10 cruise ship questions I get asked all the time!

[@jameswilson5165]

During our first and second cruises, my wife and I purchased the soda-pop package and earned a $50 ships credit on the first one. However, on our second cruise, we realized that more than half of the $50 credit was deducted due to a gratuity charge. We found it peculiar that a self-serve soda-pop machine required a gratuity. It seems like the additional charges are becoming a tedious and repetitive issue.

[@Cruise-hair-why-care]

Just a reminder if you win the bid with RoyalUp and you are upgraded to a suite, you WILL NOT get the double Crown & Anchor points you would normally receive with a suite as you do when you book the suite upfront. As always, love your videos Matt. Thank you!

[@sportsMike87]

Bid the lowest if you are using Royalup. Best case you get a nicer cabin worst case you keep your current cabin.

[@caithnessrailrambler2698]

Would Love to see a video inside the engine / Boiler room. show us behind the scenes on what powers up the cruise ships.

[@pianointhedesert]

I have watched several documentaries here on KZbin that include this exact topic. Just do a search for cruise documentaries and I'm pretty sure you'll find one that will talk about how the ships are powered. Enjoy - I definitely did!

[@caithnessrailrambler2698]

@@pianointhedesert Thank you I shall have a look to see many thanks.

[@thedesignercpa]

I'm a kid who had a great time on Grandeur in the 90's 😃

[@nnahler]

Man same here! Sailed on her 3 times in the late 90’s, granted I was a teenager but I still loved it!

[@allisonmatheney8115]

U r so patient w all the same ones every show or even several times in the show. Lol. It’s all good everyone is new at some point

[@erinnewby500]

Another common question..."Do I have to prepay gratuities?" I wish RC would just make that part of the cruise fare. It would make things simpler but for PR reasons, I see why they don't.

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

I agree

[@TyreeTravels]

People would then be paying that and probably most would tip additionally on top of that so it actually end up costing the customer more. Just my thought.

[@scubasteve1555]

​@@TyreeTravels No, it's not like it's a hidden cost, I knew on my very first cruise it was part of our costs. This comment over complicates something that's really not complicated.

[@soniacattley1186]

In RC in Australia/NZ it is just part of the fare. We think your way is complicated. You think our way is complicated. There is no winning.

[@karinaday4690]

⁠@@soniacattley1186- I also feel gratuities should automatically be part of the cruise fare so staff are paid a proper set wage. It also helps customers to know a set price and they can’t make it optional (which offends some staff as they feel they don’t do a good job). If gratuities are what the word implies it should be given based upon feeling you have been given fantastic service and deserve extra pay over and above what you are paid in your wage. This is obviously a cultural difference.

[@WeepWoop1999]

I love your videos, I’m leaving for my second-first cruise since I don’t remember my first-first since I was so young. But I’m leaving tomorrow on oasis and I’ve been watching cruise videos since Christmas and you’ve been the best one, thank you

[@user-cd1mx3xq9g]

Just wanted to say Thank You! My hubby and I finished a cruise on Oasis and we had the BEST time!! What an incredible ship! We booked another cruise 24 hours after we got home. Sailing Dec 3rd on Anthem. Your videos are SUPER helpful and informative. Thank you!!

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Great to hear!

[@kilrathi827]

THEY'RE ALL GOOD SHIPS, BRENT. 14/10

[@korinamoss3581]

If I were to ask you about a particular ship, it wouldn’t be about the amenities. For me, I’d like to know how the ship felt as far as: Did it look worn/old? How was the food? How was the service? Was there updated/comfortable seating? How was the solarium vibe? (Some enclosed ones are stark & too cold, others are offer more comfortable areas than just mostly pool chairs.) The “feel” of the ship is what I’d want to hear from someone (you) who’s experienced it- I can’t look that up on the RC website. A small collection of subjective opinions is sometimes most helpful. Love your videos!

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

The issue with your questions is they are subjective. My experience or opinions might differ greatly from someone else on the same ship and sailing. I see it all the time in comments cruisers leave.

[@lisafieber3569]

Your ship tour blogs are great for ship info. Very informative.

[@billybob7088]

When I do my Greece cruise I will get the Key fo-show!

