Between shore excursions, drink packages, and Wi-Fi, there are tons of ways to rack up a high bill on your Royal Caribbean cruise. 

Cruisers often try to find ways to avoid the high costs of add-ons by smuggling alcohol onboard or bringing a Wi-Fi router. However, Royal Caribbean recently banned a popular item used to help maximize the perks of a single internet package. 

Moving forward, passengers shouldn't be surprised if their travel router is confiscated during embarkation, as the cruise line updated its prohibited items list. 

In addition to items like drugs, guns, and knives, "satellite dishes, routers, and other networking equipment" are now included under the "cybersecurity and deliberate electronic crime" category.

Packing one of these items for your next cruise could result in it being confiscated, wasting your money and luggage space. You're better off purchasing an extra Wi-Fi package or sharing one. 

For many cruisers, the internet packages offered on Royal Caribbean are a major add-on expense. A single Wi-Fi package covers one device, but many passengers use a travel router to extend the connection across multiple devices and allow groups of friends or families to share one package.

Royal Caribbean isn't the first cruise line to list routers on its prohibited items list. Carnival Cruise Line's list also states that "satellite dish[es], routers and other internet related equipment" are not allowed onboard.

Read more: Royal Caribbean will not give away free Wi-Fi on its cruise ships

Royal Caribbean's VOOM internet can cost over $20 per day for one device

Unlike other lines, Royal Caribbean offers just one Wi-Fi package: VOOM Surf + Stream. The actual cost varies based on factors like your ship, sail date, cruise length, and ongoing Cruise Planner sales. 

However, it's not uncommon to see it priced at around $20 per day, meaning you can easily spend over $150 on an internet package for a 7-night cruise. 

You can usually expect to save 30% by adding one or more devices to a single plan, but it's still expensive. For example, on my upcoming Icon of the Cruise sailing in April, the price of two devices is nearly $260. 

Wi-Fi is even expensive for crew members. Earlier this year, Bryan James, an entertainer for Royal Caribbean, revealed that he spends $12 per day on internet for just three hours of connectivity. It's not super fast, either. James added that his download speed was around 1 megabyte per second. 

If you were planning on bringing a Wi-Fi router to extend connectivity to other friends and family members, think again. LadBible first reported that social media accounts claim the routers are being confiscated during embarkation, confirming that the ban is being enforced.

Why are travel routers prohibited? 

Though Royal Caribbean hasn't made an official statement about the ban, the items are listed underneath the "cybersecurity and deliberate electronic crime" category. 

Routers and other networking equipment can potentially interfere with the ship’s onboard systems, leading to security risks and connectivity problems for passengers and crew. 

Instead of smuggling a router onboard, consider other options like purchasing additional devices on a single plan or limiting your internet usage to when in port. 

How to get free Wi-Fi on Royal Caribbean ships

Although Wi-Fi is not included in the cost of a Royal Caribbean cruise, there are a few ways to get free (or cheaper) internet onboard.

The first is to work your way up the Crown & Anchor Society ranks to Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club. Once you've earned 80 cruise points, you'll receive one free day of Wi-Fi per cruise. Diamond Plus guests, or those with a minimum of 175 cruise points, get two days. 

While it's not a lot, it can help offset the cost of staying connected during your trip. Instead of splurging on a package, you can use your complimentary internet days at sea and look for free Wi-Fi in port. 

If you are a Pinnacle Club member, you will receive a complimentary VOOM Surf + Stream package for one device, regardless of the length of your cruise.

Another smart way to reduce the price of your internet package is to use onboard credit. While it may not cover the full price, especially on longer cruises, it can still help it can help reduce the overall expense.

Frequent gamblers at Casino Royale could also be eligible for free Wi-Fi. Club Royale is Royal Caribbean’s casino rewards program that enables guests to earn Tier Credits by gambling while onboard. The more you gamble, the more benefits you'll receive.

Read more: I got a free cruise from Royal Caribbean's casino

For example, Prime tier members—those with 2,500 Tier Credits—get a discount on a VOOM Surf + Stream package, while Signature members receive free Wi-Fi on one device. However, to reach the Signature tier, you must accumulate 25,000 Tier Credits. 

Finally, Masters members—gamblers with 100,000+ Tier Credits—receive complimentary internet on two devices. Unlike Crown & Anchor status, tiered membership within Club Royale must be renewed annually. 

While you likely aren't worried about saving money if you're looking at booking a Royal Caribbean suite, one perk of the higher categories is included internet. Guests staying in Grand Suites and above on Quantum, Oasis, and Icon Class ships receive a complimentary VOOM Surf + Stream Wi-Fi package. Even better? Each guest in the stateroom receives an internet package for one device, so there's no need to share! 

There's nothing better than securing a great cruise fare, even if staying in an interior cabin. 

I recently returned from a 4-night cruise on Allure of the Seas from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to CocoCay and Nassau. 

Booking just two weeks in advance as part of a "Going, Going, Gone" sale, the fare was $834.36 for two people in a guaranteed interior stateroom. This breaks down to around $104 per person, per night, including gratuities and port fees. 

I could have reserved a neighborhood balcony for less than $100 more. However, having just returned from an expensive 3-night Disney cruise, I wanted to keep my costs as low as possible.

My dad and I were assigned cabin 8133 in the ship's forward. I appreciated the location, as it was close to Central Park. Even so, I prefer mid-ship staterooms on vessels as large as Allure of the Seas. Still, the location wasn't a deal-breaker by any means—it was nice to step outside and take in the greenery while at sea without wandering far from our "home away from home." 

Typically, cabins in the front of the ship tend to feel more movement. I'm thankful we didn't experience significant motion during our voyage, even though we were near the bow. However, we weren't going far on our short cruise to the Bahamas from Florida. 

The cabin was spacious enough for the two of us, and I liked how the layout maximized every inch of space. My dad remarked how roomy it felt compared to our inside stateroom on Quantum of the Seas earlier this year. 

With Allure approaching her 14th birthday, she isn't the newest ship in the fleet. As such, a few elements felt outdated, such as the radio with two 30-pin dock connectors. Apple replaced these chargers in 2012 with the lightning connector. 

Moreover, I wish there would have been at least one bedside outlet. I had to rely on my portable charger each night, as the other charging options were found exclusively near the vanity. 

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

Speaking of outlets, there were far fewer available than on newer ships, with just one European and four standard American plugs. 

There’s usually more flexibility when it comes to charging on newer vessels; however, with my dad just needing to charge his phone, it wasn't an issue. In fact, we never even used the outlets underneath the vanity.

We didn't bring any bottles of wine onboard, but we used the mini-fridge to keep our four complimentary bottles of water cool. I appreciated how the fridge's door was bolted to the cabinet, a feature not found in all cabins. 

As far as the cabin itself, it had everything we needed for a short cruise. The bed was comfortable enough for the 4-night stay, and there was ample closet space to hang our clothes. My dad even overpacked, easily bringing enough clothes for a weeklong sailing. 

Read more: 115-item Ultimate Cruise Packing List

While there were just two empty vanity drawers, the closet's built-in cubbies allowed for additional storage to place things like folded t-shirts, shoes, and jeans. 

The spacious vanity was great for getting ready after spending the day at Thrill Waterpark or Blue Lagoon Island. I could spread out my makeup products and easily locate my mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow brushes that often play hide-and-seek in my bag.

