What I Wish I'd Known Before I Went On A Royal Caribbean Cruise
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- Опубликовано: 7 сен 2024
- Planning a Royal Caribbean cruise? Her are some great travel tips and advice to make the most of your first cruise!
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I have nothing but praise for Royal Caribbean. Recently my adopted daughter who is a new employee suffered the tragic loss of her young son in her home country. Royal Caribbean paid her a full month's wages and flew her half-way around the world and then back after over a month off to take care of the arrangements and to grieve. By all accounts, Royal Caribbean is a class act. They are reasonable and professional which is why they are the industry standard in how a cruise line is to operate.
What about Disney Cruise Line?
@@Angie2343 I don't know.
Wow!!! Amazing!
wow that's amazing. props to royal.
@@andreilemieux9525 Agreed.
Getting the deluxe drink package takes the thought process of being concerned about overspending on drinks so I can relax and not worry about it. I'm more focused on having a good time. I don't care about breaking even and getting my money's worth. It's worth the money to take that thought out of my head.
I loved my cruise on Allure of the Seas in March 2014. Didn’t regret not spending extra money on special restaurants or a drinks package. There was so much variety and excellence available in the free restaurants, it all seemed “special” to me. The only drink I purchased was a hot (white) chocolate and almond biscotti at the Starbucks on board.
A friend and I (who had both lost our husbands the year before) bought our tickets very spontaneously about three weeks before the cruise (fortunately we already had passports) and enjoyed an ocean view room (no balcony room available). We booked two port excursions but also thoroughly enjoyed spending a quiet day on the ship on one of the port days, with time for meditation. Perhaps the only thing I wished I had realized was available earlier in the cruise was the walking deck with measured laps.
I can’t think of one thing I would change about our cruise. It was perfect for us, and we were able to fit in every scheduled event we wanted. I made some lasting friends as well. Even the weather was perfect the whole 5 days. At one point we were casually walking along the Boardwalk, when someone grabbed us and said, “Do you want to meet the Captain?” We said, “Sure!” Then of course had our picture taken with him. (I realized later it was a ploy to sell photographs, but it was meaningful and we bought the 8x10 because it turned out great.) Oh, the only thing was the mug I bought with the ship on it got chipped on the way home even though I hand-carried it on our flight home. The edges just weren’t sturdy enough. So I had to throw it out. But I have a beautiful large magnet photo of the ship on my refrigerator to remind me of that wonderful restorative get-a-way.
The one thing I feared (the large size “like a floating city” and “You won’t even know you’re on a ship”), was not a problem. I WANTED to feel like I was on a ship (for nostalgic reasons, as I had made six TransAtlantic crossings as a child) and to take in the large vista of ocean. But we avoided the bars and casino, enjoyed the walk through Central Park every time we went to meals and events, and found deck chairs to enjoy a “seaside” view of my beloved ocean. Also we chose a port excursion that included several hours of walking up and down a picturesque beach at water’s edge. What a great time! Thank you, Royal Caribbean!
Very well written despite your very personal experience. Thanks for sharing so candidly. Hope you are AND do stay well now!
I’m 12 my first cruise I was 10 and I fell in love with dressing up every night and especially on formal nigh I always have so much fun ordering off the adult menu because it doesn’t cost so much or anymore than the kids because it’s compleintry and I get to show good manners which would be weird if I was acting like it was eating in front of the queen in the windjammer. I also love one or 2 nights of the cruise to skip dinner and go to the windjammer. Especially Mexican night as long as it isn’t lasagna night.
same. I’m 15 and I just really love the dressing up part, especially when everyone else does it. everyone looks so good
if you’ve never been on the sea before; bring motion sickness patches and gravol! motion sickness patches really worked for me, and i’m someone who does get very seasick. an upside to motion sickness patches is that you only have to change it maybe 3 times during the full seven days, and its definitely out of sight and out of mind.
Myself, my wife and two teenage children are about to go on our tenth cruise with Royal C. We have not had a bad cruise with them ever and we're now Diamond plus members. For value, they would have to be the best out there and we would never change to another line. Five star from the Jones's.
colin jones Joneses*
I was on the Independence two years ago. It is a lovely ship and we had a great time but I don't do packages. I only eat and drink what is provided for free. I can manage quite happily without wifi too and the spa and only one excursion per cruise and only if I cannot get there any other way. Saving - a small fortune. I do love dressing up though.
The video has a lot of good information but if I were to offer one critique it would be to give the information on how to get old Cruise Compasses.
You're totally right. Here's an archive of past Cruise Compasses: www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/cruise-compass
Thank you. Is there a place where I can look up how old a ship is? I am looking to book the best, newest, amazing ships with newer amenities.
One thing I learned: You can say "Royal Caribbean Ship" faster than any human who ever lived or will live.
