Mariner of the Seas has quickly become one of Royal Caribbean's most popular cruise ships, thanks to a $120 million refurbishment in 2018 that amped the ship up with new thrills, restaurants, staterooms and entertainment. 

There is a lot to love about this ship, and we are sharing out top must-do tips for going on a Mariner of the Seas cruise.

Don't miss the signature activities

A big component of the ship's refurbishment was to add new thrills and activities onboard the ship, and you have to make time to check them all out on your sailing.

We begin with the Sky Pad, a gravity-defying bungee trampoline experience amped up with virtual reality.  Royal Caribbean took the idea of a bungee trampoline, and infused it with a few different augmented reality options to offer guests a really fun experience.

The FlowRider surf simulator has become a staple of fun on many Royal Caribbean ships. and Mariner of the Seas now offers one as well. The 40-foot-long surf simulator allows guests to try their hand at surfing or boogie boarding.  Or you can take a seat in the bleachers and watch other guests give it a shot.

Families are sure to love the new Perfect Storm water slides on Mariner of the Seas. A thrilling pair of three-story-high racer water slides called Cyclone and Typhoon beckon to be ridden again and again and again.

Get a drink in the Bamboo Room

Lounges are not new to Royal Caribbean, but the cruise line hit a homerun with the Bamboo Room lounge.  It is the first in Royal Caribbean's fleet and offers a laidback Polynesian throwback vibe, featuring kitschy-cool craft cocktails like the Island Old Fashioned and Tiki Tea.

What makes the Bamboo Room so darn cool is the combination of decor, great menu, and fun times.  When you are looking for a spot to grab a few drinks, the Bamboo Room is a must-visit place.

Book a panoramic stateroom

If you are eyeing going on Mariner of the Seas, be sure to price out one of the newly added Panoramic staterooms. 

The Panoramic Ocean View Stateroom gives much more of a view than a traditional oceanview room, with a floor to ceiling wrap around panoramic window that is 76 inches high by 103-321 inches wide.  That is a big window.

As you might imagine, the reason to book a stateroom like this is for the amazing views without the balcony view price.  

Perfect Day at CocoCay

Royal Caribbean moved Mariner of the Seas back to the United States in 2018 to offer short 3- and 4-night sailings, and that means every cruise visits the cruise line's private destination of CocoCay.

Beginning May 2019, Mariner will sail to the new Perfect Day at CocoCay, the first destination in Royal Caribbean’s recently announced collection of private island experiences around the world. This means CocoCay will offer a new water park, pool, zipline, private enclaves, new dining opportunities and more.  Perfect Day at CocoCay is sure to be a hit with families, and Mariner of the Seas can take you there on every sailing.

Try a specialty restaurant (or two)

In addition to the new thrills added to Mariner of the Seas, the ship offers some terrific specialty dining venues that should not be missed.

One of our favorite specialty dining options on any ship is Izumi Hibachi and Sushi, which is Asian-inspired dining featuring hibachi, sushi and sashimi and more.  A hibachi meal is fun for the whole family, and offers authentic flavors, the freshest ingredients and impeccable presentation.

Jamie's Italian serves fresh, handmade and rustic Italian fare by Chef Jamie Oliver, one of Britain’s most famous chefs. Jamie's Italian was created by Jamie Oliver because of all the types of food to choose from, he loves Italian the most. In terms of this restaurant's theory, Jamie designed the menu to strip food down to its essence, working with simple, quality ingredients with no pretense or ego.

Chops Grille has become a staple of Royal Caribbean dining and it is a restaurant guests come back to time and time again because they really enjoy everything about the experience. Steak cooked to order, along with an array of complimentary side dishes and excellent appetizers make for a truly compelling choice for dinner any night of the cruise.

Your thoughts

What is your favorite thing about Mariner of the Seas?  Is it on our list or do you have something you think is worth the cruise fare alone? Tell us about in this blog post's comments!

Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas offers sailings that span the globe and we have a few lesser-known tidbits about Explorer of the Seas that you may want to know about prior to getting onboard.

Hot tub in the spa

Walking around Explorer of the Seas' pool deck, you will find some great pool options including the ever popular hot tub.  Did you know there is a bonus hot tub in the Vitality Fitness Center that you can use anytime?

Located at the entrance of the Fitness Center is a rather large hot tub that is available for use by all guests. Not only is this hot tub larger than the ones on the pool deck, but it also is great if the weather outdoors is not exactly pool weather.

Complimentary sauna and steam rooms

Speaking of the Fitness Center, Explorer of the Seas also offers complimentary steam room and sauna room access.

Right across from the aforementioned hot tub is the Fitness Center changing rooms, which also have access to the steam and sauna rooms.  Feel free to use either venue during your cruise, as there is no additional cost to them on Explorer of the Seas.

Restrooms with a view

In places like Alaska, where the view outdoors never ceases to amaze, you may want a great view outdoors all the time.  On Explorer of the Seas, the men's and women's restroom on deck 11 aft offer not only the necessary facilities, but also a fantastic view outside.

