12 things I'd tell anyone new to cruise ship travel

If you’re new to cruise ships and looking for advice to help you prepare, here are 12 tips that I’d tell a new traveler to help them avoid some of my early mistakes!
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[@aesirtempest7506]

So I've been cruising on RCL for a while and never used a travel agent. While I can't comment on whether or not it's easier or better/worse with or without one I can say that even without a travel agent you can plan and have a great cruise. So if you just want to wing it, don't be afraid to. The most important thing is loving your cruise!

[@khronick3596]

The wife and I winged it for our first cruise coming up in April. Pretty sure I did it all correctly lol only time will tell.

[@deannad3566]

I’ve always booked myself until my upcoming Alaska cruise. I still had to go in cruise planner to customize everything and book my own flights, so to this point I haven’t seen the benefit. Guess I’ll see after the trip.

[@heatherhammer2601]

I’m a lady in my 50’s & I’m about to go on my 7th RC cruise w my husband in May 2023 we’ve NEVER used a travel agent for any aspect of any of our cruises! Air travel, hotels, ground transport, shore excursions with or without our 3 teenagers in tow, I’ve always made our all of our arrangements and we’ve always had a blast! With all of the online websites available nowadays I just don’t see the need for a travel agent.

[@sarahj4cardsandcrafts]

Finding out my travel agent really hasn’t been very helpful. Had to use them since I’m doing a “scrapbooking” cruise, but I could’ve saved so much more if I had done it myself. I wasn’t able to “qualify” for the 30% off +kids sail free deal ☹️ also, figured out the cruise planner and other info by watching these videos rather than any communication from my travel agent 👎🏼

[@pw-sz6ds]

When you are a fan of TA’s you always recommend using them. Finding a good one is like trying to find a needle in a haystack😂. I’ve tried 4 of them. I do most of the work. I find the rooms, I search the ship. I watch my own bookings and get my price reductions myself. And I’m never on hold for long. Maybe my expectations are too high. Using a TA is definitely not for everyone and should not be offered as such.

[@AxelQC]

I watched a lot of your videos before our first cruise and it really helped. The number 1 tip: don't miss the boat!

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Amen!

[@JulieWallis1963]

Number 2 tip: don’t call the ship a “boat”

[@wendytabon3029]

Funny 😂😂😂 guys but true

[@rogerc4963]

lol 🤣

[@rogerc4963]

@@JulieWallis1963 😁

[@bronzefox9035]

We let our 14 year old plan Spring Break. She chose a 6 day Eastern Carribean on Explorer of the Seas. I am sure the excursions she picked are good. She chose Explorer of the Seas because she hopes there are not alot of young kids on it and it was a smaller ship. She booked our flights and we get in at midnight. I hope we do not have any delays.

[@carlosescobar2170]

That was an awesome gift!! Seriously, it had to be a thrill for her to do all the booking and planning! I will definitely let my daughter do this for her birthday when she gets to that age. Love it!!

[@nicolefink4240]

We celebrated our honeymoon on Freedom OTS 13 years ago. We still keep in touch with our main dining room table mates. Long time friends!

[@AudreyMealiff]

That is so nice 💖

[@summerwinter4]

Very helpful, thank you for the tips!

[@dfw.hannah5313]

I can honestly say your videos helped me so much planning my first cruise 3 yrs ago. Big thanks to you and your crew for providing such helpful info and tips!

[@nzubervicki2740]

Hi Matt thank you for that information as I'm new to the cruise ship and going to book my cruise at my local travel agent this week Thanks for the blogs they are helpful

[@TechGeekTXDad]

With over 65 cruises under my belt, i would let new cruisers know that they need to have non surge protector outlets to charge their devices. Also to put their cruise card in a land yard for easy carry. Use AirTags to track their luggage to their cabin and at debarkation.

[@brentshuffler1234]

Robert W, that is a great milestone! Were all these with Royal Caribbean? Which levels of loyalty-programmes have you reached, therefore?

[@TechGeekTXDad]

@@brentshuffler1234 not all when I was young, but now we only sail Royal. Right now we will reach Emerald after our Allure cruise, hoping to get to Diamond soon.

[@MissTXTee]

65 cruises?! That is AMAZING....I'm going on cruise #1 in December!

