No one does the WOW factor better than Royal Caribbean. Not only do they have the largest cruise ships in the world as part of their fleet, but they also have private islands, award winning entertainment, mouth-watering cuisine, and endless itineraries to choose from. If you’re planning a cruise holiday and you’re not sure which cruise line to choose, here are 10 reasons to go on a Royal Caribbean cruise!
1. Endless Activities
Fancy a day at a water park, or perhaps a game of crazy golf? Or maybe rock climbing is your jam, or shooting some hoops with your family? Royal Caribbean has all of this and more on board their fleet of incredible cruise ships. Other popular activities on Royal Caribbean ships include ziplining, skydiving simulator, SkyPad, Splashaway Bay and many, many more. No two days on a Royal Caribbean cruise are ever quite the same as they truly offer cruisers endless activities to enjoy, free of charge.
2. Delicious Dining
One of the most common feedback topics we hear from our customers after they have retuned from a Royal Caribbean cruise is how good the food was. When you book a Royal Caribbean cruise with us, all of your meals and snacks on board are included in the price and once onboard, you can enjoy their delicious food in a number of venues. From the Windjammer Buffet, which has every type of food you could possibly imagine to the elegant dining hall where you are served Al A Carte, you will be spoilt for choice. Other complimentary food venues on board their ships include the Doghouse hotdog bar, El Loco Fresh and Sorrento’s for some yummy pizza – these are on select ships only.
If you fancy treating yourself to an even better dining experience, Royal Caribbean have a huge selection of speciality dining restaurants on all of their ships. These come at an additional charge, but they are worth it. Customer favourites include Chops Grille Steakhouse, Giovanni’s Table, Wonderland, Izumi and many, many more.
3. World-Class Entertainment
No one does entertainment quite like Royal Caribbean. Royal Caribbean ships are home to world-famous musicals including Grease, Mamma Mia, Hairspray and so much more. These productions feature casts who have performed on Broadway and in the West End and are full stage productions. Alongside of their incredible theatre shows, you can enjoy breath-taking ice-skating shows, mind-blowing acrobatic shows in the Aquatheatre on Oasis Class ships, live music, parades, jazz clubs, karaoke and so much more.
4. Unique, Innovative Experiences
Royal Caribbean are known as innovators in the cruise industry for the sheer wow factor they provide on each of their ships. Notable innovative ship features include the incredible North Star observation deck on their Quantum Class ships, which holds the Guinness World Record for the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship. This unique observation pod rises 300 feet above sea level giving cruisers a bird’s eye view of wherever you are in the world. Another wow factor feature on Royal Caribbean ships is the 10 deck drop Ultimate Abyss dry slide. Featured on the largest ships in the world, the newer Oasis Class ships, this thrilling slide is not for the faint of heart. The Bionic Bar is another standard feature on Royal Caribbean cruise ships now and is a must see. Order your drinks on an iPad and watch robots prepare each one.
5. Perfect Day at Cococay
Perfect Day at Cococay is Royal Caribbean’s private island located in the Bahamas and it is the ultimate port of call. Home to fantastic attractions such as the tallest water slide in North America, ziplining experiences, a hot air balloon ride and so much more, it is an island packed with fun, in true Royal Caribbean style. If you want to relax and enjoy the sunshine, you will also love Perfect Day at Cococay with its endless beach options and its pool areas. Some of the experiences on Perfect Day at Cococay do come with a fee but there is plenty to enjoy on the island free of charge as well.
Like its ships, Royal Caribbean have mapped Perfect Day at Cococay out into neighbourhoods, so it is easy to find your way around. They also have a 3D app to help you navigate everything there is to see and do. This incredible island experience is available to Royal Caribbean guests only.
6. Fastest Wi-Fi at Sea
We live in a digital world and having strong internet access is important to every type of traveller. Royal Caribbean understand this, and they have created VOOM, the fastest Wi-Fi at sea. Their internet packages are paid but they are excellent value, and you can choose the best package for you, based on whether you want general web access or perhaps you want to be able to stream your favourite shows. Either way, on Royal Caribbean, you’ll always be connected if you choose to be!
7. Family Focussed
Royal Caribbean have family cruising at their heart and catering for the kids, is not just left to a kid’s club. Throughout the ship, your family will have endless fun. Whether it’s a day by the pool, or the kiddies pool Splashaway Bay, or perhaps your family are the more adventurous type and enjoy rock climbing, you will have something new to enjoy and experience together every day of your cruise. If kid’s clubs are your thing, Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean kids club is amazing and caters for your kiddies aged 3 to 17. Royal Caribbean also offer an incredible array or stateroom and suite options making travelling with your loved ones, even easier.
8. Luxury
The Royal Caribbean brand embodies luxury and for those who seek something a little more exclusive from their cruise, there is the stunning Royal Suite Class. With a variety to choose from, from entry level suites to multi-storey suites, the choice of where to have your downtime on board is endless. Royal Suite Class is all about unforgettable experiences and to create these, suite class guests have access to an array of exclusive amenities and experiences on board their cruise. On Royal Caribbean’s newest ship Wonder of the Seas, suite class guests can also enjoy the cruise line’s first dedicated suite class neighborhood and pool deck.
9. Amazing Destinations
Sailing to over 300 destinations, every Royal Caribbean itinerary will blow you away. Whether the Greek Isles are calling your name, or the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean, there is an itinerary for you. But they don’t only cater to the most popular cruising regions. If you fancy something a little different, Alaska is a must do, or perhaps an Asian cruise. Royal Caribbean also offer a selection of transatlantic cruises, Arabian cruises and even cruises down under from Australia! The choice of where to, is truly endless.
