Growing up, I primarily cruised on Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships. However, within the past year, I've started branching out to explore what makes their older vessels appealing. 

After spending 5 nights onboard Vision of the Seas, I discovered a level of intimacy that the larger ships lack. Still, not everything about this 20+ year-old ship was perfect. 

While I appreciated the overall atmosphere, some areas showed the ship's true age, such as the cabin's bathroom, which I found to be dated compared to the sleek, modern design of newer vessels. Plus, the entertainment options were more limited. I missed the Broadway-style shows and the AquaTheater's high-diving spectacles. 

That said, the charm of Vision of the Seas captivated me. It was reminiscent of a different era of cruising, where the focus was connecting with the sea and fellow passengers, rather than flashy attractions. Royal Caribbean ships didn't always have FlowRider surf simulators, water slides, and ice skating rinks onboard! 

Ease of embarking from Baltimore

Many cruisers—including myself—limit their searches to popular ports like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, Galveston, Seattle, and Cape Liberty. However, Royal Caribbean also deploys ships from smaller ports, such as Tampa and Baltimore. 

Though smaller, sailing from Baltimore is convenient for those who live in the DMV area, with the Maryland Cruise Terminal just 40 miles from the heart of Washington D.C. The Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport is also only 10 miles away, so it's easy to access if you're flying in. 

Earlier this year, I had a horrible experience embarking on Carnival Elation in Jacksonville, Florida. I was worried I'd have a similar experience in Maryland, with both ports being outdated compared to newer terminals in South Florida and even Galveston. 

Thankfully, the Maryland Cruise Terminal was efficient, clean, and well-organized. After clearing security, the port agents checked our travel documentation, and we were onboard Vision of the Seas in less than twenty minutes, akin to the time it has taken to board larger ships in modern facilities. 

We found disembarkation to be just as easy. Our assigned group was scheduled to be called off around 9:00am; however, the process went faster than expected, with all groups receiving clearance at 8:45am as we finished breakfast in the Main Dining Room.  

Once off, locating our suitcases was easy, and I was impressed with the terminal's rideshare pick-up area. Instead of pulling up to the sidewalk, all cars were instructed to pull into a parking spot, effectively reducing congestion and helping keep the area organized. 

Read more: 30 cruise ship embarkation do's and don'ts

Impressive main and specialty dining

Compared to recent sailings on Quantum and Freedom of the Seas, Vision's main and specialty dining experience didn't leave much to be desired. Izumi, in particular, was a standout. 

Everything was drool-worthy, from the edamame to the creamy firecracker shrimp rolls, savory miso ramen, and tender champagne lobster roll. In my opinion, it was worth the $40 per person upcharge (note the price includes the pre-cruise Cruise Planner sale and gratuity). 

Aside from one meal in Hamilton, Bermuda, the remaining nights were spent in the Main Dining Room. Prior to the cruise, I advised my friend not to expect anything mindblowing. While I've found included cruise food satisfactory, it's rarely exceptional. 

To my surprise, a few dishes in the MDR were that good, such as the French Onion Soup, Rustic Chicken Korma, Crispy Coconut Jumbo Shrimp, and Tirasmu. 

Though Vision doesn't have as many venues as larger ships in the fleet, what it lacks in quantity, it makes up for in quality! 

Read more: I spent 5 days eating on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. Here’s everything I ate, including some dishes I’d skip

Activities and amenities 

Vision of the Seas might not have some of the WOW factors that have come to define the Royal Caribbean brand (i.e., the Perfect Storm water slides, FlowRider surf simulator, AquaTheater, zip line, and more), but you won't be bored during your cruise. 

On embarkation day, we decided to attend the silent disco in the Centrum. It was a lively activity that was more popular than I thought! After dancing the night away, we worked up an appetite and headed to the Park Cafe in the Solarium for some pizza. 

While the next day was more relaxing, I loved the enclosed Solarium. It proved to be the perfect retreat, as most of our cruise was plagued with poor weather. 

Additionally, it was steps away from the complimentary sauna and steam room in the Vitality Spa. This made it easy to switch from lounging in the peaceful Solarium to relaxing in the sauna and letting the heat work its magic whenever we wanted. 

Whether we wanted to attend a trivia session, watch a production show, listen to live music at the Schooner Bar, try our luck at Bingo, climb the rock wall, or participate in The Crazy Quest, there was always something to keep us entertained.

Read more: All about Vision Class cruise ships

Basic cabin

My inside stateroom on Vision was like a time capsule. 

The soft lighting and furnishings were simple yet inviting, and I appreciated the functional layout with plenty of storage, a small seating area, and dual nightstands with extra drawers. 

That said, the most disappointing aspect of my cabin was the clingy shower curtain. No matter how hard I tried, it always seemed drawn to my skin, making showering a bit challenging. Because of this, more water would escape from the shower than I'd like. 

Read more: I sailed in tiny interior cabins on old Carnival and Royal Caribbean ships. I'd only book one again

I also wish Royal Caribbean would update its older cabins to feature more charging options. When I cruised on Carnival Elation, a ship roughly the same age as Vision, I was surprised to find multiple outlets, including USB ports beside the bed. 

Thankfully, I came prepared with European power adapters, so we could use all four outlets (two American and two European) at the vanity. I'd also recommend bringing a portable charger if you want to charge your phone in bed, as there aren't any outlets near the bedside. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean banned outlet extenders on its cruise ships. Its change started a debate about what's allowed

Inconsistent buffet

My least favorite thing about Vision of the Seas was the buffet, particularly during breakfast. I enjoy a simple breakfast, typically eggs for protein, fruit, and a hashbrown patty, and throughout my 5 days onboard, the quality of the Windjammer's breakfast varied greatly. 

On the first full morning, my eggs were cold—though I liked the small avocado toast. The eggs were again cold the following day, but the hash brown patty was perfectly crispy. Things went really downhill from there.

Deciding to mix it up, I grabbed a hardboiled egg instead of scrambled eggs, but the heat lamp made the shell too hot to touch. By the time I finally removed the shell, I found the hardboiled egg to be overcooked, rubbery, and dry. 