[@TechGeekTXDad]

@@MissTXTee awesome, hope you have fun

[@brianl8481]

I hope to get to cruise 65 some day, I’m only going on cruise #3, and Royal Caribbean #1, this October 30 - November 4. But, assuming I stay at my current job long term, I’ll be able to do more than 1 cruise a year, eventually.

[@StanleyLamar]

As a veteran cruiser, I highly suggest getting the motion sickness wrist band especially if you aren't sure if you'll get sick. It really works for me. Don't bring a travel iron because it will be confiscated. I know from experience trying to be slick. Lol

[@terrilee734]

😂 where do you get a wrist band

[@StanleyLamar]

@@terrilee734 Most recently I got one from Amazon. Walmart has them also.

[@WADER966]

Thank you for sharing this info. We will be going on our first cruise in April on Independence of the Seas. You are correct, we are feeling a bit overwhelmed as the time gets closer. Just nervous because we dont know what to expect as everything will be for the first time. We have been watching many videos and they do help. I know things will go ok but i guess it is our nature to worry about doing things for the first time. We didn't know travel agents were still a thing or we would of used one to take a lot of the guess work out.

[@scenicviewstravelgal]

I love how you always rep a good TA. Thanks as usual for the excellent tips!

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Always!

[@christineshields1714]

Great advice for cruise newbies! My husband and I have many cruises under our belt. However, we are cruising in February with two couples that are new to cruising. Our travel agent has been fantastic helping them book and navigate the whole trip, but as the planner in our family, they have also relied heavily on me for guidance. Give them a couple of cruises and they'll be pros!

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Glad it was helpful!

[@detailsmove]

where would you recommend finding a good travel agent?

[@garrettsmith784]

I’ve been on only 2 ships, Enchantment and Independence of the seas. For beginners for RCL if you don’t want that crowded feeling but still want all those fun activities and itineraries I would recommend these three ships for you and it is in order. Navigator Of The Seas, Mariner Of The Seas, and my choice Independence Of The Seas

[@anewman9392]

I have been on 25 cruises and the Independence is my favorite

[@danieldzurko8053]

Great for new #cruising passengers, no matter the cruise line. thank you for this.

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

You bet!

[@deepshotone]

There is so much advice I could give but If I had to choose one that would be if you're flying to your cruise port always arrive at least one early. You never know what the weather is going to be like or if the airlines are have issues. (South West Dec 2022) I always arrive 3-4 days early so I can start my vacation sooner.

[@dchenkin02]

Mistake I made on my last cruise, check everything is working in your stateroom before you unpack. Our minifridge was broken and we didn't realize until we went to grab water bottles for our first day in port. Was on different line, but appliances can break anywhere.

[@mizmercer]

Going on my first cruise in 17 days on Navigator out of LA. It's cool this winter in California, and I usually do a warm weather vacation at this time of year (last 2 years I went to Hawaii). I'm born and raised in California, so I'm a weather wimp. I was looking forward to swimming and beaches, but I'm trying to adjust my expectations accordingly (and bring layers without overpacking). What are your fav things to do when the weather is not great for swimming in the pool, doing Flow-rider, and water slides? I'm thinking rock-wall and hot tub, and the Solarium, but welcome suggestions.

[@erikagholston6610]

I just returned home from my first RCL on the Navigator of the Seas. I had a great time and the only thing I would have changed was the weather. I remembered most of the tips you gave so the cruise went smoothly. Thanks for all the great tips you post.

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

So glad to hear it!

[@Nicoleoliver294]

Awesome. I am thinking about going on a cruise this year. I may bring some employee friends with me. I definitely want to do an international Caribbean cruise where there is some beach time included.

[@brentshuffler1234]

Matt, thanks for these very good tips/reminders. One of the things that you recommended was travel-insurance. What I am wondering is whether the travel-insurance that is a part of many/most credit-cards is adequate? E.g., if you have a Gold Visa or a Platinum Visa, doesn't your method of payment also unlock concierge services, trip-insurance, and emergency-assistance?

[@maryyjanee247]

I’ve only cruised with carnival but I’ve only seen negative things coming from them so I’m doing my first 8 day cruise with royal in April I am very excited!!!!!!

