Certain cruise mistakes can quickly turn into costly, unforgettable experiences — for all the wrong reasons. 

Royal Caribbean is one of the most popular cruise lines in the world and welcomes millions of passengers annually. With their massive ships, record-breaking onboard activities, and itineraries spanning the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, and beyond, it is easy to see why so many cruisers are Loyal to Royal. 

However, it isn't always sunshine and rainbows at sea. We asked Royal Caribbean passengers what their biggest cruise-related mistakes were, and after reviewing over 700 answers on our Facebook page, it quickly became clear that many travelers shared the same avoidable regrets. 

From booking the wrong cruise room to purchasing unnecessary add-ons, there are plenty of easy ways to screw up your Royal Caribbean vacation. Here are the seven most common Royal Caribbean cruise regrets — and how to make sure you don't make the same mistakes on your next vacation. 

A lot of cruisers booked the cheapest cruise room to save money.

Repeatedly, people said they regretted choosing a windowless, interior cabin. When many envision cruise vacations, they picture breathtaking sunsets and slow mornings on their private balconies, pulling into port. However, those expectations don't match reality for guests in interior rooms.

Many commented that they'd never stay in an inside cabin again. As one traveler put it, "We had [a Promenade View inside cabin on Liberty of the Seas,] and it was awful. Right above the ice cream shop and [we] heard nothing but [the] freezer door banging." 

There's nothing wrong with trying to save money on your accommodations, but it is important to understand exactly what you’re giving up in exchange for the lower price, whether that's the ability to select your exact cabin or a view and natural light. 

Many travelers regretted overpacking for their cruise. 

Several passengers told us that they regretted overpacking, claiming that they brought way more than they needed for their sailing. 

While you may be used to overpacking for trips to the beach or theme parks, a cruise environment is very different — and you have far less storage space than you might be accustomed to. This is especially true if you're sharing a cabin with two or three other guests. 

You definitely want to come prepared, but you also don't need to pack multiple outfits for each day of the cruise. It's more than acceptable to re-wear dresses to dinner, and you do not need as many swimsuits as you think. 

They bought the Royal Caribbean drink package.

Many commenters mentioned they didn't think the Royal Caribbean drink package was worth the cost, and those who did purchase it often consumed too much alcohol, leaving them unable to enjoy their port days.

While the convenience of prepaid drinks sounds appealing, it often leaves guests feeling pressured to "get their money’s worth" by overconsuming. Of course, if you are a heavier drinker and don't buy a package, you may end up with a surprisingly expensive onboard statement at the end of the cruise. 

That is why it is so important to calculate your daily drink intake to determine whether you should buy a drink package or purchase each beverage individually. And don't forget that there are more options than the pricey Deluxe Beverage Package. Royal Caribbean cruisers may also select an inclusive non-alcoholic package or a soda-only package, both of which are more affordable than the alcohol-heavy option. 

Others wasted money buying the Unlimited Dining Package.

Another unpopular add-on is the Unlimited Dining Package (UDP), especially on newer, larger ships. Although the package is valuable to specialty dining-focused travelers, others argue that it is just too much food to fully enjoy. 

One traveler wrote that they bought the UDP on Icon of the Seas, but regretted it because there were so many other complimentary and low-cost dining options aboard the vessel. 

From the Windjammer buffet to late-night pizza, unlimited desserts, poolside Mexican fare, and indulgent three-course dining room meals, there's more than enough food included in your cruise fare — and you will get way more bang for your buck by sticking to the "free" options. 

They flew in on embarkation day.

For many experienced cruisers, flying in on embarkation day is one of the biggest mistakes you can make before any sailing. Countless travelers have shared horror stories about delayed flights, canceled connections, and weather disruptions that caused them to miss the ship's departure. 

Although flying in on embarkation day saves money on a pre-cruise hotel and may require less PTO, it leaves no room for error the morning of embarkation. Even if you make the ship on time, the stress of awaiting your flight's departure and rushing to the terminal isn't how you should want to begin your long-awaited vacation. 

Instead, it is recommended to arrive at least one day before embarkation. Not only will this give you more of a buffer in case of unexpected delays, but you can also start your vacation by exploring your chosen embarkation city — whether that means browsing the famous artwork at Wynwood Walls in Miami, enjoying fresh seafood in Seattle, or wandering the streets of New York City (and snacking on a fresh bagel!).

No one seemed prepared for disembarkation.

The final morning of your cruise often comes far too quickly. Before you know it, you'll be asked to place your luggage outside your stateroom, purchase your last-minute photographs, and vacate your cabin so the crew can begin preparing it for the next set of guests.

Regardless of whether you book a three-, five-, seven-, or ten-night cruise, it never feels long enough once you're on the ship, and many commenters regretted not booking a longer itinerary. 

On the other hand, a few mentioned that they wished they had made a booking for their next cruise while still onboard. Royal Caribbean offers exclusive discounts at Next Cruise, meaning you can save money by thinking ahead! 

Finally, a lot of passengers said they will never cheat on Royal Caribbean with other cruise lines again.

With so many other cruise lines and ships at sea, it is not uncommon for cruisers to branch out in hopes of saving money or trying something new. However, many Royal Caribbean loyalists shared that they regretted switching to lines like Carnival, Costa, MSC, and Princess. 

Nothing comes close to the cruise line's entertainment lineup, ship designs, dining options, and overall onboard experience. As such, it isn't surprising for passengers who try other cruise lines to return with a greater appreciation for what Royal Caribbean offers.

Plus, by sticking with Royal Caribbean, you climb the company's prestigious Crown & Anchor Society loyalty tiers faster, which unlocks valuable perks like free daily drinks, welcome amenities, casino credit, and more. 