We also loved the full-sized couch as opposed to our single chair on Quantum. Though we both unpacked for the 4-night cruise, the couch quickly became our catch-all spot where we'd throw everything from beach bags to towels. 

It was much more comfortable than the chair on Quantum of the Seas, too. Even with all our miscellaneous stuff on the couch, it was a nice area for the dad to relax and wait while I finished getting ready without having to awkwardly stand around or sit on the bed. 

When we arrived, the beds were placed together, despite our request to have them separated. However, it wasn't an issue. Our cabin steward quickly took care of the situation and separated them as soon as we pointed out the mix-up. 

This made the room feel even more spacious, giving us a dedicated walkway between the beds. It also helped create a sense of personal space.

The bathroom, though compact, was functional. Like the closet, there was built-in shelving to store toiletries. 

However, I didn't use any since I brought my hanging toiletry organizer, keeping everything from hair cream to moisturizer and deodorant organized and easily accessible. It's my favorite travel product and has been used over 13 times since I received it for Christmas last year! 

Whenever I sail on a Royal Caribbean ship, I hope the shower will have two shelves, allowing families additional space to store their toiletries—from different shampoos and conditioners to face washes—and keep them organized. This, however, wasn't the case on Allure of the Seas. 

It's a minor detail, but one that can make a big difference when you're sharing a small space with another person, especially if you travel with full-sized products. 

Staying in a standard cabin meant we weren't provided with upgraded toiletries. Instead, we were provided with a single bar of soap and a shampoo-body wash hybrid in the shower. 

Having recently cruised on ships like Disney Magic and Sun Princess, I've become accustomed to liquid hand soap in the bathroom and regretted not bringing one of my travel-sized goat's milk soap bars, which I bought purposefully for ships like this!

The shower had great water pressure, and I had no issues adjusting the temperature to my liking. There was even a small ledge to make shaving easier. 

Typically, I never use my stateroom's telephone; however, one afternoon, the Chef's Table was calling to provide details about where to meet for our 6:30pm reservation. 

When I picked up, I could hear the crew member speaking, but he couldn't hear me. He hung up and called back, but the issue wasn't fixed. The next time, I decided to let the phone ring and simply listened to the voicemail instead. 

Despite this small inconvenience, our cabin provided everything needed for a comfortable and relaxing cruise. 

Although we spent just $830 on our cruise fare, we splurged on other add-ons to enhance our experience, such as admission to the Thrill Waterpark, a Blue Lagoon Island excursion, two specialty meals, and Wi-Fi—all of which made an otherwise ordinary cruise especially memorable. 

Of course, booking a cruise at the last minute comes with risks. For example, last-minute airfare can be costly, negating the cost savings of the cheaper fare. 

Not only that but some experiences can sell out in advance, so if you are hoping to book a certain excursion or specialty restaurant, you may find that availability is limited or even completely booked by the time you get on board.

Thankfully, we utilized credit card points to save money on airfare and the pre-cruise hotel. If we had paid for them out-of-pocket, our flights from Charlotte to Fort Lauderdale would have totaled over $1,000. 

Moreover, we scored a great discount on our Chef's Table dinner thanks to a Cruise Planner sale the week before our departure. The onboard price is advertised at around $99/person; however, after applying our onboard credit, we only paid $57 each for the 6-course meal, which included wine and espresso martinis with dessert. 

Would I book a last-minute cruise fare again? Absolutely. Because of my job, I can leave home at a moment's notice, and when the opportunity arises to snag such a great deal, I’m all in—even if it's in an inside cabin. 

Recently, I sailed aboard Allure of the Seas on a short 4-night cruise to the Bahamas and enjoyed dining at restaurants like Samba Grill, the Main Dining Room, and even the Chef’s Table for the first time.

I had a great experience dining on Vision of the Seas earlier this year and was curious to see how the food on a ship as large as Allure of the Seas would compare.

Moreover, having branched out to other lines like Celebrity and Princess, I wondered whether Allure would change my opinion on the quality of Royal’s dining. 

Even better, I brought my dad along, who sailed on Allure in 2014. He had memories of the food being amazing, so he was eager to see if it lived up to his recollection.

Overall, the food on Allure of the Seas was pretty good! Some meals were far better than others, with some being mediocre. Here's a breakdown of everything I ate during my 4-night cruise aboard Allure, including a few dishes I'd skip next time.

Of note, I'm not a food critic and am not classically trained in anything cuisine-related. Others may come to their own conclusions, as everyone has different taste buds and preferences.

Embarkation Day Lunch

One of my favorite places to kickstart a cruise is the Park Cafe. Usually, it’s far less overwhelming than the Windjammer, and it’s nice to get a made-to-order salad while relaxing in Central Park ahead of a busy schedule.

I have a tried-and-true salad order that never disappoints: mixed greens with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, boiled egg, croutons, and honey mustard dressing. Whenever I have a salad from Park Cafe, I’m reminded of how much I enjoy honey mustard dressing but somehow fail to forget the second I disembark.

I also had the signature Kummelweck sandwich with spicy mustard and horseradish. However, the roast beef was too rare for my liking.

Embarkation Day Dinner

Though this was my third time on Allure of the Seas, I had never tried Samba Grill. When strolling around the ship on embarkation day, my dad and I were offered a deal too good to pass up: dinner for two for just $70, or $35 each.

We were thankful we had a lighter lunch since we had an unexpectedly large meal planned for dinner. It was truly a meat overload. However, we definitely felt as though we got our money’s worth.

My favorite meats were the filet mignon, beef ribs, and sirloin. Each was tender and cooked to perfection, and I loved the various sauces—namely the chimichurri—provided to enhance the flavor of the meats. 

The stars of the show, though, were the desserts. The caramel flan and chocolate rum cake were both delicious. My dad even debated asking if we could take an extra rum cake to the room.

If you’re too full to enjoy the heavier desserts, I recommend at least trying the grilled pineapple. It’s a simple yet refreshing way to cleanse your palate after all that meat.

Sorrento’s

Later that night, we snacked on pizza from Sorrento’s, despite saying I wouldn’t eat again until breakfast. Sorrento’s is my least favorite cruise ship pizza; however, it’s hard to resist late-night pizza when the smell fills the Royal Promenade.

That said, after trying Princess Cruises’ pizza last month, Sorrento’s seemed far more mediocre than I remembered. In my opinion, the dough was way too chewy.

Breakfast Day 2

We woke up early on our only sea day, arriving at Johnny Rocket’s about fifteen minutes before it opened at 8:00am. We enjoyed prompt service after being seated. The coffee was piping hot—almost too hot to drink! However, it’s better than the lukewarm alternative.

I ordered the Veggie Lover's scramble without mushrooms. There aren’t a lot of things that I refuse to eat, but mushrooms are one of them. My only complaint is that I wish it had been served with extra cheese. Once I mixed the scramble up, the cheese flavor wasn't as prevalent as I hoped. 

That said, it had a good egg-to-veggie ratio. I didn’t want to feel like I was just eating bell peppers and onions early in the morning!

The environment was perhaps the best part of breakfast. It was peaceful, and dining outside on the Boardwalk before it got hot and crowded was a nice way to start our day at sea.

Lunch Day 2

My dad and I returned to Park Cafe for lunch, wanting to avoid the crowds at the Windjammer. I initially ordered the jerk pork wrap before noticing a Cuban sandwich in the display case after the Kummelweck carving station.