A floor-to-ceiling window greets guests in the public restroom outside the Windjammer.

Peek-A-Boo bridge

One of the best features of Royal Caribbean's Voyager Class ships has to be is the Peek-A-Boo bridge feature, where guests can peer into the bridge of Explorer of the Seas almost any time.

The observation window allows guests to look down onto the bridge and observe what the officers are up to in their daily navigational duties.  

To reach the Peek-A-Boo bridge, head up to deck 11 and walk past the sliding doors that go forward of the Solarium and do not seem to lead anywhere.

From there, keep walking forward until you reach the front of the deck and you will see an area that provides a view of the bridge.

Find the ship's Godmother

It is not difficult to locate, but there is a small plaque notating Explorer of the Seas' Godmother, Three-time Olympic gold medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee.

Every Royal Caribbean cruise ship has a ceremonial Godmother, who is selected to christen a new cruise ship when it launches.  Joyner-Kersee, who became the first woman to score 7,000 points in the 1986 heptathlon, was the second Olympian to christen a Royal Caribbean ship, following figure skater Katarina Witt.

You can find a plaque dedicated to Ms. Joyner-Kersee on Deck 4 near the aft elevator bank.

Couch in Windjammer

If you are looking for arguably the most comfortable spot to enjoy the many bounties found in the Windjammer, try one of the tables that offers couch seating.

Towards the back of the Windjammer in the aft seating area, you will find a few tables that offer a couch on either side of the table. Don't dawdle, because these seats go quickly.

Main dining room design

While dining in the main dining room, be sure to check out the amazing art and design of the main dining room of Explorer of the Seas.

The stunning three-level formal dining room on Explorer of the Seas is linked by a grand staircase, dramatic fluted, gold-leaf columns, golden velvet curtains, and a domed ceiling with a gold sky burst rays. The Sapphire Dining Room features a gilded sunburst of gold and silver leaf that bathes the three-story dining room in a luxurious glow.

A series of intricate mosaics adorn the walls (covering an area of 663 sq. ft.) of the dining rooms. The murals, rendered in stone and glass mosaic, depict the constellations in the night skies present at the time of their global discoveries.

Helipad

Whether you are looking for the perfect spot for sail away, or just a great place to enjoy the view, Explorer of the Seas' helipad is the perfect location.

Located on the bow, guests can walk to the helicopter pad and enjoy the unobstructed views that you can only get from the helicopter pad. 

From the helicopter pad, guests can enjoy a near 360-degree view of what is surrounding Explorer of the Seas.

To access the helicopter pad, go outside on deck 5 and then walk forward, climb up a set of stairs and continue walking forward until you reach the helicopter pad.

Did we miss any Explorer of the Seas secrets? Share them in our comments!

Independence of the Seas is an impressive Royal Caribbean cruise ship that completed a massive refurbishment in 2018 to offer all new experiences and features onboard.

There is a lot to love about this ship, and we have eight important facts you should be aware of before your cruise on Independence of the Seas.

8. Largest hibachi at sea

Photo by Travis Kamiyama

Ever since Royal Caribbean added a teppanyaki style dining option to Izumi locations on Oasis Class ships, they have become extremely popular with guests.  As a result, Royal Caribbean opted to add the first Izumi location to a Freedom Class ship and offer the biggest hibachi in the entire fleet.

Izumi Japanese specialty restaurant has been among the fastest spreading restaurants across Royal Caribbean ships, and Independence of the Seas is now home to the twenty-first location.  It is not only the first Izumi location on a Freedom Class ship, but also the largest capacity for the popular hibachi side.

7. Water slides and water fun

Families are sure to love the addition of the Perfect Storm water slides and Splashaway Bay to Independence of the Seas. 

Independence of the Seas offers two racer slides, Cyclone and Typhoon, which offer guests an exhilarating ride down each slide for a wet and wild finish.

In addition, Splasahway Bay has replaced the H2O Zone to bring the next level of aquatic park fun for families.  Splashaway Bay features water slides, fountains, pools and a really large drench bucket.

6. Laser tag

At special laser tag sessions, Royal Caribbean transforms Studio B into a glow-in-the-dark arena that invites everyone to see if they can conquer the, "Battle for Planet Z".

Guests can don special laser tag vests, grab a laser tag gun and head into the arena for a fast-paced team-game that rewards the group that works well together and coordinates their efforts.  Just like laser tag on land, Battle for Planet Z is a high-energy race with bragging rights for the rest of the cruise on the line!

5. Grease

In 2016, Royal Caribbean added the Broadway musical, Grease, to Independence of the Seas and it is available to enjoy on your cruise with no additional cost.

This stage production of Grease was specially adapted by Royal Caribbean Productions and features all of your favorite songs, such as “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightnin’,” “Look at Me, I’m Sandra Dee,” “Born to Hand-Jive,” “Beauty School Dropout” and more.

The best news about Grease on Independence of the Seas, is that the show is included in the cost of your cruise fare, so you can enjoy a Broadway show while onboard for absolutely no additional cost.