Eric Rowland yea I had to replay it a few times cuz I was like “he can not be saying Royal Caribbean right now” 😂
Sounds like he’s saying Roku.
I love Royal Next one 4 th
RoyCribyan
😂😂😂
2020 is my first cruise. I booked a cruise a few days ago and I'm doing my research...😁
I'm a solo cruiser and for my first cruise I'm going as cheap as possible. I want to show people that you can still have a great time being a solo cruiser and that everything that comes with the purchasing price is all you need to have just as much fun as anyone else.
Have fun!!
@@michellej2009, Thank you, I hope so.
I know this is a couple years old, but how did it go? I just booked my first solo trip today in an upcoming cruise. Any tips?
I'm watching as many of these videos as I can so I will be a "pro" before I even go on my first cruise. Don't want to ruin my first cruise making easily avoidable rookie mistakes.
Hope these videos help!
My sister and her daughter took my younger niece on a cruise to celebrate her getting her bachelor's degree, I too was invited. Omg! We had a great time everything was awesome, the bands, the food , the entertainment. We are now planning our next cruise. Making the best memories ever.
This blog will be visited many times in order to see the comment from other satisfied cruisers. The tips provided were greatly appreciated and highly informative. Potentially saving hundreds of $$ on a cruise. TYVM for this RC Blog. Will be seeing you again.
Very informative video, Matt, thank you! I really appreciated the advice, especially about the drink specials to look for while on board, since we will not be purchasing the drink package (we only want a few drinks a day). I disagree with you about formal/elegant night - I enjoy dressing up to make the cruise more fancy, so I feel like you down-played the dressing up, but I understand that you did this with a particular audience in mind (those who don't want to dress up.) Cruising is actually one time that I enjoy dressing up (don't have to do this on a daily basis back at home, so it's one way that I feel special while cruising.) . I'm going on my first RCCL cruise with my daughter on the amplified Oasis of the Seas, and I cannot wait! I actually have 2 more RCCL cruises booked (as well as a bunch of other ones as well!) . This cruise-bug has bit me hard!! Thanks again for sharing this informative video!! I found you from Sheri at CTTV and just subscribed!! ⚓️
Me too. Getting to wear cute dresses nice clothes is one of the things I enjoyed when I have had the opportunity to go on a cruise before. My husband is one that is not all about dressing up but he is willing to do it begrudgingly
Dressing up for formal night is one of my FAVORITE parts of cruising. I look forward to it and plan ahead for it more than any shore excursion. I’ll wear a ball gown, and my husband will wear a tuxedo.
Formal nights aren’t really enforced anymore. We saw people coming in with jeans and even shorts. So don’t sweat formal night.
shoulda been told to go somewhere else.
it was the greatest time of my life, those 10 days in the carribean. i wish i never left the boat if i was a mallionare i wouldnt of to be honest.
And so u can fine ur way back to ur room there are colours on each side use them to guide you there are red, blue ,green just look at the maps u'll see them
Great tip!
@@RoyalCaribbeanBlog we struggled every day
If you have a certain deck and room that you've put a down payment on, if you "reprice" will you keep your same room? My husband and I just returned from a 7- night Alaska Glacier cruise on the RC's Oasis of the Seas, our first cruise, and it EVERYTHING about it was top-notch and fabulous! The ship departed from Seattle (our area) and returned to Seattle. So handy!
Thanks for the information. I am going on the Ovation of the Seas Sept 2022. to Alaska. i will definitey check with my travel agent about the reprice. hope you fell in love with Alaska as much as I did.
A few tips: 1. A one or two night hotel package that includes complimentary breakfast and transfers to the ship will give you time to relax before embarkation. 2. If you want to occupy a cabin in the Central Park or Boardwalk neighborhoods instead of overlooking the ocean, then book a balcony cabin on a high deck so that passersby in the lower deck areas of these neighborhoods won't be able to look into your cabin windows. This tip applies to guests who book Promenade cabins. Look at deck plans to see where these cabins and deck numbers are before booking these cabins. 3. If you book an accessible cabin with a balcony, please be aware that there is a flap outside the sliding door to the balcony that pax have to lower after stepping onto the balcony to avoid scratching the sole of your bare feet on the sharp edge of this flap. 4. In Central Park, get the wonderful Kummelwech (roast beef sandwiches) available at no cost to you at Park Cafe (I think that's the name of the restaurant that makes these sandwiches). 5. Avoid the Windjammer buffet on embarkation day and go elsewhere to eat lunch such as the aforementioned Park Cafe, Sorrento's, Hot Dog House, and Johnny Rockets. 6. Because I have walking difficulties, I look carefully at the activity levels for each excursion you're considering and only book the ones shown as gentle or moderate. 7. I disagree with the narrator of this video regarding the drink packages w/respect to buying them before the cruise. I do that to avoid getting the receipts after each drink "purchase." That way, you decrease the amount to paper you have to put someplace because RCCL and Celebrity no longer provide handy envelopes in their premium cabin welcome kits. OTOH, the only envelope that is provided is the one containing your pre-booked shore excursion tix. That said, I think the idea he suggested to get a water bottle in addition to the drink order is a great one for stocking your fridge w/H2O for hydrating one's self during shore excursions.