Not wanting to waste food, I tried the wrap before realizing it wasn’t all that good. The rice-to-meat ratio was off, with way too much rice and not enough of the juicy pork I expected.

I also noticed the Poblano pepper soup when I returned to order a Cuban sandwich. Being a fan of the soup served on Mexican night in the Main Dining Room, I gave it a try, and it was the best thing I ate in the Park Cafe while on Allure of the Seas!

The Cuban sandwich was much better than the jerk pork wrap. For a casual lunch on a cruise, it was satisfying.

Sabor

Later that afternoon, we were craving chips and salsa. This isn’t out of the ordinary, as my dad and I are huge fans of spicy foods and love adding different hot sauces to our salsa.

After I finished up some work, he decided he wanted to ask the wait staff at Sabor if we could enjoy chips and salsa without paying the cover charge for the entire meal. They had no issues accommodating our request and even brought freshly chopped habanero peppers to spice up the guacamole and salsa.

This was a highlight of our vacation, as we got to enjoy one of our favorite activities together while sitting on the Boardwalk and taking in the sights of an Oasis Class ship. 

Dinner Day 2

It's practically impossible to go wrong with Royal Caribbean's French Onion Soup. This year, I've had it on Quantum, Vision, and Allure of the Seas, and it has been delicious each time!

The broth is rich and savory; the onions are perfectly caramelized; and the melted cheese topping adds just the right amount of indulgence. Seriously, if you've never tried Royal's French Onion Soup, I beg you to order it on your next cruise. 

Read more: I spent a week on a cruise ship to Alaska, and while the Main Dining Room was disappointing, the specialty restaurants really impressed me

While I thought I was done eating meat, the other entrées didn't sound too appealing. I've tried the seafood linguine twice this year and have been disappointed both times. 

Rather than risking another letdown, I ordered the beef tenderloin, which was cooked to a perfect medium. Not only did I enjoy the cut of meat itself, but the peppercorn sauce added just the right amount of spice without overwhelming the dish. 

Finally, I had the warm apple cobbler for dessert. This is one of my favorite treats, and I never pass up the opportunity to have it when it's on the menu. 

However, I almost decided to mix things up and order the toasted almond cream puffs, but I couldn’t resist the familiar comfort of the apple cobbler.

Read more: Royal Caribbean menus: Main dining room, specialty restaurants & more

Breakfast Day 3

Whenever my dad and I cruise together, we limit our time in the Windjammer. Not only do we find the food to hit or miss, but we aren't fans of the hectic environment. It makes for a less-than-ideal dining experience for us. 

As such, we didn't step foot in the Windjammer while on Allure of the Seas. Instead, we enjoyed breakfast at Johnny Rocket's, the Solarium Bistro, and the Main Dining Room. While the Solarium Bistro's food quality is similar, it's much more relaxed than the Windjammer. 

On the morning we arrived in CocoCay, we wanted something quick, so we could head to Thrill Waterpark and knock off as many rides as possible before the crowds built up. 

Typically, I have a lighter breakfast in favor of heavier lunches and dinners; however, I wanted to fuel up for our day in the sun, so I added a waffle to my usual go-to order of eggs, fruit, and a hashbrown patty. 

Lunch Day 3

Though my dad's last visit to CocoCay was in 2010, he spoke about how much he enjoyed the beachside BBQ lunch buffet, so, initially, our plan was to leave Thrill Waterpark and enjoy the offerings at the Chill Grill. However, after walking past Captain Jack's, my dad decided he'd rather try the mango habanero chicken wings. 

While the wings aren't included—priced at $9.95 for ten—we found the extra cost worth it. The wings were crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Plus, the mango habanero sauce added the perfect amount of heat and sweetness. We also ordered steak fries for an additional $3. 

Pro tip: try the TLC (tequila, lime, and chipotle) sauce. The chipotle flavor added a smokey richness that paired well with the tangy lime, making for a great dipping sauce that wasn't your average honey mustard or ketchup. 

Dinner Day 3

After a long day of climbing countless flights of stairs, we freshened up and returned to the Main Dining Room for dinner. Tonight's theme was Caribbean—one of my favorites because of the crispy coconut shrimp on the menu. 

That said, I've found that sometimes, they aren't the most generous with the sweet chili dipping sauce. However, I ordered extra, which made a huge difference. 

I tried something new for my entrée: the Caribbean chicken. I was surprised by the portion of juicy chicken breast, ensuring that even the most ravenous guests wouldn't leave hungry.  

The entire dish was flavorful, except for the dry Jamaican fried dumpling. Everything else, from the pineapple and black bean salsa to the rice and sweet plantains, was satisfying. 

The blueberry cobbler wasn't as memorable as the apple cobbler the night before. Still, it was a great sweet treat to wrap up the meal. 

Breakfast Day 4

Our meeting time for our excursion to Blue Lagoon Island wasn't until 10:30am, so we had a leisurely breakfast in the Main Dining Room. While I prefer savory breakfasts, I thought I'd try the French Toast.

It was tasty with a soft, fluffy interior and generously dusted with powdered sugar. However, I still prefer my go-to of eggs. I'm just not a huge fan of sweets in the morning. 

Lunch Day 4

Our 5-hour tour to Blue Lagoon Island included lunch. It was a standard beachside cookout, with burgers, hot dogs, BBQ chicken, and veggie patties. 

I preferred the burger to the BBQ chicken and found the green bean salad pretty tasty! It was served cold with a strong vinegary taste, which everyone might not enjoy. 

Still, when it comes to island meals, it's hard to compete with Perfect Day at CocoCay! From tacos to burgers and plenty of desserts, there's a wider variety available, and you can get as much food as you want! 

Dinner Day 4

While I've been on over 20 cruises, I had never tried the Chef's Table before sailing on Allure of the Seas. In the days leading up to our cruise, I noticed a great deal on the 6-course meal on the Cruise Planner. 

The specialty meal cost $165.16 for two people; however, after applying our $50 in onboard credit, the price per person decreased to just $57 each. 

The thyme and lemon bread was complete with melted truffle oil butter and, as our waiter Allen said, was the best bread on the ship. 

After bread, we dove into the main courses, starting with scallop carpaccio. The thinly sliced scallops were pretty flavorless; however, they allowed the yuzu vinaigrette to shine through. 

To me, the smoked tomato soup was the star of the show. 

It was robust, with a smoky depth that incorporated a whole new dimension to the classic dish, and the drizzle of crème fraîche added a creamy contrast.

Read more: I take over 10 cruises a year as a cruise reporter. I always book a specialty restaurant — even though it costs extra money

The Maine lobster salad brought the fresh, sweet flavors of the lobster front and center. 

I wasn't a huge fan of the vanilla dressing or the hearts of palm, but the tender lobster was far better than any I've ever had in the Main Dining Room. 

My least favorite course was the roasted branzino. Fish isn't something I typically enjoy; however, I was willing to try it during our Chef's Table experience. 

The fish itself was cooked well, being moist and flaky. That said, I couldn't get past the distinct flavor of the branzino, which was too fishy for my liking. One of our table companions suggested I try it with one of the orange slices on the plate, which helped balance the flavor a bit. Still, it wasn’t enough to completely change my opinion of the dish. 