Royal Caribbean has been hit with a lawsuit by a former passenger who blames the cruise line for her accidentally tripping over another guest's mobility scooter. 

Colleen Parsons of Florida filed a lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Group in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida on May 18, 2026, accusing the cruise line of negligence.

Here's allegedly what happened: On June 22, 2025, Parsons was sailing aboard Jewel of the Seas, a Radiance Class ship that launched in 2004, when she tripped over a large mobility scooter in Casino Royale. 

According to the lawsuit, Parsons claims that she was in the overcrowded casino when another guest bumped into her, forcing her into the path of the parked mobility scooter. 

As a result of the fall, Parsons fractured her left wrist and required surgery, resulting in permanent scarring. According to the lawsuit, she's seeking compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost income, and the diminished enjoyment and value of her cruise vacation.

However, Parsons isn't seeking legal action against the other passengers involved in the accident. Rather, she's accusing Royal Caribbean of negligence for failing to maintain a safe environment and to warn passengers of a hazard in the walkway.

The lawsuit also claims that crew members aboard the 90,090 gross-ton ship failed to establish or enforce proper safety protocols for operating and parking mobility scooters.

Royal Caribbean mobility scooter policy

To keep things running in tip-top shape, Royal Caribbean has a ton of rules and policies. Technically, when guests book a cruise, they automatically agree to the terms and conditions outlined in the cruise contract. These range from onboard conduct to accessibility equipment, safety requirements, and prohibited items.

"Assistive devices including mobility scooters must be stored and recharged in your stateroom so fire doors, corridors and elevator lobbies are kept clear for emergency evacuation. When parked throughout the ship, they must be parked out of the way to allow safe and easy access by other guests and crewmembers," states Royal Caribbean's website. 

"Assistive devices should fit through a standard stateroom entry doorway which is at least 23 inches wide. We offer accessible staterooms which have wider doors which are at least 32 inches wide and may accommodate larger devices. If you have an assistive device larger than 32 inches wide, please contact our Access Department for assistance."

This case is one of many personal injury lawsuits filed against Royal Caribbean this year

Cruise lines can face frustrating legal challenges when passengers are injured on board. The circumstances of each case vary, but plaintiffs often argue that the cruise line failed to maintain a reasonably safe environment or address potential hazards.

For example, earlier this year, Jaimie Lewis, of California, filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit seeking damages of more than $75,000 after slipping and falling aboard Harmony of the Seas. 

Lewis claims that she slipped on a walkway in the ship's Central Park neighborhood and fell backward onto the hard deck in November 2024 after a rainstorm. 

(Credit: Jeanne Grubbs / Facebook)

According to the lawsuit, there weren't any visible wet-floor warning signs to alert passengers of the danger, despite the ship's crew being aware of the hazard. Consequently, Lewis' legal team argues that the lack of signage, warning cones, or verbal warnings left her unaware of the danger, directly leading to her accident.

More recently, Tanya Jones, of Australia, filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Royal Caribbean after slipping and falling on a wet and slippery outdoor flooring surface aboard Voyager of the Seas, resulting in serious and permanent injuries.

The complaint states that Jones encountered dangerous, slippery floors on one of the outdoor decks, caused by an accumulation of a wet foreign substance. 

Furthermore, Jones' lawsuit blames Royal Caribbean for allegedly failing to properly inspect and maintain the area, despite being aware of the danger through prior incidents across its fleet involving similar accidents on the same type of outdoor deck. 

Bad weather moving through the English Channel will slow the plans for a Royal Caribbean ship, impacting its timeline to return back to the UK.

Liberty of the Seas' second sailing since completing her Royal Amplification was suddenly disrupted by severe weather, affecting passengers on two cruises and forcing last-minute adjustments to debarkation and embarkation plans.

The revamped Freedom Class cruise ship won't return to its seasonal homeport in England as originally scheduled on Sunday, June 7, due to a storm that's preventing the vessel from safely making her way back toward Southampton. 

As a result, passengers embarking on Liberty of the Seas for the June 7 cruise were told to arrive later than planned.

"We are closely monitoring adverse weather along our route back to Southampton, England for our current sailing. With safety in mind, the ship is expected to be delayed in returning to the port by approximately six (6) hours and the terminal will be closed for embarkation until 2:30 PM," reads the email notice sent to guests, as shared with Royal Caribbean Blog.

(Credit: Leeor Plotkin)

It continues, "Arriving at the terminal earlier than your adjusted time will result in you being turned away until your new time. All guests should be checked in and onboard by 6:30 PM. So, plan on arriving no later than 6:00 PM. We're sorry for any inconvenience caused by this change." 

According to the email, the earliest arrival time was pushed from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., while the latest arrivals must check in at 6:00 p.m.

Liberty of the Seas is currently wrapping up her first weeklong itinerary back in service following her highly anticipated Royal Amplification. 

The 154,407 gross ton ship received new restaurants, refreshed public spaces, and even a few new cabins. 

Highlights include Izumi Hibachi, Starbucks, a new Caribbean resort-style pool deck, El Loco Fresh, The Lime and Coconut, and more. 

She'll remain in Europe throughout the summer, offering voyages to bucket list destinations like Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Germany, and Norway, then move back to the United States. 

Unfavorable weather en route to England

(Credit: CruiseMapper. Screenshot taken at 2:18 p.m. EST)

Current reports on social media reveal that the developing storm system is forcing Liberty of the Seas to remain docked in Vigo, Spain, until 11:00 p.m. local time. 

"Late departure tonight from Vigo at 23.00 so now 11.00 arrival in Southampton sunday now, due to storm avoidance," Michael Mccalla shared on Facebook. 