4. Views from the helipad

Independence of the Seas has a large helipad at the bow of the ship, which is a great venue for guests to enjoy during most times.  The helipad is the perfect spot for sailaway, stargazing, enjoying a view of the ocean or just a spot to sit down on one of the benches and relax.

To access the helicopter pad, go outside on deck 4 and then walk forward, climb up a set of stairs and continue walking forward until you reach the helicopter pad.

If you want to go out to the helipad and avoid the flight of stairs out on deck 4, you can cut through Pyramid Lounge on deck 5 at the front of the ship. Walk in and you'll see a DJ booth on the right. Walk past that booth and you'll see a set of doors that look like they're crew only, but they're not. They lead right out to the entrance to the helipad. Only a short flight of stairs and you are there.

3. Cantilever hot tubs

Hot tub Jacuzzis are always a great way to relax and forget all of your worries, and on Independence of the Seas, there are cantilever hot tubs that offer as wonderful a view as they are comfortable.

The hot tubs on Independence of the Seas are 16-person, half-moon whirlpools that cantilever out 12 feet over the ship's side, to offer some incredible views of the ocean below.  And oh yea, they are super relaxing too.

2. FlowRider

One of the more popular features on Independence of the Seas is the FlowRider surf simulator on deck 13.

The FlowRider is a simulator that sends water a very high speed across a small area that mimics what it is like to surf on the ocean. Guests can try their hand at stand-up traditional surfing or boogie boarding.

The FlowRider is included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare, and you may try your hand at surfing as many times as you like. Just hop back in line and wait for a turn.

There is the opportunity to book private lessons for an additional cost.  At last check, private lessons cost $60 per person and lasts about an hour. Each lesson will have six to eight guests.

Private lessons can be booked onboard the ship and is sometimes available via the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner.

1. Sky Pad

Looking to try something completely different that offers thrills, high-tech and a humble brag worthy message to friends back home?  The Sky Pad on Independence of the Seas is perfect for you!

Royal Caribbean offers guests an opportunity to try a virtual reality bungee trampoline experience.  Guests have the option to put on a virtual reality headset, and then strap into a bungee trampoline experience.

Your favorite

What is your favorite thing about Independence of the Seas?  Is it on our list or do you have something you think is worth the cruise fare alone? Tell us about in this blog post's comments!

If you are at least a Diamond member or above in Royal Caribbean's Crown and Anchor Society, here is a great way to maximize your savings on a Royal Caribbean Voom internet package for your cruise.

This deal assumes a few things for it to be worthwhile:

• You must be at least a Diamond member or above in Crown and Anchor Society (Diamond, Diamond Plus, or Pinnacle).
• You are interested in buying a Voom package for the duration of your cruise.
• You want to get the best possible price on a Voom package.
• The price of a one-device Voom package on Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner before your sailing is $15.99 per day or higher.

For years, Royal Caribbean has been offering a pre-cruise discount on its Voom internet packages, which is an option on top of taking advantage of the onboard internet package discount Crown and Anchor Society provides.  Essentially, you can pick one, but not both.

Recently, Royal Caribbean has seemed to change the pricing of its Voom Surf and Stream internet package when purchased onboard, to be $19.99 per day (for one device).

The strategy

Thanks to Royal Caribbean Blog reader twangster, there appears to be a way to take full advantage of the onboard discount, which will yield better savings compared to the pre-cruise discount.

What you have to do is wait to book the Voom package onboard, and then wait to buy the internet package on day two of your cruise.

If you can skip buying the internet package on day one, you can reap significant savings.  Most guests will have cell phone coverage to provide internet access on day one for most of the day.  Assuming a 4pm departure time, it is likely you have just 8 hours until midnight of no internet access.  With dinner, entertainment and everything else going on during the first day, waiting until day two to book a Voom package is seemingly easy.

Here is a breakdown of the discount options:

7 Nights

On board - 7 * $19.99 = $139.93 - $22.99 Diamond discount = $116.94

Pre-cruise - 7 * $15.99 = $111.93

Best buy - On board Day 2 -  6 * $19.99 = $119.94 - $22.99 Diamond discount = $96.95

9 Nights

On board - 9 * $19.99 = $179.91 - $22.99 Diamond discount = $156.92

Pre-cruise - 9 * $15.99 = $143.91

Best buy - On board Day 2 -  8 * $19.99 = $159.92 - $22.99 Diamond discount = $136.93

12 Nights

On board - 12 * $19.99 = $239.88 - $22.99 Diamond discount = $216.89

On board Day 2 -  11 * $19.99 = $219.89 - $22.99 Diamond discount = $196.90

Best buy - Pre-cruise - 12 * $15.99 = $191.88

The Diamond discount is effectively between 9.6% and 28.8% based on cruise length. Longer cruise yield less effective discount.

Of course, if you really want to get some additional savings and are okay pushing off internet access for another day, waiting until day three of your cruise will yield even higher savings.