[@litzie50]

79 cruises for me. Royal is better than Carnival although Carnival is much better than they were 15-20 years ago especially their new ships. The best in my opinion are Royals Oasis Class. Unbelievable ships!!!! And the best entertainment anywhere including on land.

[@gardevoirmaster5743]

When I was. On my last cruise in 2018 or 2019 to Mexico on Norwegian bliss. We made friends with some crew who worked at the auctions and every times we passed we always had a chat. I even bought a looney toons poster. One of the best highlights actually was watching Six the musical. I’m pretty sure Six came on cruise ships before all the other casts except for the west end cast who are the OG’s

[@Seabeeleks]

Hello I love the channel. I was wondering can you do a video on the casino on the cruise please

[@saturndev]

My first cruise ever is in less than a week! We’re going on Odyssey of the Seas

[@mizmercer]

So, not going on the 17th, but this is a lesson in why having a travel agent is helpful, and I recommend you get one. I was supposed to sail on February 17. My husband became ill and went into the hospital on Thursday 2/9. I had travel insurance, but asked if I could just get a credit to a future cruise. They contacted Royal Caribbean and quickly arranged things allowing me to change with no fee (normally $100) to another booking. Now, I did have to quickly pick another date. The cruise company publishes the passenger manifest 3 days prior, and they need to get that settled before then, but I'm now re-booked. I am having to pay the difference between the prices on the two cruises, and since I'm opting to go sooner (rather than later) it's a more expensive trip (as prices go up the closer to the date -- and I'm booking on Easter Week). I could have opted to exercise my insurance, but I really want to do a cruise, and this is working out okay for me. Very happy with how this was handled..

[@rickjames302]

we didn't use a travel agent for our first cruise, but did for our second. we didn't for our third. I will continue not using a travel agent for any further cruises. it was a nightmare and honestly didn't save us much money

[@livingweirdestherc6644]

Great advice

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Thanks!

[@davee8113]

Look up weather, know what your sea days will be like and your shore days ahead of time

[@kathieepler156]

Been cruising for 18 years and have two upcoming cruises booked with a travel agent. The thing I don't like about using a TA is that the only way to make payments for the cruise online - all the rest can be done online.

[@mizmercer]

I still finalized payment online, but I had done the initial booking and adding the agent on.

[@jeffreylevin9616]

You win the award for most commanding voice. I also watch La Lida Loca, Life Well Cruised with Illana, Don's Family Vacations, Shiplife. I live in South Florida and hoping to do my first cruise soon end of May when my limo job slows down taking all those people to the cruise ships. The one thing I still need to do is find reliable insurance for a possible death in the family. My Dad turns 99 June 4th. He's okay but that's old. I would hate to have to eat the fee on a 7 day cruise. Any suggestions.

[@bronzefox9035]

Oh thank you. You listed two names I have never heard of. I will go binge watch their channel.

[@brandydawsonrourk1192]

Lol I am an over planner and still left stuff out when we went to Alaska

[@tuvia4082]

Great info Matt. Along with your passport, if you need a visa to a different country, keep the proof of the visa close to your passport. (if not already stamped in your pp)

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Good tip!

[@acespades2171]

Can you do a video about the deluxe dining package?

[@davidtomasetti8520]

I will always bring at least twice the number of underwear as days of the cruise. Lol😂

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

That's not a bad idea!

[@karolyq5440]

Hi RCB family, this was a great video for beginners, thank you!! But do you have any videos for cruisers that are not beginners?

[@brentshuffler1234]

I think that the same tips/videos for beginners are also great reminders for experienced cruisers. Knowing is the first step; remembering is the next step. Also, I think that we are all beginners when we have our first cruise with another cruise-line and/or with another ship in the same fleet. Plus, over the years, familiar ships are renovated, activities and amenities are added/deleted, and menus are expanded/changed. After the past three years of global disruptions to travel, tourism, and cruises, we are all beginners (again) in some ways.