Others who enjoy fish said it was delicious, so I would take my words with a grain of salt. Everyone has different preferences when it comes to food! 

Compartively, the filet mignon was a favorite. The steak was tender and perfectly seared on the outside while juicy and pink in the center. Each bite melted in my mouth and was complemented by the bearnaise sauce! 

I also loved the accompanying truffle mashed potatoes. The potatoes had a smooth texture, with just the right amount of seasoning to balance out the richness of the steak. 

Chocolate lovers will adore The World, featuring layers of rich, chocolate mousse, silky ganache, and a crisp, dark chocolate shell that encases it all. 

Inside the sphere, the salted caramel ice cream adds a salty contrast to the otherwise chocolate-heavy dessert. Even better? It pairs well with the included salted caramel espresso martini! 

Disembarkation Breakfast

We weren't in a rush to get off the ship on disembarkation morning, so we headed to the Main Dining Room for one final meal in the three-story restaurant around 7:40am. 

As expected, I went with eggs and fruit, rather than loading up on sugar before going to the airport. The eggs were far better than those in the Solarium Bistro a few mornings prior, and I was surprised by how fresh the fruit was on the last day of the cruise. 

Tipping is a controversial topic, especially when it comes to cruise lines, where gratuities are often pre-paid or automatically added to your bill. 

Instead of getting caught up on the monetary aspect, one crew member took to Reddit to share their thoughts on how you can show your appreciation to those working to make your time onboard so memorable.

The crew member, known by their Reddit name SolAreiaLivros, explains how they've worked on ships like Adventure, Allure, and Wonder of the Seas. 

"Your cash tips, no matter how big or small help us (most especially [crew] from 'developing' countries like myself) tremendously. We are paid a livable wage, and well! But every dollar is something extra we can bring back home to our families," they write in the post shared to the r/royalcaribbean thread. 

"But if you prefer not to tip, that is completely okay!! Here are some other ways you can show your appreciation to [the crew members who] made your cruise extra special."

Post-cruise surveys

There's a reason so many crew members talk to guests about the post-cruise surveys. Not only do they allow you to provide feedback on your cruise vacation but you also have the opportunity to shout out hardworking crew members. 

The survey itself is short. In addition to a few brief questions about crew members, you're also asked about the food's quality, shore excursions, the ship's overall maintenance, and entertainment. 

SolAreiaLivros shares that when they're personally mentioned in surveys and reviews, they can earn a day off, a Very Important Crew (VIC) scratch card, a free specialty meal, or stay in a guest cabin for one sailing. 

The VIC card lets them scratch for perks like free internet and room service, a day off, discounts at the crew store, cash, and more. 

Surveys are especially important to crew members like waiters. When their ratings go down, they're at risk of having fewer tables to wait on, resulting in fewer tips. For waiters in specialty restaurants, low ratings could even lead to them being reassigned to the Main Dining Room, which is typically much more stressful and demanding.

"If mentioned enough times, we can get nominated to be [the] Employee of the Month. Winning Employee of the Month has quite a sum of cash prize," they add. 

Read more: Tipping on a cruise ship: What you should and shouldn't do

Small notes and letters

Did one crew member go out of their way to deliver an exceptional experience? Don't be afraid to write them a short thank you note before disembarking. 

Whether a bartender who made your drinks perfectly or a fun activity host, taking a moment to show your appreciation with a handwritten note can make a huge difference.

SolAreiaLivros says, "I have personally received small notes folded into fun shapes from guests and I still have them in my wallet to this day. Reading these notes from guests at the end of a long day of work makes all the hard work feel worth it."

Read more: 7 most important crew members to meet on your cruise ship

Remembering the crew member's name

SolAreiaLivros emphasizes how much a simple acknowledgment, like remembering a crew member's name, can mean: "...a guest remembering us and calling us by our names makes us feel seen and appreciated."

"As you all well know, we work onboard without [days off] and days can be really long. You have no idea how a simple thank you can make a crew’s day."

For example, when you see your cabin steward in the hall, address them by their name and ask how they're doing. Similarly, you can greet your Main Dining Room staff each evening by their names.

Collecting cruise ducks

What started as a quirky activity for those who wanted to share their love of cruising has grown into a worldwide craze, with Facebook groups and online forums dedicated to duck hunting on cruise ships. 

However, passengers aren't the only ones who love collecting ducks! "[Crew members who] have little kids back home LOVE collecting ducks," says SolAreiaLivros, "My cousin whose dad also works for Royal [Caribbean] grew up looking forward to receiving new duckies from her dad after every contract."

That said, SolAreiaLivros added that she knew a fellow crew member who was fired because of collecting ducks. If you're cruising and a crew member mentions they have young children at home, consider giving one directly to them. 

Read more: Why some people hate hiding ducks on a cruise ship fad

Be careful with larger gifts

While on the topic of giving gifts to crew members, be aware of things that could get them in trouble, like alcohol and items purchased from the shops onboard. 

"[We cannot] bring home any item from the shops unless we have the receipt," explains SolAreiaLivros, "[If you want to gift something from the store,] find the manager of that department and let them know that you're going to give this certain gift to (insert name of [the] crew [member])."

They add it's best to be done in an area where CCTV is available. However, note that some crew members may reject gifts if they're afraid they'll get in trouble over it. 

Read more: 7 things you should never buy on a cruise ship

The best gift SolAreiaLivros received was a picture of themself and a few guests while working in 150 Central Park, a specialty restaurant on Oasis Class ships. 

"I did not expect [for them to] buy it and gift it to me. It was in that nice 150 [C]entral [P]ark folder with a keychain inside and a note from them wishing me blessed years ahead in my career." In fact, they say they got a promotion two sailings after receiving that present! 

Another gift idea from SolAreiaLivros is laundry detergent. Crew members must buy their own in the crew grocery or in port, so gifting it helps save them money. 

Royal Caribbean gratuities 

Royal Caribbean automatically charges each guest's SeaPass account a gratuity fee each day of the cruise to recognize the service provided by crew members including cabin stewards, head waiters, waiters, and assistant waiters. 

As of November 1, 2024, the daily gratuity amount is $18.50 per guest, per day for guests in standard staterooms (i.e., inside, ocean-view, and balcony cabins, as well as Junior Suites). 

Guests in Grand Suites and above will pay $21.00 per person, per day in gratuities. The daily gratuity amount is the same for all passengers, regardless of age. This means a family of four staying in a balcony stateroom will pay $518 in gratuities during a weeklong cruise, while the same family in a suite can expect to pay $588 for a 7-night cruise. 

Gratuities, or tips, aren't included in Royal Caribbean's base fare. Some passengers prefer to prepay them in advance, as it helps them appropriately budget for their vacation. Plus, guests who prepay their gratuities don't have to worry about increases, as they're grandfathered into the lower rate. 

These automatic gratuities are controversial because they can feel impersonal or mandatory to some passengers, taking away the choice of rewarding exceptional service.

SolAreiaLivros concluded their post by saying they aren't well versed about gratuities, asking respondents to refrain from asking questions about them to avoid misinforming people.

Read more: Gratuities on Royal Caribbean: How tipping works

Within the past three months, I've sailed on two of Royal Caribbean and Disney’s oldest ships: Vision of the Seas and Disney Magic. Though both ships launched in 1998 just months apart, they couldn’t be more different. From the onboard amenities to the cabin experience, one is undeniably better than the other—at least in terms of modern-day appeal.

