Yes, I Lysol everything. I start with the door and go left to right around the entire cabin! Light switches, remote, handles… gives me great peace of mind lol😊
@@susanwest1696 I buy multi-packs of baby wipes, pour alcohol and vinegar into the package (MUCH cheaper than disinfectant wipes!) and wipe everything down from top to bottom. It's GREAT for getting out stains, scuffs...pretty much anything. They are my saviour! Perfect for hotel rooms, too.
Great suggestions. Some additions: 1) put your cell phone on airplane mode but keep Wi-Fi turned on. That way, you won’t be charged for the ship’s roaming (very expensive) cell service. 2) check for odors, especially in the bathroom. On a few cruises, there was something amiss in the plumbing causing odors. A quick call to customer relations will send a technician who will diagnose and fix the problem. 3) At the first meal in the main dining room (or specialty restaurant), let the server know of any dietary restrictions. They will follow through with your requests throughout the cruise. 4) walk all of the public spaces, this will help you find things that you want to do or return to. 5) if you’ll be taking classes in the gym, go to the gym and sign up ASAP because some classes sell out. 6) If there’s ample time before sailing, you can get off the ship. A great thing to do if you are in a port that’s right near attractions (such as Sydney). You can have some fun and even shop for anything you forgot to bring with you. 7) Make reservations at specialty restaurants. If you are splurging on a specialty restaurant, making your reservation early will ensure that you get the time slot that works best for your schedule. 8) Sign up for raffles. Sometimes, the shops have day-1 raffles where you might win a prize.
Excellent additions! I learned the hard way on my first cruise about how fickle phones can be. Even though I did put it in airplane mode, at some point I got a text from AT&T saying I had thousands in data usage. I looked and saw that airplane mode had turned off. There was a toll-free number I could call while on the ship so I called and they verified that my phone model (it was a Samsung Galaxy) did indeed have an issue with airplane mode randomly turning off. They agreed to waive the charges and they gave me this bit of advice, which I now do every time. BEFORE turning on airplane mode, under Connections I go to Mobile networks. Then I do the following, which must be done in this order: 1) Turn OFF International Data Roaming. 2) Turn OFF Mobile Data. 3) Then turn ON Airplane mode. By doing this, even if airplane mode goes off for some reason, you sill cannot access data on the network and cannot incur any charges. Then when I want to go back on data I simply reverse the 3 steps in order 3, 2, 1.
@@mrscbury My pleasure! It only takes a couple extra steps and you have the confidence of knowing there's no way you could be charged. After awhile it becomes routine.
First thing I do, once getting into cabin, is unpack my carry on items and toiletries and store valuables in safe. I do my eMuster drill and get that out of the way. Then when luggage arrives, I unpack and get settled in. If not already done, I make reservations for dinners and entertainment - usually do that when first getting onboard before the cabins are ready as well as getting lunch. After unpack, I look at the activities and find a place to watch the sail away and get the first cocktail of the cruise!
We always wipe down everything with cleaning wipes. We do this every where we go. Hotel rooms, planes, trains, cars and cruise cabin. Just to be on the safe side. Then we organize everything in the room. Hang nice shirts/pants and tshirts shorts swimwear etc goon shelves and drawers. Us3 the luggage under the bed for dirty clothes for longer cruises and a mesh laundry bag in the closet.
I would add, try out the bed in your stateroom. It was a miserable first night and I tipped generously and asked our attendant if there was anything that could be done to the bed to make it softer. It was beautifully comfortable the 2nd night and the rest of our cruise. I wish I would've tried the bed immediately on embarkation so that the first night was as good as the others.
Make sure you have good water pressure in the shower and that you can get hot water. That and checking that the toilet flushes is the first thing I always do.
We watch the muster drill video while we wait to board. As soon as we board, we locate our muster station and check in. Once that's done, we will walk around and find a bar😅... All that before we even have our room available.
Wish everyone would do that. We do it too. The constant announcements for people that haven’t gone to muster are annoying. They should not activate your card for drinks or food until you go to muster
Unpacking is key. Then keep a laundry bag in the bottom of your closet. Just put all your dirty stuff straight in that bag and your room will stay organized.
My tip is to bring a mattress topper or request one asap because the bed are horrible unless you are in a suite. We were on the Odyssey with a group of 8 last week. The beds are hard like an exam table. We requested before the trip some padding and it did not show up but our wonderful stateroom attendant did his best to help. The pillows are no better. We knew these things might be an issue and checked the mattress out while we unpacked and settled in on day 1. I am not sure why RC changed to this awful beds for most cabins. We booked late and the suites were sold out. The Odyssey was wonderful beautiful ship but those beds sort of ruin it when you can not get any rest.