Initially, the vessel was supposed to depart around 4:30 p.m. local time, with an estimated arrival time of 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 7. 

(Credit: Buoyweather. Screenshot taken at 2:31 p.m. EST)

However, as of 2:35 p.m. EST (8:35 p.m. local time), Liberty of the Seas remains in Vigo as the storm continues to impact the ship's English Channel crossing from Spain to England. 

Vigo itself isn't forecast to be impacted by the severe weather. That said, the situation further north is less favorable, with strong winds and other inclement conditions developing across the English Channel. 

According to Buoyweather, conditions along the route are expected to deteriorate overnight, especially closer to Southampton. 

Strong winds and gusts could reach as high as 37 knots (around 42 mph), with models also indicating the possibility of waves exceeding 20 feet.

Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas just received a major revamp, and I went on board to check out all the new changes. During my cruise on the massive Oasis Class ship, I stayed in the cheapest cabin available: a standard interior stateroom. 

Since this was such a busy itinerary, I didn't mind saving money on my accommodations. Instead, I preferred booking a windowless inside cabin to have a more generous budget for shore excursions, local cuisine, and other travel-related expenses. 

My sister tagged along with me, and we made great memories aboard Harmony of the Seas, visiting Spain and France — and to my surprise, she didn't completely hate the interior stateroom!

We booked a Category 4V Inside Stateroom months in advance through my MEI travel agent. The fare came to $1,286.74, or $643.37 per person, including gratuities. 

Although pricey for a three-night cruise, I realized we'd be paying more since it was Harmony's first sailing after her multi-million dollar Royal Amplification. 

In the end, the 172-square-foot cabin wasn't anything fancy, but it was a comfortable, modern retreat after long days exploring Palma de Mallorca, Spain, and Aix-en-Provence, France, and enjoying everything the newly amplified ship offered. 

Harmony of the Seas Interior Room Review + Photos

My sister and I were assigned cabin 10277 weeks before our voyage. This is a standard interior stateroom located toward the aft (or back) of the vessel, just steps away from an elevator bank. 

We ended up loving our cabin's location since it was easy to get to popular dining venues like the Main Dining Room and Windjammer on Deck 16. 

Since breakfast and dinner were usually the first places we headed after leaving the cabin each morning or freshening up in the evening, having those venues a short elevator ride away was convenient. 

Our cabin was also tucked away from the louder public areas, such as Dazzles, which helped it feel quiet and relaxing at night. 

Moving on, the layout of my 172-square-foot cruise room was nearly identical to the one I stayed in on Quantum of the Seas a few years back, minus the virtual balcony. 

There were two twin-sized beds (that could have been combined to create one queen-sized bed), a vanity, dresser, closet, safe, mini-fridge, flat-screen television, two nightstands, full-length mirror, and a small chair tucked into the corner of the cabin. 

We used the mini-fridge to keep our water bottles cool, so we'd return to the ship to ice-cold drinks waiting for us in the cabin. 

Because we spent so little time in the cabin besides showering and sleeping, the TV was not something we used very often. Still, my sister mentioned she wished it could swivel more, since she had an awkward viewing angle from her bed. 

As a newer cruise ship, Harmony of the Seas' staterooms are outfitted with plenty of charging options, including standard American and European outlets, along with USB ports. 

There's also one American outlet on the right side of the bed (when facing it). However, the opposite side does not have one. This means you should come prepared with an extra-long charging cord or portable charger. 

Moreover, I wish the cabin had a small loveseat instead of a chair. We did appreciate having the extra seating area, especially since my sister is a stickler about not getting into bed until she’s showered, but when used as a catch-all place, there was not much room left to comfortably sit. 

Now, let's talk storage. For a basic inside cabin, the storage space was fine. There was a dresser with five drawers and one cabinet, which housed the room's mini-fridge. Additionally, one of the drawers was already occupied by items like a box of tissues and the hairdryer, which left it fairly unusable for personal storage.

Still, we both agreed that for those on longer voyages, there would be more than enough storage to keep everything organized and tidy. 

The closet, for example, was spacious and had six deep cubbies — perfect for things like shoes, bags, folded clothes, and other essentials. This is also where you'll find the cabin's safe. 

Although we did not fully unpack during our three-night cruise, we did take advantage of the ample hanging space to keep our dresses from getting wrinkled. 

That said, we could have easily unpacked and had room to spare, especially since the closet came equipped with nearly two dozen hangers. 

Finally, the stateroom's bathroom was cramped but perfectly sufficient for daily use, with everything laid out efficiently to make the most of the small space.

The long sink vanity made getting ready in the mornings easier, especially since my sister often took over the cabin vanity area before I was up and showered. 

The shelves also provided a good amount of storage for toiletries and cosmetics. Plus, there were two hooks on the back of the bathroom door, which allowed me to keep my hanging toiletries organizer within reach. 

I also appreciated the two shelves in the shower, as this gave us both dedicated space for our shampoo, conditioner, and face wash. Some ships only provide a single small shelf, which I find frustrating.

That said, the shower did not have the best water pressure, and the water temperature was inconsistent. We quickly discovered that if we showered after 9:00 p.m., there would be chilly bursts. As such, my sister began showering before dinner each night. 

On the plus side, the shower was surprisingly spacious. The rounded capsule design (with no clingy, gross curtain) helped it feel more open than a typical cruise shower, and it was easy to move around without feeling boxed in or knocking my elbows on the wall. 

Like other Royal Caribbean cabins, the bathroom didn't come stocked with a ton of toiletries — just the basic Salt + Breeze hair and body wash, along with a bar of soap. 

