5 things to avoid on Royal Caribbean (and what to do instead)

[@claveauannie]

Snorkeling at cococay was the best! Early in the morning, the water is very clear. We brought snorkeling gear,but water goggles were enough to see fishes. It might not be the best for expert snorkeling, but for kids and beginners, it’s great.

[@JonathanDeck-i2e]

Hi Matt! I've been watching your stuff for about a year now, it's helped me feel much better prepared for my first cruise - which is tomorrow on Ovation!! Thanks for making great content!

[@evanhartman8602]

How was ovation, its one of the few classes of ship I haven’t gone on

[@JonathanDeck-i2e]

@@evanhartman8602 We had a great time! I don't have much to compare it to but the staff was super nice and the food was great!!

[@evanhartman8602]

@@JonathanDeck-i2e good to hear, that’s a good thing with royal Caribbean, they always have good food and the staff are very nice compared to the other cruise lines I’ve been on (mainly carnival)

[@FoodiesVacations]

I think there is a large group of people that love the sail away party.! They even do a conga line! They work really hard all year Matt, they need to grab a drink and look for that moment to break loose… in a party. Personally I love watching them… I can hang out on the balcony and watch the ocean the other 6 days! Party on People!

[@edwesby5752]

we began going to the Park Cafe instead of the Windjammer. If you have done one sail-away party you don't need to go to another.

[@terryjonas2667]

Park Cafe is our favorite place to hit up for lunch. My husband is craving the roast beef sandwich the minute he wakes up on embarkation day!

[@TheDevilishHusky]

I love Park Cafe and Cafe Promenade. hubby and I NEVER see the Windjammer. the two cafes have WAY better food(imo) anyways.

[@mikez7842]

Gotta hit the windjammer on embarkation day if you enjoy seafood or beef. Every embarkation day we hit the windjammer for the chilled lobster and cocktail claws and the roast beef carving station.

[@evanhartman8602]

Definitely this, windjammer has the best (sea)food usually on embarkation, and the few days before disembarkation, that’s when I go the most. One or 2 days before disembarkation they usually will have shrimp and crawfish out for free.

[@Ariadne147]

I don't care what anyone says, I love eating at the buffet on embarkation day and then people watching on the pool deck. My last couple of cruises, however, I purchased The Key and had a "steakhouse" lunch. The first time I did this, the lunch was outstanding and included a large selection from the steakhouse. The last time or two I've done this, the lunch had a much smaller selection and wasn't good. I love watching the sail away party. Part of the fun is all the excited people, the music, watching people dance and watching the shoreline fade away into the distance among all the happy people. 150 Central Park is my absolute favorite restaurant. You can get the Coco Beach club on sale so it's under $100. It's my favorite thing to do on Coco Cay!!

[@Biwi1947]

Matt…Please clarify the new device charging ban & if possible show an example of the type that is allowed. We understand the extension cords & power strips are out. TYVM. We sail a week from tomorrow.

[@bronzefox9035]

We hit the Windjammer on Embarkation as spon as it opens. We cruise 4 times per year. We have never had issues with crowds. We do old small shops and new big ships.

[@TheOddWhimsy]

Love doing sail away from my balcony. We usually unpack and then go grab a snack and bring back to the room to enjoy leaving port.

[@ob1jedinite]

We did Jamie’s Italian for lunch on embarkation day on our 1st RC cruise last summer and we’ve already booked it again when we’re going in January.

[@RBickersjr]

I like going to Johnny rockets when it opens and relaxing, watching people use the flowrider when I get on board.

[@annwhite6305]

When we were on the Odyssey, we absolutely LOVED the Solarium Bistro! We ate there every morning, when we got on board, and for dinner a couple of times. Very good food, relaxed atmosphere, and attentive staff.