10. Unforgettable Memories
A Royal Caribbean cruise holiday will give you and your loved one’s unforgettable memories, no matter where in the world you choose to cruise or whichever ship you choose to cruise on, and isn’t that is what life is all about!?
From Innovative Ships
With State-Of-The-Art Facilities To Bucket-List Itineraries, The Award-Winning
Cruise Line Offers Something For Every Type Of Cruise Traveler.
There Are Few Cruise
Lines That Tick All The Boxes When It Comes To The Perfect Cruise Holiday. Offering
The Most Innovative Ships With A Vast Array Of Facilities That Can Be Enjoyed
By The Whole Family, Sailing To The Most Incredible Destinations, And Serving
Up Michelin-Quality Cuisine – All Of This Would Be Surely Be Too Much To Hope
For On One Cruise. And Yet, Astonishingly, Royal Caribbean Manages To Tick All
Of These Boxes And So Many More.
The Cruise Line Truly
Brings The Wow Factor On Its Cruises, So Much So That Its Loyal Clientele
Cannot Help But Come Back For More Year After Year. Here Are Just Some Of The
Reasons Why You Should Choose Royal Caribbean For Your Next Epic Cruise
Adventure.
1. Innovative
Ships With A Vast Range Of Facilities - The Ship In Many Ways
Becomes The Destination On A Royal Caribbean Cruise. The Cruise Line Continues
To Trump Itself With Its Ground-Breaking New Ships, Which Boast The Most
High-Tech And Cutting-Edge Facilities At Sea. For Thrill-Seekers, Highlights
Include Ripcord By Ifly, A Skydiving Simulator That Lets Guests Experience For
Themselves The Pure Exhilaration Of Flying, And The Innovative Flowrider Surf
Simulator; Pumping Out More Than 60,000 Gallons Of Water Per Minute, This
Onboard Surf Park Simulator Allows You To Boogie Board By Yourself, Or Enjoy A
Surfing Lesson. Adults And Kids Alike Can Also Splash Out On The Ultimate Abyss,
The Tallest Waterslide At Sea. An Industry Innovation, Many Of Royal
Caribbean’s Ships Also Boast Rock-Climbing Walls, Bumper Cars And Even An Ice
Skating Rink, So You Can Practice Your Skills On The Ice While At Sea Or Watch
One Of The Professional Skaters In One Of The Amazing Ice Shows. With Endless
Thrills From Which To Choose, Guests Are Truly Spoilt For Choice On A Royal
Caribbean Cruise.
2. Fun For
All The Family - When It Comes To Entertainment, Royal
Caribbean Has The Whole Family Covered. Kids Of All Ages Are Guaranteed Endless
Fun And Unforgettable Experiences Thanks To The Cruise Line’s Award-Winning Youth
Club, Which Includes Activities For All Ages, Ranging From Interactive Classes
And Playground Sessions For Babies And Tots Right Up To Late-Night Parties For
Teens. While Children Enjoy All Of The Amazing Facilities And Carefully Curated
Activities On Board, Adults Can Instead Choose To Relax And Unwind At The Vitality
Spa, Which Offers A Host Of Pampering Treatments, Or Work Off Some Of That
Inevitable Holiday Weight In The State-Of-The-Art Gym. Award-Winning Shows
Await You And Your Family’s Pleasure In The Grand Theatre Come The Evening, Or
Prepare To Be Astounded By The Choreographed Acrobatics And High Diving Shows
In The Outdoor Aquatheater. Once The Kids Are Safely Tucked Up In Bed, Parents
Can Enjoy Some Late-Night Entertainment, Listening To Live Music In One Of The
Lounges, Enjoying A Flutter In The Onboard Casino, Or Having An After-Dinner
Cocktail Served To You By Robotic Bartenders In The Futuristic Bionic Bar.
3. Incredible
Destinations - Royal Caribbean Sails To More Than 300
Destinations Around The World, With Amazing Itineraries And Shore Excursions On
Offer For Those Who Wish To Stretch Their Sea Legs And Venture Ashore. From The
Icecaps In Alaska To The Wonders Of Down Under, Royal Caribbean Has A
Destination To Suit Every Type Of Traveller. Living Up To Its Name, The Cruise
Line Offers Comprehensive Cruises To The Caribbean, Allowing Guests To Enjoy
The Many Islands’ Pristine White-Sand Beaches And Crystal-Clear Waters. The Cruise
Line Even Boasts Its Own Idyllic Bahamian Private Island Destination, Perfect
Day At Cococay, Home To Amazing Thrills As Well As Places To Relax And Unwind. Then
There's The Sun-Soaked Canary Islands; On Royal Caribbean's 'No-Fly Discover The
Canaries' Itinerary, Guests Will Be Transported To These Perennially Popular
Islands, Home To Dramatic Landscapes, Incredible Volcanic Geology And Pristine
Beaches. Of Course, If A Beach Holiday Isn’t Your Thing, Then You Could Instead
Opt For One Of Royal’s Cultural Cruises In Europe, Visiting Historic Cities
Such As Rome And Athens, Tracing Viking Heritage On Norway's Western Coast Or
Uncovering Celtic Folklore In Ireland And Scotland. Wildlife Lovers Will Feel
Quite At Home In Alaska, A Land Of Rugged Hills, Rushing Waters And Undisturbed
Fauna. True Explorers Will Happily Venture To The South Pacific, Immersing
Themselves In The Different Islands’ Diverse Cultures And Bountiful Nature. Royal Caribbean Spent Some £190 Milion
Creating Coco Cay, The Line's Own Private Island. Credit: Royal Caribbean
Contributor
Dori Saltzman & Contributor Holly Johnson. Published Apr 2, 2023
Article Found On www.cruisecritic.com
Over The Past Decade, MSC Cruises Has Gone From
Operating One Ship In North America -- Mostly Targeted To Europeans Sailing In
The Caribbean -- To A Line Sailing Five Ships In And Around The Caribbean,
Including Several Marketed To North Americans Departing From U.S. Homeports. If
You Don't Know A Lot About MSC Cruises And You're Wondering If The Line Is The
Right Fit For You, Cruise Critic Is Highlighting Nine Reasons Why You Just
Might Love This Cruise Line.