[@TyreeTravels]

If you are in a suite then your concierge can book your unlimited dinning package reservations for you before the cruise. About a week out is when they contact you and you could request that if you know the days and times you want along with which restaurant.

[@christinedelrossi2819]

I'm not a tech person at all, but I love, love, love using the app, especially once onboard.

[@hamsflightskitbox3710]

Great information 👍🏾

[@mr-vet]

Went on my first cruise with family in June on Wonder of the Seas-7-Night Western Caribbean (Coco Cay, Cozumel, Roatan, Puerto Costa Maya). Overall, great experience. There were some inconveniences and annoying issues, though; which I’ve mentioned on this channel and others, too. My wife and I did buy the internet package-got it on discount prior to the cruise. We are planning our next cruise (on Royal Caribbean; Looking at the Feb-May timeframe-6 to 8 night cruises) with some friends who’ve never been on one.

[@Roserie1]

I am going to be going on Freedom of the seas cruise in November, what I would like to know is even though the splash play area is for the kids can grown ups enjoy it too. Sometimes I don't want to enjoy the pool I just want to get wet.

[@rockchat40]

Key early embarkation lunch, breakfast (disembark), carry-on drop off, Wi-Fi worked for us. We got priority seating at water show also but I understand why it doesn’t work for all.

[@roythousand13]

Do you use the Royal Caribbean rewards/loyalty program?

[@toomaskleine]

Matt, Hope you and your family are enjoying CALIF. Had my family on the Nav Mexico, saw you onboard. Next cruise ASIA segment of the world cruise, FEB 2024. Lots of planning to do. Tom Palm Desert

[@travelwithdebandnick]

Great video, thanks Matt for sharing :) ❤

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

My pleasure!

[@ModernMyths]

I try and go to your streams almost every week. Ironically you start them during family dinner time XD. Anyways, I see these questions all the time in the chat. So this video will help them a lot as well as you so you can answer other peoples questions instead of having to repeat the answer every week.

[@rigobertobautistaperez3245]

En mi agenda presente conocer Royal Carribean excelente vacaciones de exito prosperidad exito

[@temeekajones9899]

Hay Mat I'm looking forward to you showing us the new Ship Icon of the sea have you booked your sail yet your reviews are awesome 👌🏿

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Thanks!

[@davva360]

Most of the cruise companies now have apps that all have similar functionality. I would highly recommend everyone having it. So much more convenient than the old cruise print outs.

[@randallhuff4963]

The Key costs slightly more than Wifi. You get special seating at shows, and other perks that people in the Crown & Anchor Society get. Worth it.

[@DancEncounters]

I definitely get the Key when it is just me, or me and my husband. I wouldn't get it if I were cruising with my kids, because we don't get the wifi for everyone so it isn't worth it.

[@AidynHolmes]

At a tender port, is tender boarding first come first served or is there a number “ticket” system like on Carnival?

[@pianointhedesert]

Ticket

[@nancylorenz5082]

I’m going on a group cruise next May. I saw the key advertised for 20.99 and paid. I just looked at it today and they are charging me $30.99. I’m not happy. I did change the name of my companion traveler. Perhaps that did something. Hoping they have a Black Friday sale. 🤞 Thank you for your informative videos! ❤️

[@jongriffin2125]

You are upset about a $10 up charge? Wait until you get your final post cruise bill.

[@lisafieber3569]

Hi. Matt. Was wondering, have you ever done a blog on stateroom types or configurations. Upper Berth, ot Pullman, sofa bed, trundle beds, etc.... which ships are they on?

[@jorge0123mj]

Harr Travel does great videos on cruise rooms, and the majority of his videos are under 10 minutes

[@JulieMai_]

Will you have a video on Voyager of the Sea ship. Don't think I've seen that video on your list of videos.