I really loved the tips for making the most out of the drinking package! The water bottle idea is genius. My sister and I are going on Mariner soon and will now plan on bringing some wine, since it’s only a weekend cruise. Thank you for the helpful tips, as always!
How was the ship? And do you have the daily newspaper?
this cruise line is spectacular
RCI is #1. Having been on different cruise ships 9 times they are the kindest, nicest, and most compassionate about treating you fantastic. Please remember, it is not just price alone that will make your trip memorable.
My husband and I, along with our eldest son, are taking our very first cruise in December. This year marks 40 years since I met my husband, so a celebration of sorts. We are pretty new to travelling and total newbies to cruising, so I have very little idea of what to expect and am experiencing a feeling of nervous excitement in these months leading up to the cruise. I am trying to learn as much as I can to ensure we have covered all the bases and are as prepared as we can be for this adventure. We chose our ship to coincide with my husband's, already arranged holiday period, so basically took the only one available, that we could afford, but fortunately the ship has lots of amenities and suits me right down to the ground... so that is a big bonus. I'm very grateful to you and every one that blogs, who are helping to increase my knowledge about RC cruising. :)
Hi Jill, that's amazing that you've been with your husband for 40 yrs!! You don't hear that very often nowadays. Please come watch my channel. I talk about different itineraries around the world with different Cruise Lines. Super fun 😊Thank you!! 🤗
My wife and I are going January 31st for her birthday. We are so exited 🍻🎂🍾 thanks for the tips!!!!!
I understand you trust me. I'm feeling the same because our cruise is this Saturday! 😊
Have a good trip!
I'm going on my first cruise in 10 days! This video was super helpful
How was it?
If you’re a diamond member purchasing a beverage package is a waste of money. I know from experience. Just go to the lounge during happy hour and drink for free!
I have ordered a cruise this coming February. After hearing this video I am already regretting it. I want to experience a relaxing vacation, not a stay involving a multitude of options where you have to continually consider and make decisions.
Don't regret it. I've been on lots of cruises, 5 mins into this and I'm out...this is stressful just listening to it. Enjoy ur cruise. Dont sweat the small stuff. plan a few things just go with the flow on others
We've just booked our 4th cruise with RCI. In 2018 we did a 14 day transatlantic. We've always had a wonderful time with RCI. The blog has some great tips. Thanks.
Hi Ronald!! Please come subscribe to my channel. I talk about different itineraries around the world with different Cruise Lines. Super fun 😊
Going on Liberty the week before thanksgiving. It will be my third time on this ship but going to different ports. Important to tell folks about the guarantee with booking thru the cruise line. We went to some ruinsand pyramids , boated for about an hour and our boat broke down several times, most were transferred to the other boats, we were put on a metal fishing boat. The trip back was a killer on our bodies and we were so late in returning to the ship that the archways being brought up as we arrived. We were scheduled for another adventure the next day and asked to cancel due to exhaustion. That night our cancellation was okayed and we were reimbursed for the bad experience...thank you
Keep in mind that cruising in other countries you will not get your typical lobster tail or other favorites that you are used to in the Caribbean. We did a 12 day European cruise & there was no lobster tail since it's too expensive to ship overseas. I love RC for it's food & it wasn't that disappointing, but it is good to know these things.
This June will be our 7th cruise with RC ...... Here are my tips... wear your swimsuit or bring one to slip into when you are boarding.!!!! you will not have access to your luggage for hours, and when it is 90 in florida you really want to be by or in the pool, also there are limited outlets in your cabin, so bring a multi plug extention for phones cameras ipads cpap machine etc
Thanks for sharing these great tips, Alexis!
I love dressing up for dinner on a cruise, it makes it much more fun and classy. Dress slacks and a nice collared shirt, every night for me.
16:10 See? They provide coffee for you onboard! You don't need to bring your coffee maker.
I am traveling on a cruise with a special needs child. I have phoned RC several times to make sure I have planned for her needs and the ship/staff/excursion team are aware. Of note, there is a special needs embarkation process that I believe will be very helpful especially for children with sensory processing challenges.
Hi Holly!! Yes, their's programs available to assist anyone with special needs at seas which I think is awesome. Please come watch to my channel. I talk about different itineraries around the world with different Cruise Lines. Super fun 😊Thank you!!
Dressing up on a cruise is wonderful. Nothing wrong with being formal once in a while.