1. MSC Cruise Ships Have
Several Pools To Choose From
If You've Ever Found Yourself Bemoaning The
Too-Small Pool On Your Cruise Ship, Then You're Going To Love MSC's Cruise
Ships. Seaside, Divina And Meraviglia All Have Three To Four Pools, Giving You
Plenty Of Pool Choices.
With Several Being Six-Feet Deep, You Can Even Go
For A Swim Since You Won't Have To Compete With The Children Splashing Around. On
All Three Ships, You'll Also Find One Pool That's Reserved For Passengers Aged
16 And Older, Another Just For Passengers Staying In The Suites-Only Yacht Club
And A Third With A Retractable Roof So A Little Bit Of Rain Never Has To Stop
Your Pool Time.
The New MSC Seashore Features Four Different Pools,
Including A Main Pool, A Pool With A Retractable Roof, An Infinity Pool And A Yacht
Club Pool. The Main Pool, Dubbed The Long Island Pool, Features Two Different
Depths For Swimming Or Lounging, As Well As A Center Fountain For A Dramatic
Effect.
2. 4D Cinema And Formula
One Simulator Offer Great Added Fun On MSC Cruise Ships
On MSC's Newest Ships, Like MSC Seascape, You'll
Find An Amusement Park And A Game Room Vibe That's Too Fun To Miss. Among The
Many Diversions Are A 4D Cinema And Formula One Race Car Simulator That Will
Really Get The Heart Pumping.
In The 4D Cinema, You'll Be Strapped Into A Bank Of
Chairs That Swivel And Turn As You Swoosh Down A Roller Coaster Or Face Off
With Laser Guns Against Zombies Or Ghosts.
In The Formula One Race Car Simulator, You'll Climb
Into The Simulator, Which Is Shaped Like A Life-Size Race Car, And Attempt To
Race Your Way Around A Digital Track.
Both Are A Lot More Difficult Than They Look, And In
Both Cases You Might Not Want To Do It Right After Eating.
3. MSC Cruise Ships Have
Waterslides Abound
If You Like A Little More Splash With Your
Recreation, You'll Want To Check Out The Top-Deck Fun On MSC Seaside And MSC
Meraviglia, Both Of Which Have Three Or Four Bendy Waterslides. On Seaside, We
Highly Recommend The Slideboarding Option, While On Meraviglia We Suggest
Giving The Swirly Champagne Glass A Go.
On Divina, There's Just One Twisty Slide That Loops
And Turns Its Way From Decks 16 To 15. MSC Seashore And Seascape Also Feature A
Pirates Cove Aquapark With A Splash Pad Feature And Climbing Ropes.
4. Indulge In Rich, Divine
Chocolate And Gelato On MSC Cruise Ships
Who Doesn't Love An After-Dinner Chocolate Or A
Scoop (Or Three) Of Gelato On A Warm Day In The Caribbean? All MSC Cruises Ships
Sailing Out Of North American Homeports Feature An Extra-Fee Chocolate Shop And
A Gelateria.
On MSC Seaside And Seascape, You'll Find Venchi
Cioccogelateria As Well As Venchi Gelateria & Creperie. Both Offer Gelato,
But You'll Also Find Chocolate By The Pound, Italian Hot Chocolate And
Milkshakes -- Plus A Mouthwatering Chocolate Fountain Wall -- At The Cioccogelateria.
The Gelateria Serves Crepes, Milkshakes, Waffles And, Of Course, Gelato.
MSC Divina, MSC Seashore, MSC Meraviglia And MSC
Armonia Also Have Spots Onboard To Grab Chocolate And Gelato.
5. MSC Cruise Ships Have The
Most Beloved Suite Experience In Cruising: Yacht Club
Suite Cruisers Will Love MSC's Yacht Club, Which Can
Be Found On All MSC Cruise Ships Sailing Out Of The United States (Except MSC
Armonia).
This Exclusive Suite Enclave Comes With A Number Of
Perks And Is One Of The Most Widely Praised Suite Experiences In The Cruise
Industry. Inclusions Feature Priority Boarding, All Drinks, Butler Service And
Access To An Exclusive Pool, Restaurant And Lounge.
MSC Cruises' Private Island, Ocean Cay Marine
Reserve, Also Has A Separate Beach Area And Restaurant For Yacht Club Guests. You
Can Even Book A Private Yacht Club Cabana, Which Comes With Waterfront Butler
Service And All The Pampering You Would Expect.
6. Swarovski Crystals
Shimmer Across MSC Cruise Ships
MSC Cruise Ships Have The Most Beautiful Atrium
Staircases In The World. Bedazzled With Thousands Of Swarovski Crystals Encased
In Glass, The Staircases Twinkle And Sparkle. As You Might Have Already
Imagined, Everyone Has Their Picture Taken On These Stairs.