Great tips! My routine: 1) Start at the door and take pics of everything with my phone from one end to the other. 2) As you mentioned, inspect everything (items missing, working order, etc.) and wipe down anything funky and/or frequently touched with homemade disinfecting wipes. 3) Unpack. 4) Hot tubs!!
Decorating your door is fun and practical. Helps you find the room easily and show your excitement, but do not put your names on the door. Had someone make charges to my room due to this. Was able to dispute but just a heads up to all.
Thank you Matt for all the videos and guides. I also listen to your podcast while I workout. My wife and I are going on Navigator OTS for a 4 night Ensenada cruise in June! It will be my wife’s first cruise ever and my 4th! My first cruise ever was RC’s SOVEREIGN OTS so you know it’s been a while 😹 that was like 2005.. then I went in a Disney cruise as a teen.. didn’t care for it. Then went on Liberty OTS in 2019 with my sister! Can’t wait to share RC with my wife. We talked about going on a cruise and she said “which cruise line? I’ve be never been on one before so I trust you to decide” and I INSTANTLY knew RC is for her. More her scene. We aren’t party people. I will be enjoying that pool deck with all the frozen drinks my tummy can handle.
I would add one more thing. If you bring a back pack on board pack a change of clothes. Like Shirt and pants, and possible swim wear. This way you don`t have to wait until you luggage arrives at your stateroom. You can go for a swim or if you luggage is late to arrive you have at least a change of clothes if needed.
One thing I would suggest. Check for bedbugs. Although it’s highly unlikely these little annoyances will be on a cruise ship; but on rare occasions they can be present and trust me, there’s almost nothing worse than waking up with bites from these little bloodsuckers.
Good video for people. I always check that everything works tell cabin Stewart I need distilled water for my c-pap machine free. Also extra towels 2 regular wine glasses and ice. Put decorations on door and unpack that's my routine 😊🎉🎉
@@ChuckTownRC51 still gotta pay this one off first lol. We booked it through Affirm. Should be paid off by August or September. Then I can start planning the next one.
It’s funny…all the things you listed are EXACTLY the things I do as soon as I get on the ship! I guess I must be doing things right if I’m doing what the professionals do! Lol
I would like to thank you Matt! I've been watching your videos to learn all about cruises since February! I'm going on my cruise TODAY!!!!! Navigator of the Seas! I'm so excited for it! 4/23 Thank you so much for all the tips you've given! I know I won't be missing anything huge on my vacation due to the education from you! Cheers M8
@@johnlavery6116 I haven't had any hidden charges on my bill. I check my account daily. I've found the shopping to be good on the ship. Fair prices and quality products. I bought a Tissot Watch and the price was very good.
The first thing that I do after getting to a hotel room is make myself a nice mug of tea to drink while I check out the space in the room and storage that is available for use .
The first thing I do whenever I get into my room is change into some relaxing clothes! I take the chance and travel the same day of the cruise (I know, I know. I'm taking a huge risk there) and I'd bring a change of clothes in my backpack for when I get on the ship, I can switch out of the traveling clothes and something more relaxing.
@@bugwar5545 It was great. Had trouble with the airlines, but the cruise itself was awesome. We enjoyed Navigator. Looking forward to Adventure OTS next summer!
I bring a Fire TV with me. The TVs are mostly Samsungs, so a Samsung remote should operate the TV and change inputs even if the remote in the cabin does not have that button. Some ships require more to get them to work with external devices, like unplugging the Ethernet port and powering off the TV. It would be nice for Matt to provide instructions for each ship.
I will said before unpacking, INSPECT your cabin… in my last experience with different cruise line we have to change cabins 2 times… we un packed 3 times! I’m pregnant and we have a baby, this wasn’t only exhausting but it also caused a lot of stress and body aches. Nightmare vacation!
Just wrapped a cruise on Voyager of the Seas and FYI standard refrigerators were no longer available, even in the suites. They had coolers, but they couldn't keep things "cold" for very long.
Hi! I ❤ your channel!!One of the items that I’ve seen in your prior videos, the cruise safe multi plug was banned and confiscated from me yesterday getting on Oasis of the Seas
Im a janitor and housekeeper with severe OCDs Wife and i bring cleaning supplies with us on every trip and pack our own blankets and pillows. Is that allowed on a cruise?
I never put my luggage under the bed I don’t like doing that. Remember your luggage is mixed with everyone else’s. Bed bug alert Just saying 😩 Then I check my room for these critters and then wipe down everything and then unpack Then the vacation begins 😀
@@RoyalCaribbeanBlog Okay Thanks. All app now. It has been 10 years for me. Going in 3 weeks Harmony of the Seas in Miami cannot wait! Got to research the islands.
I have a question about managing time out at sea. I guess that is important to plan the sailing days accordingly and to enjoy and not sleep in jejej. Does the cruise operate on different time zones, depending on where they stop within the itinerary?