[@rmn4]

I feel this is very much more targeted towards seasoned/repeat cruisers, as opposed to first-timers ;) If you're on your very first RC cruise, nothing wrong with enjoying yourself with everyone else :D

[@doreenburger4523]

I enjoy the sail away party since I love to dance(my husband? Uh, no). And at 67 years old, there’s not a lot of venues at home where I can dance by myself and not look ridiculous. Magicians/jugglers: yes, not the greatest, but it’s still an entertaining show with some laughs. There are tons of places at home to sit and listen to live music. Yes, we will go to some venues, but usually before dinner or after we catch whatever show is planned for the evening.

[@babbego]

I always book specialty restaurant for lunch on embarcation day. Makes the first day really relaxing!

[@cnik7802]

I wouldn't make Coco Cay your main snorkeling destination if you have other port options, but if it's your only stop with snorkeling and you can bring your own snorkel gear (or are bringing it anyway to snorkel at another port), then it's totally worth it. It's not the most spectacular snorkeling ever, but if the weather cooperates, it is a nice way to spend your beach day. And thank you thank you thank you for mentioning the pub and Schooner! These are such great and unique entertainment options. So many people just don't realize how much fun it can be.

[@bamckeon]

Hey Matt do you stand by your statement for not eating at the Windjammer on embarkation day for Icon of the Seas. I heard they have a great seafood buffet on Embarkation day.

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

I do for two reasons. First, I’m not sure if that’s still a thing on icon. Second, aquadome market is fantastic

[@darlenep.a.2731]

Doing Icon in November so I've been keeping uo with the trends. From what I'm seeing, the seafood buffet (lobster included) is here to stay. Personally I don't care for steak or seafood, but if that's your thing... eat up! Enjoy!

[@robertwilson9999]

I would say avoid renting jet skis at coco cay. It takes an hour of your time just to get ready to go out and then you don’t have any freedom to drive yourself anywhere but instead you are forced to travel in a line behind a guide. When you get back you’ve wasted 2 hours for basically being in line for an activity you can do on the mainland of Florida. Snorkeling is a much better choice. You have to go out and snorkel on the back side of the rocks to see the fish .

[@sf3413]

Yes!!! Piano time at the Schooner bar may just be my husband's and my most favorite thing to do on Royal!

[@jimtorode9330]

Matt, I agree that the beef tenderloin at 150 CP is epic. The Coco Beach Club truly is outstanding...we've visited the CBC 3 times, and the filet and buttery lobster is incredible.

[@duffin.caprous]

I get it's busy, but for me, the cruise doesn't start until we go to the Windjammer. It's just a tradition I started and I just need to do the buffet on day 1. I would recommend if you wait until, say, 1:15-2, it gets less busy on some ships. Once the cabins are ready, most people go to their room to decompress and unpack and whatnot.

[@paullp985]

The Windjammer is by fat the best people watching spot.

[@aprilsimmons5137]

I agree with you. We use to always spend sail away in the pool deck, but now we hang out on our balcony, it's private and peaceful. On big ships embarkation day at the Windjammer is a mess!

[@GerardPinzone]

You absolutely right about 150 Central Park vs. Chops.

[@zurydrucker5279]

My first time going on a cruise us coming up soon. Can hardly wait

[@stevetaub2826]

We do the Key and have lunch in MDR No issues with the meal I prefer being outside and up top for sail away

[@FrancisSiuChock]

Come on Matt, recommending to go to a PAY restaurant for lunch instead of the Windjammer, especially if you have a large group! That is not giving everyone the same option, especially for those that don't want to spend extra money. The better option as noted is go to Park Cafe or other cafe style restaurants for a bite. And recommending to take a nap at sail away sounds just like a Guy whose been on TOO many wail aways unlike a lot of cruisers who haven't been to many. You can take a nap after sail away 😃

[@Utubesuperstar]

A lot of ships don’t have those options though. You got the buffet and the pizza on most ships. Doing a specialty is a fantastic option I do quite a bit especially on ships with few options

[@simonespeed]

Take a nap during sail away is wild Matt. Lol

[@FitRell360]

Probably the first time that I disagree with most/many of the options Matt has presented.