But It's Not Just The Stairs That Impress. MSC's Ships
Are Beautiful And Sophisticated Throughout, With Lots Of Glass, Shiny Metal And
Sculptures You Can't Help But Admire. If You Like A Ship That's Refined, Sleek
And Glitzy Without Overwhelming The Senses And Being Tacky, You'll Love MSC's Ships,
Especially Divina, Seaside, Seascape And Meraviglia.
7. Enjoy Your Chosen MSC
Cruise Ship Amongst A Diverse Crowd
The MSC Cruise Line Is One Of The Most International
Lines You'll Ever Sail. While The Ships Sailing Out Of U.S. Ports Carry A Lot
Of North Americans (More Than 50 Percent Of Passengers), There Will Also Be
Hundreds Of Italians And Germans, As Well As Passengers From Spain, Portugal,
The U.K., Australia, Belgium, Scandinavia, France And Other Countries.
That Being Said, If You're Willing To Make The
Effort, You Can Meet People From All Over The World.
8. Dance The Night Away On
All MSC Cruise Ships
If You Like To Dance, MSC Is Definitely The Cruise
Line For You. With Multiple Dance Classes Every Day -- From The Cha-Cha And
Waltz To Merengue And Country Line Dancing -- There Are Plenty Of Opportunities
To Pick Up A Few Steps From All Those Dances You've Ever Wanted To Learn.
Already Know Them All? Then Keep Your Eyes On The
Daily Schedule. Each Night, There's A Different Themed Dance Event. Think Latin,
Country, Rock 'N' Roll, '70s And More. There's Also A Silent Disco One Night
Per Sailing As Well As DJ-Spun Music Daily.
9. Kids' Clubs Are Premium
Quality On MSC Ships
If You're Angling To Cruise With The Kids But You
Want To Have Some Adult Time, Don't Forget To Check Out MSC Cruises' Supervised
Kids Clubs. With Dedicated Clubs For Children Ages 0 To 17, MSC Cruises Goes
Out Of Its Way To Offer Amenities That Appeal To Toddlers, Children And Teens.
For Example, The Junior Club For Ages 7 To 11 Will
Keep Your Kids Busy With Planned Activities From Cooking Classes To Sports
Competitions. Meanwhile, The Young Club For Ages 12 To 14 Offers More Mature
Fun With A Focus On Video Games And Socializing.
If You Have Kids Ages 3 To 6, MSC Cruises Has A Club
For Them, Too. At The Mini Club, The Little Ones Focus On Games, Events And
Arts And Crafts -- Anything To Make Sure They're Having Fun.
MSC Cruises Is The Only Family Owned & Operated Cruise Ship. Blending Classic Elegance And Cutting-Edge Innovation, MSC Cruise
Ships Offer The Utmost In Comfort, Dining, Innovation, Entertainment, And
Onboard Experience. Family Friendly With Tons Of Activities For The Whole Family!
21 Tips & Tricks That Will Make Your First Cruise Go Smoothly
Cruising Is Easy. Or So Cruisers Will Tell You. For Starters, You Only Have To Unpack Once, Even As You Travel From Place To Place. You Also Don’t Have To Go Hunting For A Restaurant Every Night. There Usually Are A Bunch Just Steps Away From Your Cabin With Tables Waiting For You. You’ll Also Have No Trouble Finding Entertainment. But Even In Its Simplicity, Cruising Still Can Be Daunting For A First-Timer. What Should You Bring? What Should You Plan On Doing In Ports? What Is The Best Way To Book?
1)Arrive At Your Departure Port A Day Ahead Of Schedule. If You Only Follow One Piece Of Advice In This Story, It Should Be This One. It Is The Only Way To Ensure You Won’t Miss Your Ship — Something That Happens To Cruisers More Often Than You Would Think. Many Cruises Depart In The Afternoon, So It Might Seem Just Fine To Fly Or Drive To A Port On The Morning Of Departure. But All It Takes Is A Moderate Flight Delay Or A Pile-Up On The Highway To Upset Those Plans. If You’re Delayed In Your Arrival At The Port, The Ship Will Not Wait For You. If You’re Traveling Overseas For A Cruise, We Recommend Traveling To The Port Two Or Even Three Days In Advance. This Isn’t Just So You Don’t Miss The Ship. It’s Also So You Have Some Time To Recover From Jet Lag. European Cruises, In Particular, Can Be Port-Intensive, With Lots Of Touring, So You Want To Be Refreshed And Ready To Hit The Ground Running Right After The Cruise Begins.
2)Pack Your Bathing Suit In Your Carry-On. When You First Arrive At A Ship, Before You Even Get On Board, You’ll Likely Be Greeted By Porters Who Will Whisk Away Your Luggage. It Will Be Delivered To Your Room Later In The Day. This Is A Great Convenience, As There’s No Need To Haul Your Bags Through The Entire Check-In Progress. But It Also Means You Might Not Have Access To Your Luggage For Many Hours On Your First Day. Be Sure To Pack Anything You Think You Might Need For These First Hours Of Your Cruise In Your Carry-On Bag. This Means Things Like Medication, For Sure, And A Phone Charger, But Also A Bathing Suit, Hat, Sunscreen And Other Items That Will Let You Head Straight To The Pool Deck To Start The Fun.
