Hey Matt, been on 60 RC cruises since 2001. Only need 200 points to Pinnacle. Love Royal..tried other lines, but stayed Loyal to Royal. The crew really go above and beyond 😂😂
I check in online as SOON as it allows me to BUT I like to get in the ship as LATE as possible. When I was a new cruiser I used to RUSH to get on the ship ONLY to be bored out of my mind waiting to get into my room which normally isn't ready until the afternoon. The first day is so crowded and chaotic that all I want to do is get on the ship, do my muster and go to my room. There's no rush to go to the bar or eat a hamburger or explore the ship. I have an entire week to do that. Plus, I am so tired after traveling. I travel solo so I normally have ZERO problems waiting to book dinner or shows after the crowd has died down.
I was on Mardi Gras end of February and I got FTTF. I was on the ship by 11 and was allowed to go to my room and drop off my backpack and grab my card. Just another tip
Make friends with a Royal employee and have them give you a friends and family discount code.. you get an additional 20% off after all other promos have been applied!!
I joined a Facebook travel group that had a specific title for RC Wonder of the Seas and with my sail date. The people in the group were very helpful and shared great information for my cruise planning. The group was a life saver!
I normally book 1-2 yrs in advance. Only ONE time did I book last minute and that when my baby sister died and I really needed to get away. The Gods must've been on my side bc I got an INCREDIBLE balcony deal. One week on MSC for $399
Tip: Contact your bank/ debit cards and credit cards and let them know you are traveling. That way, you dont get a fraud alert when you try to go shopping in port. ((good for RC and other travel, as well))
That’s a good idea but also bring cash because sometimes you play it safe. If you have a app you can lock down your card to prevent any transactions from happening
I know right? I saw that slice of pizza and thought "hmm...I should probably go on a cruise" even though I could just have pizza delivered right this very moment.
“At the risk of sounding self serving”. 😂. No one thinks that man. And if they do they can piss off. You did phenomenal. Thank you so much. My wife and I will be on the Adventure OTS late Jan-Early Feb of 2025 and your videos have been SO VALUABLE in setting up our vacation. Thank you. Sincerely 🙏🏼
Hey Matt. I'm going on Harmony in 3 days! Super excited cause I will be hitting Diamond + after 2 days on it! Super excited! As for a Tip. I'd say make sure to wear Sunscreen if you go outside to do anything. Every cruise, I've seen soo many people that have gotten such horrible sunburns on the 1st day. Another is get those gel pad insoles for your shoes. You will find yourself doing so much walking on it with all the activities and sights on the ship alone. They will help so much with all the walking you will do.
True! Everyone should realize on any cruise line, reaching a loyalty level during a cruise, will only apply to your next cruise. Loyalty levels aren't really important. There is not much worth anything except getting a free cruise at top level.
@@donmartin986 I have to disagree with you, just a little bit. I will agree, there is some things that aren't that good. But, for me, having the free daily drinks actually helps a lot. For 1, I don't drink alcohol, and trying to stay away from soda. So having the 4 (now 5) free drinks daily actually is really nice. I'm not tempted to constantly drink sodas and stuff. And it saves me from getting a expensive drink package.
1. Always purchase packages before cruises and be diligent about reading the RC emails for price drops. 2. When at port, find a good driver to take you to excursions and non mainstream restaurants/shops. A good driver knows the good places to go.
We are almost opposite for some of the recommendations. We board at about 1pm so that we can go directly to our cabin and unpack (as we carry on our luggage). I get the concept of getting on, starting the "party" and exploring the ship- BUT- you STILL have your bag you carried on, so. On top of that, we notice that the first show on boarding day is generally light (even if it's a Broadway show) because people are unpacking. It's certainly not for everyone, but we also carry on for flights. So we pack super light. Also, we never use a TA anymore- we did for our first few cruises, but since we cruise in suites, the normal "special" people get group rates for- we don't get. And when I recently shopped around, we still have not found a TA that would be an advantage. BUT that's also because we have been on over 70 cruises, so we know what we like to do, and know how to rebook for price reductions. Is it perfect? No. But we are comfortable doing it. Other than that, we agree with the rest.
@@alfamaizeIt can be. I usually book my own cruises, however I did book through Costco once, received decent OBC, some extras on the cruise and a Costco gift card for $800. This was an owner’s suite for 2 guests. The price of the cruise was the same as if I booked it direct with RCI.
Book your next cruise while onboard! You get to pick your room and not pay for that, plus you will get some onboard stateroom credits along with a lower price.
@@rachellenale if u picked the cheapest option it’s most likely that RC would pick it room. But for sure if u look at some utube and find room and cruise ship u like u can pick it room . Going on 3 cruises and picked all my rooms after I saw videos of rooms. But a lot of time I just do the cheapest option. As long as I am cruising 😂
@@marinamattleman1136 oh ok, that makes sense! But yes, as long as I’m going on a cruise, I don’t care if I’m in the cheapest room. Haha. It saves so much money! I’d rather splurge on the refreshment package and excursions.
@@rachellenale for sure.. try Matt’s group cruise and his MIE travel group. Jenn saved me so much money and with the group cruise u get group rate. Doing new year cruise with them.