[@toddlarue3525]

I've noticed that on your ship she have quite a few big-name restaurants I'm sure that those are extra charges what would the charges be

[@ModernMyths]

There's 3 more advice that Matt didn't add on here. But he has on other videos. Well, 2 of them are his. 1 is mine from personal experience. 1. Bring a back pack with you. Put at least a change of cloths, medicine you might need, and other essentials that you need. I personally have seen on the first day of cruises where people bring 5 suitcases with them all throughout the ship since the rooms weren't ready. This way you can leave your suitcases with the crew when you get to the ship and still have what you need without lugging a ton of baggage for hours. 2. Sun Screen. When doing a Caribbean Cruise, you get burned so much easier. Trust me, I've seen on every cruise (#14 in 2 months) at least 1 person with severe sun burns on the very 1st day. 1 actually starting to blister. Trust me, you don't want to spend a vacation dealing with it. 3. Comfortable or padded shoes. This is one from me. The ships are HUGE! Even if you are going on a small ship. THEY ARE HUGE! XD And you will be doing a LOT of walking. On and off the ship. Especially on the first day while on it while exploring it. Trust me, they help make the vacation SOOO much better.

[@brentshuffler1234]

ModernMyths, thanks for the tips/reminders. I especially agree about the importance of very good walking shoes as well as instep-support (which many cruise-ships also sell via their fitness-centres). I am so curious how it is possible to do "14 cruises in 2 months"?? Two years, I could understand, but not two months....Were these all with Royal Caribbean cruiseline? You must have reached the highest level of loyalty-programme(s) by now. Wow!

[@ModernMyths]

@@brentshuffler1234 XD Whoops forgot the # there. I will be going on number 14 in 2 months. I did 2 back to back and that was too much for me XD. But I'm diamond right now and I'll be hitting my 140 milestone on the next one (I get a award on the cruise after it.) And for the shoes. I'm 6.5 and big. Sadly I got a back injury and all that walking and such. Yeah, the insole helps SOOO much. And cheaper too when getting them off the ship

[@hollinsheadfamily2377]

Hey, I have booked azumi on the anthem of the seas, but I don’t know what’s on the menu, what is there?

[@billeger5565]

Very frequently traveled in my job from 1995-2018. Made nearly all my own reservations (air, car, hotel). Never had a serious problem. TAs are for people who have never traveled much or are intimidated by various industry websites.

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Cruise ship travel is not like other forms of travel. There’s significantly more variables to consider. A good travel agent is beneficial for just about anyone

[@ThoolooExpress]

Actually, I'd argue that for airfare and hotels at least, ultra-frequent business travellers are the only people that actually benefit from travel agents. None of the travel sites give you the kind of direct access to the airline booking systems that travel agents have. A good travel agent can piece together a reservation on different airlines to get you to the meetings you need to be at when you need to be there, whereas doing the same thing yourself would take forever in the dumbed-down interface travel sites expose to you. Also, decision fatigue is real. Sometimes it's nice to have somebody you trust to just tell you where to go instead of having to decide on a hotel every place you go, so you can concentrate on doing your job.

[@rogerrives5407]

I booked my first RC cruise with both port days being in the same port (Cozumel). I booked a shore excursion for both days and initially it show an excursion on day three and another on day four. Now it is showing both on day four. Is there a way to resolve this problem?

[@AudreyMealiff]

Thanks for great tips. We are just over 8 months away from our first ever cruise on Explorer of the Seas. I'm 42 and my boyfriend is 37, I'm just really hopeful that he enjoys the ship, entertainment, food etc. I am fairly certain that I will love it, and it's been on my suggestion that we booked so I do hope he loves it too.

[@dylan24334]

What ship? I'm going on oasis on the 12th of february.

[@AudreyMealiff]

@@dylan24334 Wow, Oasis will be amazing. Where is she sailing? We'll be on Explorer out of Venice. We live in Ireland so this itinerary of Greece and Croatia looks amazing and not a long flight from Dublin.

[@dylan24334]

@@AudreyMealiff We're from ireland too haha. It's a western caribbean cruise I believe, its leaving from miami

[@AudreyMealiff]

@@dylan24334 ha, cool! I would NOT say no to a Caribbean cruise.

[@brentshuffler1234]

Audrey Mealiff, you can also check on the cruise-line website or on KZbin for past guests' documentaries of the ship that interests you. Nothing like being able to tour virtually months or even years before your actual cruise!

[@user-bu8hb5rl6f]

Matt why don't any Quantum class ships sail from Port Canaveral?

