15 things you wont regret buying on a Royal Caribbean cruise!

[@mimic5653]

Beach bed at CoCo Cay? I can’t rationalize $1000 for a cabana when I paid $1700 for the whole cruise

[@WhatsTheT]

I thought I was trippen!!!! Lol

[@jessicageorge7453]

If you get the ones inside thrill water park, it includes your admission to the water park. It’s an extra $70 a person if dividing by 6. For me personally, it’s worth the extra money to have dedicated space and a guaranteed spot out of the sun

[@randyo6019]

@@jessicageorge7453 Agree! This is our first cruise which consists of 4 man children, my husband and me so it’s worth it to have your own space.

[@russellnewberry4274]

We rented two beach beds for our family of 6 last week at Coco Cay. Getting two beds was actually more personal space than a cabana at a fraction of the price. Just book the bed for one person and you get 4 wristbands for you and your family/party to have access to it. It was our best use of $$$ on the cruise.

[@mimic5653]

@@russellnewberry4274 can’t wait to try it out next week! I also like the idea of having somewhere to lay down that is not a beach chair. The cabanas don’t really provide for a comfortable spot to lay down. And the beach beds are supposed to come with floating mats as well. It definitely sound like more of a deal than a cabana.

[@walker614jw]

Let me ADD to the ROYAL UP UPGRADING YOUR CABIN. We were assigned a cabin 2 floors directly above the carousel. We upgraded to an ocean view and let me tell you, I wrote that check for the upgrade with HUGE SMILE on my face!! I was having anxiety attacks thinking I was going to spend my 7-night cruise having to listen to carnival music from the carousel all the time!!! Now I know I can drink my morning coffee on the balcony listening to the ocean pass by rather than having an undying urge to SMASH A CLOWN!!!

[@sharlaenlow]

Ear plugs! Lol. I’m partially deaf so I can turn it off! Lol

[@angelaberntson897]

I am going on my FIRST CRUISE in May 2024 just my 10 year old son and I. I got a balcony room for us - last room on deck 14 - front of the ship. Looking forward to ocean views as we sail to Bermuda - perfect day at coco kay

[@sharikmarius]

Excellent upgrade! I'd maybe consider a Central Park balcony, but not that Boardwalk neighborhood. But NOTHING beats an ocean view cabin! After booking one on my last cruise, I'll never go back to lesser cabin.

[@kimthomas1323]

😂😂

[@robinmckay7512]

@@angelaberntson897in Bermuda they have a great place not far from where you dock, where you can get in and swim with the dolfins it is a fantastic experience.We went one year they could not do much but we still got in with them. There was three of them and they were all pregnant,we went back a couple years later and got to go in with the babies. Awesome.

[@FlipsyBall]

Idk why but when ever I go on a cruise I have an addiction watching these videos a month before and a month after

[@GODSWORD11]

Same 🎉. And when I’m bored in between cruises and have the itch!

[@jodirenaud7917]

Same! Cruising next week!

[@annastrand5144]

Just finished my first cruise a month ago and I want to go again, but my husband won't consider it. I went with my Dad & brothers.

[@TaroOnYouTube]

I just skip the cruise part.

[@Ultra_vy]

Wym month im here the whole year before and after

[@tlh878]

I have never cruised in a balcony room and probably never will. I like to be out and about on the ship and there are SO MANY free places to sit and enjoy the view that I don't need that in my room. The savings also allows me to add on some of the other things on this list while not going over budget.

[@sharikmarius]

One of these days try it. Book a short cruise, or sacrifice an excursion or the food/drink package. Having a cup of coffee or glass of wine (remember, you can bring your own two bottles :) on a private ocean balcony is pure bliss!

[@billybenson3834]

We have booked inside, porthole, and balcony rooms. To me it depends on the sailing and weather if the balcony is worth it. I did a Disney cruise 8 night with a balcony, well worth it because the weather was perfect. But I've been lucky because I've never had a bad cruise ever, even in the Marines lol. But I'm not too picky

[@frankiethefrog1752]

@@billybenson38348 day Disney cruise with a balcony?! That wasn’t cheap. I was shocked by how much they charge for just a 4 day cruise. You can get a 10 day with a balcony for cheaper on with just about any other company.

[@BoxOChocolateMedia]

After watching a trillion videos, we booked balconies on ovation of the seas for our upcoming Alaska cruise. Waiting for the binoculars to be delivered now.

[@russellnewberry4274]

I’ve cruised with a balcony room twice, and just got back a couple days ago from a cruise with an inside stateroom. It was so easy to find a quiet lounge bed in the shade with a free ocean view (Freedom of the Seas, Deck 12) that I don’t think I’ll do a balcony room again. We only used the room for sleeping and showering. Plus the quality of sleep is SO much better in a dark inside stateroom.

[@MrRonfelder]

who needs dark to sleep? i can sleep in any light conditions

[@MC-ml3cn]

@@MrRonfelder "who needs dark to sleep?" Uh, humans do. And most mammals. Lmao.