I would be interested in knowing what you consider smaller ships. My view is Radiance Class, Voyager Class and Freedom class are smaller and provide a lot of amenities that the huge ships provide but with fewer passengers. And I second the advice to join the C&A Society as it is the best frequent cruiser club of all of the lines. If you would like to get away from the crowds, on some ships (the ones I mentioned above), the heliport is open all day most days and it has 3 or 4 benches so you can enjoy some peace and quiet while you enjoy watching the sea go by. its a great place for entry and exit from ports.
Freedom class is by far our favorite, has almost everything an Oasis class has but almost half the people. So there's no need to reserve for theater, plenty of tables at the buffet, still has an ice show but no aquashow (only bummer) and best is the deals on rooms
Thank You for all your information so helpful, since I booked my first cruise, I will be sailing July5th Symphony of the Seas out of cape liberty. I booked it last year in March. Since then I’ve been on your page. I can’t wait I’m so excited. Thanks again
Just did that cruise, June 14-21. You're gonna have a blast for your first one! The ship is gorgeous and staff is fantastic about resolving issues quickly.
Thank you for sharing the travel agency you go through. Everyone always says "use a good travel agent" but no one ever tells you how to find one. I'm wondering how it works with putting a deposit in for your next cruise while you're on a cruise if you don't know when and where you want to cruise next. We've never done that before but I'm starting to think it would make sense for us because I know we ARE going to go on more cruises. I'd love to hear more details about your experiences with booking your next cruise while you're on a cruise 🙂
Travel Agent? Only a travel agent or a very old person would recommend one. Been on a dozen cruises and booked them all through apps or in person at Next Cruise. Pre-Internet travel agents would do things that an average person couldn't do, I see that but its 2024 and everything that you need is right at the tip of your thumbs on your smart phone.
Great information, my wife and i will be taking our 1st cruise on May 13th- 17th on royal Caribbean allure of the seas leaving out of cape Canaveral, I'm excited but also a little nervous. We did get an Oceanview cabin with a balcony and i can't wait to see what it's like. I've heard nothing but good things about cruises and especially RC cruises. We're on the 7th floor of an 18 floor cruise ship. I hope i don't feel too much moving around lol.
Tips for cruising with a baby: 1. Bring a travel crib. The cribs provided by RC are absolutely terrible. 2. Request to have infant/babies gratuities removed (as suggested by RC). 3. Bring noise blocking headphones for your baby. All the shows are way too loud. 4. Some strollers such as Uppababy Vista will not fit through the cabin door, so you’ll need to remove a rear wheel every time you go in/out.
Early check-in is chaos, I check at 2-2.30 very quiet straight through, straight to your room pick up keys. I've checked in early, it's a nightmare, chaos hanging around onboard waiting for rooms to be ready.
We have a Mediterranean cruse schedule for May and we have loved all your RV videos, tips, pros and cons. Its been a HUGE help to us. I am confused about a tip you stated in here regarding on line check in time. RC customer service told me that it is 45 days prior to boarding based on East coast time. You and others I have seen stated 45 days and the time was based on port of embarkation. Ours is Rome and we are in So Cal. Are you able to provide any added insight? Thanks for all you do and keep up the great work
If you have a cruise booked that will occur after the next November (any year), look for savings for cruise add-ons like beverage packages, internet, excursions and dining in November. I saved a bunch the last two Novembers doing this. Cancel and rebook any extras that are lower at any time. Black Friday is the best it gets all year from my experience. - Are there other holidays or dates that offer the best discounts?
hi there! I agree with black friday but I also noticed that there are other holidays that can get you some sweet deals, like for pasta day I got a discount for a dinner at Giovani´s (I didn´t even know it was pasta day, it just so happened to open the RC app and saw the discount). I got a great deal on the key program some days before valentine´s day, and on new years eve as well
I don't see the need to use a travel agent unless it's to fly directly into a destination where you have NO idea of where to stay, what areas are good/bad, excursion planning, flight transfers. But for a cruise... I can book that myself online/directly through the cruiseline. I've used TA in the past for cruising and have seen NO difference in price OR perks have I done it myself and I hated the fact that I had NO control over my OWN booking. The only time I could see using a TA for a cruise if it's for a large group booking and I was getting a perk such as a free cabin stay from booking a certain amount of cabins. I used a TA for my bday once for a group of 10 and there were NO special perks OR pricing. Everything was the same had we booked it ourselves individually online. We had to hunt the TA down every time we needed to make a payment.
If you a gambler, you will find that the offers from the Casino Royale are the biggest bang for your buck. After a cruise or two and you have Prime level, you can scope out what cruises you want. When go aboard the ship head straight to Next Cruise when they open, first day is about 11am. Drop your $200 bucks to lock in the cruise and all the benefits that come with it. Calling in when you are not on the ship will not include those benefits. So once you are done with that, then you call Casino Royale and book the one you want. It will keep you busy for about an hour but, you are all set. Just rinse and repeat on your next cruise.
1. Any Royal Caribbean employee can supply you with a Friends and Family discount code which is 20% off the entire cruise price after promos have been applied (taxes fees and gratuities are not discounted) 2. Set expectations and boundaries with your fellow cruise group. 3. Apply the “it is what it is” approach. Royal will do everything they can to accommodate and make your experience as memorable as possible. In the event something goes wrong, don’t let it ruin your total experience spending hours in a customer service line. If the issue is severe enough, you see an officer walking through the promenade, pull them aside and make them aware of the issue and attempt to schedule a time to remedy the situation.
I have never used a travel agent. Most people can navigate the website by themselves. What exactly is a Royal Caribbean "pro?" This is odd. I book my cruises 6-9 months in advance and I have never had a problem. You don't need to book 3-5 years in advance. Who does that?