Gold, Platinum and Emerald members

If you are a Platinum or Emerald member in Crown and Anchor Society, you get less of a discount (15%) off onboard internet prices, but the result is pretty close to the same as Diamond members.  Just like Diamond members, the best buy is to wait until day two. 

• 4-night cruise: Diamond Voom discount: 28.8%
• 5-night cruise: Diamond Voom discount: 23%
• 6-night cruise: Diamond Voom discount: 19.2%
• 7-night cruise: Diamond Voom discount: 16.4%
• 8-night cruise: Diamond Voom discount: 14.4%
• 9-night cruise: Diamond Voom discount: 12.8%
• 10-night cruise: Diamond Voom discount: 11.5%
• 11-night cruise: Diamond Voom discount: 10.5%
• 12-night cruise: Diamond Voom discount: 9.6%

For anything longer than 7 nights, the Platinum and Emerald discount is better than the Diamond discount. 

For 12 night cruises, the Gold discount (10%) is better than Diamond discount.  

When going on a Royal Caribbean cruise, there are a lot of things that can save you time and money, or improve the quality of your vacation. Here are 50 random tips that our very own Royal Caribbean Blog readers sent in based upon years of taking Royal Caribbean cruises.

The intention of this list is to provide you with idea and strategies for an even better Royal Caribbean cruise experience.  Regardless of how much or little they help, all of them can help anyone improve their cruise experience and perhaps even discover a new cruising tradition.

Make sure to also read the additional reader tips in the comments, as some of you readers have some great tips of your own that are really helpful. If you have some good tips, be sure to add them there, too. The more, the merrier!