Royal Caribbean and Disney are two of the leading family-friendly cruise lines in the industry. While Royal’s fleet is larger, there’s something special about embarking on a ship with classic Disney characters like Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy.

Both brands cater to families, but Disney goes above and beyond in creating immersive, magic-filled experiences for guests of all ages. Being in my mid-20s and childless, I was worried that I might feel out of place and overwhelmed by the younger kids onboard. 

However, I was immediately brought back to my childhood within seconds of stepping on the ship. In fact, Disney Magic was the first-ever ship I sailed on in 2005! 

Still, I loved my time onboard Vision of the Seas. Having primarily sailed on Royal Caribbean's larger ships, I wondered if I'd enjoy the more intimate experience that Vision offered. And to my surprise, I did! The Main Dining Room's food was delicious, and I grew fond of the spacious, enclosed Solarium. 

However, Vision caters to guests seeking a quieter, more traditional cruising experience. While there are still activities and entertainment for families, Disney Magic takes the cake when it comes to family-centric experiences. 

I stayed in interior cabins on both cruises, the cheapest stateroom available. These no-frill accommodations had basic cruise ship cabin amenities, including an ensuite bathroom, television, vanity area, and closet. 

The price of my 5-night sailing on Vision of the Seas in September 2024 was $1,396.76, while my fiancée and I paid $1,585.78 for our 3-night cruise aboard Disney Magic to the cruise line's new private destination in The Bahamas: Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. 

On Vision, the price felt like a good value for what we received. Though older, the amenities, activities, dining, and service were solid. However, my experience onboard Disney Magic justified the higher price. 

While the cruise was shorter, we felt like we got more out of every moment, whether waiting in line to meet a character or attending a Broadway-style musical in the Walt Disney Theater. Plus, visiting the relatively new Lookout Cay was a standout. 

Here's my comparison of the cheapest cabins on two of Royal Caribbean and Disney's oldest ships.

Read more: 8 cruise ship cabin rules to follow — Plus 1 to break

Price

The difference between the fare of both cruises, including gratuities and port fees, was just $189.02, or $94.51 per person. 

This wasn't too shocking, as Disney Cruise Line is known for some of the highest fares in the industry, even on its oldest vessels. Additionally, with Lookout Cay welcoming its first guests in June, I knew we'd be paying a premium to visit the private destination within its first few months of operation. 

However, Disney's base fare is slightly more inclusive than Royal Caribbean's. For example, soda is included with meals in the main dining rooms, as well as at several beverage stations throughout the ship. 

Moreover, in addition to utilizing Disney's Wi-Fi to connect to the app for free, you can stay connected with friends and family back home through iMessage and WhatsApp for no extra charge. 

Read more: I spent 5 nights onboard one of Royal Caribbean’s oldest cruise ships. I liked the amenities but didn't enjoy the inconsistent buffet

Cabin overview

Inside cabins are typically cozy, so I wasn't taken aback by the snugness of my stateroom on Vision of the Seas. Measuring just 132 square feet, cabin 3543 was compact but functional. It also felt more spacious than it was, probably because we separated the beds to create a small walkway in the middle of the stateroom. 

In comparison, my stateroom on Disney Magic, 5633, measured around 185 square feet. No inch of the cabin was wasted either, from the plush couch that could be converted into an additional bed to the shower-tub combination in the bathroom. 

Both cabins are over 25 years old, so it wasn't surprising to find signs of wear and tear, particularly in the bathroom. However, my stateroom on Disney Magic felt newer, or at least more refreshed. 

To start, there were far more outlets than I anticipated. The vanity area alone had eight outlets, including two USB ports, five standard American plugs, and one European outlet. 

That wasn't all, either! There were three additional American outlets beside the bed, making it easy to charge our phones at night. Because of all the charging options, my European adapters went unused, unlike my experience on Vision of the Seas. 

The 26-year-old Royal Caribbean ship had just four outlets in the entire stateroom, all near the vanity. Plus, only two were American, so if you didn't bring European adapters, you'd be limited to just two outlets for the voyage. 

When I sailed on Vision, I used my portable charger at night to keep my phone near the bed. Otherwise, I would have had to leave my phone on the vanity. While minor, having bedside outlets made Disney Magic seem newer, even though she's the same age as Vision of the Seas. 

Storage

The nightstands in my interior cabin on Vision had more storage, whereas the nightstands in my Disney stateroom had just one drawer each. 

Still, neither cabin skimped on providing enough space for clothing, shoes, toiletries, and other miscellaneous items. The closet space on both ships was comparable, and plenty of cabinets were located throughout helping to keep our belongings concealed. 

Read more: The 1-item upgrade for a better cruise ship cabin experience

Royal Caribbean definitely provided more bathroom storage, but I appreciated the size of Disney's shower-tub combo, though it still had a clingy shower curtain. 

With just one hook on the bathroom door, I was glad I brought my hanging toiletries organizer, which helped keep all my products within reach while getting ready. 

Bathroom

Speaking of the bathroom, both had their strengths and weaknesses. As mentioned, Disney Magic's lacked storage, whereas my bathroom on Vision had built-in shelving next to the sink. 

However, the tub-shower combo on Disney was far superior to the tiny capsule shower on Vision of the Seas which was more functional than comfortable. And while cruise ship bathrooms aren't known for being luxurious (unless in a top-tier suite), the bathroom on Disney Magic felt more spacious and well-designed. 

In addition to the tub-shower situation, Disney provided better toiletries, including liquid (yes, liquid!) hand soap. There was also body lotion and separate body wash, shampoo, and conditioner. It felt so nice to have actual body wash instead of the shampoo-body wash hybrid that's standard on Royal ships. 

Though the upgrades on Disney Magic, including the liquid hand soap and tub-shower combination, were a nice touch, my bathroom on Vision of the Seas wasn't far behind in terms of cleanliness and functionality. It was evident Disney and Royal Caribbean put a lot of thought into the practicalities of their bathrooms. 

Location

I loved my location on Disney Magic and Vision of the Seas! While sailing to Bermuda with Royal Caribbean, my inside stateroom was in the front of the ship on Deck 4, making it easy to access many popular amenities like Cafe Latte-tudes, the Main Dining Room, Masquerade Theater, and Casino on Decks 4, 5, and 6. 

Though my interior cabin on Disney Magic was located towards the back of the vessel on Deck 5, it was also in a prime location. Families with younger children would especially love it since it was on the same deck as the youth clubs, including Disney's Oceaneer Club, Oceaneer Lab, and "it's a small world" nursery. 

Not only that, but it was a short walk to the atrium, Buena Vista Theater, Animator's Palate, Lumiere's, and D Lounge. With only three nights onboard, I appreciated how fast I learned my way around the ship. I was feeling like a Disney pro on night one! 

Final thoughts

Inside staterooms aren't for everyone. Growing up, my family only sailed in balconies; however, as I've begun to fund my cruising addition, I've learned that inside cabins have their own advantages, despite lacking natural light and ocean views. 

Cruisers who love to stretch their vacation budget as far as possible will love the value of interior rooms. They come with the same standard amenities as ocean-view and balcony cabins. Plus, you can enjoy the same onboard amenities, from multi-course meals in the Main Dining Room to production shows, youth programming, and more. 