Cruised with Royal last year. The only thing that upset me was that if you had premium dining package you could NOT pre-book dinner reservations prior to embarkation. If you were paying for dinner reservations OUTSIDE of dining package you were free to book prior to embarkation. We were shut out of dining options when we got on board. It’s a clever business practice but I think it sucked quite frankly.
You have to check in at midnight 45 days out, board the ship by 10:30-11AM then run to a restaurant to make your bookings (a horrible, stressful start to any vacation) which is why Royal Caribbean will be changing the process soon.
I’ve never received any benefits or discounts using travel agents and I’ve tried 6. If anything they have cost me money because they’re hard to contact in time to apply any price drops etc.
Don't blindly book the first check-in time of the day. Find out when the ship is typically boarding, then book that time so that you skip the wait in the terminal before embarkation begins. For example, at Cape Liberty you can book (typically) as early as 10 am, but boarding doesn't begin until around 11 am usually. Passengers in the 10 am and 10:30 am slots get to sit and wait until the ship is ready while 11 am (typically) gets to head directly to the ship. Take a look at the deck plans before boarding to get an idea where everything is, possible routes between locations (can you get from A to B with X in between, where X can be an ice skating rink) and are there's any deck limitations with different elevator banks alongside what's accessible once off the elevator. The ship's entertainment and event schedule can change even after boarding. Plan ahead, but don't expect the schedule to be set in stone. There's a greater likelihood of the schedule mostly being finished by the end of the first day aboard.
Book early AND register with cruise price drop websites. Even after payment is due, if a price drops getting an on-board credit or other perk might be a possibility.
I got in touch with a travel agent one time. A very popular one here on RUclips. After they found out i wasnt getting a suite they pushed me off onto a smaller agency....TURNED OFF immediately! Will never use one again...
Matt, I wanted to book the Teppanyaki at Izumi, but I found it is only offered on two ships in the fleet ( Odyssey and Spectrum OTS). I am going to write Royal and ask them to expand that option to more ships.
Here's a interesting dilemma I've got. Taking Explorer in late October out of Piraeus, ending in Barcelona. Getting in to Athens on a Friday around noon, ship leaves on Sunday. So we've got about a day and a half to explore Athens. Here's the question - Does it make sense to spend Sunday morning taking in just a little bit more of Athens before heading over to the port?
Hi, can you provide more details on booking dining before you board? We bought the 3 night specialty dining, but when I asked multiple agents, they all say you can only make reservations once onboard. Where can I find more info on booking before cruise day? Thanks!!
@@sidneyshaw9205 got mild food poisoning. Bahamas would not let us off the ship at CocoCay because too many people were sick. My daughter rated the trip 4/10.
I am now a Diamond no Royal Caribbean. I know I don't get priority embarkation until I'm a Diamond Plus, so I purchased the Key. I booked the cruise last minute and got a later check in time. The Key gives me priority embarkation. Does that mean I can board earlier than my embarkation time?
I you book thru a travel agent do you get access to the portal? Like if I book a wifi package thru agent can I then go in and cancel if the price drops and rebook?
Hi. I've searched the RC website FAQ's for this, but can't find an answer. We've booked and paid for a 7 night cruise on Harmony in May. My app says 0 C&A points (we've never cruised RC). At what point in time do we see points to use for benefits that require points? Since it is 1 point per night, will points begin accumulating after 3 nights, or do those points get distributed at once upon check-in? Thank you - love your videos!
Cruise points are added to your account well after your cruise is over. But, not to worry as there is no benefit to getting your first points soon. The one benefit is when you cruise Royal the SECOND time you'll get an invite to the welcome back party which will get you a couple free drinks, and that's about all of a Gold membership.
Not gonna say this is all false. But a lot of it is. “Royal Caribbean pros”… Idk what they mean by that. I’ve been cruising since I was born, been on around 50 cruises with RC, and by now we don’t check cruise compasses, we know the ports by heart, we know the ships, their amenities, and we know what to book without researching at all. We just pick a ship we like, a date we can work around, and an itinerary with ports we like. That’s it. Travel agents, research, cruise compasses, all that is not done by most people who actually travel lots.
I have an upcoming cruise on icon of the seas in about a year. I have noticed that the beverage packages and dining packages are not available for purchase yet. In your experience, when do these normally become available?
I noticed they were available like 6-5 months before my cruise sail date, but it could have been earlier than that really. By that time I wasn't really checking actively
I never book my cruises early......I cruise last minute all the time and get them almost free every time!!!! I fly by the seat of my pants!! They will give them away just so all the rooms are filled up!!!
Always bring a pair of closed toe shoes, a shirt that covers your shoulders, long pants, and a sturdy bathing suit so you can partake in all the onboard activities!
Travel agents are a waste of time and mske mistakes...Royal caribbean can be reached 24/7....in addition if you book onboard you get a $$$ credit and no limit on the number of times they will reduce the cost of cabin when the price goes down....most frequent cruisers do this
Had a very disappointing first cruise just two weeks ago on Freedom of the Seas. From rude employees embarking to less than good dining experiences. Won’t cruise with Royal again.
Wow. I'm sorry to hear that! But I wouldn't give up on another cruise because of one trip. I suggest booking again on an Oasis Class or Quantum Class where there are more options. I would have definitely contacted the hospitality officer whilst I was on board. I know RCCL takes notice when they are made aware at the time of the incident.