Additionally, the hash brown wasn't as crispy as the day before. Instead, it was on the soggy side. After a few disappointing breakfasts in the Windjammer, we decided to carve out extra time each morning to eat in the Main Dining Room, where the quality of the food was consistently better. 

Read more: 11 things you should never do at a cruise ship buffet

Taking a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation is always fun but can be especially memorable over a holiday, such as Halloween. 

The largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, is currently celebrating her first Halloween in service! Royal Caribbean Blog reader Kate Hebner was kind enough to share photos of the ship's spooky decorations. 

The Royal Promenade is decked out with inflatables, ranging from larger-than-life aliens to an octopus with a trick-or-treat bucket. 

There's also a jack-o-lantern waving "hello" to passengers and a haunted tree, which is a popular hang-out spot for ghosts.

If you try to ride the inflatable dragon, you won't get very far! It's tempting on a ship so large, though. 

The dog in the Royal Promenade has been dressed as a ghost. Thankfully, the white sheet was cut so it won't interfere with its "business." 

Speaking of dogs, Rover is dressed like a pirate. She’s probably the nicest (and softest) pirate at sea! 

Spiderwebs lines the banister of the staircase leading up to Deck 6, with balloons in black and orange affixed to the railings overlooking the Promenade below. 

Hebner shares that the decorations were placed overnight, meaning they weren't there when guests embarked on the current 7-night Western Caribbean cruise to Mexico, Honduras, and Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

In addition to decorations, Royal Caribbean cruise ships tend to have Halloween-themed activities, such as costume contests, a parade, themed arts and crafts, and scavenger hunts. You may even meet passengers handing out candy to children to mimic trick-or-treating.

Today's Cruise Compass says Halloween events began as early as 9:00am with the Adult and Family Halloween Costume Contest Registrations. At 9:30am, there was a Halloween Wordsearch Puzzle in the Schooner Bar, followed by a Halloween Word Fill Challenge at 10:15am at Spotlight Karaoke. 

Other events on the schedule include Name that Tune: Halloween Hits, Adventure Ocean's Family Haunted House, Pumpkin Soccer Shootout, Family Trick or Treat at Splashaway Bay, Adult Haunted House: The Abandoned Manor of Dr. Gristle, Halloween Flash Mob "Thriller," Family Halloween Costume Contest Parade, Family Halloween Monster Bash Party, Adult Halloween Costume Parade and Bash Party, and Casino Royale's HalloWin Costume Contest. 

Crew members live and work onboard cruise ships, and while many of their cabins are quite small, there are a few bigger ones.

A video shared on TikTok shows what the largest crew cabins are like on Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas. 

Bryan James, an entertainer for Royal Caribbean, has worked on numerous ships in the fleet, including Wonder of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, and Quantum of the Seas. He also shares glimpses of his life as a crew member onboard Royal Caribbean vessels on various social media channels, from TikTok (819k followers) to Instagram (273k followers). 

Though he's currently on Utopia of the Seas, a video shared on his social media in May shows his cabin while working onboard Quantum during the ship's seasonal stint in Alaska. 

Unlike his living quarters while on Utopia, he shares five reasons he loves this massive cabin, from the private, full-sized bathroom to the porthole window. 

#5: Storage space

Cruise ship cabins aren't known for being the most spacious. Crew staterooms are even smaller than standard passenger cabins, meaning they have even less storage space despite living on the ship for months at a time. 

James has been working on Royal Caribbean ships for years and is used to small closets. While he admits it isn't an issue, he appreciated having more space on Quantum. 

"...[small closets are] fine because I don't have a lot of clothes, but just to know I've got the extra space...or [if] I have people come [to] visit me on the ship like my mom just did, it's great to have a place for them to put their clothes, too," he says. 

Read more: Ultimate Cruise Packing List

#4: Full-size bathroom

Sometimes, crew members have to share bathrooms during their contracts. While on Quantum, however, James had his own bathroom. Not only that but it was larger than others he's had in the past!

"You don't have to be in the shower and on the toilet at the same time," he remarks, "They are two separate entities." 

Above the sink, which is also in the bathroom unlike on Utopia of the Seas, there's a huge medicine cabinet with space for toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other toiletries. 

Noticeably missing from the bathroom is the standard glass shower door in passenger staterooms. Instead, crew members are given a shower curtain.

#3: Full-size desk

James compares his desk onboard Quantum to one on a previous contract. "...clearly a massive upgrade," he says. 

In his cabin, the desk takes up nearly one wall, giving him plenty of space to edit videos for his social media channels and unwind by playing video games. 

The desk in his old cruise ship cabin pulled out from the closet, and there wasn't enough floor space to keep the stool out full-time. Instead, he stored it when it wasn't in use to free up floor space. 

#2: Full-size bed

Could you imagine sleeping on a twin-sized bed for months at a time? Typically, that's how cruise ship crew members experience life at sea. In this case, James was surprised that he had a full-sized bed. 

Even better, it wasn't two twin-sized beds pushed together, which is the case in passenger cabins. Guests can elect to have them separated or keep them pushed together, depending on their preferences. 

"Normally, they take two mattresses [and] they squish them together...this is an actual real mattress," he explains. 

His cabin also had a pullman bed, ideal when guests stayed with him while onboard. 

#1: Porthole

Some cruisers refuse to pay extra for balcony cabins, whereas others can't imagine stepping foot on a ship without having access to a private verandah. Crew members don't get to decide whether they have an inside or ocean-view room. Most, however, stay in tiny cabins without any natural light for the duration of their contact. 

On Quantum, James was most pleased with his porthole, allowing him to catch glimpses of Alaska's natural beauty inside his stateroom. 

"Not only do I get sunshine during the day," he says, "but I can stick my phone up to the window and get cell service so I don't have to use the internet....This is the dream, guys." 

Read more: I always stay in an inside cabin on a cruise ship

Quantum of the Seas will return to Alaska in May 2025

Following her season in Australia and the South Pacific, Quantum of the Seas will return to Alaska in May, offering 7-night roundtrip cruises from Seattle, along with one 5-night sailing to Sitka and Victoria, British Columbia. 

The 168,666 gross registered ton vessel is the namesake ship of the Quantum Class, the first to feature innovations like a skydiving simulator, indoor SeaPlex used for roller skating and bumper cars, and the North Star Observation Capsule. 