[@ajbyname]

@@MrRonfelder good for you! 🙄 That's not the norm and not how science dictates our body works. Hotels have black-out curtains for a reason. So people who have traveled and are suffering jet lag are able to simulate their environment to night time to help get some sleep.

[@xTBrown13x]

I need the balcony for piece of mind lol I can’t cruise without it. I’ll go crazy in any other room. 😂

[@elielozano404]

Even the balcony rooms are dark. When those curtains are closed properly, there is no light coming through.

[@margaretanguyetphan2440]

Recently I bought the photobook package for $150.00 and love it - on Anthems OTS in Oct 2023. Every night I dressed up and took pictures with photographers stationed everywhere onboard - they will upload the pictures to my file and I got to pick the ones that I like. The photobook was delivered within 4 weeks and I really enjoyed it. I can pick over 30 pictures to be printed on a photobook. Well worth the money.

[@daynastithem3576]

I always get a ship shirt. And when I go to a new island or port I get a shirt there too. I am going to keep the front or back of the shirts as I pull them from my wardrobe. Then make a quilt from them someday so I can remember all the great times I had.

[@GODSWORD11]

Then I’m gonna bust all over it 💦

[@cezanne500]

This is such a great idea. I am gonna start my collection on my next cruise. Thank you for sharing

[@tubaishansol]

I am ALL ABOUT my balcony. I sit by the ocean all night long. it's the best ever. a cruise without a balcony isn't the same.

[@tomc.4860]

I have to disagree about the specialty dining packages. I didn't see one that was worth the money. Especially considering that I got filet mignon and lobster in the main dining room included in my ticket price.

[@mpb3481]

I think his point is that if you’re going to be dining at the specialty restaurants anyway, the cost of your meal will be discounted if you get a dining package and that is what makes them worth it. He’s not advocating that cruisers dine in the specialty restaurants, only to consider getting a dining package if they plan to try out those restaurants in order to save a bit on the cost of for-fee meals.

[@juliocesardemouraaugusto1321]

I think this recommendation is only true if you have cruised many times with the same company, so you would like to try different things. But for people who cruise once in a while, I'd say go for the complimentary dining and the experience will still be amazing.

[@michellejade3272]

There’s a huge taste difference between the steak served in the MDR vs premium speciality restaurant steak. I couldn’t finish the steak in the MDR after having Chop’s for lunch the day before. At the very least, pay the $17 for a premium steak while dining in the MDR. It’s worthwhile trying at least once.

[@mfbj1]

Exactly! Especially because you’re also throwing away a fantastic FREE meal in the mdr. Better to spend the money on restaurants at home, so you’ll have something fun to look forward too after your cruise ends

[@benweddell4517]

I was on a cruise last week and the Chops filet was available in the MDR for around $17. I went that route on the one night there wasn't an entree I really wanted.

[@stefaniestoler5068]

Chops Grille for sure! It has always been such a wonderful treat for us and something we so look forward to each cruise.

[@rd8696]

The cabana in Labadee or CocoCay. They were worth every penny. We shared them with 4 couples so it was only 250 per couple. Being able to put all your stuff in a safe and then having a place for the kids to take a nap under the ceiling fan was so nice. On cococay the waiter included was really nice as well.

[@caver313]

Going on my first Royal Caribbean cruise. Thank you for your videos!

[@itrasheditgood]

The rule of thumb with packages is that you have to think about how realistically likely you are going to use them. I went on a cruise and I decided not to get a drink package or specialty dinning package and I decided the excursions while I was on the boat. Yeah, I had one alcoholic drink, ate from a specialty restaurant once because it was a dinner and entertainment thing and had got pop from the vending machine a couple of times, yes those individual things had a extra price tag attached, except for the excursions, I think I paid a lot less overall then I would if I had the drink and specialty dinning packages. The things I did pay for I enjoyed and there was never a time when I woke up in the middle of the night and thought, why didn’t I just pay for those packages. My goodness there was so much food, there was no need to ever worry about going hungry or missing out. You can’t eat everything anyway, so you pick what you feel like. Spend the money where it counts, to me that was fantastic excursions, I loved the tours, the boat rides and the beach. I didn’t buy expensive jewelry, or art , but there was gold by the inch and splurged on a camera. People always say, when I come back, but here’s the thing, you may never be back, so do the stuff you want to make memories out of.

[@giuffre714]

Doesn't your phone have a camera?

[@car_tar3882]

IMO I think the packages are good even if you may not save money or may spend more I like the feeling that it’s free even though it isn’t

[@Maturleyglam]

Royal Caribbean has the best customer service & I will always cruise with them for that reason!! I had an issue on a past cruise. I emailed the President/CEO and he called me personally the very NEXT day to help!!! 💜I was 100% impressed!!!

[@kirstenlewis9694]

how did you get his email address?

[@coltonlusk2572]

cap

[@akeolsson8020]

Definite YES to insurance. We were about to travel from Europe to Galveston when the covid test for one in our group of five came up positive and we had to quit the trip. Insurance refunded everything (apart from the premium itself). Without we would have lost almost ten thousand $!

[@yinettematos]

What insurance did u used ? The cruise on or other third party

[@akeolsson8020]

@@yinettematos Third party as adviced by the travel agent.