With that said, let’s get started with the list…

1. Go through the entire ship on embarkation day to know where everything is. (Jose Pena)
2. On Oasis Class ships, if you wish to miss the crowds in Windjammer and the sometimes extended waiting in the Main Dining Room for breakfast? Try Johnny Rockets. (Ron Lodowski)
3. Don't feel pressured to buy the most expensive drink package. Buy the package that makes the most sense for you! I don't drink much alcohol so I only buy the refreshment package which gets me all the non-alcoholic drinks, coffee, and tea. I'd rather pay for 1 or 2 glasses of wine rather than wasting my money on a drink package that I'll never use. (Jenn Kerr)
4. Sign up for the Vitality Spa raffle on embarkation day and go to the raffle drawin. May people who sign up, do not show up, which increases your odds of winning. (Jose Pena)
5. Try to arrive the day before ship leaves so you don’t feel frazzled and hurried. (Judy Lathon Carson)
6. Don't try to do everything or you will enjoy nothing. There is something happening constantly and you can quickly overwhelm yourself. Relax. If this is your first cruise, focus on the "highlights" they publish. They know those things will give most newbies a great vacation and it will allow you to get your bearings for the next one! (Paul Crow)
7. To speed up boarding on ship at any port: Before going through security screening, empty your pockets in to your carry bag to be X-rayed, and also if you keep small items(i.e. coins, keys, ect) in a Ziploc bag it makes it easier to empty pockets before metal detectors. (Tom Meyer)
8. Bring your swim trunks/bathing suit in you carry on. Embarkation day is a great time to enjoy the pool and Solarium. (Jose Pena)
9. Use the pools right away when you board, by the time you get out, your rooms will be ready! (Erin N. Lyons)
10. Back-to-back cruises are a great way to get to know the crew and see all a ship has to offer. Be friendly with crew mates and they will be helpful to you. Gotten free drinks and courteous service because of this. (Jose Pena)
11. Check out the Main Dining Room for breakfast and lunch. It can be much more relaxing than the Windjammer - you can sit and meet people and relax rather than try to find a table and be back and forth to the buffet. (Brandon Mowry)
12. Use the nursery on the ship when you have a infant. A great way to convince your significant other to take a cruise. (Jose Pena)
13. Unpack completely. The rooms are small but they have great storage space. Unpacking and keeping things in their place will make your room more relaxing. Also, bring something to store your dirty clothes - worst case, throw them in your suitcase. (Deborah Wolfe)
14. Arrive early for all shows to get good seats.(Jose Pena)
15. On embarkation day,  I suggest you do the things that will be harder to do once everyone find their way around, such as the Flowrider, zip line, bumper cars, hot tubs, etc. (Scott Stein)
16. Pre-purchase and pre-book everything you can via the Cruise Planner. Less time wasted in lines while onboard and less stress. (Karah Ryan Smith)
17. On Anthem of the Seas, ride the North Star on embarkation day and right after rooms open, no lines or reservations required. (Ron Hiller)
18. If something’s not quite right, mention it to someone. The crew’s ultimate goal is for you to have a great trip, and they’ll do whatever they can to make that happen.(John Bamber)
19. Get to know your room attendant right way. I always make a request for more pillows and to always have ice in my room at all times. (Jose Pena)
20. After packing your bag, repack and eliminate half of what you packed! (Judy Lathon Carson)
21. Go to the spa on port days or early in the morning or late at night for discounts. (Christie McLarty)
22. If you are staying in a suite visit the Concierge Lounge early in the cruise and introduce yourself. I find out that in all cases the better he knows you the more he will bend over backwards to make your cruise totally memorable. (Ron Lodowski)
23. If you can’t afford a balcony, go for a inside room. It’s better to be on a Royal Caribbean cruise than none at all. (Jose Pena)
24. Use a travel agent, arrive at the embarkation port the night before your cruise begins, buy a specialty dining package (Tracy Tompkins)
25. Reserve your dinners/shows that you could not do online right when you board the ship. (Erin N. Lyons)
26. Tip beyond your thoughts. Tip with your feelings. If a crew member moved you in some way, they enhanced your cruise experience and that deserves to be compensated. Don't over-calculate. Just show your appreciation. Give! Karma will take care of the rest! (Scott Stein)
27. Take pictures of the crew and name tag that way you have it on ur phone and readily handy when completing the survey. (Judy Lathon Carson)
28. When in doubt, always ask. The worst that can happen is that they say no. (Jose Pena)
29. Just remember, you aren't going to be able to do everything. Just relax and have a good time. It's vacation! Don't worry about fitting everything in, just have a good time and do what you want to do. There's no need to stress over FOMO, that's what another cruise is for! (Lance Millican)
30. Doing a shore excursion through Royal Caribbean is the only way to ensure that the ship won’t leave without you if your excursion is late getting back to the pier! (Jenn Kerr)
31. If you’ve never been to a particular port before but want to experience it, definitely book shore excursions through Royal Caribbean. Best way to see a new place, so you can then go back later and do things on your own. (John Bamber)
32. Start a Vacation account (aka Royal Caribbean cruise fund) to save for your cruise. I have money deposited every week from my paycheck for this purpose. (Jose Pena)
33. Look at travel rewards credit cards to help fund your trip. Chase Sapphire Preferred, Bank of America Travel Rewards, etc. These cards have the potential to be very lucrative. (John Bamber)
34. Plan and get as much information ahead of time. Be prepared. Royal Caribbean Blog is a good place to start (and other sites). (Jose Pena)
35. Participate! Go to trivia and dance class and other activities in sea days. So much fun. (Deborah Wolfe)
36. Also, don’t be afraid to have fun and make a fool of yourself you’ll most likely never see most of those people again! (John Bamber)
37. A shoe organizer that hangs on a door is a great way to help store items in your stateroom. Put it on the outside of bathroom door. (Marc Van Niekerk)
38. Want to dance Spanish music? Boleros is the place for you. If you have a song you want played, request it to the musicians. They will play it. (Jose Pena)
39. Take advantage of the BOGO Promotion on the first two nights to experience Specialty Dining. The price of this specialty dining package is a great value and means of which to try them and determine which ones really appeal to you. (Ron Lodowski)
40. Make sure you have a good travel agent who checks for price drops regularly. (Cheryl Knipe Brinson)
41. For ladies, take a pashmina. It doesn't take up much room in your suitcase and it comes in handy to keep you warm on the deck or at shows and to put over you head when it is windy. Even the Caribbean sailing can be chilly at night. (Dawn Johnstonbaugh)
42. Listen to as many podcasts /periscopes on cruising as you can and become a member of Cruise Critic. (Deb Veerkamp)
43. Don't over plan/organize too much. You don't need a activity every island every hour. You may stumble across something fun and want to do it, or you may just want to relax. (Jerel Donovan)
44. Take your swimwear in your carry-on luggage on the first day... You can be in the hot tub with your cocktail before lunch (Pippa Madden)
45. Explore the ship and don't be shy to meet people from different places. Cruisers come from around the world to cruise. Find the unique things on your cruise ship that makes cruising more enjoyable. Try different foods that you normally would not try. Remember it is a vacation and go with the flow. (David Quainton)
46. Once on the ship go straight to the Main Dining Room to see your table, if you don't like it they will get you somewhere else. The sooner you go the higher on the list you are for changes. (Jerel Donovan)
47. Go see all the productions shows and try at least one food item you've never had before at some point during the cruise! (Clayton Jackson)
48. Get a lanyard for your SeaPass card. (Erin N. Lyons)
49. If you have medical issues, or questions, always ask in advance via Special Requests. I was provided distilled water and an extension cord for my CPAP machine, free of charge, which was a blessing not having to fly with a gallon of water in my checked luggage. (Lance Millican)
50. If you need to go speak with Guest Services, avoid long lines by going during quiet hours. And try to avoid first and last days, when they’re the busiest (Karl Schlenther)

Your thoughts

What do you think of our tips for enhancing your Royal Caribbean cruise experience? If you have solid Royal Caribbean tips that aren’t mentioned here, please post them below! If you have any other comments or questions, please feel free to post those, too.

Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas offers a lovely family vacation opportunity, and has some interesting anecdotes related to the ship's development and operation that we wanted to share.