During Quantum's Alaskan itineraries, guests can lounge on the top decks to take in the stunning views of glaciers and fjords and take advantage of numerous outdoor activities in port, including hiking, kayaking, and whale watching. 

Read more: I went on a 7-night cruise to Alaska

Royal Caribbean thinks its building a private destination with beaches, pools, and a water park will lure more Texas cruisers.

Right now, Royal Caribbean's private destinations are in The Bahamas and Eastern Caribbean. However, with the launch of Perfect Day Mexico in Costa Maya, those onboard sailings to the Western Caribbean will have an exciting new option. 

"Perfect Day Mexico is strategically located to deliver exceptional vacation experiences in both the Eastern and Western Caribbean and supports our ambition that every guest on the Royal Caribbean brand will have a 'Perfect Day' on their Caribbean itinerary," said Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO, during the company's Q4 earnings call on Oct. 29. 

"It also allows us to further grow the large and growing Gulf Coast area, including the Texas market, which...has a similar cruise consideration [to Florida] but only half the penetration," he added. 

In 2022, Royal Caribbean opened its brand-new terminal in Galveston, Texas. The $125 million terminal allows the cruise line to deploy Oasis Class ships to Texas, giving cruise enthusiasts access to some of the largest ships in the world without having to travel to South Florida. 

Though not part of Royal Caribbean's released deployment schedules, Terminal 3 can also accommodate Icon Class ships, should they choose to send them to Galveston in the future. 

Galveston is about an hour from Houston, 3.5 hours from Austin, and 4.5 hours from Dallas. Plus, it's also within driving distance of many cities in Louisiana, including Baton Rouge (4.5 hours) and Shreveport (5 hours). 

Expanding the short cruise market

That said, sending new ships to Texas is only part of the bigger picture. "...[H]aving assets like the Royal Beach Club in Cozumel [and] Royal Beach Mexico will allow us to drive...more of the Gulf Coast and other markets that can have an easier flight cruise experience and at a lower cost flight cruise experience," Liberty said. 

Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO, added that with Royal Beach Mexico and the Royal Beach Club in Mexico, the cruise line will be able to offer more shorter cruises from Gulf ports such as Tampa, Galveston, and New Orleans. 

"It really is a great opportunity for us, and we know that that short product really catches with the younger families. And of course, we'll be able to offer...an extraordinary short break from these ports to Perfect Day and Royal Beach Club Cozumel," Bayley remarked. 

This approach mirrors Royal Caribbean's shorter itineraries on Oasis Class ships departing from Florida. The line plans to dominate the short cruise market, especially following the launch of Utopia of the Seas, Royal's newest ship that entered service in July 2024 only offering 3- and 4-night cruises from Port Canaveral to The Bahamas. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean will move Wonder of the Seas to offer short cruises

What we know about the private destinations so far

Cozumel's Royal Beach Club was announced in March 2024. Like the Royal Beach Club planned for Paradise Island in The Bahamas, this club will be exclusively available to Royal Caribbean passengers, despite being in a port used by all cruise lines—from Carnival to MSC, Disney, Norwegian, etc. 

It'll open in 2026 and will be an optional extra-cost activity for passengers, meaning it won't be included in the cost of the cruise fare. Admission into the beach club will include access to swim-up bars, rentable poolside cabanas, snorkeling, kayaking, restaurants, and street markets. The price is currently unknown. 

On the other hand, as part of Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day Collection, Perfect Day Mexico will be more akin to CocoCay's private island experience, though it isn't a private island. 

Read more: I went to CocoCay for the first time, and here's what I'd do differently

Instead, following a major transformation of the port of Costa Maya, Perfect Day Mexico will be a private destination available to Royal Caribbean passengers. 

According to the cruise line, the total project will encompass 90 hectares, equivalent to roughly 220 acres or double the size of Perfect Day at CocoCay. That said, not all the land is developable. 

As such, Royal Caribbean is paying special attention to preserving environmentally protected areas, such as nearby mangroves. About 100 acres are in development under the current plan, while the rest will be set aside for conservation.

Once complete, Perfect Day Mexico will have beautiful beaches, an extra-charge beach club (similar to Coco Beach Club at CocoCay), at least one pool, a water park, an adults-only area, a helium balloon, and Mexican food!

Guests don't have to stay within the Perfect Day Mexico complex. There will also be a transportation center for passengers who'd rather book a tour to explore one of the nearby attractions. 

Read more: Sneak peek at what’s confirmed for Royal Caribbean’s enormous beach experience in Mexico

Royal Caribbean's Brilliance of the Seas was stuck in Progreso, Mexico, overnight due to technical issues. As a result, the ship's return to New Orleans, Louisiana, has been delayed. 

User cgbdpm shared the news to a Royal Caribbean Blog discussion forum on Oct. 24, saying, "Currently on [Brilliance] of the seas in Progresso, Mexico. We should have left port 2 hours ago and captain said engineers said we should be underway hopefully soon. Sounds like engine issues."

CruiseGus later commented that the ship was just sitting in port with the casino closed. "Big revenue lost," they added. Not only that, but they mentioned that the bars were "slammed."

The issues come at the end of a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise from New Orleans, Louisiana. Progreso was the last port of call, following Cozumel, Mexico, and Grand Cayman. 

As of 11:00am EST on Friday, October 25, the vessel's location has moved, indicating the ship has successfully departed Mexico. 

"We are moving.. I will update when they give us an arrival time for New Orleans," commented cgbdpm on the discussion forum. 

Brilliance of the Seas, a 90,090 gross registered ton ship launched in 2002, is due back in New Orleans on Saturday, Oct. 26. However, Brilliance was supposed to have a full day at sea en route back to Louisiana. Now, the ship is expected to arrive in NOLA around 5:00pm, delaying the next cruise's departure. 

The Radiance Class vessel is scheduled to depart on a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise to Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Progreso on the 26th. However, Royal Caribbean emailed impacted guests informing them of a delayed embarkation process. 

"We’re excited to welcome you onboard Brilliance of the Seas for our October 26, 2024, sailing! Before you head to the terminal, we have an important update to share with you," the email reads.