[@tropicxgaming2046]

best first cruise for a fairly active teen who loves food?

[@michelles8014]

Are drinks and food complimentary on Coco Cay?

[@allisonmatheney8115]

Insurance for sure. Just like car ins. Nobody wants to pay for it but if u ever need it u will be glad u did

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Absolutely

[@emilyhansen9417]

Going on my first cruise on Harmony in 59 days. What exactly is al a carte dining? For example there is an option to make dinner reservations at the solarium bistro which is a complimentary restaurant. Thank you for all of the tips and advice!

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

A la carte means you pay for items as you order them, instead of a cover charge. This is commonly found at Izumi sushi.

[@emilyhansen9417]

@@RoyalCaribbeanBlog so, if the Solarium is a complimentary restaurant, you still pay as your order, or is it not a complimentary restaurante? Thank you, some of this stuff is very confusing!

[@pianointhedesert]

@@emilyhansen9417 solarium is complimentary, so no charge to have whatever you want. Anything that is complimentary does not have a fee associated with it.

[@KS-qp2ml]

I worried how much they going charge me for everything... Pictures gift shop jewelry food n drinks. Can I get the link on what food is free and what juice is free? If my friend want a virgin will they charge here what if my son want a soda instead of apple juice are getting charge

[@pattonpandemonium]

Am I going to get any good specialty dining if I board at 11:30 on Wonder on Spring Break?! Ugh... Should I cancel my dining package? #firsttimer

[@brentshuffler1234]

Patton Pandemonium, that is a good question for a first-timer. One tip is to make your reservations as early as possible via the cruise-line's website. Most specialty dining focuses on evening meals, in any case; therefore, boarding in the morning or early afternoon will give you plenty of time to prepare for supper and even for lunch in any venue that offers lunch-services. If in doubt, go to Guest Services or any of the Specialty Dining venues/Main Dining Rooms, and reconfirm your preferred venues and dining times as soon as you board the cruise-ship.

[@chrislim7976]

1. Pay attention to who your cruise line is marketing to. You will be spending time with others and you can't really leave. 2. Lose weight before the cruise so you have a cushion to enjoy yourself. Food is a big part of cruising. 3. Don't try anything stupid esp at the start of your cruise that could get you sick or injured.

[@AddysMommy28]

What about eating on cruise ships with dietary restrictions? I worry that my son won’t have access to dairy free ice cream, when there is an ice cream dispenser right on deck? Does anyone have experience with accessibility of alternate options when it comes to food?

[@AddysMommy28]

I have watched KZbin videos where people with dietary restrictions have gone on cruises but their kids were younger and I am just hoping to be able to give my kids a little more autonomy without them having to hunt down options for themselves for every snack or meal.

[@deborahmeise8185]

I'm going on Enchantment of the Seas in April to the Southern Caribbean. My main question is how to dress for the main dining room. I understand that there are formal nights and I do not want to bring cocktail dresses for myself nor a suit for my husband. What are our other options for formal night?

[@brentshuffler1234]

You can choose to have room-service or you can go to the buffet on the Lido deck (or equivalent name) usually located on one of the higher decks on cruise-ships where the main swimming pools are. Tip: One set of formal wear can serve for your cruise: e.g., it might be just one night per week. Wear, air, and repeat. It does not have to be a suit/tuxedo or formal gown: it can be a long-sleeved shirt and a tie for a man, for example. However, I must say from experience, that most people look forward to the one or two formal nights to experience a taste of class that they might rarely or never otherwise have. E.g., I never had a tuxedo until I was preparing for my first cruise . . . .and loved dressing up ever since.

[@deborahmeise8185]

@@brentshuffler1234 Thank you for clearing that up for me. Your answer was very helpful!

[@deepshotone]

I would highly recommend that you dont skip formal night. The ship will have plenty of photographers that night and this will be a great opportunity for you and your hubby to get a great photo. You'd be surprised how many couples Ive met that have not had a professional photo since their wedding day. And many of them were married for over 20 years! Everyone will have on their "sunday best" so why not take advantage of the moment. I suggest you reconsider. You wont be disappointed. You're going to have an awesome time. Happy Cruising...:)

[@Emperor-Wild-Man]

My number one tip to a potential first time cruiser is that do NOT book the cheapest cruise. I can understand the logic of one not wanting to spend more money to what appeared to be the same cruise but at a different time of the year. After booking the cheapest cruise with a sailing date during the height of the hurricane season will have a good chance of a disappointing first time cruising experience. And therefore, will never try cruising again.