While I had pleasant experiences in my staterooms on Vision of the Seas and Disney Magic, the upgraded features, from the multitude of outlets to the spacious shower, made the cabin on my Disney cruise stand out the most. 

However, because of Disney's price point, I'd argue Vision offers better overall value. Combined with my Diamond Crown & Anchor benefits, sailing with Royal, even on an older ship, is a great way to travel without breaking the bank. 

For cruisers seeking a no-frills vacation with good dining, quality entertainment, and friendly crew, you can't go wrong with an interior stateroom on Vision of the Seas. At the end of the day, though, I prefered Disney Magic's inside cabin over Vision's. 

Voyager of the Seas rescued 4 adults, 2 children, and a black lab off a disabled sailboat drifting off the coast of Marrakesh, Morocco. 

According to a passenger, Voyager's crew couldn't repair the inoperable boat, so they brought the stranded passengers onboard. Other social media reports claim the sailboat had lost its masts and had engine troubles. The 137,276 gross registered ton vessel is en route to Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, where they're expected to arrive tomorrow morning. 

The Voyager Class ship is on a 16-night transatlantic cruise from Barcelona, Spain, to Port Canaveral, Florida. The cruise hasn't been without its challenges, though. 

The original itinerary included seven scheduled ports of call: Palma de Mallorca, Valencia, Cartagena, Malaga, Funchal, Gran Canaria, and Santa Cruz de Tenerife City. However, Valencia was canceled before sailing due to the catastrophic flooding that devastated the region earlier this month. 

Then, Malaga was battered by severe thunderstorms and torrential rain ahead of Voyager's visit, resulting in another canceled port. Most recently, the 4,000-passenger ship couldn't call at Madeira, Funchal, Portugal, due to rocky seas. Instead, guests were told they'd stay overnight in Gran Canaria on Saturday, departing for Tenerife on Sunday afternoon. 

After successfully rescuing the stranded passengers, Voyager of the Seas resumed sailing at 17 knots and is heading toward its next port of call. 

Photos shared by Karen Fraser show the rescued sailors huddled together on the lifeboat, with a black lab sporting a pink lifejacket. The crew's professionalism and training helped ensure a safe transfer of passengers from the sailboat to the lifeboat before returning to Voyager. 

Neither Royal Caribbean nor the local authorities have released a statement providing information about the rescued individuals.

It's not uncommon for cruise ships to rescue stranded passengers in distress

Earlier this year, Odyssey of the Seas rescued 77 migrants off the coast of Greece while on a 7-night Greek Isles cruise. The packed sailboat was first spotted by a Maltese-flagged cargo ship roughly 112 nautical miles (129 miles) southwest of Pylos. Afterward, Greece's search and rescue authority helped coordinate the rescue operation. 

One passenger documented the incident in a nearly ten-minute-long video, during which the crew can be seen telling the stranded migrants to pause boarding, presumably because the lifeboat had drifted. Once safely repositioned, the crew continued to help transfer passengers to the lifeboat. The overpacked sailboat had been filled with adults and even infant children.

Additionally, Oceania Insignia rescued 68 migrants from a drifting fishing boat off the Canary Islands in June. After being spotted by an oil tanker en route to Brazil from Spain, the Spanish authorities diverted Oceania Cruises' Insignia to assist with the rescue operation. 

Once onboard, an Oceania spokesperson confirmed the migrants received medical assistance and were provided food, drinks, and clothing. 

Voyager of the Seas will begin offering cruises to the Bahamas and Caribbean from Florida

After arriving in Port Canaveral, Voyager will call Florida home through May 2025, where she'll operate 4- and 5-night cruises to the Bahamas and Caribbean. 

The 1,020-foot-long vessel is slated to return to Europe following a 10-night transatlantic cruise beginning on May 16. Throughout 2025, Voyager will embark on a variety of exciting itineraries from ports like Civitavecchia, Athens, Ravenna, and Barcelona. 

However, she won't return to the United States following the conclusion of the 2025 European season. Instead, Voyager of the Seas will head to Australia, making it a sought-after option for those looking to explore the beauty of the Pacific without sailing on a Quantum Class ship. 

Passengers onboard Royal Caribbean's Odyssey of the Seas were told to brace for strong swells as the ship encountered increasingly rough seas during its transatlantic voyage.

The Captain of the 169,300 gross registered ton ship told guests they were going to change directions because of a powerful storm front, which brought 6-7 meter waves and 50-knot winds. He advised passengers to remain seated, as the ship would be changing course and there was a possibility it could list. 

Videos taken from the 14-night transatlantic cruise show powerful waves crashing over the windows of the ship’s lower decks. 

Photo stills from Deborah Sahli

Other images reveal that the Crown & Pub Compass, one of the ship’s popular gathering spots for live music, had suffered significant damage, with alcohol bottles and broken glassware shattered across the floor. 

CruiseMapper shows Odyssey of the Seas' navigational path, including an obvious course diversion resulting from the sudden storm. 

Guests onboard took to Facebook to share their experiences. 

"There's no way we could've avoid[ed] this storm, it's just too big," wrote Michael Ducharme. 

David Naputi added, "You can definitely feel the movement. I’m not the best gauge, but at its worst maybe around a 20-30 degree tilt? (Imagine walking up a [20-degree] slope sideways and then it reverses - [that's] pretty much the intermittent worst of the rocking)." 

Overall, the vibe remains positive, with passengers spending the day indoors gambling or grabbing a drink at Playmakers, indicating the incident wasn't as scary as it might have seemed at first.

"Perfect day for eating and napping! No complaints from me," said Ja Narke.

Still, some guests aren't enjoying the excessive motion, highlighting the importance of coming prepared with seasickness remedies, including over-the-counter medication like Bonine/Dramamine or acupressure bands.

Second transatlantic cruise to be hit with adverse weather

Last week, a powerful squall struck Explorer of the Seas en route to Miami, Florida, injuring several passengers onboard.

The vessel was roughly 750 miles off the coast of Morocco during the incident. Ron Warren, a guest onboard, shared that the ship listed severely for "somewhere between 5 and 10 minutes." Afterward, Explorer was left in shambles, with furniture overturned and glass and merchandise scattered across the floors. 

Guests were ordered to remain in their stateroom while crew accounted for all guests. Medical announcements were also made for passengers who were injured during the list.

The squall delayed Explorer's return to Florida. Due to a medical emergency, the ship was diverted to the Canary Islands, where it also refueled. The vessel is now expected to arrive in Miami on Nov. 17, rather than the 14th as scheduled. 

Odyssey departed from Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, on Nov. 3

The Quantum-Ultra Class ship is slated to arrive in New Jersey on Nov. 17 to begin a seasonal stint offering cruises to Florida and The Bahamas. 

This transatlantic repositioning voyage comes as the ship transitions following the conclusion of the European ship's deployment. Odyssey will return to Europe in May, sailing from Civitavecchia to Italy, Greece, and Turkey.

With a packed itinerary, the ship is set to continue providing guests with signature experiences, such as the RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator, SeaPlex multi-purpose venue, FlowRider surf simulator, and North Star observation capsule, while sailing to stunning European destinations. 

No two cruises are the same. Even if you are sailing on a similar ship, such as Royal Caribbean's Navigator and Mariner of the Seas, factors like the crew, itinerary, and weather conditions all foster new experiences. 