"To ensure a smooth boarding process, all guests should plan on arriving at your new arrival time as listed below. All guests must be checked in and onboard by 11:00 PM and we'll now set sail at 11:30 PM.  Additionally, arriving earlier than your adjusted time will result in being turned away until your new check-in time. Please arrive no later than 10:30 PM."

Moreover, the email states that while no ports of call have been canceled, the times will differ because of the delayed departure. Additionally, Monday will be a sea day, with Cozumel's stop being moved to Wednesday. 

Brilliance will be docked in Grand Cayman from 8:00am to 4:00pm on Tuesday, Oct. 29, Cozumel from 10:00am to 6:00pm on Wednesday, and Progreso from 9am to 6:00pm on Thursday. Then, the ship will have one day at sea before returning to NOLA on Saturday, Nov. 2. 

As compensation, Royal Caribbean is providing guests with a refund of one day's cruise fare as onboard credit, as well as a pro-rated refund for prepaid daily packages and gratuities. Any unused credits will be refunded to the card on file up to 14 business days from disembarkation.  

Issues earlier this year

During her stint in Australia and the South Pacific, Royal Caribbean canceled a 5-night cruise onboard Brilliance of the Seas due to unexpected technical issues.

The previous 11-night sailing was also impacted, with the ship canceling its scheduled stops in New Caledonia, Mystery Island, Port Vila, and Luganville. Instead, the vessel returned to Sydney, Australia, 4 nights earlier than anticipated. 

Moreover, the April 4, 2024, cruise's departure date was pushed back to April 7. 

Brilliance of the Seas isn't the first Radiance Class ship to struggle with technical problems

Last September, Radiance of the Seas canceled two Alaska cruises because of unplanned technical problems with the ship's propulsion system. 

Passengers on the Sept. 1 sailing were informed on embarkation day that their cruise was canceled. As guests had already boarded the ship, Royal Caribbean let them stay onboard for two nights to give them time to adjust their travel plans. The Sept. 7 cruise was canceled as well. 

The issues continued into 2024, with Royal Caribbean altering a 4-night open-jaw sailing from Los Angeles to Vancouver. Though passengers disembarked on April 26 as scheduled, all stops along the way were canceled, and Radiance arrived in Canada at around 9:00pm on April 25, spending the night in port. 

Subsequently, the April 26 cruise was canceled, too. Passengers found out after they had boarded the ship. Guests boarded as planned after being informed that their departure would be delayed by two days to allow ample time to fix the issue. 

However, around mid-day on Sunday, an announcement was made informing passengers that their cruise would have to be canceled to fix the ongoing technical problem. 

Cruise hacks help passengers save time and money, so they can maximize their time onboard and ashore without breaking the bank. 

Royal Caribbean International took to X (formerly Twitter) to ask cruisers for their most underrated travel hack. Since being posted on October 22, the post has received over 25 replies, with cruise fans eager to share their best-kept secrets. 

From insider tips on pre-booking add-ons to travel advice, here's a list of some of the top cruise hacks shared by seasoned travelers to help you make the most of your next Royal Caribbean cruise. 

Fly in one day early

If you're like me, the closest major cruise port isn't within driving distance. Port Canaveral is over 500 miles—or nearly 8 hours—away from Charlotte, so I'm always on the lookout for flight deals to help make my cruising habit more affordable. 

Though some can drive to their nearest cruise port (or take the Brightline train!), flying is a practical option for those who don't want to spend hours on the road. 

@CaptPat48 recommends flying in at least one day early, and I couldn't second this motion enough! When I was pursuing my Master's, I booked a cruise with a few friends on Allure of the Seas after finding an unbelievable deal. Still, we weren't trying to spend more money than necessary and decided to fly to Florida on the morning of departure. 

Thankfully, we all made it without issue; however, I was an anxious wreck in the hours leading up to our flights. I vowed never to take that kind of risk again and have since always flown out at least one day before the ship's scheduled departure. 

You can't rely on the assumption that your flight will be on time. Even if it is, you must account for the time it'll take to deplane, collect your luggage, and navigate to the terminal. If you miss the ship's all-aboard time, you are responsible for the associated costs of meeting your Royal Caribbean cruise in the next port of call—if possible. 

Read more: The costly cruising mistake newbies make planning their first cruise

Pack take-out containers

There's food available 24/7 on your cruise, from late-night pizza at Sorrento's to poolside tacos from El Loco Fresh in the afternoon and early-morning pastries at Café Latte-tudes/Café Promenade/Pearl Café. Still, sometimes you might have a specific craving, such as french fries or cut fruit, or you may just want extra food on hand to help calm a fussy child! 

"We bring [take-out] containers for bringing snacks back to our room. Then the room steward won't accidentally throw it out and it won't get stale sitting on a plate," says @LisaLueyLutes.

With take-out containers, you can easily keep your favorite snacks in your stateroom without piling up plates in your mini-fridge. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean food: Review and guide

Book another cruise while onboard

@Gina4ISU advises passengers to book another trip while on their current one!

While disembarkation day is sad for everyone (who really wants to return to their daily responsibilities after a week of being pampered by crew members?), one of the best ways to battle the post-cruise blues is to book another one!

While on your ship, visit Royal Caribbean's Next Cruise desk, where the agents will help you explore available itineraries and place a deposit for your next sailing. Not only will you walk away excited for your next getaway, but Royal Caribbean offers incentives to guests who make their next booking while onboard, including:

• The best offer on any cruise, guaranteed
• Up to $600 in onboard credit
• Deposits as low as $100 per person
• Ability to handpick your cabin 
• Booking up to three staterooms with the same benefits for friends and family
• Up to 10% off shore excursions

Plus, you can transfer the booking to your travel agent within 30 days. 

Read more: 4 common mistakes people make when booking another cruise onboard their ship

Reserve add-ons early 

Royal Caribbean cruise fares aren't all-inclusive. While you'll enjoy unlimited dining in venues like the Windjammer Marketplace and Main Dining Room, specialty restaurants cost extra, as well as alcoholic and select non-alcoholic beverages. 

While many cruisers prefer to purchase drinks individually, others find value in one of Royal Caribbean's drink packages. If you're someone who doesn't want to worry about tallying up each beverage while onboard and will drink at least six cocktails daily, you will want to pre-purchase your drink package on Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner. 