3)Don’t Overpack Use This Strategy When Packing For A Cruise:Throw All The Clothes You Think You’ll Need On A Cruise In A Pile, And Then Take Away Half Of Them. You Won’t Need Them. Trust Us. Most Cruising These Days Is Casual, And You Really Only Need A Few Outfits To Rotate Through A Voyage. If Things Get Dirty, It’s No Problem. Many Ships Have Launderettes On Cabin Decks Where You Can Run A Load Or Two Of Laundry Every Few Days. If Not, You Can Send Laundry Out To Be Cleaned On Board. It’ll Usually Come Back In A Day Or Two. The Extra Cost Of Doing A Few Loads Of Laundry On A Ship Is A Small Price To Pay For The Freedom Of Not Having To Lug A Giant Suitcase Around As You Travel To And From Your Ship. Plus, You’ll Want To Save Room In Your Suitcase For All The Little Treasures You’re Going To Find Along The Way.
4)Bring Your Own Drinks On Board. Many First-Time Cruisers Assume They Can’t Bring Their Own Drinks On Board A Ship. But Many Lines Will Allow This, Usually With Some Limits. It’s One Way To Save Money When Cruising, As Drink Prices On Ships Can Be High. Among The Lines That Will Allow You To Be Your Own Bartender Is Disney Cruise Line. Adults Can Bring Up To Two Bottles Of Unopened Wine Or Champagne Or Six Beers Onto Disney Ships At The Start Of A Cruise And At Every Port Of Call. Note That These Beverages Must Be Packed In Carry-On Bags. At Royal Caribbean, The Bring-Your-Own Allowance Is Two Bottles Of Wine Or Champagne Per Cabin At Boarding, Plus Up To A Dozen Standard Cans, Bottles Or Cartons Of Nonalcoholic Drinks. One Caveat: Many Lines Levy A “Corkage Fee” If You Want To Bring Your Wine Into An Onboard Restaurant. Be Sure To Read The Rules For Your Line Before You Bring Any Drinks On Board.
5)Bring Extra Toiletries. Yes, You’ll Be Able To Find Sunscreen, Aspirin And Band-Aids On A Cruise Ship. But It’ll Cost You. Cruise Lines Know You’re A Captive Audience And Price Their Shipboard Stores Accordingly. I Have A Small “Go Bag” Of Over-The-Counter Medicines That I Throw Into My Suitcase For Every Cruise That Contains Everything From Cold Medicine To Seasickness Pills. I Rarely Use Any Of It. But I Also Never Get Hit With A Crazy Toiletries Charge. While We’re On The Topic Of Sundries, Don’t Forget Extra Batteries For Your Camera If You Are Bringing One.
6)Bring These Six Other Things, Too. In Addition To Extra Toiletries, Cruising Regulars Often Bring Clorox Wipes Or Something Similar To Wipe Down Surfaces In Their Cabin Upon Arrival (And To Bring Along On Shore Excursions). I Admit, I’ve Never Done This, Though I Know I Should — If Only To Wipe Off The Remote Control For The Cabin Tv. Many Cruisers Also Won’t Head To A Ship Without Room Freshener, A Foldable Shoe Rack (Which They Hang In The Cabin Bathroom To Store Toiletries), A Highlighter (To Highlight Activities On The Daily Planner) And A Lanyard (To Hold Their Cabin Key Card). I Am, Of Course, Too Cool To Ever Put A Key Card Lanyard Around My Neck, Which Means I Lose My Card Once Or Twice On Every Trip. They Always Give Me A New One At The Front Desk. My Cruise Team Colleague Ashley Kosciolek Also Escews Landyard-Wearing On Ships, But That Didn't Stop Her From Writing This Wonderful Guide To The Coolest Cruise Lanyards Around. Some Cruisers Also Swear By Bringing Magnets To Ships To Affix Dinner Invitations, Excursion Tickets And Other Important Papers To Their Cabin Walls. Walls On Ships Often Are Made With Metal (Even If They Look Like Wood, Thanks To Faux Wood Veneers) And Will Hold A Magnet. Some Cruisers Even Bring Magnets With Hooks So They Can Hang Up Clothes And Other Items On Their Walls.
7)Skip The Buffet On Your First Day On Board. There’s Nothing More Jammed Than A Cruise Ship Buffet On Embarkation Day. Everybody Boarding Heads Straight Up To It. To Avoid The First-Day Buffet Crowds, Head To Whatever Secondary Dining Option Is Available. Sometimes, A Ship Will Open One Of Its Table-Served Eateries For Lunch On Embarkation Day. It’ll Likely Be Much Less Crowded Than The Buffet.
8)Research Ports In Advance. There Are Some Types Of Vacations — A Beach Trip, For Instance — Where You Don’t Have To Do Much Advance Research. You Just Sort Of Show Up. Most Cruises Aren’t This Way — At Least If You Want To Get The Most Out Of Them. At The Heart Of Most Cruises Are Port Calls That, In Many Cases, Are Very Short — Often Just A Few Hours. You Want To Have A Plan For What To Do In These Ports Or You’ll Miss Out On A Big Part Of The Cruising Experience. Once You Know What Ports You’ll Be Visiting, Research Them As Much As You Can At Travel Sites Such As The Points Guy. We’re Starting To Build Out A Series Of Home Port And Destination Port Guides For Everywhere From Port Miami To Bora Bora.
9)Join A Facebook Group For Your Line. Another Great Place To Get Ideas For What To Do In Ports And On Ships — And What To Bring On A Cruise, For That Matter — Are The Many Private Facebook Groups Dedicated To Particular Lines. I Belong To A Number Of Them, Including The Royal Caribbean Cruises Group, The Cops (Cruisers Opinion Page) Group And The Holland America Line Fans Group. You’ll Find Thousands Of Cruise Fans At These Pages Who Often Are More Than Willing To Answer Questions About Their Favorite Line, Its Ships, Its Itineraries And The Destinations On The Itineraries. I’ve Met Some Wonderful People In These Groups, Some Of Whom Have Become My Longtime Friends On Facebook.