[@dogimclownin3870]

Will there be a Cruise Compass for Wonder of the Seas 7-night Western Caribbean and Perfect Day Cruise Compass - January 16, 2023? Also thank you for all the help information for a first cruiser.

[@brentshuffler1234]

Terrence Henderson, yes, all cruiseships, to my knowledge, have the equivalent of a daily newsletter to let guests know important information about ports to be visited, opening times for the various venues (e.g., gym, buffets, restaurants, entertainment, activities), and such like. Some also offer previews on their websites. Some increasingly offer all these features and information through applications for mobile phones. However, I can also tell you that Royal Caribbean cruise-ships have big screens on every landing (near elevators and stair-cases on every deck) to show you key information at a glance, dining venues, Guest Services, fitness centre, spa/salon, meal-times, and full list of activities for the day. Another neat feature is the one that allows you to see a quick map from where you are to wherever you want to go next on the entire ship (including directions to your cabin!). Very helpful . . . and NO paper wasted printing thousands of copies daily!

[@CherylDebar]

going on my first cruise in may and was wondering are group pulls in the casino a popular thing? ive seen some videos on it and seems like a fun activity.

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Yes they are among groups

[@carlosescobar2170]

Sorry Matt but i have to say this. I used a travel agent for our honeymoon cruise and we almost lost our reservation because our travel agent had the wrong date marked for our final payment!!! Sure i could have looked at this myself but isnt that what we had her for?? To ensure that wouldn't happen? Since then I've always booked our cruises ... mainly at Next Cruise... and have gotten as good a deal as with any travel agent. I may try your partners at MEI one day but still traumatized by that one experience 😅.

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Think of it this way. You've been to a bad restaurant or seen a bad movie, and yet, you still go to other restaurants and movies, right? Not all travel agents are good, and I'd recommend giving MEI a try!

[@deniseglover6258]

Hey! I want to mark my calendar at the 45 days pre cruise to check in . My cruise is on the 15th do I count back starting on the 15 or 14.

[@pattonpandemonium]

The RC app told me exactly what day to check in.

[@deniseglover6258]

@@pattonpandemonium okay great. Thanks!

[@user-hg2ex9me4b]

Thank you so much Matt your content help me so much for my first cruise vacation. My first cruise will come in the coming week. 6 night western Caribbean cruise on board harmony of the sea. Since I am from Canada so I got your advise arrive the port one day before but when I booking the returning flight the option is very limited. I checked the itinerary it shows the ship will return to Fort Lauderdale on 6 am. I booked the return flight to Toronto on 11:40am the same day. I am so anxiety if I have enough time for that flight? How long the debarkation process take? I am booking a royal loft suite is it will fast the debarkation process? Hopefully some one can help me relief the anxiety.

[@andreamalinowski1365]

We just flew out of Ft Lauderdale after our cruise on Saturday...FLL is the worst. The debark is quick....but make sure you debark as early as possible (usually around 7am) and shuttle right to the airport. We did & had to stand in line for nearly 2 hours since everyone coming off every cruise line at the same time is doing the same thing. I hope u r flying air Canada, you'll have an easier time than us Delta folks. Have fun!

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

I’m so glad it helped you out! 11:40am is probably okay especially since you’re in a suite. They can expedite your disembarkation

[@user-hg2ex9me4b]

@@andreamalinowski1365 Thank you so much to share your experiences. I am travel with 4 years old boy so I don’t want wait too long for the flight. There are only evening option for me other than this one. I am flight with Air Transit. Hopefully it will be better.

[@user-hg2ex9me4b]

@@RoyalCaribbeanBlog You are the best so helpful.

[@traceydelibero4065]

When you go to Coco cay do you have to bring your soda cup if you purchase the soda package with you in order to get your free soda?

[@MommyMakesItBetter]

Tracey, no. You don’t need to bring your cup. There are not any freestyle machines on cocoa cay and you can get a soda at any bar with the sticker on your card

[@traceydelibero4065]

@@MommyMakesItBetter thank you

[@duffin.caprous]

Oops, looks like maybe a mistake around the 6:06 mark. Matt says it's pack light, but the title mentions If there's a problem, talk to somebody.