The cruise ship usually recommend that you keep your time pieces on ship time and don't depend on pieces that usually change time automatically according to zone. An old fashion watch is good.
Thanks for the tips! We'll be sailing RC for the first time this year, and will be in a junior suite. Will the attendants come at specific times each day? Wondering if we can customize when they come for service. I'm always caught off guard when housekeeping comes to my door and I'm still in bed. Lol.
There is a magnetic sign that the stateroom attendants watch for... One side is the "do not disturb" side and the other is "out catching thrills" to let them know that you are out of your room. I use the sign all the time and it works great!
Good info. But I disagree about newer ships have more storage - I have found this to be the opposite. For example, the new desks don’t have a drawer. And no shelf or cupboard above the tv. Other cutbacks as well, but those two come to mind. Money saving for the builds I am sure…
We've bid through Royal Up for a balcony cabin. We leave on May 1. When will we know if our bid has been accepted? I've heard it can be after sailing. Should we just wait to unpack?
I bid for the first time today and the confirmation says they will notify you by the time the ship departs. "If you do not receive a notification within 2 hours of departure, your room has not been upgraded."
Royal Up is very hit or miss. They can upgrade you at boarding time. I would just plan to be in the room you are assigned to at this point, and the royalup would be a bonus
Love this! Wish more people understood it. It's sad, the amount of code switching that goes on because "proper English" is needed to be taken seriously
If you’re boarding early, can you use your electronic sea pass card from the app or Apple wallet for purchases or for your drink package before you get your physical card when you can get to your state room?
QUESTION: Is there a way to find out if our stateroom attendant is male or female prior to embarkation? We like to bring a gift for him/her and would love to bring a more personalized one this time.
Do we find this information online or do we have to call RC to clarify? Also, what alcohol is allowed to carry on and how many for 2 people ? Is it one bottle per person? For Anniversary, Thanks
I always bring my luggage not because I dont want to tip. I tip quite a lot on vacation but, I'm terrified of having my luggage lost. It would ruin my entire vacation.
I was going to comment this! I also am a generous tipper, but almost every cruise I've been on, I've seen a flyer of a picture of someone's lost luggage. 😢 I always pack a small suitcase and a bookbag for my carry on and bring both with me onboard. A lost suitcase would ruin my cruise for sure.
I use to use the porters but my luggage was left on the dock lucky I brought a backpack with a outfit in it so at the first port I had to buy clothes. Never again I will drag my luggage around
Did I hear correct? Do you not need to make reservations for shows in harmony of the seas? Also when will you know when your room is ready? Do you get a notification? Or just check on your own
They usually make an announcement when they are ready. I have stopped by earlier to get the sea pass but I don’t leave anything in the room until they say they are available.
Shows you should reserve however don’t panic if they show as sold out. There is always a stand by line and you can usually get in via that process. Just show up for the standby line 15 minutes before the show.
Harmony is an Oasis class ship, so per Matt yes you do; reservations are highly recommended for piece of mind (and for the comedy shows, which will fill-up almost immediately when reservations go live). You can get in to most shows without a reservation by arriving 30 mins before, queuing up, and being let in ~10 minutes before the show starts due to no-shows for reserved guests.
1. I don’t trust dropping my luggage off. I’ve never done it, and probably never will… most likely. 😂 I don’t wanna risk them losing my bags. 2. I ALWAYS unpack my clothes; my OCD won’t allow me to live outside of a suitcase. 3. I ALWAYS store my suitcase in the closet; away from my sight. 4. I don’t plan to meet my stateroom attendant, but it’s almost impossible not to, so… *shrugs*. I’m always friendly when I do. 5. I can’t wait to get my status up! Free water is a plus, even though I always get the unlimited drinking package.
I never unpack my suitcase! That would be just stupid. If there is not a lot of space, like on the river cruise in Egypt, I close it again after taking out my new outfit, done.
With Windstar Cruises, you have a walk in closet that is huge, a shower/bathtub, a sofa with huge window, ...plenty of room. Unlike the massive awful floating cities, you will be able to eat where you want, what time you want, and not with the same people every night (Boring!!)
No no no. Very first thing, place your luggage in the tub, then with a flashlight, check the couch seams and removed fitted bed sheet and inspect the mattress all around the seam. Look for blood spots, small little bedbugs, look for small coffee ground looking items on the mattress. If the bed is infested, you WILL BE GLAD you did not place your luggage under the bed or couch. Thank me later
I like those Pellegrino grapefruit sodas and RC does not have them onboard. I do not drink those sugary sodas they serve onboard. I was told by a rep from RC that we could not bring a 6 pack of soda. But here you said we could bring a six pack, which is it?
@@bugwar5545 We were allowed 1 bottle of wine per person in our check-in luggage during embarking only; no six-pack of soda. the ship was not willing to stock Pellegrino grapefruit sodas onboard either so I ordered only 2 cocktails, both were nasty. Luckily the wine was decent.
