore 20 External Battery Pack.

13. Books

Even if you're not a huge reader, a cruise is the perfect place to start. There's nothing more relaxing than lying down at the beach or pool with a cocktail and an enjoyable novel.

14. Journal or notebook

Journaling is a great way to manage your thoughts and emotions over the length of a cruise, or just to take down reminders for yourself.

Bring a journal or a notebook so you'll be able to write down whatever comes to you.

15. Purse or tote bag

While you may not think you'll need a small bag or purse, it will come in handy around the cruise ship.

I like to pack one small purse to bring to dinners, and one larger tote bag to bring to the gym or pool.

16. Backpack

I recommend bringing a backpack for excursions off the cruise ship.

A backpack also works as a great carry-on bag for when you board a cruise ship.

You could end up carrying this bag around the ship for a few hours before the stateroom opens, so bring one that fits items well and feels comfortable.

17. Fanny pack

If you prefer to bring a smaller amount of items off the cruise ship, a fanny pack is the perfect unobtrusive bag.

It can also be tucked under a T-shirt to avoid any thieves grabbing items out of it.

19. Waterproof bag

You'll inevitably encounter many bodies of water on a cruise.

To prevent your valuables from getting wet, pack a dry or waterproof bag.

20. Luggage tags

Before a Royal Caribbean cruise, you'll receive printable luggage tags to affix to your luggage.

However, these paper tags can easily tear or break off.

I like to place them inside plastic luggage tag holders.

They're reusable for every cruise!

21. Underwear and bras

When it comes to clothes, you don't want to forget any essentials, especially because laundry costs extra while onboard a cruise ship.

Bring all the pairs of underwear and bras that you might need.

22. Socks

Socks are also important for walking around comfortably.

Even when I'm traveling somewhere warm, I never end up packing enough.

23. Pajamas

Don't just assume you can sleep in your everyday clothes, which will end up dirty or sweaty.

Pack comfortable, cool sleeping clothes for your cruise.

24. T-shirts

Comfortable, casual tops are essential for your cruise. I usually pack 4-5 casual shirts for a 7-day cruise.

25. Shorts

Especially if your cruise travels to a tropical location, shorts will come in handy on the beach or on hot tours.

I usually find I can never pack enough shorts for a cruise.

26. Pants

Don't forget to pack some long pants as well!

Shorts aren't welcome in the Main Dining Room, and the cruise ship can get cold in the evenings.

27. Blouses or dress shirts

Along with those long pants, bring a couple of button-up shirts or blouses. These will be useful for dinnertime and evenings on the cruise ship.

28. Skirts

Skirts are versatile and free-flowing, perfect for walking around a new city or wearing to a dining venue onboard.

29. Formal wear

Most cruises will have at least one formal or "dress your best night."

Pack formal wear such as dresses, suits, or tuxedos.

30. Jeans

Jeans are also useful for a variety of activities onboard. Not only that, but they also match with just about anything.

Just don't pack too many pairs, as jeans can be heavy and take up luggage space.

31. Flip-flops

I like bringing a pair of flip-flops or slippers to wear up to the pool deck on a cruise.

They slip on and off easily and I don't mind if they get wet.

32. Sandals

For slightly nicer tropical footwear, pack some light sandals with an open toe.

33. Sneakers

On my first cruise, I was surprised to find that sneakers were required to enter some cruise ship activities, like laser tag and ice skating.

They also come in handy for those long travel days on your feet.

34. Dress shoes

Along with your formal wear, don't forget to pack dress shoes or heels. Just make sure they're still comfortable enough to dance in, as you could go straight from dinner to the nightclub or other cruise events.

35. Belts

If you have any looser pairs of pants, pack a belt to go along with them.

36. Sundresses

Sundresses are cute, tropical pieces, perfect for your pretty vacation pictures.

They also slip on easily over a swimsuit while you're disembarking the cruise ship or heading into lunch.

37. Rainjacket and boots

Depending on the climate you travel to, it could rain on your cruise.

Cruises that leave from the Northeast U.S., travel to Alaska, or during the Caribbean's rainy season are especially susceptible.

Pack some rain gear so you aren't surprised and stuck indoors.