This list is not a list of hidden secrets of things and ways to improve your Oasis of the Seas cruise experience.  Rather, this is an opportunity to share fun tidbits and factoids about a very popular Royal Caribbean cruise ship that continues to capture the attention of the cruising public.

Oasis of the Seas has seven Godmothers

It is maritime tradition for a ship to have a Godmother, which is a ceremonial position that serves more of a marketing role than anything else these days. Royal Caribbean decided to change things up and have not one, but seven Godmothers.  Why seven? The answer is one for each neighborhood on Oasis of the Seas.

Oasis of the Seas' Godmothers are Shawn Johnson, Daisy Fuentes, Jane Seymour, Michelle Kwan, Gloria Estefan, Darra Torres and Keisha Knight Pulliam.

Oasis of the Seas was known as Project Genesis

It's common in the cruise industry to begin working on a new class of ships under a project name and then announce a formal name later on. In the case of the Oasis-class, it was known as Project Genesis.

There is a small homage to the Project Genesis name on the Royal Promenade of Oasis of the Seas.

Name for crew area

The crew-only super highway that funnels food, services, and supplies to the 16 decks above stretches the entire length of the ship, and is called I-95. This is a reference to the major American highway that runs north and south on the eastern seaboard, from Maine to Florida.

A new terminal was created for Oasis of the Seas

When Royal Caribbean designed Oasis of the Seas, they realized she was so large and so different that they needed to also build a brand new cruise terminal to accommodate her.

The new terminal would need to be able to handle all the passengers, equipment, and supplies for the largest cruise ship in the world, so Royal Caribbean built the largest cruise ship terminal in the world at Terminal 18 in Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

A 9,000 piece art collection

Oasis of the Seas is proud to blend spectacular art with its revolutionary architecture-over 9,000 art pieces have led it to be dubbed ’’a museum at sea.’’ 

The Boardwalk's inspiration

The Boardwalk neighborhood is a fun spot onboard for guests to catch a show, a bite to eat, or enjoy the ocean breeze any time of day or night.  Royal Caribbean's ship designers were inspired by the seaside piers that dot the coast of England and the nostalgic boardwalks of the past, such as Coney Island.

The centerpiece of Boardwalk is a one-of-a-kind carousel. The Boardwalk Neighborhood on Oasis is designed to be a breathtaking space for families inspired by the nostalgic seaside boardwalks of yesteryear; so the carousel was created using inspiration from turn-of-the-century carousel designs down to the very last detail.

Solar panels help light up the ship

21,000 square feet of thin solar film that produce enough power to light the ship’s Royal Promenade and Central Park areas.

Oasis of the Seas received the solar panels, after Royal Caribbean tested solar panel use on two of its Celebrity Solstice class ships.

While the solar panels may not a rapid payoff on its solar panel investment, the installation of these solar panels is what sustainability architects call “future proofing.” In other words, utilizing imperfect existing technology will pave the way for easy adoption of more efficient solar panels in the future. Old panels can be ripped off and new ones installed.

Other Royal Caribbean efforts to include more energy-efficient lighting and air-conditioning systems that can turn off automatically when balcony doors are left open too long.

Royal Caribbean's private destination of Labadee in Haiti has been a popular cruise destination for many years, and whether you are planning a day for the first time or fifteenth time, it seems like there is so much to see and do.

We decided to share our top tips for the best things to see, do, eat, and explore on Labadee.

1. Labadee is quite beautiful when you see it in person and via photos, but underneath that gorgeous blue water are some rocks.  You should consider buying water shoes to use in Labadee (and other beach stops during your cruise).  Water shoes are easy to pack, fairly inexpensive, and make exploring the underwater world of Labadee super easy.  It also makes getting around Labadee, both on land and in the water, simpler and easier.

For adults, try the Aleader brand water shoes for men and women because not only do they protect your feet, they also do not look like typical water shoes.  For the kids, try the Northside Brille II Water Shoe for girls and the Aleader Boys Water Shoes.

2. There is no need to worry about being hungry on Labadee, because Royal Caribbean provides lunch on the island at three different locations.  Lunch on Labadee consists of salads, burgers, hot dogs, chicken and more freshly prepared food.  Lunch begins serving at 11:00am.

3. Just like onboard your Royal Caribbean ship, the SeaPass card is the primary method of purchasing things on Labadee.  The only exception are the craft markets, where locals sell items to you.  It is probably a good idea to bring a little bit of cash with you, but your SeaPass card works in most places too.

4. The premier attraction in Labadee is the Dragon's Breath Flight Line.  From the mountaintop launch point, guests glide down the zip line over the ocean at speeds of 40 to 50 mph.  It is not just a fun thrill, but also provides the best view of Labadee available.

5. If you are interested in having some extra privacy, or cushier accommodations in Labadee, then you should consider renting a cabana or beach bungalow.  Each provides a secluded spot for you and your family to enjoy.  Guests can reserve a cabana or beach bungalow before their cruise, by visiting Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner.  They can also be rented once onboard the ship, but they tend to rent quickly.

6. If cabanas or bungalows are a bit out of your price range, beach beds and beach loungers are two inexpensive rental options that also provide a more comfortable day in Labadee.