@@benitafinleypurifoy181 I just called Royal Caribbean, they confirmed that you CAN bring up to twelve soda's with you. Dunno who is doing the scamming, but I will believe the cruise line till proven wrong.
The nurse in me can't help but to whip out my Lysol spray and wipes! I've been doing this as a traveler for decades.
Same here! As a nurse for 30+ yrs…it’s just something that is part of my routine: clean, clean, clean!!!
Yes, I Lysol everything. I start with the door and go left to right around the entire cabin! Light switches, remote, handles… gives me great peace of mind lol😊
@@susanwest1696 I buy multi-packs of baby wipes, pour alcohol and vinegar into the package (MUCH cheaper than disinfectant wipes!) and wipe everything down from top to bottom. It's GREAT for getting out stains, scuffs...pretty much anything. They are my saviour! Perfect for hotel rooms, too.
I also use a napkin to handle all serving utensils in the Windjammer
@@RoyalCaribbeanCruiseChronicles GOOD TIP!
Great suggestions. Some additions: 1) put your cell phone on airplane mode but keep Wi-Fi turned on. That way, you won’t be charged for the ship’s roaming (very expensive) cell service. 2) check for odors, especially in the bathroom. On a few cruises, there was something amiss in the plumbing causing odors. A quick call to customer relations will send a technician who will diagnose and fix the problem. 3) At the first meal in the main dining room (or specialty restaurant), let the server know of any dietary restrictions. They will follow through with your requests throughout the cruise. 4) walk all of the public spaces, this will help you find things that you want to do or return to. 5) if you’ll be taking classes in the gym, go to the gym and sign up ASAP because some classes sell out. 6) If there’s ample time before sailing, you can get off the ship. A great thing to do if you are in a port that’s right near attractions (such as Sydney). You can have some fun and even shop for anything you forgot to bring with you. 7) Make reservations at specialty restaurants. If you are splurging on a specialty restaurant, making your reservation early will ensure that you get the time slot that works best for your schedule. 8) Sign up for raffles. Sometimes, the shops have day-1 raffles where you might win a prize.
Excellent additions! I learned the hard way on my first cruise about how fickle phones can be. Even though I did put it in airplane mode, at some point I got a text from AT&T saying I had thousands in data usage. I looked and saw that airplane mode had turned off. There was a toll-free number I could call while on the ship so I called and they verified that my phone model (it was a Samsung Galaxy) did indeed have an issue with airplane mode randomly turning off. They agreed to waive the charges and they gave me this bit of advice, which I now do every time. BEFORE turning on airplane mode, under Connections I go to Mobile networks. Then I do the following, which must be done in this order: 1) Turn OFF International Data Roaming. 2) Turn OFF Mobile Data. 3) Then turn ON Airplane mode. By doing this, even if airplane mode goes off for some reason, you sill cannot access data on the network and cannot incur any charges. Then when I want to go back on data I simply reverse the 3 steps in order 3, 2, 1.
Thanks 🤩👍
@@larry4111 Thank you so much for this golden information. I do have a Samsung Galaxy...
@@mrscbury My pleasure! It only takes a couple extra steps and you have the confidence of knowing there's no way you could be charged. After awhile it becomes routine.
First thing I do, once getting into cabin, is unpack my carry on items and toiletries and store valuables in safe. I do my eMuster drill and get that out of the way. Then when luggage arrives, I unpack and get settled in. If not already done, I make reservations for dinners and entertainment - usually do that when first getting onboard before the cabins are ready as well as getting lunch. After unpack, I look at the activities and find a place to watch the sail away and get the first cocktail of the cruise!
We always wipe down everything with cleaning wipes. We do this every where we go. Hotel rooms, planes, trains, cars and cruise cabin. Just to be on the safe side. Then we organize everything in the room. Hang nice shirts/pants and tshirts shorts swimwear etc goon shelves and drawers. Us3 the luggage under the bed for dirty clothes for longer cruises and a mesh laundry bag in the closet.
I also use a napkin to handle all the serving utensils in the Windjammer
I would wipe down/spray disinfectant , decorate your door, and add a 1$ glad cone to the corner of the room so all week it has a fresh smell.
You forgot to boil and air dry your face diaper before you donned your hazmat suit.
😂😂😂😂😂
I would add, try out the bed in your stateroom. It was a miserable first night and I tipped generously and asked our attendant if there was anything that could be done to the bed to make it softer. It was beautifully comfortable the 2nd night and the rest of our cruise. I wish I would've tried the bed immediately on embarkation so that the first night was as good as the others.
Good point.
There's already about an $18/day mandatory tip, so additional puts you closer to $25-30/ day. Sit down restaurant or bar is a different gratuity.
Make sure you have good water pressure in the shower and that you can get hot water. That and checking that the toilet flushes is the first thing I always do.