38. Jewelry

For those who wear jewelry, don't forget your favorite accessories!

These could range from necklaces to rings, bracelets, or earrings.

39. Sunglasses

The sun tends to beat down on a cruise ship, and sunglasses are important for protecting your eyes.

Bring at least one pair.

40. Sunhat

A sunhat is another useful way to protect from the sun.

You'll especially want one if you visit a beach on your cruise.

41. Swimsuits

It should go without saying that a swimsuit is an essential item to pack on a cruise.

Cruise ships have pools and waterslides onboard right onboard, and often stop at tropical ports home to pristine beaches.

42. Scarves

Scarves are another useful accessory.

I like to use them to tie back my hair or complete an outfit.

43. Wrinkle release spray

Since you can't pack an iron on your cruise, a wrinkle-release spray helps smooth out wrinkled clothing.

We recommend this wrinkle release spray.

44. Mini sewing kit

For any wardrobe mishaps, it's good to have a small sewing kit onboard. Otherwise, you'll have to search for one to purchase.

45. Stain remover

Laundry also comes at an extra cost on a cruise ship, so consider packing a portable stain remover.

Personally, I use Tide pens.

46. Toothbrush and toothpaste

Teeth cleaning supplies aren't provided onboard a cruise ship, so stay prepared to keep those teeth fresh and white!

47. Dental floss

Even if you're on a shorter cruise, pack along some dental floss as well.

48. Mouthwash

Mouthwash is also an important aspect of keeping your mouth fresh.

49. Body lotion

With chlorine-filled pools, salty beaches, and sunny days, your skin can easily dry out on a cruise.

Body lotion will help prevent this, and a product with fragrance will also double to improve your scent.

50. Liquid hand soap

There will be hand soap provided in your Royal Caribbean bathroom, but this usually comes in the form of a drying bar soap.

If liquid hand soap is more your style, consider packing your own.

51. Shampoo and conditioner

The hair products provided will also be simple and not suited to every hair type.

Bring your own shampoo and conditioner to ensure that your hair care routine doesn't miss a beat.

52. Body wash

Along those same lines, the 2-in-1 body wash on Royal Caribbean ships isn't everyone's favorite.

I always bring my own, which also ensures that I won't have to share it with anyone else.

53. Loofah

Washcloths are provided onboard, but if you prefer to use a loofah to clean your body, you'll want to pack one.

54. Deodorant

Cruises can take lots of physical activity, which can leave you hot and sweaty. Forgetting deodorant would be a major faux pas!

55. Perfume or cologne

Similarly, you'll want to remember to pack the usual fragrances you wear. A nice scent elevates your outfit and aura for the day.

56. Shaving cream and razors

Over the length of a cruise, most people end up shaving at least once. Packing all the right materials will make that hair removal go smoothly.

57. Feminine hygiene products

Even if you're not expecting to use them on your cruise, you should always pack feminine hygiene products.

Travel, stress, and time zones can alter your cycle, and it's best to be prepared.

58. Detangling spray or cream

Looking good is the key to feeling good on vacation, so don't skimp when it comes to packing all your hair products.

Detangling spray or creams will prevent your hair from getting matted or tangled.

59. Sunscreen

Sunscreen is one of the most key essentials you can pack on a cruise. You'll want to wear it every day to prevent any nasty sunburns.

60. Aloe vera

If you do end up getting sunburned, a natural aloe vera can soothe the burn and accelerate your healing.

61. Tweezers

Tweezers are useful for more than just plucking stray hairs.

I use them to place fake eyelashes, measure eyeliner, and adjust straying piercings.

62. Scissors

You're allowed to bring scissors on a cruise, and they come in handy. Consider packing a small pair of nail scissors.

63. Nail file

Strenuous activities can cause your nails to chip or break.

To prevent any jagged edges, be prepared by bringing a nail file.

64. Lip balm or chapstick

Just like preventing dry skin, you want to prevent dry lips on your cruise. An oil or butter-based chapstick is the best tool.

65. Edge control and brush

If you like to style your edges, don't let them go on a cruise!

Pack along a good edge control and brush to keep them tamed.

66. Hairbrush and comb

Hair styling tools are also useful, especially if you have specific products that wouldn't be sold onboard a cruise ship.