[@organizingalyson]

There are definitely bad ships for kids. 😜 I took my 2 year old son on Enchantment. I’d been on it twice before. Taking my 2 yo on it was a miserable experience though. They kicked him out of the pool because he had a pool diaper on. There really wasn’t anything fun for him to do on the ship either. We couldn’t get off at the ports because the port times didn’t work with his nap time. I’d planned to just play at the pool but that was a bust. We spent most of our time just riding the elevator. I would honestly have rather stayed home and done laundry than been on that cruise. I didn’t realize how little there was for kids that age until I was on the ship with a kid. I was told to next time do Oasis Class ships for young kids. We’ve done Symphony and Wonder since then and those have been much better experiences.

[@xFerry]

someone make a summary please

[@sportsMike87]

Feel like the most common question is “When should I get the the port city”

[@lowkeycute5632]

i had another question since i have a cruise planned on 17th July cruising on Spectrum Of The Seas do they sell tobacco and e-cigarettes on board the ship and if yes then how much do they generally cost?

[@thetravelingfoodies]

Is the dining package truly unlimited? Like could I book a speciality dining for lunch and 2 specialty dinings for dinner? AND. Would ie be helpful if I had my ideal speciality dining typed out and printed for the concierge?

[@macmcclellan4695]

With the Key, you don't just get an early embarkation. You get a priority check-in similar to being in a suite. If you're already in a suite this is of no value. You also get an early debarkation time, again similar to being in a suite. Overall, it's not worth it if you don't value the benefits! Compare to the Drink Package. For some people it's a great deal. Not for me, I spend less than $40 a day on drinks on the ship, my wife doesn't drink alcohol, and she also would spend less than $10 a day on specialty coffees, etc.

[@rymhubbard3412]

Your analysis regarding The KEY reflected your bias, of having cruised too many times. Unlike the answers to other questions where you stated, "it depends" on whether the amenities are important to you or here's how one can pursue a less expensive option. You said No. With the KEY, it was unequivocal, "No" missing the upside. First, it is a package. I value my time. Your suggestions presume there is no opportunity costs of putting these alternative options together. •If everyone wants Internet, the price differential between Internet & KEY is small. •If you are not interested in a speciality restaurant, you get a taste of Chops Grille without paying for it and a relaxing sitdown service instead of the hustle bustle of Windjammer. •You get to unload your carry-on & they take it to your room •Priority seating, tender, & blocked out times •Greeter at the terminal entrance Finally, ambiance. You feel like a VIP for a brief moment without having to book a suite.

[@travisdickerson215]

People should definitely be able to piece meal the drink package if they wanted to

[@edvaira6891]

Ok…Where, exactly, on an Oasis class ship (in fact, we are actually going ON Oasis..) can we actually USE the “Coffee Card” if we can’t go to the Starbucks??

[@akaCol1987]

Hey Matt. Seeing as I'm always asleep when you do your live Q&As, I have a question which I will post here: If all of the signage and livery were removed from all of RCI's ships, would you be able to identify them all from looking?

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Most ships, I think so. The vision and radiance class would be tough

[@kwild3]

If you have The Key and go to those special times for the onboard activities iFly, wave thingie), is there a charge or is it free?

[@joshuamiller1834]

I'm going on voyager of the seas in November and will be docked in Cozumel for two days will there be a time for us to be back on the ship the first night even though we aren't leaving port until the next day?

[@mindyeckman810]

If you book your cruise on a booking site like Priceline, are you still able to see your cruise on Royal Caribbean’s website and able to purchase drink and/or dinner packages?

[@timraley8299]

Yes, literally everything is done via Royal Caribbean's site. The only thing you'd have to contact Priceline about is potential repricing (for example, if Black Friday is cheaper).

[@thetravelingfoodies]

Icon of the seas or bust

[@charlesclawson4588]

Hey Matt, I have a question about the free drinks perk for Diamond and above cruisers. Is the person who is Diamond and above allowed to share their free drinks with a cruiser who is not Diamond and above?

[@jackmortimer329]

If you get a glass of wine from the bar and go sit at a table, they don't monitor you to make sure you are the one who drinks it. However, in my opinion, it is somewhat tackey to abuse the perk like this.

[@timraley8299]

You can't officially give anyone your free drinks, but if you do the ordering and give the drink to someone else they don't monitor or police you.

[@johnhemric9405]

Paying for Sorrentos pizza, which is just one step above Totinos is a big NO!