Was my Harmony of the Seas inside cabin worth it?

For this cruise, I'm glad we didn't shell out more money on a balcony cabin. All we wanted was a clean, modern, and comfortable place to reset between busy port days and all the onboard activities — and our 172-square-foot stateroom provided just that. 

Beyond sleeping, showering, and getting ready, we spent very little time in the cabin. As such, the lack of natural light or private outdoor space never felt like a drawback. 

That said, there were a few minor quirks, such as the wacky water temperature and awkward TV placement, but nothing that impacted the overall experience in a make-or-break way. 

In the end, I'd happily stay in another inside cabin aboard Harmony of the Seas, especially since Oasis Class cruises are less about the stateroom experience and more about everything happening around the ship and ashore. 

The body of a cruise ship crew member who had been missing for five days was finally located in St. Kitts and Nevis, authorities confirmed. 

Wang Zyuan, 33, disappeared while hiking the Mount Liamuiga hiking trail on May 27. He was last heard from around 2 p.m., when he contacted emergency services to report that he was lost, as reported by The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF). 

Although a joint search and rescue team was immediately mobilized, the operation stretched on for days as rescuers combed through the hillside up to the crater. 

Eventually, the RSCNPF confirmed that his body was recovered on June 1, though they didn't reveal the cause of the death. 

(Credit: RSCNPF / Facebook)

"It is with deep regret that the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) confirms that Mr Wang Zyuan, who had been missing on the Mt. Liamuiga trail since Wednesday, May 27th, 2026, was located deceased on Monday, June 1st, 2026, by one of the search teams," reads the police force's Facebook post. 

"Since May 27th, joint teams from the RSCNPF, the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force, the St. Kitts-Nevis Fire and Rescue Services, the Police Training School, the Forest Unit, the Red Cross, the Ross University K9 Unit, and dedicated community volunteers have searched the mountain daily. We are profoundly grateful to every person who gave their time and effort to this operation."

In a statement provided to USA TODAY, Royal Caribbean confirmed that Zyuan, a Chinese male national, worked for the company, though they did not reveal his exact position aboard the ship:

"We are saddened to learn a crew member has passed away," the statement said. "We appreciate the tremendous efforts of the local authorities and rescue teams, who worked tirelessly over the past several days."

According to the St. Christopher Air & Sea Ports Authority, Rhapsody of the Seas, a Vision Class cruise ship measuring 78,878 gross tons, was the only cruise ship in port on May 27. The post also added that St. Kitts and Nevis welcomed approximately 2,270 passengers ashore that day. 

Rhapsody of the Seas was on a seven-night Southern Caribbean cruise out of San Juan, Puerto Rico, as shared by Pure Holidays. The vessel departed on May 23 and called at Tortola, British Virgin Islands; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. John's, Antigua; Basseterre, St. Kitts; and St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. 

The Mount Liamuiga volcano hike is strenuous

Royal Caribbean's website states that the Mount Liamuiga volcano hike is "extremely strenuous" and not advised for people with pre-existing medical issues such as cardiac, respiratory, or orthopedic conditions. 

Additionally, it urges passengers to consider their fitness level when determining whether they should embark on the six-mile hike or not. 

A simple Google search will also reveal countless firsthand accounts reinforcing just how steep and difficult the hike is. 

(Credit: Anton Alvin Singh / Facebook)

"This hike is totally doable if you’re able to scale rocks but I would be lying if I said it wasn’t the physically hardest hike I’d ever done," said Yaya, one of the co-founders of Hand Luggage Only. 

"[The hike] was quite strenuous. I’m fairly experienced with hiking and trails and [I'm] a runner so I was ok with the cardio aspect of it, but there were some people that struggled," someone else commented on Reddit.

"There are definitely some slippery parts and you have to keep aware of your surroundings. A few that turned back, but most made it at different paces."

For the first time ever, one of Royal Caribbean's biggest ships had to use tender boats.

(Credit: Aloschi Bros / Facebook)

Last week, one of the world's largest cruise ships successfully tendered thousands of passengers ashore.

Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas made history as the first Oasis Class ship to tender guests ashore in La Spezia, Italy, on May 28, 2026. This overturned an industry assumption that these massive vessels were too large to do so efficiently. 

Tendering is when cruise ships anchor offshore and use smaller boats to transport passengers from the vessel to shore. If no pier can accommodate a cruise ship's size, tendering is required. 

Sometimes, certain ports don't have piers, like Santorini, Greece; George Town, Grand Cayman; or Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. As such, the only way to visit these destinations is to tender from the cruise. 

(Credit: Aloschi Bros / Facebook)

Aloschi Bros, a European tour operator with origins dating back to 1932, shared photos of Harmony of the Seas' tender operation on Facebook, saying, "With over 226,000 GT, more than 6,000 guests and 2,000 crew members onboard, operations of this scale require exceptional coordination, precision and operational expertise."

"Aloschi Bros is proud to have managed and supported this unprecedented call in La Spezia, delivering a smooth and efficient operation for one of the world’s largest cruise ships."

One passenger, Stephen Martin, added that they were impressed with how Royal Caribbean handled the process. Rather than waiting in a crowded tender queue, it was easy to book a timeslot through the mobile app the day before, which made "the whole experience far smoother and more organised." 

(Credit: Stephen Martin / Facebook)

Moreover, Martin claimed tendering was the only way they could visit La Spezia due to the ongoing pier work, which would explain why previous Oasis Class visits on vessels like Allure of the Seas didn't require passengers to tender ashore. 

"[T]oday ran surprisingly smoothly, so it certainly proved that tenders can work even for mega-ships," Martin remarked on his Facebook post. 