67. Hair ties and scrunchies

You'll also need items to tie and style your hair with. I usually bring extra hair ties, scrunchies, ribbons, and bobby pins when I travel.

68. Anti-seasickness medicine

It's hard to predict if you'll experience seasickness until you get onboard.

Pack along some Bonine or Dramamine to get ahead of any nausea and dizziness.

69. Cold medicine

Especially on crowded cruise ships, sicknesses can easily spread.

By bringing medicine along, you won't have to buy any onboard and can deter a visit to the ship's medical center.

70. Band-aids and Neosporin

I always pack a mini first aid kit on my cruises, complete with bandages and anti-infection creams.

71. Allergy medicine

If you're prone to allergies of any kind, get ahead of those symptoms by packing allergy medicine.

I pack both allergy pills (such as Benadryl) and a skin cream like Hydrocortisone.

72. Pain relieving medication

You'll also want to prevent any aches, cramps, or soreness, by packing your own over-the-counter pain management medication.

73. Face moisturizer

The skin on the face is more sensitive and requires special moisturizer as well as sunscreen.

Pack your favorite face cream to stave off any dryness or acne.

74. Makeup

Whether you only wear mascara and blush, or you're excited to do a full beat on formal night, don't forget to pack all your makeup supplies.

75. Birth control

Plan ahead for any life-changing mishaps by bringing birth control pills or Plan B.

76. Hand sanitizer

With self-serve buffets and crowded public areas, cruise ships can become a haven for germs.

Protect yourself by bringing along hand sanitizer—and keep an eye out for the hand washing stations Royal Caribbean provides!

77. Insect repellant

The tropical islands many cruises visit are home to an array of mosquitos, flies, and other bugs.

If you pack insect repellant, you'll end up thanking yourself.

78. Travel pillow

Especially if you need to fly to reach your cruise ship's port, a travel pillow is the perfect comfortable accessory.

79. Bonnet

You can't control the material of the pillowcases onboard a cruise ship, so a bonnet is the easiest way to protect your hair at bedtime. Bring at least one silk bonnet that is large enough to fit your hairstyle.

80. Eye mask

If you're sensitive to light, you might want to pack an eye mask for sleeping.

Although cruise ship cabins get extremely dark at night, your travel buddy could use a night light or want to turn on lamps before bed.

81. Snacks

Yes, Royal Caribbean ships have a massive variety of food onboard.

But they sometimes lack healthy or vegan snacks, so I prefer to pack my own.

Bringing a few bags of dried fruit, chips, or pretzels is a great way to fend off any nighttime munchies.

82. Wine

Royal Caribbean allows guests to bring one 750 mL bottle of champagne or wine onboard per adult.

I highly recommend taking advantage of this policy, as it's a great way to save money on alcoholic drinks.

83. Corkscrew

If you're packing that bottle of wine, don't forget a corkscrew to go along with it!

84. Nightlight

Since cruise ship cabins (especially windowless inside cabins) get so dark at night, bringing a nightlight helps you prevent any bumps in the dark.

85. Reusable water bottle

This is a travel essential when it comes to a cruise.

Packing a reusable water bottle is a cheap, sustainable way to make sure you stay hydrated while onboard.

86. Magnetic hooks

Did you know cruise ship cabin walls and ceilings are made of steel?

That means magnets can stick to them, and magnetic hooks are a great way to take advantage of that for some extra storage.

87. Hanging organizers

For longer cruises, smaller cabins, or bigger travel groups, storage for all your items can become an issue.

A hanging organizer helps you find a place to store your items while leaving precious cabinet and floor space free.

88. Shower suction hook

A suction hook can stick right to the walls of a shower, adding extra space to store towels and toiletries.

89. Packing cubes

Packing cubes are the handiest method for cramming all your travel essentials into your luggage.

They save space by squeezing items like clothes and toiletries together and fitting in neat squares.

90. Ziploc bags

Ziploc bags are also a useful packing tool.

I usually put my liquids inside them, so that nothing spills out into my luggage while I travel.

91. Snorkel gear

By bringing your own snorkel gear, you can turn any beach on your shore excursion into an adventure for free.