10)Sign Up For Private Tours. Booking A Shore Excursion Directly Through Your Cruise Line Is Easy. You Just Check A Box On An Online Form Before Sailing Or While On Board, And — Poof! — It’s All Arranged. But Booking Tours Through Your Line Isn’t The Only Option, And It’s Not Always The Best Option. In Many Cases, You Can Save A Lot Of Money — And Get A Better Touring Experience — By Booking Shore Excursions Through Independent Tour Operators In Ports Or A Tour Booking Service Such As Viator Or Tours By Locals. Often, Independent Tours Will Be Much More Intimate Than The Tours Offered Directly Through Cruise Lines. They Might Go To The Same Sites But In A Small Van Instead Of A Big Motorcoach. You Might Have Just Six Or Eight Other People On A Tour With You Instead Of Nearly 40. If Your Group Is Big Enough, You Might Even Be Able To Book A Private Tour With An Independent Tour Operator. Independent Tours Also Can Take You To Places That The Cruise Line-Organized Tours Don’t. Plus, They Often Come With Excellent Service. Toursbylocals Has Staff On Hand Around-The-Clock To Respond To Questions, And — For Those Worried About Missing Your Ship — They Offer A Return-To-Ship Guarantee With Every Tour.
11)Sign Up For Activities In Advance Or Soon After Boarding. Some Lines Will Let You Sign Up For Shows, Tours And Other Activities (Including Meals At Specialty Restaurants) In Advance Of Sailing Using Online Portals. If You Want To Be Sure That You Get A Seat For A Specific Show On A Specific Night, Or A Specific Tour Or Restaurant Reservation Time, It’s A Good Idea To Do This. It’s Not Uncommon With Some Ships To Find That Some Shows, Tours And Restaurant Reservation Times Book Up In Advance. If You Don’t Sign Up For Activities In Advance, A Backup Strategy Is To Do So Just After You Board A Vessel. That Said, Whether You Need To Race To Sign Up For Activities At The Start Of A Voyage Depends A Lot On Which Ship You Are On. I Am More Careful About Signing Up For A Lot Of Things In Advance When I Am Sailing On A Giant Ship Such As Royal Caribbean’s Record-Breaking Wonder Of The Seas Where There Are Thousands Of Other Passengers Competing For The Choicest Reservations.
12)Don’t Feel Like You Have To Do It All. While We’re On The Topic Of Signing Up For Activities, Note That It’s Ok If You Miss A Few Things. You Don’t Have To Do It All. In Fact, You Should Force Yourself To Try To Not Do It All. Remember, You’re On Vacation. Relax. Take Some Downtime. Sit On Your Balcony, If You Have One, And Just Stare Out At The Ocean For A Couple Of Hours. You Won’t Regret It.
13)Always Carry The Ship’s Contact Information With You. When Going Ashore, Always Bring The Ship’s Contact Information With You. Those Details Are Usually Printed In The Newsletter That’s Delivered To Your Cabin Each Night. If Something Goes Wrong When You’re Away From The Ship, You’ll Want To Get In Contact With The Cruise Line Right Away.
14)Keep Your Phone In Airplane Mode. Some Of The Biggest Cruise Ship Horror Stories You’ll Find On The Internet Are Tales Of Cruising Newbies Who Racked Up Thousands Of Dollars In Cellphone Charges While On Ships. This Can Happen When You Leave Your Phone Turned On And, Say, Watch Videos On The Internet. Many Phone Plans — Even International Plans — Do Not Include Talking, Texting And Data On Cruise Ships, And You’ll Pay Exorbitant Roaming Rates For Such Services That Will Show Up Weeks Later On Your Phone Bill. There Are Ways To Make Calls And Access The Internet From Ships Without Spending A Boatload Of Money. You Can Buy A Wi-Fi Package, For Instance, That Will Let You Make Facetime Calls And Stream Videos (On Some Ships) Over Wi-Fi Without Using Phone Data. Some Phone Companies Have Cruise-Specific Plans You Can Buy In Advance Of A Voyage. But I Personally Never Go That Route. I Keep It Simple. I Just Put My Phone In Airplane Mode The Moment I Step On Board A Ship And Never Switch It Back On. I Then Turn On The Phone’s Wi-Fi, Buy A Wi-Fi Package And Do All My Calling, Texting And Internet Surfing Over Wi-Fi. That Way, There’s No Way That I Can Be Surprised By An Unexpected Charge.
15)Download The Cruise App. A Growing Number Of Lines Now Have Apps That You Can Download To Your Smartphone In Advance Of Sailing. The Apps Vary In What They Offer, But Many Will Show You A Daily List Of Activities And All Of The Things That You Have Reserved. Many Also Will Let You Make Restaurant Reservations And Book Shore Excursions And Other Activities, And A Few Will Let You Order Drinks And Other Items To Wherever You Happen To Be Standing. That’s Pretty Cool, Right? The Best Part: The Apps Will Work On Board Even If You Don’t Pay For A Wi-Fi Package.
16)Use A Travel Agent To Book. Given The Complexity Of Booking A Cruise — There Are A Lot Of Decisions To Make In Cruises To Help You Arrange Things. A Good Travel Agent Will Quiz You About Your Particular Interests, Travel Style And Preferences And Steer You To The Perfect Cruise Line, Ship, Itinerary And Cabin For You. The Agent Also Can Help You If Something Goes Wrong Just Before, During Or After Your Voyage. In Addition, Travel Agents Often Can You Extra Onboard Credit And Other Perks That You Might Not Be Able To Get By Booking Directly With A Line.