@@sandrawhite8295 We actually went to guest services and requested a printed copy the Compass. The agent was very curt stating that we should ask our stateroom attendant for it…. I said I gladly would but we had no idea who that person was…. this was the evening of our second day…
Number one your best bet is to not booked anything Royal caribbean. I just got off Freedom of the Seas last week and both ends of the elevator did not work it was very dangerous people were panicking and even as we were hitting the emergency but no staff was there to help. People were breaking out in a sweat. It was very dangerous period when brought to Guest Services attention he acted like he was hearing this for the first time but come to find out the cruise line knows about this and proceeds anyway. The ship was understaffed and we couldn't get service when we needed it. The drink package I paid for was just a refreshment package and then they told you you couldn't have coffee and orange juice for breakfast you had to wait 5 minutes before you ordered another drink. It was totally ridiculous and the orange juice they serve tasted like lemonade it was so sour and this was a daily occurrence. The poor was filthy and needed resurfacing and an areas of my stateroom were arrested out. Tile was crumbling on the deck throughout the ship and and half the staff was nice and half was very rude. They seem very unhappy and I felt sorry for them
Don't know why anybody would take a cruise. You pay for the cruise and then you find out you can't do anything or get good services unless you pay extra. I am talking about drinks, wifi, shore excursions, upscale dining, etc. Of course I really never needed a vacation because I live in Floirda and every day is like a vacation. Oh, and when I do take a vacation I go to Tennessee.
Hey Matt, been on 60 RC cruises since 2001. Only need 200 points to Pinnacle. Love Royal..tried other lines, but stayed Loyal to Royal. The crew really go above and beyond 😂😂
Right. I got topped off by a baddie from the Phillipines
I prefer to book my own cruise. Everything else I agree with you on.
I check in online as SOON as it allows me to BUT I like to get in the ship as LATE as possible. When I was a new cruiser I used to RUSH to get on the ship ONLY to be bored out of my mind waiting to get into my room which normally isn't ready until the afternoon. The first day is so crowded and chaotic that all I want to do is get on the ship, do my muster and go to my room. There's no rush to go to the bar or eat a hamburger or explore the ship. I have an entire week to do that. Plus, I am so tired after traveling. I travel solo so I normally have ZERO problems waiting to book dinner or shows after the crowd has died down.
I was on Mardi Gras end of February and I got FTTF. I was on the ship by 11 and was allowed to go to my room and drop off my backpack and grab my card. Just another tip
What is FTTF?
@judybrownlee481, it stands for "Faster to the Fun."
@@leslierurup3570 Not faster to make a point though with silly acronyms 😂
Yes!!! Always later boarding is best. No crowd, no waiting. Just whisk right through Avoid the stress the mob creates!
Make friends with a Royal employee and have them give you a friends and family discount code.. you get an additional 20% off after all other promos have been applied!!
At 4:36, I see myself and my wife in the background in the pub. I cant believe it. Too bad I didn't see you. Thanks for the videos.
Next time!
How cool! 😊👍🏽
I joined a Facebook travel group that had a specific title for RC Wonder of the Seas and with my sail date. The people in the group were very helpful and shared great information for my cruise planning. The group was a life saver!
I like using Facebook specific groups too!
Can you name an example group?
@@MrDksmall Search for your ship name, cruise line and date.
I don’t have face book 😫
What day?
I was able to book all my dining reservations before even boarding the ship in the terminal last year it was great!!
I normally book 1-2 yrs in advance. Only ONE time did I book last minute and that when my baby sister died and I really needed to get away. The Gods must've been on my side bc I got an INCREDIBLE balcony deal. One week on MSC for $399
I'm so sorry for your loss I hope the trip was amazing tho !
Tip: Contact your bank/ debit cards and credit cards and let them know you are traveling. That way, you dont get a fraud alert when you try to go shopping in port. ((good for RC and other travel, as well))
That’s a good idea but also bring cash because sometimes you play it safe. If you have a app you can lock down your card to prevent any transactions from happening
that slice of pizza at the start made me want to fast forward 15 days to my next cruise
I know right? I saw that slice of pizza and thought "hmm...I should probably go on a cruise" even though I could just have pizza delivered right this very moment.
Adventure of the seas?
I agree with all of these tips, except the TA. I prefer to manage it myself.
“At the risk of sounding self serving”. 😂. No one thinks that man. And if they do they can piss off. You did phenomenal. Thank you so much. My wife and I will be on the Adventure OTS late Jan-Early Feb of 2025 and your videos have been SO VALUABLE in setting up our vacation. Thank you. Sincerely 🙏🏼
Hey Matt. I'm going on Harmony in 3 days! Super excited cause I will be hitting Diamond + after 2 days on it! Super excited!
As for a Tip. I'd say make sure to wear Sunscreen if you go outside to do anything. Every cruise, I've seen soo many people that have gotten such horrible sunburns on the 1st day.
Another is get those gel pad insoles for your shoes. You will find yourself doing so much walking on it with all the activities and sights on the ship alone. They will help so much with all the walking you will do.
Too bad you won't be able to enjoy the Diamond+ perks until your next cruise !
and REAPPly SUNSCREEN after a few hours or even after you get out cruise pool
True! Everyone should realize on any cruise line, reaching a loyalty level during a cruise, will only apply to your next cruise. Loyalty levels aren't really important. There is not much worth anything except getting a free cruise at top level.