92. Surfboard

The FlowRider, Royal Caribbean's surfing simulator, is the perfect chance to practice surfing onboard a cruise ship.

The cruise line allows you to bring and use an approved FlowRider surfboard.

93. Beach toys

For families and active travel buddies, a set of beach toys will entertain for hours.

94. Power strip

With limited outlets onboard a cruise ship, packing a USB power block will expand your space and ensure no one fights over getting a chance to charge.

95. Lanyard

On your cruise, you'll notice many cruisers using a lanyard to hang and hold their SeaPass. That way, they won't lose the important item and can carry it around hands-free.

Can I change my room on Royal Caribbean?

In:

Staterooms

07 Jun 2024

Can you change or upgrade a stateroom after booking your cruise?

It might feel like your stateroom choice is a significant decision, one that will set your cruise experience in stone.

Whether you want to save money with an interior cabin, feel the ocean breeze in a balcony stateroom, or enjoy luxury in an elegant suite, choosing a stateroom is a big deal.

A cruise cabin becomes your home for the length of the sailing, so picking one that fits your travel needs is essential.

Desires can also change throughout the process of preparing for a cruise.

Maybe you want to splurge on a bigger room, change the location, or try a different stateroom category.

Whatever the reason, it is possible to change your stateroom, even if you've already made your final payment.

Here's how you can do so.

Changing your cruise cabin

Assuming there's unbooked cabins for your sailing, if you wish to change your cruise cabin, you can do so anytime before the sail date by contacting your travel agent.

If you do not have a travel agent, call Royal Caribbean customer service at 866-562-7625. They will assist you as best they can with finding and booking a new stateroom.

If your desired stateroom is an upgrade from the previous category, you can expect it to be repriced and any promotions from the original booking would be lost to the current promotions.

Any previous payments or deposits you've made will apply to the new prices, but you'll have to pay the difference.

When your new stateroom costs more than the previous one for any reason, you'll have to pay the difference.

If you're choosing the same room category, you'll switch at no extra charge.

The cost of changing your room will be the difference between your current booking and the cost of the prevailing rate for the new stateroom.

It's important to remember that you will not receive any refunds if you're changing staterooms after the final payment has been made. Even if your new stateroom costs less than the previous one, you won't receive any of your money back.

Additionally, Royal Caribbean has many offers that change frequently.

If you booked your cabin with a particular sale or offer, you may lose the booking incentives of that offer.

Prices fluctuate constantly, so when changing rooms, Royal Caribbean will use the current rate of the new cabin on the day that you change it.

This new stateroom price will determine the fare difference.

Last-minute rates can also be quite high, so you should be prepared to pay an extra cost for changing your room, even if you're staying within the same stateroom category.

Finding a stateroom

Of course, changing your stateroom also depends on there being unsold cabins left to switch to.

Most cruise ships sail completely full, so you can expect staterooms to sell out in the weeks before the cruise.

The closer to the cruise you attempt to change your room, the fewer options you'll have available.

If you're wondering which cabins are available to switch to, you can go to the Royal Caribbean website and begin a mock booking.

In the booking process, select your desired stateroom category, and the screen will show you exactly what cabins are still available.

If you see any that suit your preferences, you can close the fake booking and proceed to call Royal Caribbean or your travel agent to begin the process of switching to that cabin.

Bid for a RoyalUp upgrade

If you specifically want to upgrade your cruise cabin, another option is to make a bid for it.

Royal Caribbean has a bidding program that allows you to bid for a higher cabin category, called the RoyalUp program.

With this blind bidding program, you can place a bid for cabins that cost more than the one you previously booked.

Essentially, cruisers can bid on a possible range of prices you'd be willing to pay.

Using the Royal Caribbean website, you'll browse through the available stateroom categories and select the amount you'd be willing to pay for each upgrade.

Read more: RoyalUp tips & tricks

When you make your bid, you'll enter your payment information. If you win the bid, your card will be automatically charged and you will be switched to the new stateroom.

It's important to note that this final charge is not refundable. If you win the bid, it becomes binding.

However, you can withdraw or cancel the bid before any decisions are approved.

Bids are accepted up to 2 days before embarkation day.