I totally agree Troy! It's fun dressing up for special occasion 😊Please come watch my channel. I talk about different itineraries around the world with different Cruise Lines. Super fun 😊Thank you!! 🤗
I’ve sailed with Carnaval since 1996. I’ve never been on a Royal Caribbean cruise, but I booked two for 2018. One in August and the other in December on my birthday. That ship will bring in New Years. I’ve heard a lot of good things about Royal Caribbean, so I’m looking forward to seeing how it goes.
I think you'll love cruising with Royal Caribbean!
i'm booking for September for our Honeymoon !! first time with my new hubby! Happy Cruisin'!
september is height of hurricane season. get trip insurance!
Maurice Braxton royal carribean is amazing. my experience with them left me not looking at all to try another cruise line.
Trerasa Wheaton I can’t wait to see what’s all of the buzz about. Have you tried any other cruise line?
Ive cruised 8 times, 4 with RC, 3 with Carnaval ( not ever again) and 1 with Disney .Love cruising!
Fredy Romero I’m 11 and I have been on 6 😬
2.
1 with carnival, 1 with RC (another in the summer), 1 with Norwegian, and 1 with Disney. I hope to cruise more soon!
ABSOLUTELY informative. Oddly enough I had purchased the Deluxe Beverage Package for my 6-night cruise next month to Hobart from Sydney on Ovation of the Seas, & my mother thought, WOW, I never really understoood why, until I realized I had to drink 6 to 8 cocktails a day to justify the cost - I decided it wasn't be value for me - I'm not a huge drinker & another friend suggested a $50 per day allowance on sea days & $100 for shore days - I'm budgeting $100 / day across the board - considering I've prebooked everything - I can't see spending $100 / day on board - I thank you for your informative video.
Seen alot of cruise videos, this is by far the best information, nice job!
Thank you!
I’m going on a Royal Caribbean cruise in June! It’s a 1 week Mediterranean cruise and I’m really excited! It starts in Rome and it goes to the Greek Isles.
Emily Todd have fun!!
Hi Emily!! Please come watch my channel. I talk about different itineraries around the world with different Cruise Lines. Super fun 😊Thank you!! 🤗
I’m a Norwegian loyalist but I have sailed on RCCL. I will tell you that your video is bar none. I have sailed 24 times (22 on NCL) and I seek mistakes to help people on the videos but you were spectacular and I LOVE the “think of cars comparison” for class of ships. Great way to help people better understand
Glad you enjoyed this video!
Wonderful tips. Thank you! I'm going on my first cruise ever (Oasis of the Seas) on the third of March, and I am so excited. Very nervous though, because I only booked the cruise about a month ago. It didn't dawn on me that I should plan on getting to the port a day early, so the RC agent who helped me book the cruise also booked me on a red eye flight the night before. I'm scheduled to fly from the West Coast to Florida throughout the night, and to arrive about 5 hours before the ship's boarding time. So yeah, based on what you say, I'm quite nervous and hoping for no travel delays this time. At least I have the information for the future! Crossing fingers!
Scott G how’d it go?
Anna Morris Stidham: it was AMAZING. Fortunately, there were no travel delays getting to the ship, and I made it on time. Next time I’m definitely going to plan better. Actually, there are a lot of things I would do different next time. But the entire trip was a dream come true.
Scott G glad you had fun!
LOL on spring break me and my friends went to formal night dinner in the main dining room in formal bottoms, but all wearing bright Hawaiin shirts. The looks on peoples faces were hilarious.
The staff on royal Caribbean is amazing. For food they will give you anything you want. When my little sister was a toddler we went and she didn’t want the food she got. The waiter left to get her different food SEVERAL TIMES. He even went so far as to go down to the buffet to get her a yogurt. Then he gave her a special dessert of cookies and ice cream sundaes. It was great.
The food in the specialty restaurants on all cruise ships is the same quality as the main dining room
I agree with you. But the difference is that the specialty restaurants provide a more intimate dining experience .
I disagree, especially Chops Grille. The food in the dining room is mass produced so you dont always get hot food.
Not when it comes to steak.
Going on my first cruise Jan 25th with a group of 34. Your video was great! Never had an interest in Cruising and I have traveled a lot. You have me excited, Thanks!
Recently sailed Symphony of the Seas out of Miami...Amazing💕💕
KJ Batts u
Hi KJ, Please come watch to my channel. I talk about different itineraries around the world with different Cruise Lines. Super fun 😊Thank you!! 🤗
KJ Batts that’s the biggest cruise ship I love Royal Caribbean i went on mariner of the seas and Mother’s Day I’ll b goin on navigator of the seas I wanna experience all of them tell me what was the main exciting thing on symphony of the seas
do they only go out of miami
I can’t wait to go on my first cruise with my family. I’m also super happy that Jeff Goldblum took time out of his busy life to give us these tips lol. But seriously you sound just like him.