@@joannepowers7721 True. Luckily, I'm going to in 3 days XD
@@donmartin986 I have to disagree with you, just a little bit. I will agree, there is some things that aren't that good. But, for me, having the free daily drinks actually helps a lot. For 1, I don't drink alcohol, and trying to stay away from soda. So having the 4 (now 5) free drinks daily actually is really nice. I'm not tempted to constantly drink sodas and stuff. And it saves me from getting a expensive drink package.
1. Always purchase packages before cruises and be diligent about reading the RC emails for price drops.
2. When at port, find a good driver to take you to excursions and non mainstream restaurants/shops. A good driver knows the good places to go.
where do you purchase packages?
We are almost opposite for some of the recommendations. We board at about 1pm so that we can go directly to our cabin and unpack (as we carry on our luggage). I get the concept of getting on, starting the "party" and exploring the ship- BUT- you STILL have your bag you carried on, so. On top of that, we notice that the first show on boarding day is generally light (even if it's a Broadway show) because people are unpacking. It's certainly not for everyone, but we also carry on for flights. So we pack super light.
Also, we never use a TA anymore- we did for our first few cruises, but since we cruise in suites, the normal "special" people get group rates for- we don't get. And when I recently shopped around, we still have not found a TA that would be an advantage. BUT that's also because we have been on over 70 cruises, so we know what we like to do, and know how to rebook for price reductions. Is it perfect? No. But we are comfortable doing it.
Other than that, we agree with the rest.
Costco Travel provides huge savings, credit card cash rebates and Costco shop cards plus traditional TA services
@@LawB3 thanks, but I can't see that being such a massive savings for what we get.
Agree. And I like yo gamble so most of my cruises are complimentary
@@alfamaizeIt can be. I usually book my own cruises, however I did book through Costco once, received decent OBC, some extras on the cruise and a Costco gift card for $800. This was an owner’s suite for 2 guests. The price of the cruise was the same as if I booked it direct with RCI.
Question, after 1PM catfuk g oversized luggage is permitted?
Don’t forget your heavy duty magnetic hooks! 😂😂
Book your next cruise while onboard! You get to pick your room and not pay for that, plus you will get some onboard stateroom credits along with a lower price.
Whattt. We booked with next cruise and they did not let us pick our room. Just got to decide if we wanted a balcony, interior cabin etc
@@rachellenale if u picked the cheapest option it’s most likely that RC would pick it room. But for sure if u look at some utube and find room and cruise ship u like u can pick it room . Going on 3 cruises and picked all my rooms after I saw videos of rooms. But a lot of time I just do the cheapest option. As long as I am cruising 😂
@@marinamattleman1136 oh ok, that makes sense! But yes, as long as I’m going on a cruise, I don’t care if I’m in the cheapest room. Haha. It saves so much money! I’d rather splurge on the refreshment package and excursions.
@@rachellenale for sure.. try Matt’s group cruise and his MIE travel group. Jenn saved me so much money and with the group cruise u get group rate. Doing new year cruise with them.
@@marinamattleman1136how to join or contact please? Thanks!
I would be interested in knowing what you consider smaller ships. My view is Radiance Class, Voyager Class and Freedom class are smaller and provide a lot of amenities that the huge ships provide but with fewer passengers. And I second the advice to join the C&A Society as it is the best frequent cruiser club of all of the lines.
If you would like to get away from the crowds, on some ships (the ones I mentioned above), the heliport is open all day most days and it has 3 or 4 benches so you can enjoy some peace and quiet while you enjoy watching the sea go by. its a great place for entry and exit from ports.
Or Deck 5 on smaller ships.
Freedom class is by far our favorite, has almost everything an Oasis class has but almost half the people. So there's no need to reserve for theater, plenty of tables at the buffet, still has an ice show but no aquashow (only bummer) and best is the deals on rooms
Thank You for all your information so helpful, since I booked my first cruise, I will be sailing July5th Symphony of the Seas out of cape liberty. I booked it last year in March. Since then I’ve been on your page. I can’t wait I’m so excited. Thanks again
Just did that cruise, June 14-21. You're gonna have a blast for your first one! The ship is gorgeous and staff is fantastic about resolving issues quickly.
Thank you for sharing the travel agency you go through. Everyone always says "use a good travel agent" but no one ever tells you how to find one.
I'm wondering how it works with putting a deposit in for your next cruise while you're on a cruise if you don't know when and where you want to cruise next. We've never done that before but I'm starting to think it would make sense for us because I know we ARE going to go on more cruises. I'd love to hear more details about your experiences with booking your next cruise while you're on a cruise 🙂
Travel Agent? Only a travel agent or a very old person would recommend one. Been on a dozen cruises and booked them all through apps or in person at Next Cruise. Pre-Internet travel agents would do things that an average person couldn't do, I see that but its 2024 and everything that you need is right at the tip of your thumbs on your smart phone.
Great information, my wife and i will be taking our 1st cruise on May 13th- 17th on royal Caribbean allure of the seas leaving out of cape Canaveral, I'm excited but also a little nervous. We did get an Oceanview cabin with a balcony and i can't wait to see what it's like. I've heard nothing but good things about cruises and especially RC cruises. We're on the 7th floor of an 18 floor cruise ship. I hope i don't feel too much moving around lol.
Enjoy! Book any extras before you board.
Absolutely 100% agree on all points..