The benefit of using the RoyalUp program is that you can make a bid that is cheaper than the cost of simply upgrading to the cabin.

It's also easy to do; you merely select your bid from the Royal Caribbean website.

However, one downside is that it's a guessing game without any guarantee. You won't know if there are any cabins available to upgrade to, or what other cruisers are bidding for them.

It's purely based on luck.

You also won't be able to choose the cabin's location, if you are granted an upgrade.

Additionally, you cannot use the RoyalUp program to gain extra Crown and Anchor Society points. If you book a standard cabin originally, but make a bid and successfully move up to a suite, you'll still only receive one point per night of the cruise.

Can I change my room after I get on board?

We recommend that you book the category of room you desire, or try to change the cabin before your sail date.

It is possible but very unlikely that you'll be able to change your stateroom after you get onboard.

Royal Caribbean's website reads: "Because of the popularity of cruising almost all our rooms are occupied. It is very unlikely to be able to change or upgrade your room onboard."

Since the cruise line makes an effort to fill its ships each sailing, empty staterooms are rarely available.

However, if you still want to switch cabins when you get onboard, you can go to Guest Services to request this.

For the best chance, try to speak with them as soon as you get on board.

How to get from Fort Lauderdale airport to Miami cruises

In:

Fort Lauderdale

06 Jun 2024

How do you get to the biggest cruising port in the world?

Are there any efficient ways to travel from Fort Lauderdale to a cruise in Miami?

The port of Miami is one of the most well-known cruise ports used by Royal Caribbean.

Not just popular with Royal Caribbean, PortMiami is actually one of the most active cruise ports in the world and one of the busiest ports in the United States.

If you cruise frequently in the U.S., chances are you will have a cruise out of this busy city.

Partial view of colorful boat in Bayside Marketplace area

Royal Caribbean currently has four ships that homeport in Miami, Florida: Icon of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, and Explorer of the Seas.

Cruisers trying to reach these ships by plane have two airport options.

The closest airport is the Miami International Airport (MIA), located just 8 miles (a 15-minute drive) away from the cruise port.

However, travelers can also fly into Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).

If you choose this second option, how can you easily reach the Miami cruise port?

This post is your comprehensive guide on how to travel from FLL to Port Miami.

Read more: Guide to cruises from Miami

Why fly to Fort Lauderdale Airport?

While the Miami airport is the closest to Miami’s cruise port, there are several reasons to fly to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) instead.

It is a less-crowded airport, with shorter lines and wait times.

If large crowds stress you out, or you might be short on time flying to or from your cruise, FLL could be a good choice for you.

Additionally, there are some fun attractions located near Fort Lauderdale that you could enjoy before or after your cruise.

From quiet beaches to the famous Florida Everglades to miles of waterways, there is a lot to experience away from the bustle of Miami.

The following airlines service FLL:

Air Canada
Air Transat
Alaska
Allegiant
American
Avianca
Azul
Bahamasair
British Airways
Caribbean
Copa
Delta
Emirates
IBC
JetBlue
Norwegian
Silver
SkyBahamas
Southwest
Spirit
Sunwing
TAME
United
Westjet

Where is the Royal Caribbean cruise terminal in Miami?

The Port of Miami, also called PortMiami, is located on Biscayne Boulevard, about 3 miles east of downtown Miami.

PortMiami is one cruise port that is located right next to the big city, with easy access to hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers near the cruise terminals.

It is made up of several connecting islands, with the main cruise terminals located on Dodge Island.

Royal Caribbean mainly uses Terminal A at Port Miami, although any remaining ships will also port at Terminal G.

How do I get to the Port of Miami from Fort Lauderdale?

The Fort Lauderdale International Airport is located 26 miles away from the Port of Miami.

To travel between the two, you could use a shuttle, a rideshare app, a taxi, public transportation, or a rental car.

Depending on the time of day, it takes about 30 minutes to travel between the airport and the cruise port. However, if traffic is busy, the journey could take more than 60 minutes.

Shuttle service

A shared shuttle van service usually has the cheapest price of your transportation options.

You can either book a shuttle with Royal Caribbean or look for private shuttles offered from the airport to the cruise port.