Within the past year, Jenny Reineck embarked on two solo cruises aboard Mariner and Enchantment of the Seas. Her sailing on Mariner departed from Port Canaveral, Florida, and called at Perfect Day at CocoCay and Cozumel, Mexico, whereas her cruise on Enchantment sailed from Tampa to the Western Caribbean. 

"I had a great time on both of the cruises, but there were some similarities and some differences," Reineck says. 

Similarities

Great service

She begins by talking about the service. From the servers in the Main Dining Room to her cabin steward and the bartenders, "...the crew on [Royal Caribbean was] fantastic, and they [went] above and beyond to make [my] cruise vacation fun."

Those aren't the only crew you'll meet while onboard. Everyone from the Cruise Director to the Casino Host, Loyalty Ambassador, and the Youth Program Director plays a vital role in shaping your cruise experience. 

Speaking of Cruise Directors, "...the passion, excitement, and energy brought by the Cruise Director on both ships was phenomenal." They are often considered the "face of the ship," helping to coordinate onboard events and activities that keep passengers entertained throughout their sailing.

Read more: 7 most important crew members to meet on your cruise ship

Complimentary pizza

Whether you're grabbing pizza from Cafe Promenade, Park Cafe, or Sorrento's, indulging in at least one slice of included pizza is a rite of passage on Royal Caribbean cruises. 

When sailing on Mariner, Reineck ventured to Cafe Promenade for pizza, while on Enchantment, she found herself at the Park Cafe in the Solarium. 

"Regardless of where I got it, the pizza tasted the same and was delicious! In fact, the quality of the food in general was very similar across both ships," she remarks. 

Read more: Sorrento's pizza on Royal Caribbean cruise ships

Main Dining Room

Reineck explains how the service, menu options, and food quality were similar in the Main Dining Rooms on Mariner and Enchantment. 

In early 2023, Royal Caribbean introduced new dining room menus to speed up the dinner service. Each night focuses on a certain cuisine, from Italian to Mexican and British. While the rotation of the menus may vary based on the length of your cruise (i.e., a 4-night cruise won't have as many options as longer sailings), the standardized dining experience ensures that guests can expect consistent quality and service no matter which ship they’re on.

That said, Reineck says the main difference between the Main Dining Rooms was her seat: "In both cases, they sat me at a two-person table by myself, but that is where the similarities ended."

"On Mariner, my table was against a wall at the end of a row of tables. It felt more private, but I didn't have a great view. On Enchantment, my table was sandwiched between a bunch of other two-person tables, but I could sit facing the window. While it felt less private, the view was much better," she adds. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean Menus 2024

Onboard activities

The onboard activities and entertainment often drive passengers to book a Royal Caribbean cruise compared to competing lines. While older ships lack Broadway-style musicals, the essence of the daily schedule is the same.

"Whether it was trivia in Schooner Bar, a theater show, or the infamous Crazy Quest, ...I noticed that many of the onboard activities that I had enjoyed on Mariner were also going to be happening on Enchantment," she says. 

"This was great because I already knew which activities I wanted to [attend], including the belly flop contest, the world's sexiest man contest, and other fun activities throughout the ship." 

Read more: What's included in a Royal Caribbean cruise?

Stateroom

Whether you want to save money and book the cheapest interior cabin or are in the mood to splurge on a lavish suite, cruise ships have staterooms to meet various needs and preferences. 

On both Mariner and Enchantment, Reineck booked an interior cabin. However, her room on Mariner was different in that it overlooked the Royal Promenade. There was no window, even an interior-facing one, on Enchantment.

"Other than that, the rooms were very similar in size, storage space, bathroom, etc.," Reineck explains. 

"As a solo traveler in a double occupancy room, an inside cabin [had] more than enough space for all of my things, and in both cabins, there were at least two other places to sit down other than the bed." 

Read more: Royal Caribbean cabin guide

Differences

Ship layout

Enchantment of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean's oldest ships in service. Part of the Vision Class, she debuted in 1997. Not only is she one of the oldest ships in the fleet, but she's also one of the smallest, measuring just shy of 83,000 gross registered tons. In comparison, Icon of the Seas is over 245,000! 

Mariner of the Seas is a little newer, having launched in 2003. As such, she's part of the line's Voyager Class, which was the first to feature the Royal Promenade, a thoroughfare filled with shops, bars, and restaurants. 

Since both vessels belong to different classes, their layouts are different. Different doesn't equal bad or disappointing, though. 

"While I thought I might miss the Royal Promenade, I actually enjoyed some of the ship activities [more] on Enchantment due to the layout of the Centrum," Reineck says. 

"Particularly for things like the balloon drop and the Parade of Nations, the Centrum gives off a 'round the campfire' vibe where we [could] all gather and celebrate together, whereas the Royal Promenade [felt] more like we were all in a long hallway looking at a stage."

She adds that she also enjoyed watching sail away from Mariner's helipad, which was absent on Enchantment. 

Read more: After 12 sailings on Mariner of the Seas, I’m convinced this ship offers the best value Royal Caribbean has to offer

Ship amenities

Since Mariner is larger and part of a newer class, she features more onboard amenities compared to Enchantment, including water slides, a FlowRider surf simulator, an ice skating rink, and an escape room. 

Not only that but Mariner also had a working television screen on the pool deck, which played holiday movies during Reineck's December 2023 sailing. 

"Unfortunately, while I was on Enchamtnent [in April 2024] the big screen on the pool deck was not working, and I missed out on pool deck movies." 

Dining options

While on Mariner, Reineck decided to try Royal Caribbean's Izumi Hibachi. In addition to the interactive Teppanyaki meal, she found that Mariner had more options, such as the hot dog stand on the pool deck. She said she'd have to brave the crowds at Windjammer if she wanted a quick bite to eat on a sea day while on Enchantment. 

However, both ships had a specialty coffee shop where she could fuel up with a cold brew each morning: "...On Mariner, I headed down to Cafe Promenade...whereas on Enchantment, I got it from Cafe Latte-tudes."

"Both cafes had the same food options though, with small items such as ham and cheese sandwiches, chocolate donuts, and cookies." 

Read more: One food item you need to order from each restaurant onboard Enchantment of the Seas

Itinerary and port schedule

With one ship departing from Port Canaveral and the other from Tampa, both had different itineraries. While both visited Cozumel, her sailing on Enchantment also took her to Roatán, Honduras; Belize City, Belize; and Costa Maya, Mexico. In addition to Cozumel, her cruise on Mariner from Port Canaveral only visited one other port of call: Perfect Day at CocoCay.

On Mariner, her schedule included a sea day followed by a port day, another sea day, and another port day. In contrast, her itinerary on Enchantment had a sea day followed by four consecutive port days, then another sea day.

"While I loved all of the ports that we stopped at on Enchantment, four port days in a row can be pretty exhausting, especially when you've been out [on] an all-day excursion," explains Reineck. 

"I enjoyed the schedule I had on Mariner better because the sea days gave me time to recover from my excursions."

Weather

"This may seem obvious, but the weather in December is different than the weather in April," Reineck says, "In fact, on my December cruise on Mariner, my excursion in Cozumel ended up getting canceled because it was too windy, and while I enjoyed my day at CocoCay, there were many moments where I was quite cold."

In comparison, when traveling on Enchantment in April, Reineck expresses how each port was hot and humid. That said, the sun was shining, and she didn't have any excursions canceled due to inclement weather. 