[@42luke93]

I cannot believe those swines would have not refunded you your $10,000. Let alone the vacation time you can't get back! That is insane. Glad you had insurance. My parents are using a chase credit card that has their own insurance through the bank & not royal Caribbean. Insurance is important.

[@susangray5931]

As far as Covid they would have refunded completely without insurance. It happened to me.

[@jackiemcmahon4145]

I have used the insurance on one of the cruises, I had a blood clot, they even called to see if we had any hotel bills and restaurants bills. They were going to pay for everything but we ended up staying with my parents when we got off the ship when we got back to Florida. So it is definitely worth buying the insurance!!!

[@carolecancelmo2061]

Which insurance company did you use?

[@michellejade3272]

We usually do an ocean view and tried a balcony on 3 cruises. 1 balcony was tiny and too sunny but nice to have. The other 2 were really shady and spacious. We loved having that privacy! We spent so much time on the balcony and didn’t have to be bothered looking for a nice spot on the pool/sun decks.

[@jimcole2648]

I was debating the balcony or inside and having the option leaving the door open for fresh air seems like a great idea.

[@j0j0_369]

@@jimcole2648 Yes there's nothing like a fresh breeze, great point!

[@tubaishansol]

I love the Cove on Carnival, shady and cool and so close to the ocean.

[@CaryTheGoat4680]

I'm not paying $500 more per person for that though

[@AshleyJeffersonAshleyJefferson]

Possibly you could also include the refreshment package! Especially for those who drink maybe only 1-2 alcoholic drinks a day, the refreshment package allows us to enjoy THE BEST nonalcoholic drinks, as much as we want, throughout the entire cruise! Delicious smoothies, milkshakes, frappe’s, sodas, bottled water and everything else we want, we get through the refreshments package. I’ve never paid more than $25 a day for one. Many times it’s been less! But it’s so worth it! 😊😊

[@TracyKMainwaring]

Instead of two adjoining balconies, get one, and an inside room directly across. Teach them how to dial your room, and do surprise checks the first night. You'll feel better knowing they're not going out on the balcony at night!

[@dogcrazy25]

Depends how old the kids are, some rules require an adult to be with a child.

[@TracyKMainwaring]

@@dogcrazy25 you book an adult in each room, but it's fine to just have the kids in the room.

[@uncaboat2399]

@@TracyKMainwaring _you book an adult in each room,_ weeeellll ... that's "gaming the system" really. But I feel ya. I'm pretty sure I'd do the same, depending on their ages and their tendency to make noise. (Our kids were _mostly_ pretty well behaved, but you know not everybody can say that. _Some_ kids, I'm surprised they don't end up swimming home.)

[@TracyKMainwaring]

@@uncaboat2399 my youngest was 7, I think on her first cruise. One night while waiting for the rest of our group at the elevator on Independence of the Seas in the game room area (deck 7), she asked if she could go down one floor to the library. We said sure. A few minutes later, we spot her coming out of the Promenade Cafe with a pre-dinner snack! She somehow forgot we could see the Promenade from the game room LOL. Years later she told us she was going to the library on her bike. When she gets home, we discover she also went to the nearby bakery. She’s a limit pusher! 😅

[@uncaboat2399]

@@TracyKMainwaring Enjoy it while it lasts! This kid sounds to me like she's Elon Musk material, and is going to someday be making billions of dollars whether or not anybody gives her permission! ... _or_ she's going to jail. who can tell?

[@jennasheppard4447]

Deluxe Beverage Package is also worth it! Also - as a Canadian, prepaying gratuities is especially worth it for me! By paying in advance, I get to pay in CAD and not have to pay the foreign exchange fee to my credit card company, like I would have to if I paid onboard. So it actually saves me money!

[@dogcrazy25]

Good point

[@uncaboat2399]

Beverage Package is only worth it if you plan on spending most of your cruising time totally sloshed. If you usually only drink like 2 or 3 drinks per day, (or for whiskey, if you get double shots, that's 4 or 6 per day) then it is totally NOT worth it. *ESPECIALLY* not worth it if your spouse doesn't drink as much as you, so if one of you gets it, you *both* have to get it, then you have to drink *twice as much* to make up for what your spouse *doesn't* drink. That, my friend, *is a LOT of booze!*

[@jjmcfamilyadventures3203]

@@uncaboat2399 I guess it depends on how much the package is on your sailing, since it can vary greatly. On my upcoming cruise on Odyssey, the difference between getting the Refreshment package and the Deluxe Beverage package was the cost of 2 alcoholic drinks per day. I got it at the cheapest price I've seen in the last 6 months, now it's at least $20 per day more than when I bought. I'm happy to have it, but I have no plans on getting totally sloshed on my cruise.

[@uncaboat2399]

@@jjmcfamilyadventures3203 You're absolutely right, coz like almost everything, it's a big "It Depends". My wife and I are preparing for a 7 night cruise to Alaska, and the *discounted* preboarding price is *EIGHT HUNDRED DOLLARS.* (and change). Hell, the whole cruise is only two thousand. Seriously, who can drink $114 worth of booze every day? My wife only wants like *two drinks* a day, so that leaves *me* with like $85 a day. *That's a lot of booze.* Thank you very much, but we'll pass.