There is a Fort Lauderdale Airport shuttle that runs every 5-20 minutes. However, you will have to reserve this shuttle at least 24 hours in advance.

Prices vary depending on the distance and number of people traveling.

For example, a private van that seats 6 people costs $196 for a trip between FLL and PortMiami.

Price: $20-40 per person

Time: 30-40 minutes

Rideshare

Rideshare apps are one of the quickest and easiest ways to order transportation by car.

Prices do vary, and can increase quickly during busy times.

Uber’s website currently lists the price of an UberX from FLL to PortMiami as $52.

Lyft quotes about $60 for the same ride.

The drive between PortMiami and FLL takes about 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic.

Price: $55-60

Time: 30-40 minutes

Taxi

Taxis will also be swiftly available once you disembark the plane and exit the airport.

However, they are usually more expensive than rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft.

Taxi Calculator currently lists the price of a taxi from PortMiami to FLL as $86. These prices can increase up to $100 if the driver has to wait for you, or if traffic is busy.

Price: $85-100

Time: 30-40 minutes

Public transportation

If you’re looking for the cheapest option to travel between the cruise port and an airport, you might consider public transportation.

The transit system isn’t straightforward, and it will require you to take a couple transfers between trains and buses before you reach your destination.

Taking public transit will increase your travel time to over 2 hours, especially if you have to wait between transfers.

However, the price is cheap; only $2.25 per ride, per person.

Price: $2.25 per ride

Time: 2 hours

Car rental

Driving yourself always lends an air of ease, privacy, and comfort to your trip. You can make as many stops as you’d like with your own rented car.

Renting a car is a great option if you’re planning to spend a few days in Florida before your cruise.

You can rent the car directly at the FLL airport, then take your time driving down to Miami.

Prices will vary depending on what company you book with, how long you rent the car, and what kind of car you prefer.

As an example, Enterprise’s website prices a midsize vehicle, like a Toyota Corolla, at $56 per day.

Price: $55-70 per day

Time: 30-40 minutes

How do I drive to the cruise port?

For directions to the Miami cruise port, use the address 1015 North America Way, Miami, FL, 33132.

Remember to double-check which terminal your ship will be sailing out of.

From Fort Lauderdale International Airport, follow these instructions:

Via Port Tunnel: Take I-95 South to Exit 2D toward I-395 E/Miami Beach.
Merge onto MacArthur Causeway.
Use the left 2 lanes to take the exit towards the Port of Miami Tunnel and follow the signs for your pier terminal.
Via Port Bridge: Take I-95 South to Exit 3B, N.W. 8th Street.
Turn left onto 5th Street and continue straight until you reach the Port of Miami entrance.
Drive across the bridge and follow signs to your pier terminal.
Get on FL-836 E in Miami from Departures, NW 21st St and Exists 2-3-4

Want to park once you get there? Port Miami does have parking available at all terminals.

Parking at Terminal A is currently listed at $35 a night, which adds up to a whopping $245 for a 7-night cruise.

The port accepts cash, and MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover credit cards. You will not be able to use a debit card to pay.

How to get from the Fort Lauderdale airport to Miami for a cruise

Guide to Royal Caribbean's cancellation policy

In:

Planning

04 Jun 2024

How can you cancel a cruise if a problem surfaces or you change your mind?

It's never ideal to cancel a vacation you were looking forward to, but there are all sorts of reasons to want to cancel.

Whether a family emergency comes up, you need to spend money elsewhere, or traveling isn't feasible anymore, life can unfortunately get in the way.

In case you need to cancel or modify a cruise booking, you should know the options Royal Caribbean offers.

Every cruise line has important policies when it comes to modifying a cruise booking and not all bookings are equal in terms of refunds.

No matter how excited you are for an upcoming cruise, it's crucial that you know the terms of the booking and cancellation policies.

Preparing yourself with this knowledge will prevent any expensive surprises later on.

This informational guide will provide an overview of Royal Caribbean's cancellation policy, ensuring that you know exactly what you're agreeing to when you book.

What if I have a nonrefundable deposit?

Refunds and penalties for cancellation depend on the type of fare purchased, the length of the cruise, and how long before the cruise you attempt to cancel.