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

We can still be friends!

[@FitRell360]

@@RoyalCaribbeanBlog absolutely 😊. You & your team provide great info on KZbin & the podcast. Going on my first Royal Caribbean cruise in a little over 3 weeks. Keep up the great work.

[@chefpete91]

RESPECTFULLY and in my opinion, I think most of these are a miss for me. 1. I am a sucker for going to the buffet on Embarkation day because I just feel like it’s packed with people who are just as excited about being on the cruise like I am. It feels different! I’ve definitely done the quick grab and go path, but it just doesn’t feel quite the same for me. But again, just my opinion. 2. The Sail Away Party is super fun because there is ALWAYS a new cruiser or family who is just getting after it and it is so much fun to see their joy. I can definitely resonate with using the balcony, especially if I paid for it. And I can also get behind going to the bars when they’re slower. But I also don’t hate the idea of going to a busy bar and meeting new people! 3. Snorkeling in PD is definitely not the best. I’ve been snorkeling a couple different spots and it is in fact better. BUT I can see people wanting to just be in the ocean and aren’t necessarily worried about what they’re doing. They just wanna be in the water that isn’t a pool 🤷🏻‍♂️ 4. Chops is just okay, so I am right there with you on this one! I’ve had great steak in the MDR more than I have in Chops. 5. The Magicians, albeit they ARE cringy, I think that’s what makes it somewhat endearing and kinda fun! I don’t mind things that are kinda goofy or stereotypical entertainment because I think the predictably of it makes it endearing and nostalgic. Kinda like going back to a movie you’ve seen a thousand times but can’t turn off or stop watching. I mean honestly…how many times can I see Captain America say “Avengers, assemble!”? Lol

[@mikebarnes2294]

One thing to consider is that Matt has gone on many Royal Caribbean cruises over many years (enough to have Pinnacle status) and with that much experience may view the experience differently than many of us who have only done it once or twice. Unlike Matt I still sail in interior cabins so very happy to be on the pool deck for the sail away party.

[@darlenep.a.2731]

You sound like my kind of cruise buddy ChefPete. I'm all for enjoying the electricity and excitement of embarkation day. I embrace every cliche line dance, silly sing along and cringe worthy magician as part of the fun. And while I am by no means a seasoned cruiser, I can say with the utmost confidence that come November I will be Wobbling with my fellow cruisers all night long. 🎉

[@danielashley8638]

I know Matt doesn't care for "The Key," but one of the biggest advantages of it is that you avoid Windjammer on embarkation day. Also, as a solo traveler, I love Chops Grille. I have never had a bad meal, and the service is excellent. Lastly, thanks for the tip about the Coco Beach Club Filet. I'll be going there in December on Odyssey.

[@ModernMyths]

I have been thinking about Sorrento's lately. What's you opinion if they started doing a pizza contest with the crew. They crew creates their own version each year or season. And the winner has their pizza served for that year or season on that ship?

[@urofseron]

Embarkation day = whichever specialty restaurant is open, and then checking out the T&A on the pool deck.

[@Equinox051256]

My wife and I had a lunch at Chops on our cruise last month on Liberty - we were not impressed!

[@sometimessuitesisters8661]

Our favorite sailaway is a nice bottle of champagne on our balcony. It's become our tradition. We changed it up on Ovation and ordered a bottle in the 270 for great views from Seattle!

[@billeger5565]

did the Jammer on our first cruise embarkation day. ain’t doing that again, ever

[@Utubesuperstar]

Sail away on the flowrider is peak, doing spins and hanging at the wave with an incredible aft view is peak

[@patty17294]

Pls consider making a video about kosher food on RC cruises :)

[@GLOCKDPLUSFlowriders]

Agreed! Please!

[@markmay2328]

Add hypnotist to your list & your spot on!!