"Plan ahead and book all of your 'extras' as early as possible (specialty dining, excursions, [The] Key, etc.) as early as possible," writes @DanielAshely13.

Not only will pre-purchasing add-ons help you budget for your vacation, but you will score better deals than if you were to buy them on the ship. 

Plus, everything on the Cruise Planner can be canceled up to 48 hours before your cruise starts, meaning if you purchase a shore excursion or drink package and later discover the price has dropped, you can cancel and rebook for no penalty. 

Read more: Cruise hack lets you preview Royal Caribbean add-on costs before you book a cruise

Wear your swimsuit under your clothes on embarkation day

If you score an early arrival time, you will have nearly the entire day to enjoy the ship's amenities before sailing away! While the casino and onboard shops will be closed, you can take a dip in one of the pools before they become crowded on sea days! 

However, since you'll hand your larger bags over to a porter at the terminal, if swimming on embarkation day is a must-do, make sure you have your swimsuit on under your clothes, as recommended by @rhendrix69.

Alternatively, you can put a bathing suit and change of clothing in your carry-on bag. Though you can't change in your cabin since it won't be available until around 1:00pm or 2:00pm, there are public restrooms on the pool deck! 

Read more: 15 things to pack in your cruise carry-on

Utilize packing cubes

Speaking of packing, @ChipHaynes1 is a fan of packing cubes. 

Packing cubes are a game-changer for keeping your luggage organized and maximizing space. These affordable compartments allow you to sort your clothing and other travel must-haves, making it easy to find what you need in your cabin. 

Plus, when it's time to unpack, you won't waste time taking each item out individually. Instead, simply slide the cubes into the drawers or shelves. 

Read more: 115-item Ultimate Cruise Packing List

Have your ride pick you up at the airport's departure area

To avoid dealing with the chaos of the airport's arrival area, tell your ride to pick you up at departures instead. "Sounds weird I know but it is faster," says @branches053, "Especially if late [at] night when not many flights [are] departing."

Of course, this won't work if you're utilizing a rideshare like Uber or Lyft, as airports have designated pick-up zones for those services. 

However, if a friend or family member picks you up, the departure area can be a great alternative to locate your ride without navigating crowds. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean is discounting airfare by hundreds of dollars for a 2025 cruise

Bring magnetic hooks

"I’m sailing [on] Anthem of the Seas on 7th November from Dubai and I swear by small magnetic hooks for the cabin," remarks @kevevs1908. 

Magnetic hooks are one of the most popular cruise cabin hacks! Since staterooms are much smaller than traditional hotels on land, cruisers have found savvy ways to utilize the available space. 

Hooks can be used to hang hats, beach bags, lanyards, and other miscellaneous items to help keep the vanity area clear of clutter. Plus, if you purchase some with clips, you can safely store important documents, such as shore excursion tickets, disembarkation tags, loyalty benefit info sheets, and more. 

Have a cruise "go bag"

If you're a frequent cruiser, unpacking and repacking the same essentials can be tiresome. 

Instead, @nospam23321 suggests keeping a cruise "go bag" with items like towel clips or bands, lip balm, magnetic hooks, a Bingo dobber, sunblock, door decorations, and rubber ducks. 

This way, packing will be easier since you won't have to worry about certain must-haves. Instead, you can focus on other details of your trip, such as reserving excursions or specialty dining, organizing pre-cruise transfers, or planning the perfect theme night outfit. 

Aim for nonstop flights

Nonstop flights may be hard to come by if you don't leave near a major airport. Even if you do, they can often be more expensive than connecting ones. Still, the extra cost may be worth it. 

@randybieri says, "Try to get nonstop flights, especially on your way to your vacation/cruise, to reduce the risk of losing your luggage during transitions." 

If nonstop flights are out of the question, consider condensing everything into a carry-on bag to minimize the chance of your chosen airline losing your luggage. 

A group of Taylor Swift fans embarked on the cruise of their Wildest Dreams. 

Marvelous Mouse Travels organized a 4-night group cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas following Swift's visit to Miami, Florida, on the Eras Tour. 

Though not a full-ship charter, the travel agency reserved 199 staterooms onboard the 225,282 gross registered ton vessel. According to a TikTok shared by travel agent and co-organizer Jessica Malerman, 400 people registered for the Swiftie sailing. 

"Join us as we celebrate all things Taylor, make new friends, dress up in our favorite eras, trade friendship bracelets, and enjoy everything this amazing ship has to offer!" the website states. The Taylor-themed events are exclusively available to guests who booked through Marvelous Mouse Travels and are included in the cruise fare. 

That said, Marvelous Mouse Travels is neither affiliated nor endorsed by TASRM or Taylor Swift. Moreover, Taylor Swift is not on the sailing. Instead, she's gearing up for her shows in New Orleans, Louisiana scheduled for October 25, 26, and 27. The group cruise is simply a place for Swifties to celebrate their love for the iconic pop star. 

The sailing departed from Miami, Florida, on October 21, 2024, with scheduled ports of call in Nassau, Bahamas, and Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

A TikTok shared by @ashleytravels715 reveals attendees varying in age, from children to young adults and even parents who grew up listening to Swift's earlier albums. Most passengers were sporting, "In my cruise era" t-shirts, which cleverly nods to Swift's record-breaking Eras Tour. 

Read more: I'm a new cruiser and tried a weekend cruise on one of the biggest cruise ships

The concert runs over 3.5 hours, with a setlist of over 40 songs from all of Swift's studio albums, ranging from Fearless to The Tortured Poets Department. 

The tour began on March 17, 2023, in Glendale, Arizona, and is scheduled to conclude on December 8, 2024, in Toronto, Canada, after over 120 performances. 

While re-sale ticket prices for the tour have soared into the tens of thousands, the 4-night Swiftie group cruise was much more affordable, with double occupancy cabins starting at around $1,573. Considering the price includes unlimited food in complimentary venues, transportation to two ports in The Bahamas, and Taylor-themed events, it's a much better value for fans looking to mingle in a unique setting. 

That said, add-ons—including but not limited to—drink packages, Wi-Fi, spa treatments, specialty restaurants, and shore excursions were extra. 

Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Freebies on a Royal Caribbean Cruise

Taylor Swift performed on Allure of the Seas in 2011

"...the hands of fate" played perfectly into this cruise, with Allure of the Seas setting sail the day after Swift finished her 3-night stint in Miami. Not only did the date align, but what better place to host a Swiftie cruise than onboard a ship that Taylor herself has performed on? 

When Swift performed on Allure of the Seas, the ship was the world's newest and largest. The concert, which was held at the AquaTheater, had about 735 attendees.

However, during a later interview, Swift remarked that the AquaTheater was a unique venue to perform at, allowing her to see fans not only in the amphitheater but also from their Boardwalk balcony cabins. 

Allure of the Seas to undergo a $100 million-plus renovation in early 2025

During her Royal Amplification in March 2025, Allure will be outfitted with new restaurants, updates, and concepts. 

First, the pool deck will be refreshed and receive Royal Caribbean's relatively new Caribbean-inspired decor. There will be more seating and shade, from casitas to in-pool lounges, daybeds, and more. 

Additionally, children can stay cool at Splashway Bay, a kid-friendly water play area, or rush down the Perfect Storm waterslides. Not only that, but adults will appreciate the enhanced adults-only Solarium. The top deck will also receive El Loco Fresh, a fast-casual Mexican-inspired joint included in the cost of the cruise. 

Inside, passengers can grab a pre-dinner drink at the tropical Pesky Parrot Bar, which made its grand debut on Utopia of the Seas, before dining at one of two new specialty restaurants: Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade or The Mason Jar. 

In terms of activities, guests can expect a new Royal Escape Room, glow-in-the-dark laser tag, an Ultimate Abyss dry slide, and even a new layout for the Adventure Ocean. 

Finally, Allure will be outfitted with a massive 914-square-foot Ultimate Panoramic Suite above the ship's bridge. 

The amplified Allure of the Seas will begin sailing on April 11, 2025. After a stint in Europe, the Oasis Class vessel will make her way to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and sail alternating 6- and 8-night itineraries to the Western and Eastern Caribbean. 

Have you ever wanted to know how the crew members live onboard Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship? 

Jordan Bauth, a professional figure skater contracted on Utopia of the Seas has been onboard the newest Oasis Class ship for five months and shared a video to her YouTube channel documenting the crew-only areas. 

Utopia of the Seas launched in July 2024 and is Royal Caribbean's newest ship sailing exclusively on 3- and 4-night voyages to Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

While guests enjoy the cruise line's first-ever immersive train car specialty restaurant, tropical Pesky Parrot Bar, and casual poolside bites at The Spare Tire, the crew have their own spaces to unwind and recharge.

Though Bauth's contract states she can venture into the guest areas, she claims to spend most of her time in the crew-only spots. If she does want to hang out in the guest spaces, she must be dressed in her uniform. Sometimes, she even needs to be in formal wear after 6:00pm. 

Here's a peek into where the crew members eat, relax, shop, and more on Utopia of the Seas. 

Helipad

Unlike older Royal Caribbean ships, the helipad on Oasis Class ships is only accessible by crew members. Because of how the vessels were designed, the only way to get there is to go through crew-only areas. 

"I really love the helipad," Bauth says, "It's such a nice way to get some fresh air [and] to get some sunlight on your skin. And it's a really nice way to watch the ship sail into a port and also sail away from a port."

Bauth also mentions that it's an amazing spot for stargazing at night, as there's nothing but open ocean surrounding her. She enjoys watching the sunset here, too. 

To get to the helipad, Bauth has to go to the Deck 6 crew area and take the stairs leading up to Deck 7. 

Outdoor bar

Deck 6 is home to the outdoor bar, where many late-night parties are held. There's usually a DJ playing, and it's also where the crew members can go to smoke. 

Because of that, however, Bauth doesn't go to the outdoor bar much. Instead, she likes to hang out at the crew rec area. 

Crew rec

The crew rec area is where Bauth will unwind after a long day of work. 

If she isn't talking with friends, she might play a game of pool. There are also dartboards, a ping-pong and foosball table, a video game section outfitted with tons of televisions, plenty of comfortable spaces to lounge, and even massage chairs! 

"I also really like hanging out in the crew rec area because it's usually quite quiet, and you do have a bit of service if you want to use your phone," Bauth says. 

Crew pub

The crew pub is located on Deck 4, and this is Bauth's go-to spot for a drink. In addition to a stocked bar, there are some board games available, including Risk, Monopoly, Scrabble, and Chess. 

"I really like the crew pub. You don't really feel like you're on a ship in this area," she explains, "I mean, that's personally what I think." 

Though it's enclosed and lacks natural light, it's tastefully decorated with artwork and televisions where they'll broadcast various sporting events. 

Crew disco 

One deck below the crew pub is the crew disco, which is essentially another bar. 

However, Bauth notes that it's not open regularly. Instead, it's more of a multi-purpose space where Crew Welfare will host events like wine and cheese nights, Latin parties, and more. The space is also used for training. 

Crew dining areas

Crew members have to eat, too! The Crew Windjammer, or crew mess, is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Unlike on smaller ships, there's just one space for the crew to eat. As such, Bauth says the space is "massive" since it can accommodate over 1,200 people. 

While most of the food remains the same, there are a lot of different options. Plus, they'll sometimes have theme nights and food specials, including crêpes and ice cream during lunch, breakfast for dinner, etc. 

Outside of the mess is the crew cafe, Java Cafe. While specialty coffee costs money, the prices are relatively affordable. They have alternative milk options and even a juicer that can make smoothies. 

Bauth explains she spends a lot of time here since she's more productive outside of her cabin. However, she doesn't buy coffee too often and opts to make it in her stateroom. 

Attached to the Java Cafe is "Slopchest," the crew store which is like a "mini 7-11." 

In Bauth's opinion, there's not a ton of stuff to buy, but it's a good place if you need something urgently or have a craving for chips, candy, or ramen noodles. 

Human resources

The HR Center is also located on Deck 2. 

This is where crew members go when they need to resolve a room situation, sign off, or have other issues. It's not open 24/7, so they must pay attention to the operating hours. Still, she notes the staff are friendly. 

I-95

I-95 is the easiest way for crew members to navigate from the front (forward) of the ship to the back (aft) without going into guest areas. They also have access to elevators along the corridor for added ease of travel.