[@cynthiamartino1512]

Yes we totally agree with you being Canadian too. We try to pay for everything we can up front to avoid the exchange as well.

[@canlorom]

I wanna go on a cruise so bad. Never been, but have always heard great things about them.

[@chiaking2787]

I only use the room to sleep,shower and change my clothes. No need to pay extra for balcony 😊

[@dr.braxygilkeycruises1460]

I am about to go on my first Royal cruise this week! So glad I saw this video. Thank you! 🤗🛥

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

You are so welcome!

[@cknight169]

Did you enjoy?? About to do my first 🥳🥳

[@brittneyromelus]

Floating Cabana did it twice, and it was the best option. Worth the money and it was just me and hubby.We were so far away from everyone like we were on an island by ourselves, the service was amazing and the food too. Our attendant silver was amazing. On our third cruise, we are going to try the chill cabana.

[@larry4111]

Great stuff, Matt. I always pre-pay gratuities - after all, it's the same cost either way and this way I get it out of the way and it's done. Same with travel insurance. Compared to other "add-ons," it is so ridiculously inexpensive and you can't put a price on peace of mind, especially in these times. And I always book a balcony, even though it might cost a lot more. My very first cruise was an inside cabin and I never did it again. That's a dealbreaker. It's balcony or nothing for me. One tip I might add to your advice on souvenirs is to watch for sales. I just got off a cruise that put most of the t-shirts on sale on the last day for 70% off, or buy one get one, etc. They rarely run out of items so I would recommend waiting until the end of the cruise if you can.

[@allenjohnson7686]

We don't pay tips as we cruise with P&O and tips are not given.

[@arokh72]

I'd rather pre pay as well. I live in Australia, where gratuities and tipping just aren't a thing, so pre paying means a) I pay in AUD before sailing, and b) I don't need to think about it.

[@joyce8886]

@@allenjohnson7686 yes we pay the people that we serve us.

[@allenjohnson7686]

@@joyce8886 depends usually where your born mostly. Usually American customers love to tip rather than demand the owners of companies pay the correct wage. It's very much like the stores having one price on the shelf then you get to the check outs and tax is added. It's very strange....

[@ellafrench9552]

@@arokh72 how did you pre pay? is it included in the cost when you book the cruise ? :)

[@DRMTTJ]

I agree with almost everything you have stated. After 36 cruises, we still park at places OTHER than the terminal. We have NEVER had to wait more than 5 minutes to be picked up after a cruise, and this was just one time. The the buses are there waiting, sometimes, two waiting, as we walk up. They fill up immediately and off you go. It may take 5 minutes to load the bus prior to your cruise but even that is rare. We have our favorite places at Port Canaveral and Port Everglades. Also, we always prepay gratuities. We know that is taken care of and can add to it as you wish.

[@maladiosa8]

where do you park at port cañaveral?

[@Rob-dp3vr]

Liar. 36 cruises....probably 8. Thats the most common lie I see on here. You've never waited more than 5 minutes? BS There is always a wait. I have actually been on my 14th cruise, ending 11/24/2023 and have taken the buses many, many, many times. Its not a 5 minute wait or less like you said.

[@bigusdallastexamas5740]

Couldn't agree more about the balcony! Although not those fake infinite balconies. Being able to go out on the balcony and feel the air and look down at the water. Having a coffee in the morning in port and looking out at the island from your private balcony is a great way to start the day!

[@BryceHarper34fan]

Me and my gf used Royal up on our first cruise. We had an interior balcony on Oasis and I surprised her with the upgrade for an ocean view balcony and we loved it. We would get our breakfast at windjammers and bring it back to the balcony. We would read out there on sea days. It was totally worth the money and for our second cruise I made sure to get a balcony and not have to worry about the Royal up.

[@GODSWORD11]

That made no sense son. I don’t think you’ve ever been on a cruise 🎉

[@BryceHarper34fan]

@@GODSWORD11 k

[@shaunrattee224]

So I would have to agree. We cruised Disney for our first time cruising and definitely had a blast. But we had our first royal caribbean cruise last week. I would say we had just as much fun. The only thing I noticed was the food seemed better on Disney but still not worth the extra cost. We ended up booking our first cruise to Alaska on royal. We booked a balcony room for around 2250 for 2 adults. Just for laughs I priced it out on Disney and it was 8650 dollars... We love Disney but definitely will stick with royal.

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@uncaboat2399]

You need two things to cruise Disney ... 1) Kids (coz they're the target audience anyway) 2) Tons of disposable income (coz you *will* dispose of it)

[@sunnygibbs925]

Gee whiz…Disney is ridiculous! That’s 4x the price!!!🙄

[@jessicafrazier5718]

@@RoyalCaribbeanBlog its coco cay not coco key

[@car_tar3882]

@@uncaboat2399actually you’ll find you don’t need kids their ships are designed with spaces for everyone and I’ve been traveling Disney since I was a kid the teen clubs are hot garbage and the kids clubs only good on the old ships

[@cruisingwithkristen]

Mine was my first zipline on Cocoa Cay! I got it as a birthday present to myself on Black Friday! I loved it so much I bought it again for my next cruise!