[@shyrahhall4266]

I was so excited i missed the sail away party 😢, I was to busy stuffing my face in the windjammer lol. But I enjoyed my balcony peaceful and quiet

[@Chango110418]

We always pass on the party and watch from the balcony. So nice and quiet. We also get he key so lunch is chopped and we get chopped for dinner super empty and they give extra food in first night lol

[@marilynbeebe8249]

My very first cruise was grandure of the seas my first meal park cafe tucked behind the pool. My second cruise was allure of the seas booked a aqua 2 bedroom in the middle of the pandemic for6,ooo

[@FelixTorres-wl5vt]

You can check what is open a couple of days before sailing on the app

[@anthonyantoniohughes1184]

I going to have to disagree on at least two things, first, if it's your first time cruising, the sail away should be a must but if you've been on more than 2 cruises, yes skip it. For me, I would not do one of the specialty restaurants on embarkation, most people are hyped up and ready to get started and if your on a 3 plus day cruise, you have plenty of time for one of the restaurants, I say explore the ship especially if it's a new cruise ship, make reservations for shows, book an excursion or any other especial events that's going on. I somewhat agree about going to the windjammer on embarkation day, it can be a little overwhelming but if your hungry go for it, I usually find a grab and go then sit at one of the bars. I normally utilize the balcony on sea days, relaxing, soaking in the sun. In my opinion, embarkation day is about exploring, letting loose, people watching, hanging out at the sail away and meeting new people.

[@JanessaGrantner]

In your next video, can you talk about the NEW banned item on the list that was just posted!? We all want to know! "Multi Outlet banned"

[@Biwi1947]

Hoping he will show us a sample off what is allowed.

[@Longlivetherepubli]

Who cares bring a usb hub lol

[@Justjakelive]

Power banks are allowed and can easily used for multiple devices. Also a European converter.

[@christinedelrossi2819]

Did the WJ exactly once on embarkation day. NEVER again! You can get lunch at a specialty restaurant relatively inexpensively during a precruise sale. Priceless to me.

[@mikebarnes2294]

What time did you visit the WindJammer on embarkation day?

[@christinedelrossi2819]

@@mikebarnes2294 about 1 pm

[@gwcrispi]

Sorrentos is absolutely swamped on embarkation day. The buffet is infinitely less busy than Sorrentos.

[@1realtruthrightnow742]

Hello ALL! I could really really use some help. I'm booked my very first cruise the other night with Royal Caribbean and my ship is Vision of the Seas. I was going to get the drink pkg, but I don't have any idea what is actually available. I have gout, and it can get pretty severe if I start drinking the wrong alcohol. Last thing I want is to be air lifted off the ship in the middle of vacation. Does anyone know which bars on Vision of the Seas has draft beer on tap and which more importantly which brands. (i.e. miller light, Guinness, Porter etc). Also is water included in the drink package? I have been on the phone with customer service and combed through their website but there really are not specifics on these things. THANK YOU in advance to anyone that responds with correct information. I really do appreciate it.

[@muse1117]

hi matt.... just a heads up if you are ever on a ship with a show that stars Jason Bishop.... do NOT miss it. Unlike the majority of magicians you mentioned in this video.... he is an illutionist... additionally he is hilarious. He has had his own show on Broadway and has had a variety of specials. He is also easy on the eyes....LOL. he typically performs on ships that depart out of Bayonne. He usually is only on for a week at a time. This December I will be seeing him for the 4th time in the past 14 months on Odyessy - our cruise dates seem to align more often than not.... Anyway - just wanted to throw that out there for anyone watching- he is NOT your typical magician and his show really should not be missed 🙂 Cheers!

[@Tim2cruise]

Snorkeling at coco key is awesome

[@MrMighty0z]

Disagree with you about Chops. Specifically, both cuts of filet are coming from the SAME SOURCE. So, if you think Giovannis was better, either the chef was better, or by chance the specific piece of meat was. Think about it. As far as 150 goes, that means I'd have to sail on an Oasis class, which I won't. As far as the beach club on Coco Cay, there is no way the uncharge can possibly be worth it.