Read more: Take a look inside the crew member cabins on Royal Caribbean's newest mega ship

Crew laundry

When crew members need to wash their clothes, they head down to Deck 1. While there are a lot of washers and dryers, it's a busy spot. 

Crew do not have to pay to use the machines; however, they are responsible for purchasing their own detergent. There are also irons available free of charge. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean laundry services on your cruise

Crew gym and barbershop

Because she's a performer onboard Utopia of the Seas, Bauth visits the gym frequently since she has to log gym hours weekly. However, she usually goes to the guest gym to work out while taking in the ocean views. 

Though she doesn't go to the crew gym often, she notes how the space is quite large and never very busy. 

There's a variety of equipment, too—ranging from treadmills to bikes, rowing machines, dumbbells, yoga balls, and even a punching bag. 

Deck 0 is also where the crew barbershop is. “Because I don’t get my haircut really while I’m on a contract I actually didn’t know there was a barbershop...until a couple months ago," she says. 

The space is outfitted with two chairs, sinks, and outlets. 

Crew linen

Below Deck 0 is where the crew linen is. Bauth isn't responsible for washing her own sheets, so whenever she needs fresh bedding, she simply heads to the crew linen area. 

This location also provides crew members with toilet paper, towels, and cleaning supplies—including vacuums—that are available for rent

You can take a cruise from Baltimore, offering a convenient option from the Mid-Atlantic region.

Many cruisers limit their searches to massive ports like Miami, Cape Liberty, and Port Canaveral. Recently, however, I discovered the appeal of cruising from a smaller port like Baltimore, Maryland.

The Maryland Cruise Terminal is located just 40 miles from the heart of Washington D.C., making it convenient for cruisers from the DMV area to access.

Not only that, but it’s 10 miles from the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. The proximity means guests can skip the commutes associated with larger ports, such as Los Angeles.

This wasn’t my first time cruising from a smaller port. Earlier this year, I embarked on a 5-night cruise aboard Carnival Elation from Jacksonville, Florida. Despite the port being far smaller than Miami, I wasn’t impressed with the experience.

The embarkation process took around 40 minutes, whereas when boarding ships as large as Symphony of the Seas, I was on board within 15 minutes of arriving at the terminal.

The Maryland Cruise Terminal offers a more intimate cruise experience compared to the bustling hubs home to the world’s largest ships. While the facilities were a bit outdated, check-in was smooth, with short lines and friendly staff eager to help expedite the process.

With just one Royal Caribbean ship calling Baltimore home year-round, there are some cons to choosing this port. For instance, the itineraries are more limited.

Ports like Miami and Port Canaveral have multiple ships departing weekly, and Baltimore has just one: Vision of the Seas. If you have a specific week off, you may not be happy with Vision’s scheduled itinerary to The Bahamas when you were hoping to visit Bermuda.

Moreover, if you’re desperate to try one of the cruise line’s newer, larger vessels, you’ll be disappointed with the experience on Vision, one of the smallest and older ships in the fleet.

Still, I had a great experience sailing from Baltimore, Maryland, and would happily jump on another opportunity to cruise from this charming port on Vision of the Seas.

Flying into Baltimore was a breeze

Residing in the Charlotte area means I brave the Charlotte Douglas airport whenever I travel—it’s not for the weak! Not only is the ongoing construction a hassle, but flights to Florida tend to be on the expensive side. It’s not unusual for a roundtrip flight to Fort Lauderdale or Miami to cost upwards of $400 or $500.

While I technically could drive to Baltimore, I’m not a fan of long car rides. If it’s over 4 or 5 hours, I’ll start scouring Google Flights in advance to look for deals on airfare. I was relieved when I discovered flights to Baltimore were much more affordable. My friend booked her flight about two months before me, spending around $155 on roundtrip airfare from CLT to BWI. Still, I wasn’t upset at my $248 flight!

The airport was well-organized, too. It was easy to locate the rideshare pick-up zone, and we had no trouble being assigned a Lyft driver to our pre-cruise hotel. 

Plenty of affordable hotel options near the airport

In the end, I decided on the Springhill Suites BWI Baltimore Airport for just $122.09. Arriving around 6:30pm, we didn't need a hotel with a ton of amenities, and the Springhill Suites served its purpose as a clean, safe pre-cruise stay. 

Plus, the rate included complimentary breakfast, so we could fuel up before heading to the terminal. However, if you’re not a fan of typical continental breakfast options, there are several places within walking distance, including Dunkin', Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, and Adamm's Airport Deli.

Read more: The costly cruising mistake newbies make planning their first cruise

We relied on Lyft for transportation in Baltimore

Having lived in New York City for two years, rideshare prices don't usually shock me. Ordering a Lyft or Uber from the Upper West Side to my downtown studio used to cost anywhere from $40 to $80, depending on the time of day. While I've found rideshares to be more affordable in Charlotte, I'm always weary when traveling to a bigger city. 

Overall, I found the prices for our Lyft rides in Baltimore quite reasonable. The most expensive of our five trips was from the terminal to the airport on disembarkation day. The 26-minute ride was just $34.10, including a tip. 

The night before, we decided to venture into Baltimore proper to explore the area and try some famous Maryland crab. Even our 25-minute ride back to the hotel at 10:00pm was only $23.74. 

Read more: I'm a driver for Uber and Lyft — here are the top things riders should know for getting to their cruise ship

On embarkation day, I noticed there was a long line to enter the parking lot

With Baltimore being less than 45 miles from Washington D.C., it's an accessible embarkation port for those residing in the DMV area. 

Traveling via plane can be hectic—and expensive. As such, cruising from Baltimore is a great way to keep transportation costs to a minimum if you live nearby. 

Parking at the terminal costs just $20 per night for passenger cars and SUVs. Advanced reservations aren't required, and parking rates are payable upon arrival by credit card. The terminal accepts VISA, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. 

The check-in process was quick and efficient

Having sailed from Jacksonville, I wasn't expecting Baltimore's terminal facilities to be as updated as the newer buildings in Florida and Galveston. However, despite being an older terminal, I was surprised by its efficiency and cleanliness. The staff were also friendly and helpful, making the check-in process smooth and hassle-free. 