Two different deposit types can affect your cancellation fee, and you agree to the terms of cancellation when you choose a particular deposit type.

When you book a cruise, you first make a deposit, without being required to pay the full amount right away.

Royal Caribbean has both refundable and nonrefundable cruise fare deposits.

Some promotional and exclusive fares require a nonrefundable deposit.

This means that a booking made under this fare requires guests' full names and a paid deposit at the time of booking.

This deposit cannot be refunded at any time but often comes at a lower price overall.

If you cancel a cruise booked with a non-refundable deposit, you'll lose the deposit amount.

Moreover, to change the sail date and/or ship, you'll incur a $100 per person fee for any change in the that aspect of the reservation.

What if I have a refundable deposit?

Refundable cruise fares are more flexible, promising almost a full refund when you cancel.

if you book your cruise under a refundable cruise fare, you can still receive a full refund of your deposit and any other payments made, as long as you haven't yet made the final payment.

Guests currently have up to 90 days before the sailing to make their final payment.

Once the final payment is made for a cruise, guests can be subject to cancellation fees that vary depending on how close it is to the sail date.

Typically, you will still receive a refund but with a penalty fee.

What is Royal Caribbean's cancellation fee?

You will get a full refund if you notify Royal Caribbean at least 75 days before the first day of the cruise (60 days for 3 and 4-night cruises or 90 days for holiday sailings).

For cruises lasting 1 to 4 nights (including holiday sailings), the cancellation fee is as follows:

75 days or more before the first day of the cruise: No charge (except for Nonrefundable Deposit amounts)
74 to 61 days: 50% of the total price
60 to 31 days: 75% of the total price
30 days or less: 100% of the total price (No refund)

For cruises 5 nights or over (including holiday sailings and CruiseTours), the cancellation fee by days prior is:

90 days or more before the first day of the cruise: No charge (except for Nonrefundable Deposit amounts)
89 to 75 days: 25% of the total price
74 to 61 days: 50% of the total price
60 to 31 days: 75% of the total price
30 days or less: 100% of the total price (No refund)

For cruises and CruiseTours, the taxes and fees will be completely refunded.

Essentially, if a guest cancels their cruise 90 or more days before the first day of the sailing, they'll receive a complete refund (excluding any nonrefundable deposits).

But if a guest cancels 30 days or less before the cruise, there is no refund.

How can I cancel a cruise?

If you've decided you need to cancel your cruise, that can be accomplished using the same method that you booked the cruise.

If you booked the cruise directly with Royal Caribbean or on the website, you can call the cruise line to cancel your reservation.

If you used a travel agent or another type of website, you should inform and consult with your travel provider to cancel the booking. Travel agents can handle any changes, delays, or cancellations for you.

Does my travel insurance cover a cancellation?

In general, travel insurance does not usually cover a canceled cruise.

Unless it is because of an illness or another covered scenario, most travel insurance will not kick in.

However, Royal Caribbean offers a Travel Protection Program for its cruisers.

If plans change and you need to cancel your cruise vacation, this cancellation penalty waiver will allow you to waive the non-refundable cancellation portion and receive the unused value of your cruise vacation.

You also can be eligible for credit toward a future cruise, ranging up to 90% of the non-refundable, prepaid cruise fare.

A "cancel for any reason" credit can be added at an extra cost.

To be eligible for this credit, you must purchase the travel protection plan prior to making your final payment for the cruise. Also, you must notify Royal Caribbean of this cancellation before the ship departs for the cruise.

What you need to know about Royal Caribbean's cancellation policy

Cruiser complains about "obstructed" balcony and sparks Internet backlash

In:

Icon of the Seas

03 Jun 2024

A cruiser that complained on TikTok that her balcony railing "obstructs" her view received a lot of backlash for her hot take.

Abbie, who goes by the username @abbiesnormal, first posted a video in February about her cruise on Icon of the Seas.

The viral video, taken at night, shows the balcony view of a dark ocean from the world's largest cruise ship.

"Should this rail be considered an obstruction on my balcony?" The caption questions.

Users commented that it wasn't, disagreeing strongly.

"Have you lost your mind?" one TikToker asked.

According to Abbie, a railing beneath the balcony blocks the ocean view

To better show the view, Abbie posted another video, filmed during the day.