Harmony of the Seas was in port from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., according to CruiseMapper. It was the third stop on the ship's current seven-night itinerary, which departed Barcelona, Spain, on May 31. She's expected to return to La Spezia again on Wednesday, June 10.  

An even bigger cruise ship is expected to tender in La Spezia next month

La Spezia is a popular port of call on Mediterranean itineraries. It serves as a gateway to some of Italy's most famous destinations, including Cinque Terre, Florence, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

The successful tender operation by Harmony of the Seas is important for Royal Caribbean and the Italian city as they prepare to welcome its first Icon Class ship.

Legend of the Seas is scheduled to make her inaugural call in La Spezia on July 2, 2026, during her debut Mediterranean season. This specific call is on the ship's preview voyage. She'll return on July 10 with paying passengers. 

Legend of the Seas comes in at a staggering 248,663 gross tons, 1,196 feet in length, and can accommodate over 5,600 passengers at double occupancy, according to Royal Caribbean. 

The ship's itinerary for the July 4 voyage indicates that guests will also be required to tender ashore, which suggests the port's pier work may continue throughout the summer.

As such, Harmony won’t hold the title of the largest cruise ship to tender passengers ashore. It will be passed off to Legend once she successfully completes her call in La Spezia in July. 

Could this open up more ports for Oasis and Icon Class ships?

(Credit: Stephen Martin / Facebook)

Having large ships like Harmony of the Seas and Legend of the Seas tender ashore has sparked discussion among cruise fans about whether this could become more common in the future.

Generally speaking, it could, especially in destinations with pier limitations or ongoing infrastructure work that prohibit vessels from coming alongside the dock. 

However, it is not likely to lead to any major changes to cruise itineraries in the near future since, in many cases, the destinations aren't equipped to handle the volume of passengers these ships bring ashore.

Taking your first cruise? I wanted to share what experienced cruisers wish they knew before their first sailing.

However, whereas veteran cruisers will have a better understanding of the cruise planning process, first-time guests might feel overwhelmed. From choosing the right ship and cabin to deciding what add-ons are worth the money, there are plenty of important decisions to make. 

As someone who has been on over three dozen cruises, I've learned that, although every traveler has different priorities, there are a handful of tips that can help all types of cruisers avoid common mistakes, save money, and get the most out of their sailing.

And to be fair, I've definitely made my fair share of mistakes over the years — from booking the cheapest sailing without doing much research to overextending myself on port-intensive itineraries. 

Here are my best first-time cruise vacation planning tips so you can start sailing like a pro from day one!

Use a good travel agent

Travel agents are incredibly useful when planning cruise vacations. While cruises are known for their convenience, there’s still a lot of planning involved, such as choosing the right ship and itinerary, booking shore excursions, and understanding dining options. 

A good travel agent will break down the best options based on your personal preferences and highlight ongoing promotions, which will make the overall process less stressful.

However, you must vet any agent and agency before booking to ensure they are reputable and experienced. I've been using MEI Travel for years and continue to book with them due to their professionalism and level of expertise. 

Choose your cruise ship based on what is important to you

With 29 ships in the fleet, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the number of options. 

Some vessels, like Oasis and Icon Class ships, feature world-class entertainment venues, multiple dining options, innovative amenities, and unique stateroom options that cater to a wide range of interests. 

On the other hand, Vision and Radiance Class vessels focus on a more intimate, traditional cruise experience. 

However, that means that newer ships are more expensive. If you aren't interested in water slides, surfing simulators, or ice skating rinks, you may be better off choosing an older vessel and saving money. 

At the end of the day, choosing the right Royal Caribbean cruise ship comes down to your personal preferences. 

Book as early as possible to guarantee your preferred stateroom category

If you are eyeing a certain cruise cabin, you'll want to book as far in advance as possible. This is especially true for suites and ADA-accessible rooms. They are limited in number compared to standard staterooms and can sell out quickly. 

Suites come with added perks such as priority boarding, private sun decks and dining rooms, and more spacious accommodations. As such, they are highly desirable for travelers looking to elevate their cruise experience.

The same applies to ADA-accessible staterooms, which are designed to meet accessibility needs with wider doorways, roll-in showers, lowered sinks, and more. However, there are only a handful of ADA-accessible rooms on each ship.

Other cabin considerations include connecting rooms for families, certain locations (like near the middle of the vessel), and specific family layouts. 

Get travel insurance

Travel insurance is something you want to buy but hope you never have to use. While yes, it does provide crucial international medical coverage, it also protects you in other, more common situations. 

For example, if your flight gets delayed and you miss your cruise ship, travel insurance can help cover the cost of catching up to the ship at the next port (if possible). Alternatively, it may cover lodging and transportation expenses.

It's also beneficial when it comes to luggage issues. If your airline loses your suitcase, travel insurance may reimburse you for things like clothing, toiletries, and medications. 

Book your Royal Caribbean cruise add ons in advance

After you've placed the deposit for your cruise vacation, you can begin browsing add-ons through Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner. This includes shore excursions, drink packages, specialty restaurants, spa treatments, internet packages, arcade credits, and more.

Generally speaking, add-ons are cheaper when you buy them in advance, as Royal Caribbean offers pre-cruise discounts that are not available once you’re on the ship. Sometimes, these discounts can be as great as 30% to 40% off drink packages! 

The discounts vary. However, if you see an add-on for a price you like, don't wait to book it. If the price later drops, you can always cancel and re-book with no penalty. 

You don't have to book a shore excursion in every port

While Royal Caribbean's shore excursion program offers a variety of organized tours, you’re not required to book one in every port. In fact, some destinations are easy to explore on your own. 