17)Consider Travel Insurance. It’s Not Always Smooth Seas When It Comes To Cruising — Or Any Sort Of Travel. We Hate To Even Bring It Up, But You Might Need To Cancel Your Cruise In Advance Due To The Sudden Onset Of An Illness. Or, Maybe You’ll Fall Ill During The Cruise And Need Emergency Medical Attention. Maybe Your Flight To Your Ship Gets Canceled And You Miss The Vessel’s Departure. These Sorts Of Things Can Happen To Cruisers, And They’re All The Sort Of Situations Where You Might Benefit From Having Travel Insurance. Here’s A Comparison Of The Top Travel Insurance Providers And Information About Cancel For Any Reason Add-Ons.
18)Don’t Book A Cabin Near An Elevator. Not Every Cabin On A Ship Is Created Equal. When Choosing A Room On Your First Cruise, You Might Want To Stay Away From Those Near Elevators And Just Above Nightclubs And Other Late-Night Venues. They Can Sometimes Be Noisy. Cabins Just Below The Pool Deck And Near The Anchor Also Can Be Problematic As Well As Cabins Near Casinos.
19)Use A Points Card For Onboard Spending. You Saw This One Coming, No? Given Tpg’s Origins As A Points And Miles Website, We’d Be Remiss If We Didn’t Remind You To Maximize Your Credit Card Points While Making Purchases On Ships. The Way To Do This Is To Tie A Credit Card That Offers Extra Points For Travel Purchases To Your Onboard Account. This Could Be The Chase Sapphire Reserve, Which Offers 3 Ultimate Rewards Points Per Dollar On Travel And Dining (Excluding The Annual $300 Travel Credit). There’s Also The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, Which Brings 2 Ultimate Rewards Points Per Dollar On Travel And 3 Ultimate Rewards Points Per Dollar On Dining.
20)Don’t Tip Twice For Drinks And Spa Treatments. Most Cruise Ships Now Automatically Add A Gratuity To Bar Bills, Often In The Amount Of 18% To 20% Of The Total. Such Automatic Gratuities Also Are Becoming More Common In Ship Spas. But Many First-Time Cruisers Don’t Know This And Write In A Hefty Tip At The “Additional Tip” Line On Bills At Cruise Ship Bars And Spas. Be Sure To Ask If A Gratuity Already Has Been Included Before Adding Another 15% Or 20% To The Total. Otherwise, You May End Up Tipping Twice.
21)Use Points To Get To Your Cruise. Using Points And Miles To Pay For A Cruise Doesn’t Always Make Sense, As It Often Requires A Huge Number Of Them To Secure A Cabin. But That Doesn’t Mean You Can’t Save Big Time By Booking Your Flights To And From A Ship Using Points And Miles. You’ll Find Plenty Of Stories Here At The Points Guy About How To, Say, Pay The Equivalent Of $1,330 In Points For A Flight That Cost $16,000, Or Book A $27,000 Around-The-World Trip For Just $168 In Out-Of-Pocket Costs. Scroll Around A Little, And You May Never Pay Cash For A Flight To A Cruise Ship Again.
Credit For This Article Goes To Gene Sloan. Written On Jan. 23, 2023.
Article Was Found On Https://Thepointsguy.Com/Guide/Cruise-Tips-Tricks-Hacks/
These little miracle workers are absolutely incredible. I normally get seasick, so the days out at sea can be quite hard. I’ve tried many different remedies — from sea bands to homeopathic pills to Dramamine (which has horrible drowsy side effects). But these new motion sickness patches work like magic! On our last cruise, I thought I was going to puke, then remembered I had them. I simply stuck them behind my ears and BAM! I wasn’t sick for the rest of the trip.
2.Quick-Dry Travel Towel
A travel towel is a must-bring on a cruise. Cruise lines say they provide towels — but they can be a bit scarce. When they are available, they’re bulky and too big to carry on day-long excursions. By having your own travel towel, you can ensure that you’ll always have one that is compact and light as a feather. Moreover, this one dries 10x faster than cotton so you won’t have to lug wet towels after a long day at shore.
3.Sand-Resistant Beach Bag
One of the many things we love about cruising is island-hopping, so you can get a taste of each destination and return to the ones you enjoy most! Most stops will involve a beach along the coastline and you’ll want a sand-proof bag. This one is perfect for carrying swimsuits, snacks, changes of clothes, snorkels, etc. and even comes with an insulated cooler at the bottom for keeping your drinks nice and cold. Plus it’s compact and weighs next to nothing when empty.
4.Neck Wallet
Whenever you leave the boat, you will be told to bring your SeaPass (your room key) and a passport (or equivalent ID). This convenient little pouch safely stores your passport, driver’s license, cash, credit cards, and travel documents. If you happen to be stuck in a traffic jam (this happened to us!) or your taxi breaks down on the way back to the port and you miss your boat – you’ll be happy you have your passport with you. Additionally, it will keep everything secure so pickpockets can’t access your valuables at one of the ports.
5.Universal Waterproof Phone Case
Between dreamy beaches, rocky transit boats, playing along the shore at the port, boating excursions, and swimming at the ship’s pool – your phone is likely to get wetter than you’d probably like. Protect your lifeline with an affordable waterproof phone case. This one has a universal fit so any phone will be functional underwater, able to take stunning pictures and mini-movies with sound! It’s also sand-proof and scratch-proof so your camera lenses will be safeguarded. A small investment that could literally save you thousands. Also, consider getting a wrist float strap so that if you drop your waterproof cellphone case overboard, it will float!