Hi MON3yEqualPower!! Please come watch my channel. I talk about different itineraries around the world with different Cruise Lines. Super fun 😊Thank you!! 🤗
I bought the drink package once. 8 day southern Caribbean. I felt obligated to drink the allotted daily amount. Needless to say by day 4 I was done 😁 never buying the drink package again
Just because you had purchased the drink package does not mean you had to drink nothing but alcoholic drinks the total time while on the ship in order to get your $ worth. There are of course other drinks that are included in the drink package, i.e., sodas; non-alcoholic; premium coffees; juices; etc. The point of the drink package (prepayment) is allowing a guest to drink any type of drink without the worrying aspects of the finial bill. Additionally, by prebooking a cruise you have the opportunity to buy the drink package at a lower cost (up to 30 percent off), which makes the drink package a little more affordable.
@@katiavandam8435 While your statement is technically correct, I did not specify that I only drank alcohol. In my daily life I do not drink soda or specialty anything. Basically water, coffee, or milk for me... But lets be honest. Probably 90% of drink package purchases are for the alcohol... At least in my experience it is. 100% of the people I've cruised with purchased the drink package specifically for the alcohol. :-)
@@katiavandam8435 Also included are milkshakes at Johny rockets!
I agree. Ive been on 13 cruises and Ive never purchased the drink package. It kind of forces you to drink more than you want to. I prefer to pay as I go.
@@deepshotone I'll be drinking tea most of the time. But, if I want to drink a couple of beers now and again, seems like that won't break the bank.
Thanks for the video! We booked a trip for August 2019! Appreciate all the helpful information.
Evelyn Ramirez you should do a video so we can get a update please 😄
I don't think booking early saves you money at all. I think it is best to book last minute when they are trying to fill the remaining cabins, take the cheapest inside cabin and don't buy any extras.
Me and my wife just took a cruise last to weeks ago and it was the most wonderful holiday i ever had the ship was the juwel of the seas the staff wher exelent and i thank all the crew of the Juwel of the seas especially the dining service thanks
Hi Cassar!! Please come watch my channel. I talk about different itineraries around the world with different Cruise Lines. Super fun 😊Thank you!! 🤗
The formal nights I have done are more about photo's & even photographers taking pictures in the dining room. It's nice to dress up a little too & you will love the photo's. Believe me, those are the photo's I have purchased since we all looked great!
I’m so excited to go on my first Royal Caribbean cruise! Have been on other lines but this will be our first RC.
I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the entertainment aboard my first RC cruise. I wasn't surprised by the quality of the food!
Caribbean Travel Guide g
We have cruised seven times with RCI, twice with Carnival, & once with Princess. We NEVER had any trouble with RCI. The crew is great and the food is incredible. There are many things you need to find out before you go. These are on line if you look. Carnival - Twice toilets backed up and Princess - Norovirus. As far as the drink pkgs are concerned, you can order for two and the price is less. The charges are deleted on your ship card so no one else can use it. No one is herded anywhere, you can do whatever you want. No matter what day or where yoy are going, you have to get to the pool before 11am to get a chair. There isn't a better vacation that RCI cruiese. I just wish they would go different places than the same ones all the time.
I love Disney....it's amazing. I've gone with adult children and husband to Europe, Alaska, Bahamas and everything was top of the line. No charge for sodas either. RC is awesome as well.
Formal does actually mean tuxedo n gown, so they should say, semi formal with the attire you mentioned. People and attire has changed since my 1st cruise 17 yrs ago.
Booking early is not the most economical. It may be cheaper somewhat but it is not discounted. If you really want the deals call RC or a travel agent that specialist on RC cruises a week before sail date, many people cancel there cruises last minute so they have open rooms. You can get a room for as low as $99/pp if you have good timing and a little luck.
Formal nights. Please note that European cruise companies expect formal attire, this is very different to Royal Caribbean. Formal attire? Dinner suit (tuxedo) for men with shirt and bow tie, cummerbund and shiny black shoes. Long dress and best jewellery for ladies. This is also expected in the optional restaurants but not the buffet. Note that if you cruise with Cunard, you will actually be asked to leave the restaurant if you aren’t dressed formally. Please don’t say you weren’t informed as many book with them because they actually want the formal dining. Have a great holiday!
My husband and I are headed on our very first cruise to the South Pacific in 9 short weeks! We are both looking forward to it and have been gleaning information from friends who are cruisers and from videos such as this. So much great information here that I know will help us a lot. Thank you for the video! :-)
Its 9 month's already God bless and have a great trip!!!
Where are you traveling too???
I love dressing for dinner. Every night. Its special to change and dress special for dinner
Hi Nancy!! I totally agree, it's fun dressing up for special occasions. Please come watch my channel. I talk about different itineraries around the world with different Cruise Lines. Super fun 😊Thank you!! 🤗
Agree so do I
I love Royal Caribbean Cruises
this is what RC says, "Think of our formal dress code as a night out in your best black-tie look - suits and ties, tuxedos, cocktail dresses or evening gowns are all acceptable options. There can be 1-3 formal nights during a sailing and is at the ship’s discretion. Our Chef’s Table dining experience also enforces a formal dress code policy."