For example, if your ship is calling at St. Maarten, it's easy to find the taxi stand and hop on a shared ride to Maho Beach, rather than booking a tour through Royal. By going this route, you'll save money and have more flexibility with your schedule. 

However, when it comes to destinations that are farther from the cruise pier or have limited transportation options, you're usually better off booking through Royal Caribbean, such as if you want to visit Rome when in Civitavecchia. 

Read more: 4 shore excursions weren't as glamorous in real life

Is the drink package worth it on a cruise?

Before automatically assuming you need a drink package, it’s important to consider your personal drinking habits. 

For some, the Deluxe Beverage Package is a good deal, allowing unlimited access to alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, fresh-squeezed juices, bottled water, and more. 

However, it's not cheap, and if you don't think you can consume at least 5 to 9 alcoholic beverages per day, it might not be worth the investment. 

For example, if the going rate for the drink package on the Cruise Planner is $65 per day, you'd need to drink at least 5 $14 cocktails per day. You could also consume 9 $7.49 beers. 

You don't have to default to the Deluxe Beverage Package, either. Royal Caribbean has two non-alcoholic drink packages that can be a better fit for some travelers. 

The Refreshment Package includes non-alcoholic beverages like specialty coffees, fresh juices, sodas, and bottled water, while the Classic Soda Package only includes unlimited fountain drinks.

These packages are cheaper than the Deluxe one, too. For example, depending on the sale, the Royal Refreshment Package can cost anywhere from $32.00 to $42.00 per day. The soda package generally comes in at around $9.99 to $18.00 per day. 

Read more: I spent $600 on Royal Caribbean’s beverage package

Know what you can and can't bring on board

Royal Caribbean, like every other cruise line, has a list of prohibited items that guests cannot bring on board. Items range from common household appliances like extension cords, steamers, kettles, and coffee makers to dangerous weapons and illegal drugs.

That said, you can bring food and drinks on — with certain restrictions. For example, you are allowed to bring packaged dry snacks, such as chips, nuts, and candy. Cooked food, however, is not permitted. 

Likewise, Royal Caribbean allows each guest over the legal drinking age to bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne with them on embarkation day only. Beer, hard seltzers, pre-made cocktails, and hard liquor are on the prohibited list, though. 

Check in as early as you can

Royal Caribbean’s online check-in process opens 45 days before your cruise departure date. Checking in as soon as you can gives you the best chance of securing an early arrival time at the terminal, as they're the most desirable. 

Earlier arrival times can help you get on the ship sooner, meaning you can start exploring the ship and enjoy lunch before the masses roll in. It's also just a nice feeling to spend most of embarkation day on the ship, rather than waiting in an airport hotel. 

Another advantage of completing your check-in as soon as it's available is that you're less likely to forget. Those who don't complete online check-in may face longer wait times at the terminal since all your information has to be manually verified on-site. 

Head to Adventure Ocean ASAP

Speaking of embarkation day, families with younger children should make Adventure Ocean one of their first stops after they've boarded the ship.

Royal Caribbean's complimentary youth program is popular for a reason, offering a wide range of supervised activities, from arts and crafts and science experiments to video games and more. 

The best way to ensure that your kiddos don't miss out on any of the fun is to complete registration on embarkation day. Plus, this will give you a chance to tour the facilities and see what's offered on your specific cruise ship. 

Skip the buffet on embarkation day for a more laid-back lunch experience

Another great embarkation day tip is to skip the ever-popular Windjammer buffet. While the seemingly endless options might seem tempting, the problem is that nearly everyone else has the same idea. As a result, the buffet is often packed during the first few hours of embarkation day. 

Instead, I'd recommend checking out other options, such as the Park Café, El Loco Fresh, Boardwalk Dog House, or Sorrento's Pizza. For those who don't mind splurging, enjoying a specialty lunch can be a relaxing way to kick off your vacation and avoid the crowds. 

Reservations can be made ahead of time on the Cruise Planner and are highly recommended. However, you can always stop by on embarkation day and see if there's an opening.  

Don't be afraid to ask for help with a problem

Finally, don't be afraid to go to Guest Services if something doesn't go according to plan. Whether it's a dining reservation issue, a stateroom concern, or a billing discrepancy, you'll find that Royal Caribbean crew members are more than willing to help — you just have to reach out.

Based on my experiences from over 30 cruises, I've found that most issues can be resolved pretty quickly when they're brought to the attention of the crew members. Too often, first-time cruisers spend their vacation frustrated by a minor issue without realizing that a simple visit to Guest Services could solve it in a few minutes. 

Also, Royal Caribbean loves feedback because it lets them know how to improve the guest experience. As such, even if an issue can't be resolved during your particular sailing (i.e., if you felt the dining room service was slow or the food was mediocre), it's still worth sharing your thoughts to help future sailors. 

Royal Caribbean's Royal Amplified program revitalizes older, outdated ships by refitting them with many of the same attractions, amenities, and experiences found on the line's newest ships. But have you ever wondered how these ambitious projects materialize? 

For Royal Caribbean, innovation has always been at the heart of ship design, whether that's creating brand-new ship classes or upgrading existing hardware. 

"If you look at every generation of ship that we introduce, we perpetually innovate and create," says Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. 

"We're always pushing the envelope; we're always adding new experiences and features; we're always focused on the customer experience; we're always making sure that we really are delivering something phenomenal." 

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International)

Bayley describes Royal Caribbean's mindset as a balance between "revolution, evolution, and tradition." Tradition focuses on the experiences that cruise fans adore, like the nautical Schooner Bar, while evolution enhances existing favorites to keep them fresh. 

Finally, revolution introduces radically new and innovative concepts to the industry, such as the Crown's Edge attraction aboard Icon Class ships. 