Good points. I would have just assumed it all worked. Best to find out first thing.
I tip right on day 1! Never missed a towel animal yet. ❤😂 I love them.
We watch the muster drill video while we wait to board. As soon as we board, we locate our muster station and check in. Once that's done, we will walk around and find a bar😅... All that before we even have our room available.
Wish everyone would do that. We do it too. The constant announcements for people that haven’t gone to muster are annoying. They should not activate your card for drinks or food until you go to muster
@@davva360 that's a great idea! 😊 Then we won't have to hear all those announcements!
Always Clorox wipe the most trafficked areas. Even though I know they clean them in the best way, it’s just a piece of mind for me to do so. 🙂
You forgot to mention your daily wipe of your face diaper, or steam cleaning your hazmat suit. "Peace of Mind" and all that.
Check functioning of toilet!
Unpacking is key. Then keep a laundry bag in the bottom of your closet. Just put all your dirty stuff straight in that bag and your room will stay organized.
My tip is to bring a mattress topper or request one asap because the bed are horrible unless you are in a suite. We were on the Odyssey with a group of 8 last week. The beds are hard like an exam table. We requested before the trip some padding and it did not show up but our wonderful stateroom attendant did his best to help. The pillows are no better. We knew these things might be an issue and checked the mattress out while we unpacked and settled in on day 1. I am not sure why RC changed to this awful beds for most cabins. We booked late and the suites were sold out. The Odyssey was wonderful beautiful ship but those beds sort of ruin it when you can not get any rest.
Great tips! My routine: 1) Start at the door and take pics of everything with my phone from one end to the other. 2) As you mentioned, inspect everything (items missing, working order, etc.) and wipe down anything funky and/or frequently touched with homemade disinfecting wipes. 3) Unpack. 4) Hot tubs!!
So do you disinfect the hot tub before or after you use it?
@@bugwar5545 I don't need to. They use something called "chlorine."
Decorating your door is fun and practical. Helps you find the room easily and show your excitement, but do not put your names on the door. Had someone make charges to my room due to this. Was able to dispute but just a heads up to all.
I always set up and try out the safe before I put anything in it. Check if you have hot water and that the toilet flushes.
First thing we do is wipe everything down with Lysol or Clorox wipes and check the bedding for any signs of bed bugs.
You forgot to mention donning your face diaper before getting into your hazmat suite to take cleansing shower.
You is weird.
If we have downtime once we get in the cabin, I always unpack. It makes the place feel like home to get the suitcases put away.
I am going on my first cruise and I am loving all these videos.
Thank you Matt for all the videos and guides. I also listen to your podcast while I workout. My wife and I are going on Navigator OTS for a 4 night Ensenada cruise in June! It will be my wife’s first cruise ever and my 4th!
My first cruise ever was RC’s SOVEREIGN OTS so you know it’s been a while 😹 that was like 2005.. then I went in a Disney cruise as a teen.. didn’t care for it. Then went on Liberty OTS in 2019 with my sister! Can’t wait to share RC with my wife. We talked about going on a cruise and she said “which cruise line? I’ve be never been on one before so I trust you to decide” and I INSTANTLY knew RC is for her. More her scene. We aren’t party people. I will be enjoying that pool deck with all the frozen drinks my tummy can handle.
IF you have pulldown beds, even if you only have 2 passengers, ask for one bed to be lowered. Makes for great storage space.
Looking forward to my cruise on the 29th and all these videos have held me over while I keep waiting for the day to arrive!!! Keep up the great work
I would add one more thing. If you bring a back pack on board pack a change of clothes. Like Shirt and pants, and possible swim wear. This way you don`t have to wait until you luggage arrives at your stateroom. You can go for a swim or if you luggage is late to arrive you have at least a change of clothes if needed.
One thing I would suggest.
Check for bedbugs.
Although it’s highly unlikely these little annoyances will be on a cruise ship; but on rare occasions they can be present and trust me, there’s almost nothing worse than waking up with bites from these little bloodsuckers.
Have you had experience on a crusen ship with bed bugs before? There’s very slim chance that it will happen
Good video for people. I always check that everything works tell cabin Stewart I need distilled water for my c-pap machine free. Also extra towels 2 regular wine glasses and ice. Put decorations on door and unpack that's my routine 😊🎉🎉
It’s very difficult to continue watching your great content after my cruise just ended and I have no clue when my next one will be 😢
Book one!
@@ChuckTownRC51 still gotta pay this one off first lol. We booked it through Affirm. Should be paid off by August or September. Then I can start planning the next one.
Check the bathroom to make sure everything works, flush, turn facets on and off, how is the hot water, does air conditioner/vent work, etc.
Hot water. Good.