7. If you are looking for a bit of nature, be sure to check out the nature trails, located throughout Labadee.  Labadee has a lot of natural beauty to behold and walking around will give you a good sense of the layout of the beaches as well as an appreciation for the natural wonders. Be sure to bring your camera.

8. Columbus Cove is the least crowded beach in Labadee, but can be a far walk to get to.  Look for a complimentary ferry ride that takes guests from the dock that your cruise ship is docked at, and brings you right to Columbus Cove.  Not only is it quick and convenient, but it provides a beautiful view of Labadee.

9. If you need to get around Labadee without walking, Royal Caribbean provides a complimentary shuttle service that takes guests all along the middle of Labadee.  There are clearly marked tram stations, where you can grab the next shuttle.

10. Young children may find a lot of fun at the Adventure Ocean Oasis, located roughly in the middle of Adrenaline Beach.  This is a splash pad area, with fountains, geysers, and buckets of water spraying everywhere.  It can be the perfect spot for children to play, and for you to cool off.

11. Speaking of Adventure Ocean, Royal Caribbean's award-winning children's programming, Adventure Ocean, will be open while the ship is docked in Labadee.  This can be a great option for adults who want to take in an excursion, but need supervision for their children.

12. Your Royal Caribbean drink packages will work while in Labadee, just like they do onboard the ship.

13. Kids (and those young at heart) will gravitate towards Arawak Aqua Park, which is an aqua park in Columbus Cove. There, you will find floating trampolines, pyramids and water slides.

14. There is also the Dragon's Splash Waterslide located nearby to the Aqua park and features a 300-foot slide that drops you into a 18-foot splash zone.

15. Royal Caribbean provides two major spots to do some shopping in Labadee: the Artisan Market and the Artisan Village. The Market is more of a store, with pre-set prices and offering hand-made goods. The Village is more of an open air market, where guests are expected to haggle with the vendors. Keep in mind that both places take cash only.

16. A day in Labadee offers a lot, but you will want to pack water resistant sunscreen, hats and sunglasses for a day in Labadee. You may also consider bringing your camera, beach toys, and other fun options.  If you forget something in your stateroom, you can always go back and get it!

Consumer Reports recommends two sunscreens that are great for use at the beach. If you prefer a lotion, try the Coppertone Water Babies SPF 50.  If spray sunscreen is more your style, the Neutrogena Beach Defense Water + Sun Protection SPF 70 received high marks.

17. Barefoot Beach is reserved for guests residing in Grand Suites and above.  It is an exclusive perk for suite guests, and the only area in Labadee where all guests cannot go.  If you happen to be staying in a suite, Barefoot Beach is a great choice for the smaller crowds.  Plus, there is an exclusive lunch buffet reserved just for suite guests.

18. Labadee itself has an interesting past. It was named after the marquis de La Badie, a Frenchman who first settled the area in the 17th century. The peninsula was named Labadie, although Royal Caribbean spells it "Labadee" to make it easier for English-speakers to pronounce.

19. There is a swim-up bar at Adrenaline Beach, where guests can wade through the ocean to the bar, climb up and order and enjoy a drink.

20. If you are looking for other fun excursions in Labadee, consider parasailing, renting a jet ski, deep sea fishing, or even taking a ride on the alpine coaster.  All can be reserved prior to your cruise, via the Cruise Planner.

21. The official drink of Labadee is a Labadoozie.  It is a fruit concoction, that is served with rum.  You can order them without rum as a cold treat for kids.

22. Royal Caribbean added in 2016 a DreamWorks photo safari excursion, which might be a great family activity on Labadee. There are two excursions to choose from, both of which include a DreamWorks photo safari for kids to enjoy.

23. A good way to stay hydrated is to bring bottled water with you to Labadee. There are water fountains around Labadee, but the convenience of having water bottles is a great perk.  Bottled water is included with the Deluxe and Refreshment packages.

24. There are not many of them, but towards the interior of Labadee you can find hammocks to enjoy.  Go early if you want to grab one.

25. Read the Labadee map before you arrive to get a basic understanding of where things are located, how to get to the area you want, and get a good understanding of what is available in Labadee.  All too often, we spot guests arriving in Labadee that are unaware of where things are located.

Along the jogging deck on Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas are two lesser-known areas for guests to sit back, and enjoy the view of the ocean from the comfort of a lounge chair.

Many guests may know that on the aft of Oasis Class ships are lounge chairs to enjoy the view of the wake, but on Harmony of the Seas there is a small seating area on both sides of the forward section on deck 5 of the ship to relax in.

These areas do not have a name mentioned to reference them, but they are just off the running track on both sides.  Some runners choose to use these areas as a break point, while others simply bring their coffee or book to enjoy the view.

This area is open to all guests, and can be a secluded spot on Harmony of the Seas to get away from lots of other guests.

A Royal Caribbean cruise is a top choice for many families that want to enjoy a great vacation, but there are some important strategies for saving (a lot of) money off the total cost of the cruise.