[@trekguy66]

Sucks that multi-plug outlets are now banned. I just bought one. Ugh…

[@Biwi1947]

I’m hoping he will show us a sample of what is allowed.

[@trekguy66]

@@Biwi1947I’m hoping, too. Now I’m not sure what to bring now. Nothing, I guess.

[@BrianLannoye]

We had a coupon for chops and ate there last cruise. Was really good, but yeah, normally I would not pay for it.

[@Nodizzle97]

Hey Matt, in a few months we’re going on a 7 night Navigator OTS Ensenada, Cabo, Vallarta and I can’t find on your website that cruise compass. I found a 7 night Cabo, Mazatlan, Vallarta cruise compass. I don’t know how to attain my cruise compass or do you believe those two cruise compasses would be the same?

[@DarrenClee-mv5wi]

Hey Matt might sound like a strange question but if never cruised before or on royal for first time how do you know which stuff is complimentary and what is pay extra without asking is there a sign or something on each venue

[@MR3DDev]

It's cheaper to get the fillet at the main dinning room and is 99% the same as Chop's Grille

[@good_teanice_house6789]

Who needs a sail away party when you can eat Sorrento’s pizza on your balcony. 🍕😋

[@laughremixsquad]

Matt’s right! Royal has a weak sail away party. Go to your balcony, and hopefully, you can see a Carnival sail away party.

[@V8Brah]

Avoid the raffles on the first couple days - at the spa, the jewelry store, the art gallery, and in the theater. They spend forever (sometimes hours) trying to sell you something before they do the drawing.

[@pcrusier3715]

I love the filet mignon at Giovanni’s

[@MrKayakinglife]

If my cruise is only offered once a year, do I look at last year’s cruise compass?

[@bigguy1403]

Sure I buy a new plug outlet and now it's banned.

[@SaraMc-ez2mv]

I just got back from a 12 day Iceland/Scotland on Jewel of the seas and enjoyed both themagician and juggler!

[@NoKingButChrist1689]

Nap time!! My man hit it on the head

[@laughremixsquad]

Is it true that we can't bring multi-port plugs on RC anymore? I'm going to have to cancel my cruise. 😢

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Yes: www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2024/09/19/royal-caribbean-bans-multi-plug-outlets You really don’t need to cancel your cruise over it

[@willscottytv]

Electric Slide and The Wobble? We experienced / witnessed Americans line dancing to these in Jamaica for the first time this year. It was hilarious. 😅😅 The country that gave us disco and hip hop reduced to line dancing to bad songs. 😢

[@paullp985]

oh c'mon. They're having fun....it's a cruise.

[@BrianDaly-sm4qy]

What avoid: RC's "smart" elevators 150 Central Park is amazing

[@duffin.caprous]

Why? I've heard nothing but praise for the new elevators on Icon.

[@BrianDaly-sm4qy]

@@duffin.caprous I just got off the Utopia and when you are stuck on floors 17 & 18 aft you are there for 15 minutes waiting. Horrible experience

[@duffin.caprous]

@BrianDaly-sm4qy Hm okay. How often was that a problem for you?

[@BrianDaly-sm4qy]

@@duffin.caprous My room was on 18

[@kennethbrooks7159]

Who get the 18% bar service, the company or the bar staff?

[@michaelrider2519]

Pizza cookies and sail away on the balcony with my wife is perfect

[@4daloveofcruising]

Got to central park for the grab and go. Good food and FAR LESS PEOPLE!!

[@careiner53]

If you would address the most recent change to prohibited items. NO MORE MULTIPLUGS!!!

[@Biwi1947]

I’m trying to get his attention to confirm which type charger if any is allowed??

[@alicefrancini5769]

totally agree on the steak at the beach club!

[@jmert_5859]

My only regret so far was purchasing the unlimited dining package, I felt obligated to eat at a specialty restaurant every evening. But that's just me.