This TikTok has gone viral, with over 1.5 million views, and is captioned with a similar question: "Should this be considered an obstructed view balcony?

In her viral TikTok, Abbie explains that there is a rail beneath the balcony.

"You should be able to see all the way down to the ocean, but you can't [because] it's obstructed about a foot or so."

She pans down below the balcony view to reveal a railing that runs along the bottom of the deck.

"[The] 12th floor has this [rail] all the way around," she wrote in another TikTok.

Since Icon of the Seas is such a new ship, the TikToker explained that she didn't know what to expect from the cabin's balcony view.

Read more: Icon of the Seas cabins to avoid

According to a later video Abbie posted, she was booked in cabin 12608, on deck 12, which is classified as an Ocean View Balcony Stateroom.

Abbie disagrees with this classification, wondering if the cabin should be categorized as an obstructed balcony view instead.

The railing appears to be support for the machine that cleans the balconies.

Although the ocean can still be seen clearly, Abbie explained that the railing at the bottom "messes up the way the ocean looks at night."

Since she had to stand up to get a 100% clear view of the ocean, she took to the Internet to ask if this would be considered an obstructed balcony view.

Over 7,000 comments later, the Internet seemed to come to a consensus.

Commenters opposed Abbie's opinion, attempting to convince her that the view was unobstructed

Most TikTokers disagreed with Abbie, using the comment section to tell her it was not an obstructed balcony view.

"No, it's unobstructed looking out, not down," commented user eileen000009.

"The expectation is that you're enjoying the view and the water in front of you but not below you."

Because the railing is below the balcony view, not directly in front of it, many commenters felt that the view was not obstructed.

"This is like asking if a flower box is obstructing the view of a window," The_J3NN wrote.

"No," Ash said, "You can still see the entire ocean. You're acceptable."

Other comments criticized Abbie for complaining about the balcony view at all.

"[You're] lucky enough to be on a cruise and still complain about a 3-inch wide rail," 1999_Ford_Ranger commented.

Another user remarked that they couldn't believe anyone could complain about the view, calling Abbie a "Karen."

Other comments asked if the viral video was a joke or satire.

Abbie responded to many of the comments, defending herself and explaining that the rail blocked her view of the ocean at night.

Abbie posted multiple TikToks displaying the view of the stateroom, even comparing it to a different balcony cabin

She also followed up with a third TikTok about the stateroom, comparing it to a previous balcony cabin she stayed in on Ovation of the Seas.

This last TikTok was a response to a comment disagreeing with her assessment of the Icon of the Seas balcony view.

"You are high," the commenter criticized.

In response, Abbie posted a still photo from inside her Ovation of the Seas stateroom, taken on an Alaska sailing.

The video shows a balcony view with no white rail at the bottom.

"Notice how there's no foot wide white block holding a rail outside the bottom of my balcony," her caption reads.

The proof didn't seem to help her case, as many of the comments still disagreed with her.

"I see what you're talking about but it's really not that serious..." xklaudx said.

Others even joked that other small objects were blocking her view on the Ovation balcony.

"Those chairs are obstructing the view... you should toss [them] overboard," one commenter wrote.

Per Royal Caribbean's standards, the cabin has an unobstructed view

So, is the cabin considered to have an obstructed ocean view?

On cruise ships, certain cabins are categorized as obstructed due to the location of the stateroom on the ship.

Usually, the obstruction is a lifeboat or part of the ship's structure, i.e., an object that blocks the cabin's view but cannot be moved.

Obstructed cabins are considered a separate cabin category, listed at a slightly lower cruise fare.

Passengers who stay in them still receive a similar oceanview, and the same amenities as in standard staterooms.

Royal Caribbean's website states that an obstruction is "something that blocks a proportion of the direct outward view from a stateroom."

"This is typically due to the position of lifeboats or the outer structure of the ship."

You can view the deck plans on the Royal Caribbean website to determine if a stateroom has an obstructed view.

Based on this definition, and the Royal Caribbean deck plans, Abbie's ocean view balcony is not considered obstructed.

Because the outward view of the ship is not blocked, and the rail is only visible when looking downward, she has an unobstructed view.

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