Tips for cruising with a baby:
1. Bring a travel crib. The cribs provided by RC are absolutely terrible.
2. Request to have infant/babies gratuities removed (as suggested by RC).
3. Bring noise blocking headphones for your baby. All the shows are way too loud.
4. Some strollers such as Uppababy Vista will not fit through the cabin door, so you’ll need to remove a rear wheel every time you go in/out.
Getting on Voyager of the Seas next Wednesday March 28th!
I loved it, great ship
Early check-in is chaos, I check at 2-2.30 very quiet straight through, straight to your room pick up keys. I've checked in early, it's a nightmare, chaos hanging around onboard waiting for rooms to be ready.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
We have a Mediterranean cruse schedule for May and we have loved all your RV videos, tips, pros and cons. Its been a HUGE help to us. I am confused about a tip you stated in here regarding on line check in time. RC customer service told me that it is 45 days prior to boarding based on East coast time. You and others I have seen stated 45 days and the time was based on port of embarkation. Ours is Rome and we are in So Cal. Are you able to provide any added insight? Thanks for all you do and keep up the great work
If you have a cruise booked that will occur after the next November (any year), look for savings for cruise add-ons like beverage packages, internet, excursions and dining in November. I saved a bunch the last two Novembers doing this. Cancel and rebook any extras that are lower at any time. Black Friday is the best it gets all year from my experience. - Are there other holidays or dates that offer the best discounts?
hi there! I agree with black friday but I also noticed that there are other holidays that can get you some sweet deals, like for pasta day I got a discount for a dinner at Giovani´s (I didn´t even know it was pasta day, it just so happened to open the RC app and saw the discount). I got a great deal on the key program some days before valentine´s day, and on new years eve as well
My top tip is LISTEN TO MATT😂
😊 Indeed! His Monday livestream is GREAT!!
I don't see the need to use a travel agent unless it's to fly directly into a destination where you have NO idea of where to stay, what areas are good/bad, excursion planning, flight transfers. But for a cruise... I can book that myself online/directly through the cruiseline. I've used TA in the past for cruising and have seen NO difference in price OR perks have I done it myself and I hated the fact that I had NO control over my OWN booking. The only time I could see using a TA for a cruise if it's for a large group booking and I was getting a perk such as a free cabin stay from booking a certain amount of cabins. I used a TA for my bday once for a group of 10 and there were NO special perks OR pricing. Everything was the same had we booked it ourselves individually online. We had to hunt the TA down every time we needed to make a payment.
If you are in a suite, the Suite Concierge will make specialty reservations for you prior to embarkation day.
Never cruised before booked our first on allure next July this is helpful information thank you :)
Most important is size of ship. Less passengers = better experience. Always seek smaller ( usually older ) vessels. Avoid monster ships.
ive been many times and never used a travel agent
If you a gambler, you will find that the offers from the Casino Royale are the biggest bang for your buck. After a cruise or two and you have Prime level, you can scope out what cruises you want. When go aboard the ship head straight to Next Cruise when they open, first day is about 11am. Drop your $200 bucks to lock in the cruise and all the benefits that come with it. Calling in when you are not on the ship will not include those benefits. So once you are done with that, then you call Casino Royale and book the one you want. It will keep you busy for about an hour but, you are all set. Just rinse and repeat on your next cruise.
These work for all cruises, in some different aspects but still valid.. IMHO.
I find there are a lot of deals for ships sailing soon. They want to fill the ship, so you can get a better price.
1. Any Royal Caribbean employee can supply you with a Friends and Family discount code which is 20% off the entire cruise price after promos have been applied (taxes fees and gratuities are not discounted)
2. Set expectations and boundaries with your fellow cruise group.
3. Apply the “it is what it is” approach. Royal will do everything they can to accommodate and make your experience as memorable as possible. In the event something goes wrong, don’t let it ruin your total experience spending hours in a customer service line. If the issue is severe enough, you see an officer walking through the promenade, pull them aside and make them aware of the issue and attempt to schedule a time to remedy the situation.
so true about advance booking. i did my icon when it first opened. and it's half the price of what they are selling for now
you should get a shure sm7b to improve your mic quality. i think it’ll increase viewership
I have never used a travel agent. Most people can navigate the website by themselves. What exactly is a Royal Caribbean "pro?" This is odd. I book my cruises 6-9 months in advance and I have never had a problem. You don't need to book 3-5 years in advance. Who does that?
Cruised with Royal last year. The only thing that upset me was that if you had premium dining package you could NOT pre-book dinner reservations prior to embarkation. If you were paying for dinner reservations OUTSIDE of dining package you were free to book prior to embarkation. We were shut out of dining options when we got on board. It’s a clever business practice but I think it sucked quite frankly.
You have to check in at midnight 45 days out, board the ship by 10:30-11AM then run to a restaurant to make your bookings (a horrible, stressful start to any vacation) which is why Royal Caribbean will be changing the process soon.
Which Is why I just purchased/reserved specialty restaurants ahead of time. Saved $ and no stress reservation wise.
I’ve never received any benefits or discounts using travel agents and I’ve tried 6. If anything they have cost me money because they’re hard to contact in time to apply any price drops etc.
Don't blindly book the first check-in time of the day. Find out when the ship is typically boarding, then book that time so that you skip the wait in the terminal before embarkation begins. For example, at Cape Liberty you can book (typically) as early as 10 am, but boarding doesn't begin until around 11 am usually. Passengers in the 10 am and 10:30 am slots get to sit and wait until the ship is ready while 11 am (typically) gets to head directly to the ship.