It’s funny…all the things you listed are EXACTLY the things I do as soon as I get on the ship! I guess I must be doing things right if I’m doing what the professionals do! Lol
I would like to thank you Matt! I've been watching your videos to learn all about cruises since February! I'm going on my cruise TODAY!!!!!
Navigator of the Seas! I'm so excited for it! 4/23
Thank you so much for all the tips you've given! I know I won't be missing anything huge on my vacation due to the education from you! Cheers M8
Matt great video. I'm a seasoned cruiser and all of these tip are great. Keep up these informative video.
Hello David. Have you any tips as regards spending on the ship..what you should watch for...are there hidden charges on the final bill..
@@johnlavery6116 I haven't had any hidden charges on my bill. I check my account daily. I've found the shopping to be good on the ship. Fair prices and quality products. I bought a Tissot Watch and the price was very good.
@@davidweissman7050 Thank you for your reply.....Ireland
The first thing that I do after getting to a hotel room is make myself a nice mug of tea to drink while I check out the space in the room and storage that is available for use .
My kids had magnetic iPad cases and loved to stick them on the ceiling over their Murphy beds for games and movies.
The first thing I do whenever I get into my room is change into some relaxing clothes! I take the chance and travel the same day of the cruise (I know, I know. I'm taking a huge risk there) and I'd bring a change of clothes in my backpack for when I get on the ship, I can switch out of the traveling clothes and something more relaxing.
People don't dress in cloths. They dress in clothes.
@@jimroscovius XD My bad. Gotta love auto correct XD
Just got checked in for our Navigator OTS cruise in June! Got an early board time! Woot! Can't wait!
So how was your cruise?
@@bugwar5545 It was great. Had trouble with the airlines, but the cruise itself was awesome. We enjoyed Navigator. Looking forward to Adventure OTS next summer!
Yay!!! I got that list a week before we sail. It goes into my notes. Thanks!
Hooks on the walls is really handy
I bring a Fire TV with me. The TVs are mostly Samsungs, so a Samsung remote should operate the TV and change inputs even if the remote in the cabin does not have that button. Some ships require more to get them to work with external devices, like unplugging the Ethernet port and powering off the TV. It would be nice for Matt to provide instructions for each ship.
I will said before unpacking, INSPECT your cabin… in my last experience with different cruise line we have to change cabins 2 times… we un packed 3 times! I’m pregnant and we have a baby, this wasn’t only exhausting but it also caused a lot of stress and body aches. Nightmare vacation!
I just love crusing
Wow! Exactly what we do! Pretty much in that order also!
We've always done every one of those things. Great video!!
Just wrapped a cruise on Voyager of the Seas and FYI standard refrigerators were no longer available, even in the suites. They had coolers, but they couldn't keep things "cold" for very long.
Oh no. That’s not good to hear.
They have small refrigerators on The Wonder.
Hi! I ❤ your channel!!One of the items that I’ve seen in your prior videos, the cruise safe multi plug was banned and confiscated from me yesterday getting on Oasis of the Seas
Im a janitor and housekeeper with severe OCDs Wife and i bring cleaning supplies with us on every trip and pack our own blankets and pillows. Is that allowed on a cruise?
Do you tip extra in the haven as we do in the "peon section"😊?
I request 2 beds every time before hand and only about 1/4 does it work.
Only did that once when I cruised with my son. I got a confirmation email but the bed was not split. Steward took care of it no problem
That is so strange to me. Other cruise lines have absolutely no problem with this. I don't get it.
Thank you 😊 well needed as a first time cruiser.
Great tips and I totally agree with them!
I never put my luggage under the bed I don’t like doing that. Remember your luggage is mixed with everyone else’s. Bed bug alert Just saying 😩 Then I check my room for these critters and then wipe down everything and then unpack Then the vacation begins 😀
😮
Don't forget to sanitize your face diaper before donning your hazmat suit.
7:05 - So, if I can leave my wallet in the safe, does this also mean that I will not need to carry around my ID if I decide to go to the bar?
They should be able to verify ur age with the sespass, if necessary.
Yes. No need for ID while on the ship but may need it for ports of call.
@@MsTay0823 So if I am 17, I can use my uncles seapass to get my booze?
@@bugwar5545 go for it.
8:45 They do not do drill for whole ship at once anymore?
No
@@RoyalCaribbeanBlog
Okay Thanks. All app now. It has been 10 years for me.
Going in 3 weeks Harmony of the Seas in Miami cannot wait! Got to research the islands.
Do you tip the attendants each time they clean or like a 20$ bill when you first meet them? Going on first cruise and confused about this part
Check the toilet to make sure there's enough pressure to accommodate your needs.
How do you know when your stateroom will be or is ready?
There are signs posted on each deck as to what time it will be ready. And they also make an announcement too
Thanks Matt!
Hello, finding your channel very helpful. Foing on my first RCL cruise next year. Going on Voyager. So I do not have to reserve shows?