After going through security and having the port agents check our travel documentation, we were onboard Vision of the Seas in what felt like no time at all. My friend and I headed straight to the Windjammer for lunch before locating our inside cabin to drop off our carry-on bags and explore the ship. 

Because we had to sail through the Chesapeake Bay to reach the Atlantic, the casino and onboard shops were closed the first evening

I was disappointed to learn we couldn't test our luck at the slot machines on embarkation day. Similarly, we couldn't browse the onboard stores until Day 2. However, we made the most of our first day on the ship. 

My friend wanted to attend the spa raffle and decided to book a last-minute treatment after hearing about the 75-minute full-body massage with hot stones for $150. While she was pampered in the spa, I took in the sights of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge. 

We were advised to finish our gambling and shopping by 6:00pm on the last night of the cruise, too. When heading back to my cabin to shower and pack, I ran into a woman in the elevator who said she was in a hurry to buy last-minute souvenirs! 

Disembarkation was just as easy as embarkation

Since our flight wasn't until 3:40pm, we weren't in a hurry to head to the airport, so we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast in the Main Dining Room, hanging out until our group was called. The process went faster than expected, and our group was called by 8:45am, along with all the other remaining groups onboard. 

Locating our bags was easy, and we were quickly assigned a Lyft driver. I also appreciated the terminal's pick-up area, as all cars were instructed to pull into a parking spot to pick up their passengers. This helped keep the area organized and reduced congestion. 

I loved my cruise onboard Vision of the Seas and would consider sailing from Baltimore again

Between the cheap flights, easy port access, and seamless embarkation/disembarkation process, my experience cruising from Baltimore was pleasant, even with the limitations of a smaller port.

I was also surprised by how much I enjoyed my time on Vision! With fewer onboard amenities, I relaxed more than on mega-ships. Instead of trying to cross off the zip line, water slides, ice skating rink, and FlowRider from my must-do list, I settled into the Solarium, basking in the quiet atmosphere that allowed me to unwind and enjoy the views.

Not only that, but the dining experience was far superior compared to the larger ships I've sailed on recently. Izumi was mindblowing, and even the quality of the Main Dining Room food was impressive. 

Less than one year after their last gratuity increase, Royal Caribbean is set to increase gratuities for passengers once again.

Starting November 1, 2024, the cruise line will raise the daily gratuity rate by 50 cents per day, bringing the new rate for standard cabins to $18.50 per person, up from $18.00, and suites to $21.00 per person, up from $20.50. It is the same amount for all passengers, regardless of age. 

However, if you've already booked your sailing, you can prepay your gratuities in advance to lock in the current rate and save money. If you wait until you're onboard and are cruising after Nov. 1, you will be subject to the higher fare. 

Standard staterooms include interior, ocean-view, and balcony cabins, as well as Junior Suites. Sky Junior Suites, Grand Suites, and above are considered full-scale suites and will be subject to the higher gratuity rate.

Travel agents were informed of the change in a weekly newsletter sent via email. 

"Starting November 1st, Royal Caribbean will increase gratuities by $0.50 per person per day. The daily gratuity is shared among dining, bar & culinary services staff, stateroom attendants, and other hotel services teams," the notice reads.

"Guests booked prior to November 1st, 2024, can opt to add prepaid gratuities before sailing to take advantage of the current rates. If they'd prefer to pay onboard, their gratuity charge will be applied to their onboard account at the new rate."

Royal Caribbean last raised their gratuities in Nov. 2023. Before that, the daily charge was $16.00 per person for standard cabins and $18.50 for suites. 

All Royal Caribbean sailings booked on or after November 1, 2024, will automatically reflect the increased rate. 

Moreover, Royal Caribbean quietly increased the service charge for salon and spa services. According to their website, an 18% gratuity will automatically be added to beverage and beverage packages, room service and mini-bar purchases, and specialty dining and specialty dining packages. 

However, pre-cruise and onboard spa and salon purchases are subject to a 20% service charge. This matches Celebrity Cruises' salon/spa policy. 

What are gratuities?

Daily gratuities are to ensure hardworking crew members are tipped throughout the voyage. Rather than carrying around spare dollar bills and being responsible for managing tips, major cruise lines automatically add a daily gratuity to passengers' onboard accounts to simplify the process. 

Guests also have the option to prepay them in advance to help split up the cost of their vacation. Since the gratuities are added to your overall cruise cost to be paid by the final payment date, you can better budget for your vacation and avoid any surprises once onboard. 

As exemplified by the second increase within the past year, prepaying gratuities can also help save money. If Royal Caribbean does increase the cost, those who have already prepaid their tips are grandfathered in, meaning they won't have to pay anything extra. 

If you are booked on a Royal Caribbean cruise and wish to lock in the current pricing, call 866-562-7625 before Nov. 1. Guests who made their reservation through a travel agent should contact them as soon as possible. 

Are passengers required to pay gratuities? 

Royal Caribbean stipulates that gratuities are at the discretion of each guest. To make the process easier, they automatically add the suggested daily gratuity amount to each passengers' folio account; however, guests may visit Guest Services once onboard to adjust the amount. 

"We hope guests find these suggested amounts to be an accurate reflection of their satisfaction and are grateful for their generous recognition of the Royal Caribbean staff," reads their FAQ. 

What's the gratuity rate on other cruise lines?

Guests in standard staterooms on Celebrity pay $18.00 per person, per day; $18.50 for Concierge and Aqua Class cabins; and $23.00 for The Retreat. 

Carnival Cruise Line charges $16.00 per person, per day, for standard cabins, while suite guests pay $18.00 per person, per day. 

Norwegian has some of the pricey gratuities for a mainstream cruise line, with passengers in standard and Club Balcony cabins charged $20.00 per person, per day. Suite guests (including those in The Haven) pay $25.00 per person, per day. 

The recommended daily rate for Disney Cruise Line passengers in standard cabins is $14.50 per person, per day. The rate for guests booked in a Concierge stateroom or suite is $15.50 per person, per day. 

The adult-only Virgin Voyages includes gratuities in their cruise fares.  

Related reading: 

• Should you prepay gratuities for a Royal Caribbean cruise?
• Why do I have to pay gratuities for my toddler?