Take a look at the deck plans before boarding to get an idea where everything is, possible routes between locations (can you get from A to B with X in between, where X can be an ice skating rink) and are there's any deck limitations with different elevator banks alongside what's accessible once off the elevator.
The ship's entertainment and event schedule can change even after boarding. Plan ahead, but don't expect the schedule to be set in stone. There's a greater likelihood of the schedule mostly being finished by the end of the first day aboard.
We booked "Utopia of the Seas" as soon as it was available and got a great deal!
How much did you get it for?
$1,500 for a balcony for 2 people.
That’s good!
Book early AND register with cruise price drop websites. Even after payment is due, if a price drops getting an on-board credit or other perk might be a possibility.
What are some of the cruise price drop websites. Would you please share. Thank you
2 days till Symphony 😮💨
Eat at hooked, sit at the bar, ask for surf and surf (twin lobster), you're welcome!
I use a airline travel website. Nice discount over RC website prices.
I’m glad I watched this. I just checked in and sadly didn’t get offered a checking in time until 2 pm!
I got in touch with a travel agent one time. A very popular one here on RUclips. After they found out i wasnt getting a suite they pushed me off onto a smaller agency....TURNED OFF immediately! Will never use one again...
Hi Matt. Great content as always. Question…does Royal Caribbean supply water for CPAP machines? Thanks.
Yes, they do! One gallon of distilled water plus an extension cord. Just ask your stateroom attendant!
Yes they do. Fill out the special needs form pre cruise. Just Google Royal Caribbean special needs form and you’ll see it
Matt, I wanted to book the Teppanyaki at Izumi, but I found it is only offered on two ships in the fleet ( Odyssey and Spectrum OTS). I am going to write Royal and ask them to expand that option to more ships.
Here's a interesting dilemma I've got. Taking Explorer in late October out of Piraeus, ending in Barcelona. Getting in to Athens on a Friday around noon, ship leaves on Sunday. So we've got about a day and a half to explore Athens.
Here's the question - Does it make sense to spend Sunday morning taking in just a little bit more of Athens before heading over to the port?
I'm going on Wonder on April 7th through 14th
Dang!!! Me too 😂
Hi, can you provide more details on booking dining before you board? We bought the 3 night specialty dining, but when I asked multiple agents, they all say you can only make reservations once onboard. Where can I find more info on booking before cruise day? Thanks!!
I try to board as late as possible because I want to go straight into the room.
Can't wait until next week...
Jewel of the Seas b2b San Juan/Fort Lauderdale/Southampton
Small ship... Great!
San Juan Puerto Rico? When is that I live in PR and have been looking for ships but I can only find the Rhapsody of the Seas!
@@rogerayala6878 March 30, as far as I remember
what was that at time 1:40?
was that some kinda fish ball??? it looks amazing!!
if anyone knows which restaurant I can find this, please let me know
Ready for Bahamas next month.
How was it?
@@sidneyshaw9205 got mild food poisoning. Bahamas would not let us off the ship at CocoCay because too many people were sick. My daughter rated the trip 4/10.
@@MercenaryTX Aw man that sucked. Which cruise you went on?
@@sidneyshaw9205 allure of the seas.
Will you be going on Utopia before august and post a compass from that cruise
In what way does checking in at midnight on departure day differ from checking in 45 days in advance? Why must you do both?
Do you have to pre-pay for your entire dinner when you make a dining reservation?
@bryanjamescruises is that you at 4:33 ? Blogs on blogs!
I said the same thing when I saw him!
Great video ❤❤❤❤
Curious…I’m booked for an airport to port transfer with Royal. Would I still need to book a check in time?
I am now a Diamond no Royal Caribbean. I know I don't get priority embarkation until I'm a Diamond Plus, so I purchased the Key. I booked the cruise last minute and got a later check in time. The Key gives me priority embarkation. Does that mean I can board earlier than my embarkation time?
Top tip? 🤔..... Never, and I mean NEVER, slap Tony Diaz. 🤣
That’s excellent advice 😂😂😂
Are there any vending machines at the port before checking in? Planning on buying sodas before getting on the boat 😅
Nope
Can't you bring 12sodas though? @RoyalCaribbeanBlog
@@Steph-ck6wi we saw people bringing their 12 packs so yes
We lost our check in time and we have 230 pm :(
I you book thru a travel agent do you get access to the portal? Like if I book a wifi package thru agent can I then go in and cancel if the price drops and rebook?
19 days before Allure of the Seas
the couple from 2:30 xDDDDDD lol pure love!
Where do you find the previous cruise compass?
Royal Caribbean blog
@@marinamattleman1136 The last compass was for December on Enchantment of the Seas. Talks a lot about New Years. I'm going early next year.
@@sharonh5399 .. ohh than I don’t know. I look as similar . They don’t really change that often .
So if my cruise is out of Seattle, then the boarding time window opens at Midnight Seattle time or 3am EST time?
We have the 3 night dining package. Can we use it for specialty lunch or does it have to be dinner?
Lunch on sea days
Hi. I've searched the RC website FAQ's for this, but can't find an answer. We've booked and paid for a 7 night cruise on Harmony in May. My app says 0 C&A points (we've never cruised RC). At what point in time do we see points to use for benefits that require points? Since it is 1 point per night, will points begin accumulating after 3 nights, or do those points get distributed at once upon check-in?