[@NorthPhillyNif]

The specialty dining package was worth it. Giovanni's Table, Chops Grill, 150 are lovely🎉

[@TheeCharmLife]

Just booked our first balcony room and I can't wait. We were debating on the travel insurance but after watching and reading the comments we will be purchasing, just for the peace of mind.

[@eileenkraemer1415]

Seven corners travel insurance backed by Loyd's of London very reasonable. I buy every time I travel outside the USA.

[@Tankt0ptig3r]

Unlimited dining is the go to for me. Best part is having the variety of choice for dining and it is honestly great for value from where I am sailing from. The same kind of food on land can easily cost upwards of $50++ per person per meal.

[@JamesBJr-pe9lr]

On land, a steakhouse can easily cost $100+ per person.

[@Kandyman736]

I find per-ordering a 12 or 24 pack of bottled water to be well worth it. It gets delivered to the cabin and helps keep everyone hydrated, and truth be told probably saves me enough on my bar tab to pay for itself several times over.

[@ilovesparky13]

Tap water is free and very safe to drink.

[@aubreyjackson9770]

Yes tap water is free and it tastes soooooooo good from the tap in the bathroom!

[@jeraldohlmann6314]

I will ALWAYS get a balcony. They are amazing!!

[@jacquelyns9709]

Splurging for a specialty restaurant is a cost/benefit calculation. First, does your home town have similar restaurants? Do you eat at them? How much do they cost? Second, what do you have to pay on the ship? Is lunchtime less expensive? Do you get the same menu as dinner? Third, If the ship offers food that your hometown doesn't, go for it. (If you want to try the food.) Fourth, if your hometown has the food, but the ship charges substantially less, go for it. Fifth, If cost is of no object, go for it. If you really want to save money then stick to the Main Dining Room and the Buffet. Personally, I'm not inclined to spend extra money for hamburgers, hotdogs, and other sandwiches. The venue has to offer something spectacular for me to consider it.

[@toddb6576]

Sound advice I agree. I think unless you live in the boonies, you can pretty much get anything at a specialty resto in a major city - Steak, seafood, Italian, etc.... But but but, and this is very thought-worthy, you may remember that meal on a cruise longer than you might from a local resto. I mean, let's face it, a cruise is a real memory-maker. "I had an amazing Ribeye on my cruise after leaving the port of St. John's" vs. "The ribeyes are amazing at Bob's beefy grill in Atlanta". So, I might like to treat my lovely wife to the best on the ship that's offered, for purely the sake of remembering it. (smiles)

[@jacquelyns9709]

@@toddb6576 From comments I have read in various places, I think there are substantial numbers of cruisers coming from the boonies. Even when people live within driving distance of a large city, do they eat at those great restaurants? Many don't. Treating someone to a great meal on a cruise goes in the plus side of the calculation. Intangibles vary, worth is hard to calculate. But they should definitely be involved in your final consideration.

[@2000konnie]

Exactly, when I lived in smaller cities, the specialty dining would have been a real treat. For the past several years, I lived in an area known for good restaurants of just about every kind of cuisine. I'm happy with the main dining room, but I think it's great that the cruise lines offer the specialty dining.

[@toddb6576]

@@jacquelyns9709 I 100% agree

[@charlenepeabody2453]

If you buy the specialty restaurants as a package helps bring the price down and the food is top notch. Our last cruise we bought two nights then they offered us a deal to have the package. After trying the restaurants hands down it’s worth it.

[@dan81275a]

The balcony is a must. Being able to feel the fresh air and see the water is essential. I always spend money on 3 or 4 specialty restaurants, but not with a dining package. I understand the cost savings, but I like to book my meal times right away. The $75 or so that I pay for the soda package means that I don't get charged for every drink. Lastly, I have never regretted buying "The Key." Although most of the benefits are on embarkation day, I still find it to be worthwhile.

[@LJLMETAL]

I went on my first Cruise, this year, on the 2024 70,000 Tons Of Metal Cruise. It was on the Freedom Of The Seas Ship. They didn't have an alcoholic beverage package, but they had a regular beverage package which covered soda, and more. I definitely recommend that.

[@erikagholston6610]

Thanks for the tips. I will watch this again before my cruise.

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Glad it was helpful!

[@elizabethveillon5667]

The chefs table. I've cruised twice now, both times doing the table. First time we were going to pass on it but they gave us a great deal as we walked on board. 2nd time we made sure to book it. Made new friends at the table and it was wonderful. Gosh I want more of the bread.

[@Makewomensaneagain]

What is Chef's table

[@elizabethveillon5667]

@whatk8edo153 it might not have been called chef's table. Basically a 6 course wine and dine with a small group of people.