[@brentshuffler1234]

Duffin X. Caprous, I think that the title was simply a written tip placed within the video. That was a general recommendation for all kinds of problems or situations, whilst "packing lightly" is a separate recommendation, which I also heartily endorse. You will almost certainly need less than what you think you will need . . . and there is always the option of having some laundry done during a cruise, or simple handwashing of some items.

[@duffin.caprous]

@@brentshuffler1234 The title card is in the video twice, so I think they just accidently put the wrong one in the section about luggage. Was just letting them know in case they wanted to fix it.

[@csilva3901]

I am going on my first cruise next week and made the mistake of not making reservations for shows beforehand (i thought i would only be able to make them upon boarding) and everything is sold out. Is there any chance i'll be able to see those shows if I wait in line without a reservation in the event people with reservations don't show up?

[@andreamalinowski1365]

Just got off our cruise last week, same situation, all booked. We just kept checking the app & we're able to do most of what we wanted because some people cancel (check 12-14) hours b4 your desired event.

[@deepshotone]

Yes. Keep checking with guest services. The have cancellations all the time..

[@BiggRude02]

There is a stand by line to get into shows

[@lindsaydance_05]

After my first, technically it was the second one but I didn't remember 99% of my actual first so I never count that, I had given a friend a necklace and nail polish I got for their birthday on it and told them about it since they wanted to know about it then asked me what she should tell her mom about since they wanted to go on one but were very cautious because her mom was so sure she'd be extremally sea sick the whole time. I said to watch KZbin videos for those ships, Nothing will go how you expect, you probably won't be sea sick much if at all because my mom thought she'd be and maybe she was a bit on like the first day at sea but that was it, and make sure you use a travel agent for everything because that apparently got us a better deal. I'm pretty sure they never got to go on one though because this was like right before Covid. Now I'd probably also tell them look at where it's stopping and compare how many ports they'll not get off at with how much there is on the ship that they'd be able to do during that time, and just to make them laugh a bit add on at the end not to miss it obviously.

[@espnluver7525]

U know not every cruiser flies to their cruises rite????? Like I have been 16 cruises at almost 28 and still have not flown to a cruise

[@travelingbeyondboundaries]

With the emuster does everyone have to watch it separately or is it one time per cabin so we can watch it together? Thanks!

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

One per cabin

[@brentshuffler1234]

Traveling Beyond Boundaries, that is a great question. It is important that every person in your party understand the emergency procedures. It is also important for every person in your party to go to the assigned Muster Station for your group/deck in order to be confirmed by a crew-member in person as having found the Muster Station. Otherwise, you will not be allowed to embark on the cruise and it will hold up the sailing for the whole ship. Safety is not optional for airlines or for cruise-ships.

[@geno5169]

My wife and I used a travel agent once.we got burned with that. My wife has booked our vacations over 20 years. With 3 cruise too. We even just booked our first cruise on the oasis and put there royal app on our phone. And we bought there alcohol 🍷. When it was on sell.

[@jeanelynquero8839]

I'm new to cruising. Can I book travel insurance through the cruise line.

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Yes you can

[@jeanelynquero8839]

Thank you

[@jenniferbenavidez1734]

Is the "wellness check time" the time we board the ship?

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Yes. You can answer it also before boarding in the app

[@claudiajohnson2352]

I'm going on Voyager in April. I can't find a video of the ship. Do you have one?

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

We don’t have a tour yet of Voyager, sorry

[@georgewilliams2764]

We are going on voyager in June and there a lot of helpful tours and videos if you just use the search on here (though I do prefer RCB for their great informative videos.

[@gregallen6253]

My agent hasn’t been much help. He asked if we were using passports or birth certificates. Being new to cruising, we said birth certificates. Never told us the advantages passports. With birth Certificates you must have them stamped by a notary per RC but most states will not do that.. now we are trying to get expiated passports as the cruise is mid March, I will not use this agent again.

[@lindavaldez3047]

How do I find a good cruise travel agent? Mine is so so. They say their cruise experts but I beg to differ.