Thank you - love your videos!
I have found that my points are added to my account a week or two after I have sailed.
Points come up around 14 days after your trip is completed.
Cruise points are added to your account well after your cruise is over. But, not to worry as there is no benefit to getting your first points soon. The one benefit is when you cruise Royal the SECOND time you'll get an invite to the welcome back party which will get you a couple free drinks, and that's about all of a Gold membership.
Not gonna say this is all false. But a lot of it is. “Royal Caribbean pros”… Idk what they mean by that. I’ve been cruising since I was born, been on around 50 cruises with RC, and by now we don’t check cruise compasses, we know the ports by heart, we know the ships, their amenities, and we know what to book without researching at all. We just pick a ship we like, a date we can work around, and an itinerary with ports we like. That’s it. Travel agents, research, cruise compasses, all that is not done by most people who actually travel lots.
I have an upcoming cruise on icon of the seas in about a year. I have noticed that the beverage packages and dining packages are not available for purchase yet. In your experience, when do these normally become available?
I noticed they were available like 6-5 months before my cruise sail date, but it could have been earlier than that really. By that time I wasn't really checking actively
I booked mine about 10 months out on icon which was less than half of normal pricing.
The Royal app will tell you what events are planned for your particular cruise…
Years...That would be great. I need to book my 2029 cruise (45th Anniversary) but they refuse to let me.
I see 2029 cruises on my app
@@reenakemp9132 Nothing ion the website to book. My TA can't even see 2029.
@@edbloom4897 I'm showing Bahamas cruises showing up already for 2029. That's it though
It's all Coco Cay trips they are showing. Pass lol. That's all I'm seeing posted for 2028 also.
I never book my cruises early......I cruise last minute all the time and get them almost free every time!!!! I fly by the seat of my pants!! They will give them away just so all the rooms are filled up!!!
Reddit royal Caribbean group, great tips and ideas😊
How can I get my dining reservation at 5:30.
Great April fool’s prank: can anyone find me a old Compass for my cruise on Utopia 😝
We went on Grandeur last Oct and never ever ever again on that size. Horrible!
How come? We’re going on a smaller one soon
I wanna hear why. I took it in August as my 10th cruise and had the best time!
The rc kids sail free thing is a scam.
Used it 4 times already, and loved it every time. The only thing you pay for is taxes and tips
Don’t over pack!
Always bring a pair of closed toe shoes, a shirt that covers your shoulders, long pants, and a sturdy bathing suit so you can partake in all the onboard activities!
Why am I watching this? I've never even been south of central Virginia.
How many times do we have to say Royal Caribbean in 10 minutes.
UP NEXT
Years !!!!!! I do Europe or Mexico at 6 to nine months but years!!!!!! Nope life is not like that anymore
Travel agents are a waste of time and mske mistakes...Royal caribbean can be reached 24/7....in addition if you book onboard you get a $$$ credit and no limit on the number of times they will reduce the cost of cabin when the price goes down....most frequent cruisers do this
You nailed this!!!😂😂
Had a very disappointing first cruise just two weeks ago on Freedom of the Seas. From rude employees embarking to less than good dining experiences. Won’t cruise with Royal again.
Wow. I'm sorry to hear that! But I wouldn't give up on another cruise because of one trip. I suggest booking again on an Oasis Class or Quantum Class where there are more options. I would have definitely contacted the hospitality officer whilst I was on board. I know RCCL takes notice when they are made aware at the time of the incident.
Agree with Sandra. They really care about what you think of their cruise line. It should be noted so they can take care of you better next time.
We just got off RC smaller and older ship and I can’t say another good things. I feed bad for people that have bad cruise
@@sandrawhite8295 We actually went to guest services and requested a printed copy the Compass. The agent was very curt stating that we should ask our stateroom attendant for it…. I said I gladly would but we had no idea who that person was…. this was the evening of our second day…
@@Nodizzle97 … we did go to guest services
Number one your best bet is to not booked anything Royal caribbean. I just got off Freedom of the Seas last week and both ends of the elevator did not work it was very dangerous people were panicking and even as we were hitting the emergency but no staff was there to help. People were breaking out in a sweat. It was very dangerous period when brought to Guest Services attention he acted like he was hearing this for the first time but come to find out the cruise line knows about this and proceeds anyway. The ship was understaffed and we couldn't get service when we needed it. The drink package I paid for was just a refreshment package and then they told you you couldn't have coffee and orange juice for breakfast you had to wait 5 minutes before you ordered another drink. It was totally ridiculous and the orange juice they serve tasted like lemonade it was so sour and this was a daily occurrence. The poor was filthy and needed resurfacing and an areas of my stateroom were arrested out. Tile was crumbling on the deck throughout the ship and and half the staff was nice and half was very rude. They seem very unhappy and I felt sorry for them
Don't know why anybody would take a cruise. You pay for the cruise and then you find out you can't do anything or get good services unless you pay extra. I am talking about drinks, wifi, shore excursions, upscale dining, etc. Of course I really never needed a vacation because I live in Floirda and every day is like a vacation. Oh, and when I do take a vacation I go to Tennessee.
Never been on a cruise but giving your expert opinion.
freedom of the seas is a trashy ship. dont do it
Taking a cruise with Royal Caribbean in August for the first time…on Liberty of the Sea…should there be any concerns traveling on this ship ??
I liked this ship when my family cruised on it but that was 5 yrs ago.