Reineck's experience on Mariner in December proves that cruise ships can be impacted by weather throughout the year, not just during hurricane season. Though her port stop wasn't canceled, the weather conditions shaped her experience. 

Read more: What experienced cruisers do differently during hurricane season

Guests attending a Halloween party in the Royal Promenade onboard Symphony of the Seas had the festivities abruptly halted when the automatic sprinkles began going off. 

A fog machine in the Royal Promenade set the sprinkles off, sending guests to seek shelter near the shore excursion tablets adjacent to the Bionic Bar. 

TikTok user nickfromsubway44 documented the experience on his social media account, stating that it was crazy to walk indoors and see the sprinklers going off. 

Instead of seeing people gathered at the Rising Tide Bar or dancing, the scene resembled a torrential downpour, with cascades of water creating a haze that made it impossible to see to the other side of the Promenade. 

Nick posted another video saying the ship was "lowkey bouta sink." Guests dressed in costume can be seen observing the unexpected rain shower. 

Royal Caribbean crew members are also seen presumably taking down a photo spot, trying to keep the equipment out of harm's way. 

"[T]his happened at 10:30pm. By 6am the promenade was back in working order with a few fans left facing carpets. They did amazing [at] cleaning it up," wrote Amy Marie in a Symphony of the Seas Facebook group. 

Read more: Top 10 Symphony of the Seas hidden secrets

Fog machines are popular during Halloween

Halloween is the spookiest holiday of the year, and special effects—like fog—can transform an everyday space into a haunted scene, making it more immersive for party-goers. 

According to theatrefx.com, fog machines can set off smoke alarms: "Because many venues use smoke detectors that measure the density of particles in the air, fog effects (especially dense fog effects) can 'fool' the detectors and trigger a fire alarm." 

In other words, ionization-type smoke detectors can be set off as they sense fog particles like smoke. Hazers are less likely to set off smoke alarms because of the smaller size of their particles, lightsounds.com.au writes. 

Read more: What Halloween is like on the world's largest cruise ship

Symphony of the Seas was on its last sailing from Cape Liberty for the season

The 228,081 gross registered ton vessel departed New Jersey on Oct. 27 on a 7-night cruise to The Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay. In addition to CocoCay, the ship called at Port Canaveral, Florida, and Nassau, Bahamas. 

Symphony will be homeported in Miami throughout April 2025. The 6,680-passenger vessel will sail on 7-night cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean before returning to Cape Liberty and kicking off her summer stint with a 9-night Eastern Caribbean cruise on April 30 to Haiti, Puerto Rico, and St. Maarten. 

"Sprinkler of the Seas"

Nick's videos are flooded (pun intended) with comments about the unusual situation. user2311376559104 wrote, "Sprinkler of the Seas," with Lola adding, "The new bar experience [is the] aqua lounge." Thatguy said, "Normally you have to pay more for the indoor waterpark [but] y'all got it for free 😂."

Rottiedad44 commented about a similar situation on Wonder of the Seas a few weeks ago: "...some similar happened to the right wing of the Windjammer grill station...not that extreme though. Washy, washy!"

Another user added they were on the sailing at the same time and heard from some cruisers that the whole buffet was filled with smoke, while others said there was barely any smoke at all. 

"I was sitting on that side at a roundtable overlooking the park. It wasn't much smoke. I was told that the vent fans malfunctioned and triggered sprinklers," replied Rottiedad44. 

The comment section also sparked a debate about Carnival vs. Royal Caribbean. Kell Kellz instigated the conversation by saying, "Carnival would have kept the party goinggggg." 

One TikTok user joked that a similar situation wouldn't happen on Carnival because they don't have working sprinklers, with another snapping back and claiming the line is "more popular" than Royal Caribbean.

Passengers onboard Odyssey of the Seas' transatlantic cruise from Italy to Cape Liberty were informed they'd no longer be visiting Valencia, Spain. 

Deadly flash floods caused by heavy downpours in eastern Spain have resulted in at least 205 fatalities, according to the Associated Press. It's the country's deadliest storm in living memory and has been classified as a level two crisis on a scale of three. 

Spain's meteorological agency said a year's worth of rain fell on the region in less than 8 hours. The catastrophic flooding happened with little to no warning, trapping residents in their homes and vehicles. 

By the time an emergency alert was sent out around 8:00pm, many were already overwhelmed by the rising waters. As the water came rushing down the rivers and tributaries toward the Mediterranean Sea, bridges were destroyed, and cars were swept away. 

Valencia's president, Carlos Mazón, has deployed over 500 soldiers, joining the 1,200 from the Military Emergency Unit. An additional 500 soldiers will arrive on Saturday to help rescue victims, clear debris, and provide food and water. 

While the waters have receded, it will take Spain months to recover from the destruction. Many are still without power or running water. CNN reported that Valencia's highways are blocked or only partially useable. Additionally, the train tracks are so badly damaged that rail services will be unavailable for weeks. 

Royal Caribbean emailed booked passengers and travel agents on Friday, Nov. 1, saying flash flooding has made it difficult to navigate the area. 

"We're terribly sorry for the last-minute change - the safety and well-being of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit are always our top priority," the notice reads. 

Instead of calling at Valencia, Odyssey of the Seas will visit Palma de Mallorca, Spain, on Wednesday, Nov. 6 before resuming its original itinerary, including stops in Cartagena and Malaga, Spain, and Madeira (Funchal), Portugal, followed by six days at sea en route to New Jersey. 

"The Spanish island of Mallorca is waiting for you, with its towering mountains and dramatic cliffs rising over clear, blue water. Its hidden gem is Palma de Mallorca, the island's capital, and largest city, where you'll find quaint historic streets, Gothic castles, and gastronomic delights," the email continues. 

"If you're feeling adventurous, journey through Palma de Mallorca's Drach Caves, home to the largest underground lake in the world. Or hike through the city's historic 15th century royal path to the town of Banyalbufar."

Guests with shore excursions booked in Valencia will receive a refund in the form of an onboard credit on their SeaPass accounts, and they can be used anywhere onboard—from the Bionic Bar to one of Odyssey's specialty restaurants or another tour in Palma de Mallorca.  

Any remaining credits not used during the sailing will be refunded to the card on file up to 14 business days after disembarkation. 

The next Royal Caribbean ship scheduled to call at Valencia is Voyager of the Seas on Nov. 12, followed by Adventure of the Seas on the 25th. After that, Valencia won't see another Royal Caribbean ship until next year, when Brilliance of the Seas visits in April, marking the beginning of the cruise line's European season. 

Read more: I stayed in a windowless cabin onboard Odyssey of the Seas that cost $2,300

Odyssey of the Seas is repositioning to New Jersey

After she arrives in mid-November, the 1,138-foot-long ship will make regular voyages to Florida and The Bahamas. She'll also embark on a few longer sailings to the Southern Caribbean in January. 

Odyssey will return to Europe in May 2025, following a 14-night transatlantic cruise to Italy. The vessel will remain homeported in Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, through October 2025, offering sailings to the Greek Isles. 

As a Quantum Class ship, Odyssey features innovative design and advanced technology, ranging from the SeaPlex, a multi-purpose indoor venue that hosts activities such as bumper cars and roller skating, to the North Star, a glass observation capsule that takes passengers high above the ship for views of the surrounding ocean and ports of call.