[@mnctrygirl11]

can you use the royal app while in airplane mode?

[@timraley8299]

Yes, although you'll need to be on WiFi to actually update anything via the app.

[@mnctrygirl11]

@@timraley8299 good to know thank you. :)

[@alfonsoarteaga8200]

Do you hate Voyager if the Seas?

[@helciobmello]

Hi, Matt! Thanks for sharing this video. I have a question about Royal Up, please. I know that if I Royal Up to a suite I do not earn an additional Crown and Anchor Society point. I also know that if I book a balcony studio I will earn a single point per night. My question is: what happens if I Royal Up from a balcony studio to an ordinary balcony or spacious balcony? Would I earn 2 points a night if I travel solo in this situation? Best regards!

[@timraley8299]

I believe the answer is that your CAS point accrual will never change from what you originally paid for, regardless of whether (or how far) you RoyalUP.

[@liching35]

Hi Matt, my celebrity X app (iOS) it not working fully. I am logged in app, but when I look at the promo/packages, it kept asking me to link the cruise reservation (RESEVER button is grey out). When I log on actual website it works. I contacted website agent, they said they don't help with app. What can I do? Please help or redirect me to someone. Thanks

[@sarahgilbert2124]

I am wondering if we need the Insurance package

[@jackmortimer329]

You need insurance to cruise. It is not a requirement of the ship, it is self preservation. Also, you are not limited to the insurance through the cruise line. There are other insurance companies that sell travel insurance.

[@sarahgilbert2124]

@jackmortimer329 ok Thank you. I will look into other companies and compare prices. Thanks again

[@jackmortimer329]

@@sarahgilbert2124 Check the coverage too. Not all packages are the same.

[@sarahgilbert2124]

Ok I will check around . Thanks again

[@brentpayne4215]

How are you

[@Scott-yy9ut]

I know you said the drink package prices don’t matter, but can you tell us what the drink package prices are Royal Caribbean’s website will not give you any information about a drink package until you book a cruise. I don’t know many people willing to book a cruise without knowing all of the pricing information ahead of time.

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

I didn't realize other cruise lines don't have dynamic pricing for drink packages!

[@julieb7882]

Lowest prices I've seen in the last year, per day are: Alcohol $56 to $60 Everything but alcohol $30 to $33 Sofa $10 to $12 These are pre cruise prices. I'm sure they're more if you wait till you're on board.

[@ehiojieyan8505]

Question I can’t remember since it’s been a year since I cruised, do you get your sea pass card as soon as you walk on the ship? I have the drink package and want to grab one as soon as I get on the ship! Or do they place them in the state rooms? If so could I go to the customer service area and have them print out proof I have it?

[@LukeofAllTrades.]

Yes, the keys are outside your room, so the rooms have to be ready before you can get your key. No worries though, you can just give them your stateroom number and they'll add it to your account, and it will be covered by the drink package if you pre booked it!

[@ehiojieyan8505]

@@LukeofAllTrades. thank you for the feedback! 2 months until my first time on Harmony!

[@LukeofAllTrades.]

@@ehiojieyan8505 Nice, we're going on that one next year!

[@kaydickey9239]

​@@LukeofAllTrades.So are we!

[@ReviewswithRed]

Just tell them your room number it will be in the computer

[@amorrow1983]

Wi-Fi should be free on a cruise. Love the app to keep in touch with my daughter, but to have to pay $300 for us to be able to communicate is ridiculous.

[@davidcichra1373]

Royal Caribbean was supposed to get rid of Grandeur years ago. I believe it should be sunk at sea.

[@jackmortimer329]

There are many of us who really like the Grandeur. Sorry to hear that you are not one of us.

[@davidcichra1373]

@@jackmortimer329 My parents use to take that ship out of Baltimore via AAA bus trip from Pittsburgh. I use to drive there to get on the ship. The big cruise ships can not clear the bridges. I drive to Bayonne now.

[@saratullas5509]

The royal up drama is annoying. I do not understand why people count on it and then get so upset if they don’t win. Someone posted just today that they didn’t win the cabin they wanted and they are sailing and it ruined their cruise. Come. On. 😂😂😂