The mistake I make is bringing too many clothes. My first cruise I brought a tux because a friend told me about formal night. Fortunately, the cruise included New Year's so I wore it then but I was still the only one. Most of my cruises are Caribbean and I end up wearing swimsuits and shorts most of the time so now I know not to take too many long pants or collared shirts. Often I never wear them.
We took a short cruise this past March for our wedding anniversary. We have only cruised with RCCL in the past, this year we cruised with Princess and we have to say that we feel that RCCL is a better cruise than Princess is. We weren’t crazy about Princess’ food or their entertainment and feel that RCCL is very superior in those areas. 2019 we are back on RCCL and cruising, again, in Alaska. While we will cruise with Princess again, we will always prefer RCCL.
I have not been on a Royal Caribbean since 2007 when I was 8 years old. I had an Alaska cruise scheduled for May 2020 but obviously it was cancelled so I rebooked a cruise for April 2022 which was also cancelled, so I rebooked a cruise on the Harmony of the Seas which was rebooked to the brand new Wonder of the Seas. I am so excited to get back on Royal Caribbean. My family has been Carnival people for years.
I can't wait to get back to cruising
Not my experience regarding waiting to book. What I noticed is that the cheapest prices are 18 months out, they continue to have fares sales right up to the sailing. You can monitor the current fare price and call them to claim the reduced fare if you find a cheaper one before you sail, but what I have found in the last year is this becoming harder to do. Even though there are many fare sales they jack the starting room rate higher so the net price actually continues to rise as the boat fills up. In my case, more then a $1000 for the same room class over when I originally booked, and that was just from 18-12 months, higher still 12-6 months. The morale of the story, book early if you really want a specific cruise and hope to score a reduction as opposed to waiting and hoping for a better price that may never come.
What he didnt tell you about the drink package is that if one adult in cabin buys it, everyone else in cabin has to get at least the minimum soda package. No more free loaders on the alcohol drink package.
You are correct. If one adult buys an unlimited alcohol package, all the other adults in that same stateroom have to buy an alcohol package too.
I thought if one buys alcohol package all have to purchase alcohol package
Unless there is a medical reason why that other person can’t drink I.e pregnant or diabetes
So you have to proof to them that there is a medical reason that you can't drink alcohol, like a doctors note or something? Is that even legal?
Newzchspy they changed that a couple of years ago. It used to be around 28 dollars and one person was buying for everyone but u new that wasn't going to last. Now the price has doubled and every grownup in the cabin has to buy the package plus on most cruise lines they now have a limit on how many drinks u can get per day. It didn't bother me because that's not what I go on the cruise for. I may buy 5 drinks in 7 days. It also could have been changed because a lot of folks started falling overboard when it was unlimited. Lol
Thanks for the info. I like the speed you speak at, too slow and I'm moving on to something else. You get straight to the point and keep it moving. Thanks.
You can speed YT videos up! 😊
I've only gone once on RCI and that was back in '01 on Sovereign of the Seas. I loved it. I am going on another cruise with my SIL this fall on Majesty of the Seas. I picked RCI again because of 2 things, I loved my first trip with them. Second because they were the only cruise line that assisted with both human and animal evacuations (at no charge!) last September 2017 with all the devastation from the back to back hurricanes. The Caribbean was always good to them and they repaid back the kindness. RCI will always have my business. :-)
I too belong to RCI and I get a lot of value from their vacation packages and especially the Last Call option. However, I didn't know about their stepping up to fill the gap and do what was needed.
I get sea sick on a paddle boat but I hope one day I can take my wife on a Cruz it looks like so much fun
I assure you these ships are no paddle boats. On the bigger ships you would hardly know you are in the water. You can always bring something along for the nausea, but maybe start with a short 3 night cruise to see how you feel.
The dress code for formal night does not apply to the main dining room either. I just got back from my royal Caribbean cruise last week and I did not dress up at all. Every night I wore my stretchy athletic pants and a fishing shirt. No one said anything to me.
Interesting video. Considering a RCI from Fort Lauderdale for my next cruise. I personally don't like the formal nights, I don't go on a cruise to dress up but my wife always wants to get the pictures they take. So the solution for us is we dress up early, go out to get the photos done and then go back to the cabin and dress down. We actually usually use room service and order whatever is on the main dining room menu. Never been on RCI so very useful information.
A good thought about formal night, what you would wear to church, a wedding or court. No jeans, shorts, leggings or flip flops. 🤣
On formal night I wore a nice shirt, shorts and sandals. They cannot refuse service to you. I brought nicer clothes but they required ironing and they do not allow irons on board (found this out after getting on board). I had to eat.