[@gcmartinez77]

I would disagree with the Specialty Dining Package. Just got off a 1 week cruise on Allure of the Seas, got the three night speciality package, and while it was cheaper, trying to reserve restaurants on the day of departure (you CANNOT reserve in advance) was a nightmare with a lot of options not available. We had to check almost everyday to see if one became available. Also of all the options only Izumi Hibachi and Giovanni’s table were worth it, and you still had to pay an up charge for Izumi. 150 Central Park was the one that didn’t live up the the hype. So with the remaining options (Sabor, Chops, Johnny Rocket, Izumi Sushi) just book two restaurants in advance a la cart, get a reservation at the time of booking and save yourself a ton of stress. 1:23

[@edwardhawrylak2777]

Hello, Pls send msg to Executives at R Carib that Diamond members no longer get BOGO sale on extra Dining at the HOOK restaurant on Wonder & Symphony. As a Diamond + member we have been Loyal To Royal but Royal Exects do not care. There is no more BoGo on 4 restaurants on RC ships beyond Hooks, The Chefs table & the Japanese one. I think after our next group of 4 added bookings we will start looking at other vacation options. The Diamond Club is also changing but we do not know exactly but I am sure it will be a negative outcome also.

[@christinedelrossi2819]

Amen to a second room for kids and parking at the terminal! For my personal list, I would add dining at Chef's Table ❤️.

[@michelles8014]

This is the only extra I want to do. When can I do reservations??? Is it through the app? I'm a first timer so nervous.😊

[@Lisa_Oz]

I got 20 minutes into this video wondering how I knew your voice. Used to listen to you on WDW today. Glad to find you again Matt and great tips!

[@nildefonsop]

I think this list is missing “The Key” service , it’s very close to the cost of the internet that we always pay for. And you get early access to the ship a chops grill lunch and you get escorted off the ship. So worth it !!! Especially that last day when you are ready to get back to reality and don’t want to wait in a line …..

[@teddy155]

I feel like I’m in debt after watching this. 😂

[@michaelmurphy4834]

We did a private journey ;in Bilbao, Spain while on Anthem OTS and my wife and I both loved it. Yes it was expensive. Yes we were the only two people on the excursion. Yes were taken to a Michelin starred restaurant and had a cooking class with the chef. Yes we had at least eight courses and I was so thankful to see dessert because I was SO full with all the other food. We were picked up at the terminal in a limo and had a very good guide and driver. We toured the city and got a much better tour than when we did a group tour. And yes, we highly recommend people do this at least once.

[@joannegriffith3125]

Unlimited Dining Package is a great deal. We are foodies so love all the dining options this presents.

[@stuntmanjohnny]

I trieed the dining package last year for the first time, and I loved it. I cant go back to main dining anymore. Its not as many people, the food is great and I feel like you get a more personal service

[@sharonstockman1080]

Wash and fold is the bomb. It’s especially useful on B2B or S2S cruise. Definitely worth the money just to take less luggage on plane.

[@havasugal7]

I take plenty of Clothes We ate the Formal Dining room and I sure didn't want the same thing for 7 nights. The only thing that ticks me off is people dressed like they going to McDonald's Shorts, Rubber Flip Flaps and Baseball Hat. It's disgusting. That is the Windjammer for Buffet perfect for that then they implemented MY TIME DINING. THE WAITERS HAVE TO DROP EVERYTHING AND START WAITING ON THEM. THAT IS THE WORST THING RCCL DID . THESE POOR WAITERS WORK 16HRS A DAY AND NOW THEY HAVE TO WAIT FOR THESE ENTITLED PEOPLE TO FINISH AND SIT AROUND AND THEY CAN'T CLEAN TILL EVERYONE CLEARED THE DINING ROOM. IF YOU WANT TO GO ON A CRUISE LIKE THAT GO ON CARNIVAL DIFFERENT CLASS OF PEOPLE. SORRY FOR VENTING.

[@Tampafan1612]

@@havasugal7 kind of an arrogant tone, for someone who doesn't grasp basic punctuation...

[@darkmatter3237]

@@havasugal7 she thinks she’s in a higher “different class of people.”

[@dogcrazy25]

@@havasugal7 if RCCL offers a benefit why shouldn't people take advantage of it. People that cruise today like flexibility, I think other cruiselines offer the standard dining time. If staff are working 16 hr days, that is a management issue. Same issue as land restaurant where a customer walks in 5 min before closing and orders a full meal and lingers.

[@tammymoore6650]

@@havasugal7 How does someone wearing shorts vs. a fancy dress affect your dinner? You sound like an elitist snob. As long as I don't show up in my swimsuit or my birthday suit, I should be entitled to enjoy the higher quality of food offered in the dining room as opposed to the Windjammer. I enjoy the Windjammer for breakfast or lunch, but I like the food in the dining room for dinner...while I dine wearing my shorts. It's too bad you let someone else's attire put a damper on your vacation.

[@jmert_5859]

We did a behind the scenes tour on Clarity Solstice, was so worth it.

[@adamfischer6768]

Great tips...I think the one I never considered is the wash & fold laundry service. Makes so much sense!

[@maryullrich6792]

How much does it cost. I like packing lighter. Loved Princess because of the self serve laundry machines.

[@angelicashields9706]

Dinner at CHOPS GRILL, a must-do every cruise!!