Bargain hunters should be aware there are some definite ways to bring that total cruise cost down.  Here are five ways we have found to consistently save hundreds of dollars on cruise vacations.

Book your cruise early

If there is one tried-and-true strategy for getting the lowest price on a Royal Caribbean cruise, it is to book the sailing as early as possible.  If you can book your sailing 12, 18 or even 24 months in advance, you will very likely pay much less than someone that waits to book their sailing just a few months before the cruise.

The simple reason why booking early gets you the lowest price is that when a sailing is put on sale, all the staterooms are available to book, and thus, demand is at its lowest.  As guests start to book rooms, supply goes down, which inversely drives prices up.  Over time, we typically see prices for a sailing go up.

Moreover, if you live in a country that allows re-booking prior to final payment date (United States, Canada, Australia, etc), you can always take advantage of price drops, if they were to occur, and get the new lowest price.  If you book early enough, you may find regardless of the deal or promotion Royal Caribbean publicizes, the rate you had booked early on is still a better deal.

Cruise close to home

If you can manage to go on a cruise without having to fly, or take another expensive means of transportation, you will reap a ton of savings.

In addition to the traditional cruise homeports in Florida, Royal Caribbean also offers year-round and seasonal cruises from New York, Baltimore, New Orleans, Galveston and San Juan.  This means a great deal of convenient embarkation ports that can be driveable. 

By not having to include an airline ticket in your vacation budget, you will save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. Of course, there still will be a transportation cost to get to the port, but very likely the savings in not buying an airline ticket will outweigh gas, tolls and even a hotel stay.

Buy a dining or drink package

If you are the sort of person that will indulge in specialty dining or alcoholic beverages onboard your Royal Caribbean cruise, a dining or drink package can save you a lot of money.

Royal Caribbean's dining packages allow guests to enjoy meals at a variety of specialty restaurants for one low price.  There are many packages available, but taking advantage of these dining packages will save money compared to eating at those same restaurants, but paying the walk-up price without a package. When you figure multiple people investing in a dining package, the savings stack up quickly.

Likewise, a Royal Caribbean drink package can save you money, provided you drink enough every day of your cruise to make it worthwhile. Guests pay a flat cost to enjoy unlimited beverages that are included in the package they select.  Be sure to get a discount on a Royal Caribbean drink package prior to your cruise to increase your total savings.

It is worth noting that a drink or dining package may not inherently save everyone money.  The cost savings depend on how much you will actually consume on a cruise.  It is important to sit down before your cruise and think about how many drinks you might have, factor in time off the ship in foreign ports of call, and determine if a drink package is right for you.  Dining packages are a bit easier to figure out if they are a worthwhile investment, because you can look at your Cruise Planner and determine what looks of interest and plan accordingly.

Book your next cruise onboard

Royal Caribbean will reward you if you book another Royal Caribbean cruise, while still onboard your current sailing.  These rewards come in the form of onboard credit, which can stack up into the hundreds of dollars quite quickly.

Dubbed NextCruise, Royal Caribbean has changed up some of the rules lately for how the program works, especially if deposits are refundable or not.  It is important to be aware of all the rules on canceling or changing sailings prior to booking. 

However, if you are certain of the sailing you want to take, booking onboard will garner significant savings, especially on longer sailings (7 nights or more) and/or balcony and suite staterooms. The NextCruise program is one of the easiest ways to earn money towards your next sailing.

Be flexible with your cruise dates

If the dates you can take a Royal Caribbean cruise are somewhat open, you can shave off hundreds of dollars from your cruise fare. 

Just like the entire travel industry, cruises have peak and off-peak seasons.  Booking a cruise over Christmas week will see a much higher cost than if you opt for that same cruise two weeks earlier or later. Those that can cruise when many families are stuck following a school or work holiday calendar, will find rock bottom prices for cruise fares.

Finding the lowest fares typically has more to do with when you are actually going on your cruise. In general, you will find lower fares if you are willing to cruise during the "shoulder seasons" and/or when school is usually in session.

This includes

• January (minus New Years holiday)
• Most of February
• May
• September
• October
• First two weeks of November
• First two weeks of December

Picking Royal Caribbean cruises that sail during these times of year often net the lowest fares because it is when less people have the opportunity or inclination to cruise.

Have you heard about a maritime tradition known as lucky coins? Guests onboard Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas can view a piece of the ship's history while onboard.

When Oasis of the Seas was built, one of the first things the crew did was to add a number of "lucky coins" to the ship's keel, as part of maritime tradition. These lucky coins are held in a cabinet that is welded to the ship and has a small commemorative plaque.

To find the lucky coins on Oasis of the Seas, you will need to head up to the bow sundeck on deck 14.  The lucky coins are held in a cabinet that is welded to the ship and has a small commemorative plaque. 

Not only is this area hold a special piece of history, but it is also a terrific uncrowded spot to enjoy the warm Caribbean weather.

Thanks to Tom & Diane Trudnowski for providing the photos.