@@rickj1983 Always is that person that will not follow rules. That's why we have this mess in our society. If people just were nice enough to respect rules life would be more beautiful.
@@AM-dr9qd Wow, tough crowd. I agree that people should be respectful of the attire on formal night, but here some food for thought. RC could solve the issue, but simply have 1 floor dedicated to less then formal (i.e.smart casual). Personally I'd be a little embarrassed to not be dressed well enough (hate being center of attention).
The challenge with formal night, at least for most men is the darn space the clothes and especially the shoes take up. Cruise packing is supposed to be minimalist and it really a drag to have to bring so much for just a few hours. I did see a post earlier that helped with the shoe space problem. It said that dress shoes are way better for dancing and that make sense with the slick soles vs rubber. I fortunate, my cruise is over Christmas and we have a birthday dinner, so 2 formal nights makes it easier to swallow the loss of suitcase space. ;-)
I wore a tuxedo T-shirt and jeans. I don't do formal but I wanted the prime rib that I paid for.
I went on navigator of the seas and everything was perfect
I was there too lol
I went last year before upgrades my favourite thing was the cafe promonade
Hi Ella!! Please come watch my channel. I talk about different itineraries around the world with different Cruise Lines. Super fun 😊Thank you!! 🤗
My husband and I are taking our first cruise with a childhood friend and her husband. We leave on Jan. 29th.
I am going on February for my Bday I can’t wait so excited 😆😆😆😅😅😅
Celix Laurie
Damn area ships still going out after this lock down?
Royal Caribbean drink specials are better than my experience on carnival. I love that the day the price vs. On carnival it's just % off vs. On Royal Caribbean it's a flat price $5 $2
I just went on radiance of the seas and it was AMAZING the room were amazing the food was amazing litterly everything was awesome I'm going on shinphony of the seas soon can't wait
Hi Tomas, I agree, the Radiance of the Seas is awesome!! Please come watch to my channel. I talk about different itineraries around the world with different Cruise Lines. Super fun 😊Thank you!! 🤗
I’ve never been on a royal Caribbean cruise before, so I am gonna share some memories of the cruises I can remember.
Okay so last December I went on a Christmas cruise to Papua New Guinea, it was amazing! I always ordered off the adult menu (because it is complimentary), and I loved dressing up on formal night! Papua New Guinea was great! The first place we did not get off because it was hot and stuffy and I did not want to walk like a kilometre to get to the city, the next place we went we did get off the boat and I think I got a fan (a fan to cool yourself) in New Guinea kena (otherwise we would have gotten ripped off) and it was great! The first night we needed to go to the muster station (it’s is required by law) it was so boring. Dinner first night was lovely (a couple nights in I ordered broccoli spaghetti🤢🤢🤢🤢) I think I got Tasmanian salmon (I’m an Aussie) it was beautiful. After going to the 2 places we went to some other places then went home.
In all I’d rate cruises itself 10000000000000000000000000000/10
Thanks for the videos & your blog. I have researched a lot using these resources & feel confident that my family & I will have the best vacation possible next month. Can't wait!
Wow, that is so wonderful to hear. I am really glad the blog has been so helpful!
Kid
I am planning my first cruise and your video has really been valuable! Thanks!
I love to hear this!
Never been in RCL but as soon as Coco Cay's remodeling is done, I'm on! 😊😊😊 great information, thanks!
Sounds like a great plan!
Lolo at coco.
Hi Life with Lolo!! Please come watch my channel. I talk about different itineraries around the world with different Cruise Lines. Super fun 😊Thank you!! 🤗
Love rccl and have 30+ on royal. Enjoyed cruising with Friends, Family, Work Associates and even just My Spouse. Everyone can do their own thing and meet up in the dinning room for dinner and stories, Bringing a bottle of wine is wonderful and if you fly in just grab one at the airport shop. My next girls trip is in 3 weeks on the Freedom (my favorite ship) and in 3 month Sydney to Hawaii with my hubby. Never have I been disappointed.
my wife wrote that comment. I am her hubby!
I’m a RC cruise vet and this video has lots of good info. I’m going on my 6th in Dec and this is super helpful! Thanks so much! New subscriber right here!
That means a lot that someone like yourself found this helpful, thanks Nicole!
I am surprised Chef's Table has not been mentioned. Think of it like an on-board excursion instead of a specialty restaurant and it's not quite as expensive. My wife and I had a blast. The meal was amazing and the enthusiasm of the chef made it very entertaining. It was more like a dinner theater than just a meal. Sitting down to a place setting with 7 different wine glasses spread out before us was a first for us. They serve a different wine with every course and the chef explained how was prepared. It may be worth looking into, but I think it can only be reserved once on board.
When are you going? I'm going on the 6th!