[@mariefraher8725]

We stay a night ahead at a snooze, park and cruise hotel. We Uber or shuttle to port and cab it back to collect the car. Easy and the price of the night at the hotel covers the parking fee at port. Just booked a hotel that includes breakfast, parking for up to 10 nights ...5 dollars more for extra nights. Shuttle is 15 to port...check uber rates for multiples in party.

[@maringrachart]

I thank you for the great info’s with the “cruises not to regret buying”. I still want to go back and cruise’ sometimes. I have to make sure It’ll be plan right.😁😁! Thx again!😁

[@billeger5565]

Just did an Owner’s Suite and the UDP. Fantastic! But I only gained 3.5 lbs on a 7-nighterDoing the same thing next Christmas and already bought the UDP for the other seven family members going with us.

[@CrispiePotato]

I didnt regret a single thing we purchased on our cruise. We went for our honeymoon and were so happy to pay extra for everything we did! The Laundry was DEFINITELY a perk, on top of that we played Bingo twice (and we all know how expensive that can be) and had a blast even though we didnt win. Same with the casino! Played there and sure we lost some money but we had so much fun. Spent some for the Izumi sushi and sake lunch and that was such a FUN experience I'm so happy we did. I can't think of many things that are a waste of money on a Royal cruise. I can't wait to go back!

[@Rob-dp3vr]

are you looking back at your sweet booty in your picture?

[@matthewmelange]

14:40 1 thing I've never regretted is cancelling my gratuities to $0.00 I remember my first cruise (4 days), although the cruise ship employees were very attentive, they were also just doing their job. That's between them and the cruise ship company. I was confused what I paid gratuities for since I only interacted with people who made my drink & cleaned my room. The 2nd cruise I went on, I did not cancel my gratuities until the last day and I felt like I was being ignored most of the time on the 2 week cruise. The time I did receive attention was the worst possible time. Like I always had my 'Do Not Disturb' sticker on my door and so instead of knocking they would call me to ask when they could clean my room. I did not need it cleaned. It was 2 weeks. I kept getting calls.

[@robertb7864]

I agree 100% on the insurance. Last year we got the annual policy and didn't need it. This year, we had to cancel the day before we had to leave and it was reimbursed. The cruise line didn't refund, but insurance came through.

[@perfesser944]

The experience of living the going out from the Stockholm port from the balcony in our cabin was well worth the upgrade.

[@tawaunicesmith1686]

ALL was great advice and information given for a first time 7day cruiser, very helpful when deciding, depending on all cost!

[@evanhartman8602]

For the souvenirs. In the royal shop, there is a mini model of the ship that’s on a keychain (I may be wrong about this, but most ships have them)

[@terrilee734]

How much

[@kaydickey9239]

Definite yes to insurance. YES to Cabana! We LOVED it! We got ours on sale before the cruise and got a great price. Since ours was a 80th birthday celebration cruise for my Mom we decided to try it. Now we are hooked! Great, GREAT service!

[@knightofcydonia07]

Im going on Independence next year and I'm very glad to see Lego in the shop, as an adult Fan of Lego. :) Will be nice to build a couple of small sets on our ocean view balcony.

[@leannross7255]

I royaled up last cruise for $300 and it was a balcony Boardwalk. We enjoyed it.

[@BrianAlt]

Portside BBQ on Oasis! $25 for two of us was MONEY WELL SPENT!

[@kyes73152]

The food was amazing!

[@kjelsadek]

Agreed! It's a lot of food too and it's amazing.

[@deborahmagno4770]

Always do travel insurance! I broke my ankle on an excursion. Freak accident that couldn't have been prevented. You never know! Always pre-pay gratuities plus tip extra for cabin steward & dining staff.

[@allenjohnson7686]

American cruises are really expensive compared to English and European cruises... We are going on a 15 night Caribbean cruise flying on a dreamliner to Barbados from the UK... Cruising with p&o ... No tips required and the ship and food is amazing.... all for £960! Or $1300 ish

[@larrygrasso6032]

WOW for 15 Nights...that's cheap.

[@deborahb6089]

Incredible!

[@travis9912]

Wasn’t on royal, I purchased a behind the scenes tour on a carnival cruise. Got to see the galley engine control center crew rooms and the bridge

[@princesskkay221]

Wow bands are like magic bands at Disney World! I would 100% buy it if my cruise had it. It’s way easier then walking around w/ your sea pass card all day on a lanyard and having it get wet in the pools etc

[@Bionicbabyy]

With Prepaid gratuities you have to still watch your bill. They will add it on sometimes on top of it. I had this happen 3x

[@djtonyk2009]

Thanks Mat, We are going on out first cruise soon and this video helped a lot

[@iversonjcameron]

how it go?

[@pr0j3ct_l0u2]

Can't beat the 2 for 20 t shirts. I always get at least 4.

[@LORENBLUMBERG]

For us, the internet wifi Voom & Stream is a great value. We can use our wifi calling in airplane mode, all texting sites and if needed can work from the ship.