Royal Caribbean's Royal Amplified program integrates all three principles to enhance the overall guest experience and ensure older vessels continue serving as sought-after vacation destinations for years to come. 

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International)

In the cruise line's latest "Engineering the Experience" press video, they give an overview of just how much work goes into a Royal Amplification project.

"Royal Amplified is a program that allows us to take all of that innovation and move it back to the ships that actually were introduced into the market before they had taken place," explains Darren Dudden, the Director of Product Development for Royal Caribbean International. 

"We have so much innovation that we've continued to bring to the cruise experience, that now we have a lot that we're going to add back in."

The goal is to modernize the ship and keep the guest experience fresh

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International)

According to Jay Schneider, Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer of Royal Caribbean International, nearly everything has evolved in one way or another. 

There are so many new and revolutionary experiences aboard their fleet, ranging from food and beverage concepts to water attractions, entertainment options, and other adrenaline-pumping thrills.

"We're looking to take our ship and completely modernize it by understanding what it is that our guests are looking for, and we start the process by asking questions," says Daniella Hoffman, AVP of Product Development for Royal Caribbean International. 

Work begins long before a ship enters the dock

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International)

When the time arrives, cruise ships head to specialized shipyards around the world, including facilities in Freeport, Bahamas; Brest, France; Cádiz, Spain; Marseille, France; and Tuas, Singapore.

However, long before a ship arrives at the shipyard, teams are already hard at work developing plans, designing new spaces, and coordinating the complex logistics of installing everything on a tight timeline. For example, prefabrication and preconstruction begin as much as eight months in advance. 

"We don't just take piece parts to the ship and then install them. We do as much prefabrication as we can. We plan dry docks on a five-year sequence, so we're planning this a long, long way ahead," explains Kevin Douglas, VP of Technical Project Newbuild for Royal Caribbean International.

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International)

The dry dock teams are ready before the ship's engines shut off, too. Sometimes, demolition begins before the vessel even reaches the dry dock, and a lot of preparation goes into protecting areas that aren't getting a facelift. 

Douglas continues by talking about how important coordination and collaboration are, particularly with more than 2,000 people working on board the ship at the same time.

There can be as many as 7,500 tasks that must be carefully planned, sequenced, and executed within a tight timeframe, each requiring logistics and the materials to support it.

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International)

"A big project can have anywhere between 1,200 [and] almost 2,000 containers worth of material. And we're looking at production rates of about 2.5% per day... We look to only have about a day and a half of material on board to match the production," he says. 

Moving on, many projects require the total amount of time the ship is out of service to be completed. Sometimes, certain projects, like new accommodations, are actually finished up in service. 

According to Douglas, smaller tasks can often be completed in around ten days or two weeks, and the team works to keep the S-curve as flat as possible.

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International)

This ensures that not everyone starts and finishes at the same time, which helps to smooth out the workload and improve efficiency across the ship's Royal Amplification dry dock process.

From construction zone to a revitalized vacation destination

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International)

After around two months in dry dock, the ship's Royal Amplification transformation is complete.

Spaces are cleaned and prepared for guests; restaurants are set with tableware and cutlery; and bars are stocked and tested.

Although guests only see the finished result, the cruise line's Royal Amplified program represents years of planning and thousands of hours of work — and all of this requires ingenuity, problem-solving, and a great deal of teamwork across every level of the company. 

Royal Caribbean Amplification schedule

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International)

Here's a quick rundown of which ships have been amplified and which are on the docket for future renovations. 

• Independence of the Seas (COMPLETED 2018)
• Mariner of the Seas (COMPLETED 2018)
• Navigator of the Seas (COMPLETED 2019)
• Voyager of the Seas (COMPLETED 2019)
• Oasis of the Seas (COMPLETED 2019)
• Freedom of the Seas (COMPLETED 2020)

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International)

• Allure of the Seas (COMPLETED 2025)
• Ovation of the Seas (COMPLETED 2026)
• Harmony of the Seas (COMPLETED 2026)
• Liberty of the Seas (COMPLETED 2026)
• Explorer of the Seas (INDEFINITELY POSTPONED)
• Adventure of the Seas (INDEFINITELY POSTPONED)

The Royal Caribbean crew member who was sentenced to 30 years in prison after placing hidden cameras in guests' staterooms is now facing local charges. 

Arvin Joseph Mirasol, 36, a former cabin steward from the Philippines, was arrested in March 2024 after a passenger aboard Symphony of the Seas reported finding a camera in their bathroom. The concealed device was discovered when the guest reached under the sink to grab a new roll of toilet paper. 

He was detained upon the vessel's arrival in Port Everglades, Florida, where authorities seized his electronic devices and found videos of women undressing, as well as child pornography, dating back to December 2023.

One video was of a young girl around the age of ten undressing and showering, as reported by Local 10, with her genitals "clearly visible" and "the focus of the video." 

Authorities also said they found multiple voyeurism-related searches on Mirasol's phone, including "teen on bed."

In August 2024, Mirasol was sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty in federal court to producing child pornography.

Mirasol is now expected to appear in a Broward County courtroom on June 15 to face local charges for a change of plea hearing, according to NBC Miami. 

Based on the news article, he faces nine counts of digital voyeurism and was booked into Broward's main jail on Monday.

One lawsuit suggests that as many as 960 passengers could have been affected by Mirasol's actions

In October 2024, one passenger, who was identified as Jane Doe of New Hampshire, filed a class action lawsuit alleging that she was filmed by a hidden camera in her cabin's bathroom.

The lawsuit accused Mirasol of recording Doe "while undressed and engaged in private activities." It further claimed that the images were later uploaded and shared on the internet.