You won't be able to on Voyager. No need to reserve ahead of time!
@@pianointhedesert Thank you, one less thing fo me to worry about!
I have a question about managing time out at sea. I guess that is important to plan the sailing days accordingly and to enjoy and not sleep in jejej. Does the cruise operate on different time zones, depending on where they stop within the itinerary?
The cruise ship usually recommend that you keep your time pieces on ship time and don't depend on pieces that usually change time automatically according to zone. An old fashion watch is good.
Thanks for the tips! We'll be sailing RC for the first time this year, and will be in a junior suite. Will the attendants come at specific times each day? Wondering if we can customize when they come for service. I'm always caught off guard when housekeeping comes to my door and I'm still in bed. Lol.
There is a magnetic sign that the stateroom attendants watch for...
One side is the "do not disturb" side and the other is "out catching thrills" to let them know that you are out of your room. I use the sign all the time and it works great!
@@susanscarlott9613 Is this in your room, or something you brought?
@@jbob1548 it is in the room usually on the back of the door...if you don't see one ask your room steward 😊
Thank you! @@susanscarlott9613
Good info. But I disagree about newer ships have more storage - I have found this to be the opposite. For example, the new desks don’t have a drawer. And no shelf or cupboard above the tv. Other cutbacks as well, but those two come to mind. Money saving for the builds I am sure…
ensure all cards open the cabin door
Huh.
Great video ❤❤❤❤
Thank you ❤😊
My first RC cruise is may 15🎉
So how was it?????
We've bid through Royal Up for a balcony cabin. We leave on May 1. When will we know if our bid has been accepted? I've heard it can be after sailing. Should we just wait to unpack?
I bid for the first time today and the confirmation says they will notify you by the time the ship departs. "If you do not receive a notification within 2 hours of departure, your room has not been upgraded."
Royal Up is very hit or miss. They can upgrade you at boarding time. I would just plan to be in the room you are assigned to at this point, and the royalup would be a bonus
Love this!
Wish more people understood it.
It's sad, the amount of code switching that goes on because "proper English" is needed to be taken seriously
If you’re boarding early, can you use your electronic sea pass card from the app or Apple wallet for purchases or for your drink package before you get your physical card when you can get to your state room?
Yes!
They now just ask you for your stateroom number.
QUESTION: Is there a way to find out if our stateroom attendant is male or female prior to embarkation? We like to bring a gift for him/her and would love to bring a more personalized one this time.
There is no way to know in advance. They also frequently rotate the room assignments
They would prefer cash!
Hi! Is it 12 cans/bottles of drinks per room or per person that's allowed?
Per stateroom
Do we find this information online or do we have to call RC to clarify? Also, what alcohol is allowed to carry on and how many for 2 people ? Is it one bottle per person? For Anniversary, Thanks
@@georgias7492 You did do a web search for "royal caribbean beverage policy", right?
If your room isn't ready, are you able to get a message sent to you when it's ready or do you just keep checking back? 😊thank you
They announce over the whole ship that the rooms are ready
Good reservations
You're referring to the "refrigerator' but I've seen other people say it's a 'cooler' not a true refrigerator. Which is it? Thanks!
It’s a fridge
Put sea pass in your lanyard and put it on.
Hi. I can't find a direct confirmation to the question: May 12 sealed PLASTIC water bottles be brought on Royal Caribbean? Thanks😊
You did do a web search for "royal caribbean beverage policy", right?
No plastic bottles allowed
I clean immediately. Bleach the bathroom and lysol everything else.
You forgot to mention steam cleaning your face diaper and hazmat suit.
I always bring my luggage not because I dont want to tip. I tip quite a lot on vacation but, I'm terrified of having my luggage lost. It would ruin my entire vacation.
Good point.
I was going to comment this! I also am a generous tipper, but almost every cruise I've been on, I've seen a flyer of a picture of someone's lost luggage. 😢 I always pack a small suitcase and a bookbag for my carry on and bring both with me onboard. A lost suitcase would ruin my cruise for sure.
So we won't be able to use our phones and internet unless we get wifi package?
Ya got that right.
The phone you might be able to use, but I don't want to see your roaming charges.
Bring a pack of disinfecting wipes and wipe everything down inside the cabin
You forgot to mention wearing your face diaper before getting into your hazmat suit for your hourly shower.
I use to use the porters but my luggage was left on the dock lucky I brought a backpack with a outfit in it so at the first port I had to buy clothes. Never again I will drag my luggage around
Did I hear correct? Do you not need to make reservations for shows in harmony of the seas? Also when will you know when your room is ready? Do you get a notification? Or just check on your own
They usually make an announcement when they are ready. I have stopped by earlier to get the sea pass but I don’t leave anything in the room until they say they are available.
They make an announcement over the ship's speaker system when the rooms are ready.