I am going 12/8
@@MarkJohnson-et9ir h
Wear a Suit Jacket on Formal Night this is Very Special for some people
Planning on a Royal Cruise Thank you for the help I don't know what to plan now I do after listening to this again Thank you especially getting there early
Hi Jesse!! Please come subscribe to my channel. I talk about different itineraries around the world with different Cruise Lines. Super fun 😊
Best advice,, DONT OVERPACK,, DONT OVERPACK
a few casual pieces and 1 dressy if you want to dress up that is,,
dont need tons of suitcases etc,,
you can buy stuff on board too,,
suitcases equal headaches’’’’
pandora everett can a many pack in one carryon for 5 day cruise
pandora everett Amen!
Love Royal Caribbean 😘 Oasis of the sea, and Harmony of the sea. We stays @junior suite and got dinner @coastal kitchen included. Got deluxe unlimited alcohol beverages. Got 1 wifi. Never go to another cruise line
Julia Cliett did you book through a travel agent?
I must say the one big issue I have with RC or I suppose cruise ships in general is them pulling the wool over our eyes. My wife and I are social drinkers and having 1 /2 drinks at dinner and maybe 1 each at lunch and or even a night cap every 2nd day would be fine for us. having to buy the drinks package would mean drinking 3x that every night. they really could consider those of us not wanting to spend our cruise being drunk every day.
if anyone has a suggestion or trick to share, I would love to hear that. we are hoping to spend my wife's 50th birthday on our next cruise in September.
If a drink package costs too much because it requires more than you want to drink, then you should simply not buy a drink package and pay for drinks individually.
Why not add a drink package that has less drinks and cost less for those that do not want to drink as much as what is in the current package?
Thanks for the tips! I'm excited to go on my first cruise in May 2020!
We are getting good information from your videos. We have planned our first cruise (over a year out) using RCL, and are looking forward to it. We did it on-line not through an agent, but, I think it is going to be good. We chose Harmony of the Sea out of Galveston. Thank you for the information you have given.
excited for my 1st royal caribbean cruise getting all of my research in early
We (me, wife, 2 kids 12-14) cruised the Bahamas on RC the last week of June 2019 on this ship. Loved the cruise. What I would change? Put the smoker section (deck 16) up top on the back of the ship so none of the non-smokers can smell it. I know RC makes a fortune off of these people (casino) and won't make the ships non-smoking (per the Captain). Get the beverage package if you have kids. The cruise should be a day of sailing followed by an island excursion but the last 3 days of this trip were all sailing which ended up making the kids bored. This cruise surpassed my expectations by a long shot. Given there are 6500 passengers I was pleasantly surprised that we would only see a couple hundred at any given time. Service was outstanding. Everyone I ran into passengers/crew were polite. Make sure you plan well in advance and to save money, prepay for everything. Once on the ship, costs skyrocket. We're planning a Mediterranean cruise in 2021.
Our last five cruises have been with Carnival and in 3 weeks we're going on another one. We like what we saw maybe we'll try RC next. Great info and really nice ship too.
Hi Ben!! Please come subscribe to my channel. I talk about different itineraries around the world with different Cruise Lines. Super fun 😊
RC is definitely a step up from Carnival, as far as service & ship, but if you’re young & just looking to drink & party, Carnival fits the bill.
@@lavonnehill-williams1555 If you think that Carnival is a 'wilder' cruise line now,
you should have seen it in the 1980's & early 90's, when 18+ year olds could
travel alone & drink onboard! WOW!
Dressing up for dinner is one of the things I am so looking forward to.
I took last august the Oasis trip Interior view to St. Marteen, Puerto Rico and Labadee, this was my third cruise, but the first of my wife and sons, and they loved, so much last week I paid a deposit for next trip in august 2019 on the Allure, same class but now in a sea balcony ! Same class of ship,, but diferent ports to visit ! I recomend beverage premiun package if you take more than 10 drinks daily. I dont forget to plan in advance the shows and excursions... !
HI Yuri David, Your advice are great! Please come watch my channel. I talk about different itineraries around the world with different Cruise Lines. Super fun 😊Thank you!! 🤗
Keep in mind, this video was generated 4 years ago. Currently, Royal Caribbean does generally enforce your preselected arrival times at the port on embarkation day.
Video was spot on . Just got back from RCCL Liberty of Seas 7 day . I did the deluxe drink & WiFi and def thought it was worth it. We drank a lot (water, juice, Red Bull, alcohol) the whole week . As well did my dining for the flexibility. The only hiccups & frustrations was getting on and off the ship, and people at the buffet at times . This was my 1st cruise and mostly positive
Some considerations with Shore excursions are: 1) weather and environment. We had our Costa Maya snorkel cancelled due to sea weed. 2) people with you. Me and wife are late 20s/early 30s and in decent shape. Some the things like horseback, scuba were slowed down being paired with older or less active people, which took away from experience at times.
Glad you had a good time on Liberty of the Seas!