[@christopherlynch3314]

Something I will be kicking myself forever on. I took my family on a cruise in 2019 including my 13-year-old son. That was the last time he vacationed with us as a little boy. The puberty hammer hit him hard, he changed so much soon after. I constantly wish I paid for the photo package. We would have gotten so many good photos that we would have treasured forever.

[@robbyddurham1624]

I didn't know my drinks would be tipped automatically at the end. I was giving $5 tips. It was only a few drinks, I don't drink all that much. I'm going on a longer cruise this fall. It's hard not to leave a tip when buying a drink at the bar.

[@GODSWORD11]

Fool

[@kelleygorski2708]

I definitely agree with you about parking at the port terminal , why waste time waiting when u can be spending it on the ship

[@marybarnum437]

Going on wonder of the seas and they have the WOW band, which i will be purchasing. Just like magic bands at disney.. its better than a room key hanging around your neck.. so excited..

[@diannebrideson2368]

Being a light drinker I find it more economical to get the non-alcoholic drink package which will include specialty coffees and mocktails. Then when I want an occasional alcoholic drink I purchase it separately. This always works well for me.

[@elainewiggs9404]

We always pay the gratuities up front. I like knowing that I don't have to worry about it being on my final invoice. Also I feel safer parking at the terminal.

[@toddb6576]

What wait. "Also I feel safer parking at the terminal".

[@dogcrazy25]

@@toddb6576 you dont

[@slimpickens01]

​@@toddb6576my thoughts exactly 😂😂

[@trishkeller920]

We did the galley tour and it was amazing and fascinating

[@susanweslag]

1. Specialty Dining #1 2. Balcony stateroom 3. Sushi making class 4. Casita/Cabana 5. Ship Souvenir

[@diannebrideson2368]

Splurging on a "beach bed" on CoCo Cay on my next cruise. Got an amazing price!

[@diannebrideson2368]

Since Covid I will always get a balcony cabin. I want a place to be out in the fresh air if I get sick,

[@Rob-dp3vr]

you like to barf over the balcony? Gross

[@kvom01]

The things I bought for my first RCL cruise: - unlimited dining package - transatlantic cruise so lots of meal opportunities - dining upcharges for Chef's Table and Teppanyaki - lanyard for cruise card - $100 deposit for future cruise, also transat I did prepay gratuities, and bought insurance ahead of time from non-RCL company Felt no need for a balcony, souvenirs, artwork, jewelry, booze, photographs, or anything else in the shops.

[@jimmyjohn5162]

I highly advise you to get the insurance. The day prior to the cruise we had a medical emergency that popped up. Thank goodness we had purchased it. RC reimbursed all of my excursions, VIP pass, upgrades etc and gave us full credit for our future cruise (credit must be used within 12 months). Without it I’ve heard stories RC will not care what sob story you tell them. Money well spent.

[@plcanadahk1]

Wow Matt, I love all of your videos ..... keep up the good job!

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Glad you like them!

[@sharonstockman1080]

Wash & fold is great. I love coming home with clean cloths. As Diamond plus I don’t have to pay for it.

[@laurieh5489]

I like to get the specialty dining package on the larger ships (Oasis) that have lots of specialty dining options. I get the Refreshment package now after reaching Diamond status with the included drinks perks. Used to get the Ultimate Drinks package previous but its so expensive and value not there for me. When visiting Coco Key, I found the provided beach chairs and food to be very adequate for that excursion but maytry the beach club at some point. I cruise solo so nothing about the cabanas is worth that kind of money - may be a better fit for a large group. I always book excursions and those are great value for cruises

[@cliffs1956]

right now a balcony cabin is essential in case you get quarantined.

[@rickjames302]

great points, but use your connections to have RCC add RFID scanners (for seapass cards or WOW bands) at the soda machines. for bring your own yeti style cup instead of being forced to use the RCC cup with RFID chip in bottom or bringing both cups to machine

[@blurayauthority]

Unlimited drink package and dining package. We ate at speciality restaurants every night. Paid for itself in a day or two.

[@CruiseModeOn]

We love the day bed that’s definitely worth it! 👍🏻

[@noeleenottaviano3364]

Coffee card, nicer coffees! I think is works out about $3 aussie per cup

[@yikesvikes]

LOL! A "WOW BAND"! ..... Sounds suspiciously like a Disney Magic Band!.

[@michaelmurphy4834]

Another benefit of pre-paying gratuities is if the price of gratuities goes up prior to your cruise, it won't affect you.

[@chrisanderson4044]

Only reason we never do the dining package is because you have to pin down your times before you even get on the ship and see the cruise compass. So you might be having to go eat dinner right in the middle of the comedy show or the karaoke competition that you wanna go see.

[@silentrefrain]

I'm going on the Navigator too! I can't wait for next christmas!

[@richardcoben4283]

I love your videos. You do an awesome job. Thank you

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Glad you like them!

[@Saqqusawru1977]

I bought a zipper Jacket and was really worthed still have it after 10+.

[@jennifertam3165]

Hey Matt! Your vlogs were so helpful for me when I went on Odyssey of the Seas in April. Just fyi… Zone Zero is now $29 per person. But it was definitely worth it!

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Thanks for the info!