[@lindavaldez3047]

Nobody I know cruises so I can't get any recondmondations from anyone.

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Ask them for specifics, like how often they check for price drops to re-price, what their relationship is like with the Royal Caribbean sales manager to resolve issues, if they escort groups on Royal Caribbean, etc. I'd also recommend on a personal level MEI Travel (full disclosure, they are a sponsor)

[@lindavaldez3047]

@@RoyalCaribbeanBlog once again no info on a good travel agent.

[@MountainMan7.62x39]

I work as a catastrophe insurance adjuster. My biggest concern is that there will be some kind of catastrophe before the cruise that will prevent me from going on my vacation.

[@bronzefox9035]

I know right!? Let the SHTF when we get back please. I am really looking forward to my first cruise.

[@MountainMan7.62x39]

@@bronzefox9035 Truth! Are you an adjuster?

[@bronzefox9035]

@@MountainMan7.62x39 nope. I'm not an adjuster. Just retired Air Force.

[@richsamuel2922]

Number one concern is being bored. I'm going on my 2nd ever cruise, this time solo.

[@adamtravan3946]

There are so many activities throughout every day for all different types of interest. We all missed out on things we wanted to do because we didn’t have time.

[@brentshuffler1234]

Rich Samuel, I can assure you that being bored should be the least of your worries. Large cruise-ships, nowadays, are like floating islands and moving cities! More to do in a cruise-vacation than at any hotel or restaurant on land! Plus, every day (or two), the cruise-ship is moving to another place with a whole new list of things to see, to do, to taste, and to experience. Menus change every day also. Multiple swimming pools, multiple dining venues/bars/restaurants/buffets, multiple entertainment options, multiple activities, multiple ports/countries visited during a typical cruise. It could take you a lifetime to explore all the ships in one cruise-line's fleet and all the options available through each ship, and, by then, the ships themselves would be renovated, with new menues, activities, and amenities added or enhanced . . . and then there are dozens of other cruise-lines to repeat the whole exciting journey of unique first-time experiences.

[@kevintemerowski5271]

#1 Tip- Stop watching and reading everyone’s review. Live your life. You’ve made it this far making your own decisions. Go and experience your own life based on your own decisions and experiences.

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Amen!

[@baxterboy123yt]

6:09 is that meant to say pack light, because the "if there's a problem talk to someone about it" is later in the video

[@jameshardman7536]

Dress code doesnt exist it seems on oasis at dinner time

[@katiekendrick8866]

I meet a new cruiser who was only eating in buffet became they thought they had to pay in the dining room

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

That’s so unfortunate

[@katiekendrick8866]

They obviously did not do any research. They were not having a good time and that is a shame. It is important to research or cruise with a frequent cruiser so you learn what to expect!

[@torythibaud8463]

We thought the same thing 10 years ago when went on our first cruise!😂 and we were shy to ask. It looked too good to be true that it was all inclusive

[@katiekendrick8866]

@@torythibaud8463 now you know! Never be afraid to ask! 😊

[@SilverHonda0767]

Like # 4 R.I.P. Cindy Williams of “Laverne and Shirley” who passed away at the age of 75

[@BrianAlt]

I've always said, "we're all in the same 'boat'," and I think you stole it from me. 😄😉

[@holaday]

Find your cruise roll call, join your roll call, ask questions no matter how dumb you think the question is.

[@skeletor9121]

I believe your passport needs to not expire 6 months prior to departure.

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

That’s not a universal rule. Only a few countries require it and they are not commonly visited countries for cruises

[@skeletor9121]

@@RoyalCaribbeanBlog Based on what Royal Caribbean policy says passports must be valid for 6 months prior to departure or will be denied boarding. I’ve been down this road before and had to scramble and get an expedited passport renewal.

[@lukesmith9482]

First

[@SilverHonda0767]

Dang it 😢. You beat me by 8 seconds on this great video.

[@lukesmith9482]

​@@SilverHonda0767 Sorry, though I am in definite agreement that this video was great. :D

[@SilverHonda0767]

@@lukesmith9482 Yes Sir !

[@Northstar2000]

Travel agents are for old fuddy duddies who are lazy.

[@suecrossgrove]

Blabber, blabber, blabber. So many words and so little information.