[@WayfindinWanderlust]

I was on Utopia of the Seas in July/August and the unlimited specialty dining was our only saving grace because all of other food was so subpar outside of the fresh fruit.

[@jmert_5859]

@@WayfindinWanderlust Was it that bad? Thanks or the heads up.

[@Tallrichard93]

Personally I strongly dislike the oasis lagoon. I much prefer going over to South Beach for volleyball

[@paullp985]

Get off the ship at 8 am and do both.

[@lighthouse4468]

Thank you for the info

[@tropicalken8088]

I would also add attending the balloon drop party on the promenade (if there is one) as another item to avoid. Way too crowded and noisy for me and basically a waste of time. I would rather use that time when half the ship is attending that event to explore other things like a pool or hot tub.

[@swizzzlestix6781]

Avoid - Getting a steak at Chops. Every ship I’ve been on they’re terrible. You’re better off getting a filet at any other specialty that offers it. Even on Icon paying for their “iconic cut” was such a sad steak. You’re much better off getting the lamb or just the burger at chops

[@bigguy1403]

If I had my choice of the juggling act or getting a tooth pulled I'd op for the extraction.

[@CruiseDude1]

Matt forgot his great opening, "UP NEXT!"

[@spagogin]

Your info is great, as well as your energy. But, man, you have to slow down please. We're missing every other word you're saying. Royal Caribbean is two words. I've never hit the rewind button so often. But otherwise, terrific information...when I can actually catch it. :)

[@steve1la]

I would have to say on the harmony of the seas the one thing to avoid is columbus the musical

[@elphabatran5830]

Who is cutting the steaks in this video?? 😂😂

[@jonathonbaker-guntang4163]

I'm usually showering in my cabin at sailaway and getting properly dressed. Head to Schooner bar after for a Grey Goose dirty martini and then Casino Royale after that followed by dinner, all whilst enjoying adult beverages througout the evening. It's glorious! Presently traveling as a single middle aged gay causasian male, that is the only sad part is not having someone special to enjoy it all with. Hopefully I will meet some special man before the pond crossing to Southampton and book specialty dining for us both to savor together. One can hope! ❤💔💞

[@kathybrem880]

I don’t like ‘grab and go food’ so…..

[@JoeSmith-gp5dm]

Chops was ehhh, I’ve had better steaks elsewhere.

[@bigguy1403]

A Nap! No way...

[@TomGeek1980]

Is there a video on what actually drinks are FREE on a Icon of the Seas cruise. I'm sorry but I read the whole part on the Royal Caribbean site that mentions Deluxe Drink Package. But it doesn't tell you 100% what FREE drinks you get. I see so many videos out there and people are like we got the Deluxe Drink Package and then you see them drinking everything even if there is a price to it and they claim it was all free. So really? I walk into any bar and just say give me a rum and coke or give me that cocktail and its really 100% FREE? Even though it has a price tag on the menu? Can anyone actually produce a video and then say BAR A 100% Free drinks, BAR B 100% Free drinks. From what i've seen out there any bar you go to its 100% FREE drinks.

[@bigguy1403]

150 is the best.

[@fredwalsh4108]

Food &Drinks on RC are way more expensive than Princess cruises

[@DannyNomad]

Avoid the brig, too. 0/10 would not recommend.

[@bigguy1403]

In all these food shots at 150. Does anyone know how to hold a fork properly to cut their steak! So many people hold a fork like a caveman

[@sallysobstory7694]

RCL is a copycat when it comes to sail away party. They have 2. Why two and not just one ? They haven’t perfected the sail away party. I prefer the ncl sail party. Much more lively and entertaining.

[@SC_79]

Pete Matthews would disagree with 'avoid jugglers/magicians'... He was one of the best shows I've seen on a cruise ship. www.youtube.com/@peteatcrazyjuggler/xregexp

[@richerich9238]

Paid spokesmen... horrible advice