Shows you should reserve however don’t panic if they show as sold out. There is always a stand by line and you can usually get in via that process. Just show up for the standby line 15 minutes before the show.
Harmony is an Oasis class ship, so per Matt yes you do; reservations are highly recommended for piece of mind (and for the comedy shows, which will fill-up almost immediately when reservations go live). You can get in to most shows without a reservation by arriving 30 mins before, queuing up, and being let in ~10 minutes before the show starts due to no-shows for reserved guests.
Rooms are usually ready by 1:00. An announcement is made as well.
Has anyone been on a Bermuda cruise in mid/ end of September? Is the weather and water temperature good or is it cold? Thank you
It’s fine. Not too cold.
You did do a web search on weather there, right?
How long do you have to wait until you’re allowed to go into your room ? And how much is Wi-Fi on the ship?
Depends on the cruise.
Rooms are usually ready around 1 or 2 pm.
On my one RC cruise there was only an ice box. Not a frig. It was a bummer
Where were you staying? In a bilge room?
1. I don’t trust dropping my luggage off. I’ve never done it, and probably never will… most likely. 😂 I don’t wanna risk them losing my bags.
2. I ALWAYS unpack my clothes; my OCD won’t allow me to live outside of a suitcase.
3. I ALWAYS store my suitcase in the closet; away from my sight.
4. I don’t plan to meet my stateroom attendant, but it’s almost impossible not to, so… *shrugs*. I’m always friendly when I do.
5. I can’t wait to get my status up! Free water is a plus, even though I always get the unlimited drinking package.
Don't you hate dragging your suitcases around until your room is ready?
@ I’ve always been lucky - my room is always ready by the time that I get on the ship. So I don’t have to walk around with it.
Ok, did you and Sheri plan to cover this topic on the same day? lol
I never unpack my suitcase! That would be just stupid. If there is not a lot of space, like on the river cruise in Egypt, I close it again after taking out my new outfit, done.
Well he explained why it’s beneficial , and If I had a dress in my opinion dresses should be hanging in closets
Every time I get to my cruise cabin, I sigh a little....because I can never afford a Royal Suite. 🤣🤣🤣
Unpack!!!!
The walls are metallic not magnetic
My last Royal cabin didn't have a fridge
With Windstar Cruises, you have a walk in closet that is huge, a shower/bathtub, a sofa with huge window, ...plenty of room. Unlike the massive awful floating cities, you will be able to eat where you want, what time you want, and not with the same people every
night (Boring!!)
And other than virtue signalling, you are posting on Royal Caribbean why?
No no no.
Very first thing, place your luggage in the tub, then with a flashlight, check the couch seams and removed fitted bed sheet and inspect the mattress all around the seam. Look for blood spots, small little bedbugs, look for small coffee ground looking items on the mattress.
If the bed is infested, you WILL BE GLAD you did not place your luggage under the bed or couch.
Thank me later
You is one weird dude.
There’s no reason for a cruise ship to have bed bugs ! Especially the newer ships! Oh and not every cabin has a tub in it
That's not a fridge. It's a cooler that doesn't really cool drinks.
Agree. Most I’ve experienced don’t even have much cooling. More like an insulated container with no cool temperature.
Our refrigerator on The Wonder kept drinks cold.
Not that I'd ever do this, but I've seen people start the muster drill video, turn down the sound and put their phone in their pocket.
Yeah that kinda defeats the purpose!
Re-Sanitize 😂….
I hit everything with sanitizer wipes. And put my phone on airplane mode.
You forgot to mention putting on your face diaper.
I like those Pellegrino grapefruit sodas and RC does not have them onboard. I do not drink those sugary sodas they serve onboard. I was told by a rep from RC that we could not bring a 6 pack of soda. But here you said we could bring a six pack, which is it?
I was told, (and saw in print) that you can bring drinks on board when embarking.
@@bugwar5545 We were allowed 1 bottle of wine per person in our check-in luggage during embarking only; no six-pack of soda. the ship was not willing to stock Pellegrino grapefruit sodas onboard either so I ordered only 2 cocktails, both were nasty. Luckily the wine was decent.
@@benitafinleypurifoy181 Interesting.
Guess I will have to keep a copy of the article from the Royal Caribbean website on me when I board.
@@bugwar5545 Yes and check the date on the article, the rules have changed.
@@benitafinleypurifoy181 I just called Royal Caribbean, they confirmed that you CAN bring up to twelve soda's with you.
Dunno who is doing the scamming, but I will believe the cruise line till proven wrong.
How many bottles of wine can you bring onboard
1 per adult of legal age
That's a hairy arm at the 7:39 mark
Don’t they charge almost $3 for the water they leave in your room.? I know nothing is free
No
You forgot to make dinner reservations if you booked the dinner package.
I thought your advice was going to be “ fall overboard, get checked at the hospital, miss your departure” or something