The plaintiff claims to have suffered severe emotional distress with physical symptoms like sweating, nausea, insomnia, dizziness, and crying. She lives in constant fear of the videos being viewed by others and being used for illicit purposes, too. 

The lawsuit holds Royal Caribbean responsible for failing to provide sufficient security, training, or supervision to prevent sexual assaults. 

Additionally, the lawsuit claims that Royal Caribbean did not warn guests about the risk of such crimes and failed to notify passengers who stayed in staterooms serviced by Mirasol.

The complaint suggests that Mirasol's potential victims could include as many as 960 passengers, based on an estimate of up to 12 cruises, 20 passenger cabins per sailing, and up to four occupants per cabin.

Symphony of the Seas facts

At the time of the incident, Symphony of the Seas sailed from Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale), Florida, on seven-night voyages to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. 

Since then, the 228,081 gross registered ton ship relocated to Galveston, Texas, where she currently offers six- to eight-night Western Caribbean cruises to ports like Cozumel, Mexico; Costa Maya, Mexico; and Roatán, Honduras. 

As one of the largest cruise ships in the world, Symphony of the Seas can accommodate over 5,500 guests at double occupancy in 2,759 staterooms.

She comes in 1,188 feet long, 215 feet wide, and is home to 2,200 international crew members. Symphony of the Seas embarked on her maiden voyage on April 7, 2018, and was built at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. 

Amenities include Royal Caribbean's award-winning Adventure Ocean kids' club, a mini-golf course, AquaTheater, adults-only Solarium, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Perfect Storm waterslides, Copper & Kettle pub, two FlowRiders, and more. 

A strike in a Mexico cruise port forced Royal Caribbean to cancel its shore excursions for the day.

According to passenger reports, transportation operations in the Mahahual area were impacted, leaving cruise lines like Royal Caribbean unable to run scheduled excursions on Monday, June 1. 

"Sat on a bus till 9:30 only to be told all the excursions were cancelled. Couple of the locals told us it was because there were some workers on strike blocking the port exit," shared one frustrated guest on Reddit. 

Enchantment of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas were the only two ships in port, though other cruise lines also call at the Mexican cruise destination. This was the first scheduled port visit for both vessels, according to Cruise Mapper. 

Mariner of the Seas departed Galveston, Texas, on a five-night Western Caribbean cruise on Saturday, May 30, while Enchantment of the Seas is currently on a weeklong Caribbean voyage from Tampa, Florida. Other ports on the seven-night itinerary include Roatán, Honduras; Belize City, Belize; and Cozumel, Mexico. 

Apparently, the protest was centered around profit sharing, with employees working for Mayan Connection claiming that they hadn't received fair compensation. 

The workers expressed frustration after the company attempted to offer a compensatory "bonus" following the submission of a tax return showing zero profit, a proposal the workers were not satisfied with, as reported by local news outlets.  

Additionally, the employees were also forced to sign a new contract after the company changed its corporate name. This resulted in the loss of seniority and certain economic benefits for the workers. 

As such, they restricted vehicle access to the entrance of the Costa Maya cruise port area. This prevented workers and other vehicles from coming or going. 

Costa Maya's "Costa Maybe" reputation 

Costa Maya isn't the most popular Western Caribbean cruise port, and it has developed a nickname that reflects that unpredictability: "Costa Maybe."

"It's called 'Costa Maybe' for a lot of reasons, mainly the port itself. Shallow dock and high winds have kept my cruises out of there constantly - out of 7 cruises that were supposed to stop there, I've been there twice," commented one Redditor. 

Another added, "Costa Maybe is my least favorite port (only behind Progresso). Even with a ship excursion, you [didn't] miss much."

Plus, the cruise port area is highly commercialized and built around tourists. The funneled layout directs passengers into a purpose-built complex of shops, bars, pools, and restaurants. However, it lacks any real authenticity, especially compared to the nearby Mahahual village. 

"It's definitely a tourist trap. They try to force people to buy things every step. Can't sit down anywhere unless you buy a drink/food. We spent less than an hour there before I got frustrated and wanted [to get] back on the ship," wrote one Reddit user. 

Someone else shared similar thoughts, saying, "Overcrowded. Vendor hagglers everywhere. Cramped port. No thanks."

Still, Costa Maya is a popular cruise stop for guests who want to visit Mayan ruins

Despite its overall reputation, there are some fun ways to spend your day in the Yucatán Peninsula, starting with the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins. This alone makes the stop worth it for many passengers. 

Many guests also like heading to Mahahual for a cheap beach day, where it's possible to find all-you-can-eat and drink spots right on the water for less than $70 per person. 

Unfortunately, for those who called at the port on June 1, the protest meant a fun day ashore never materialized. Instead, plans were cancelled at the last minute, leaving passengers scrambling to find other plans and make the most of their port day. 

Other Costa Maya news

Royal Caribbean's planned Perfect Day Mexico destination was supposed to transform the Costa Maya cruise port into one of the cruise line’s largest private destination investments. However, the plans were rejected by the Mexican government last month over environmental concerns. 

According to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) determined that the current proposed location for the Perfect Day Mexico project wasn't suitable. As such, the cruise line was notified that three parts of the current plan were rejected, including one of the proposals for the pier infrastructure. 

More recently, Sheinbaum said that government officials were discussing the possibility of relocating the proposed Perfect Day Mexico development — though Royal Caribbean has yet to publicly comment on any updates on alternative sites in the area.

Perfect Day Mexico, which was valued at around $600 million, was set to offer Royal Caribbean passengers access to private beaches, pools, restaurants, bars, an adults-only area, and the line's most ambitious water park project to date.