6.Natural Hangover Relief Pills
Alcohol and sun are not a good combo and when you’re cruising, you may find yourself getting a lot of both. While you’re making the most of that all-inclusive drink package, use these natural hangover prevention pills made with vitamins, electrolytes, and other safe ingredients like Dihydromyricetin that actually help a lot! The one we like is called Cheers and was featured on Shark Tank. With proven liver support that detoxes alcohol faster, it worked for us!
7.TSA-Approved Luggage Locks
Between flying to the port, handing over your bag for delivery at your suite, and exploring cities that are targeted by pickpockets – these TSA-approved luggage locks are crucial to a worry-free travel experience. Many tourist-filled destinations are hot spots for thieves that work in groups to distract and rob you. We put these locks on our suitcases and backpacks to keep this preventable crime at bay. A lock should deter any sticky fingers and this set is 10x harder to crack than typical 3-digit locks.
8.Packable “Just in Case” Bag
Cruising is an amazing (and duty-free!) opportunity to pick up gifts and souvenirs wherever you drop anchor. There are also luxury stores onboard that frequently sell popular brands and hand-crafted jewelry. This “just in case” bag folds to the size of a large sandwich when empty, but when full, it can carry your tax-free treats like liquor, luxury purses, cosmetics, skincare, clothes, ornaments, photos, art, and exotic souvenirs from your daytrips. If flying to your port, it’s also a brilliant way to save yourself carry-on fees since it counts as a personal item bag.
9.Packing Cubes
Organization is key when packing for a cruise because unless you can afford a penthouse – your stateroom will be tiny! These economical luxury organizers are flexible and zippered so that you can pack them and place them neatly into your luggage and then place them directly into the drawers of your room without needing to unpack. You can label each cube (tops, pants, that sexy dress, swimwear, essentials, etc.), and they keep your items contained so that you never have to rummage around for what you need. Besides offering sanity and bliss, they also free up space for that duty-free merchandise you may be bringing home!
10.Travel Insurance for Cruising
Having good coverage is absolutely critical (especially in the age of COVID). Cruising often makes you think that you’re still in America because that’s often where the boat starts its journey. But think about where you’re going and if you’d like to be in a local hospital in an emergency (keeping in mind that your domestic coverage likely does not protect you when traveling abroad).
We recommend Faye for finding the right plan. Emergencies of many kinds (urgent trips home, medical problems, thefts, COVID-19 evacuations, cancellations, etc.) are all typically covered, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. You can even get coverage for hurricanes & inclement weather and many plans have the option of “cancel for any reason” (if you buy it within 15 days of your trip) which is handy to have these days!
11.Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger
Considering you will have long days at stops with potentially unpredictable power grids – you will be happy to have a portable charger. This one is our favorite because it’s about the size of a lipstick tube yet charges multiple devices in a day. We throw it in our backpack and can enjoy excursions without worry. It’s also nice because the ship is HUGE and you don’t want to walk (what feels like miles) back to your suite for a quick charge. Party the night away, feel free to explore, and always stay connected with the ability to snap that perfect Instagram selfie when traveling in foreign destinations.
12.Swimsuit Cover-Up
I am madly in love with this cover-up! It’s my go-to whenever cruising or visiting coastal towns. I just throw it over my swimsuit and feel totally comfortable traveling through the boat to the beach or on an excursion. It’s sexy but modest and comfortable enough to wear while walking around the cruise ports or casually exploring the ship. The lightweight material makes it dry super quick and it’s breathable – plus it’ll take up no room in your suitcase.
13.Affordable Underwater Camera
Cruises almost always take you to crystal-clear seas and underwater cameras are really fun to have in tow. We got so many great videos of my little son in the waves, my hubby snorkeling, and me hanging on the beach thanks to ours. We really like this little camera because it’s a fraction of the price of a GoPro but still works beautifully in 4K. Leave the DSLR at home, this camera will help you document all those breathtaking moments or that priceless underwater family self portrait.
14.Virtual Private Network (VPN)
When stopping at ports, you’ll likely want to get on various WiFi’s at restaurants, coffee shops, and beachside hangouts – but if you don’t have a VPN, then there is a chance you’ll compromise your security. This means potentially putting your passwords, credit card details, and online identity at risk of being stolen by hackers who prey on unsuspecting tourists.
A simple tap on your phone or click on your laptop is all you need to activate the VPN on-the-go, and you can then browse the Internet worry-free. NordVPN is our preferred provider. They offer exceptional service at an inexpensive price, so it’s really a no-brainer for any kind of travel.
15.Kid’s Snorkle & Life Vest
While adult rentals are readily available, it is much more difficult to find a child’s snorkel mask that actually fits your little one’s face! In many destinations, rentals may not even be available. This anti-leak snorkel mask is essential for families that plan to do any water activities. The full-face design feels safer to new swimmers because can simply breathe normally without a mouthpiece. Don’t forget a safety life vest that will give your kiddos full confidence in the water!
16.Deet-Free Mosquito Repellent Bracelets
Mosquitoes are an issue in most of the places frequented by cruise lines, puerly because all of the most sought-after tropical locations are perfect for these bloodsucking pests. To protect yourself, be sure to bring these mosquito-repellent wristbands that are natural and non-toxic. I always recommend a deet-free option to keep chemical exposure to a minimum. These wristbands are safe and effective, much easier to wear than having to reapply a spray over and over.
17.Windproof Travel Umbrella
Most cruises go to locations that experience a surprising amount of rain. On the several cruises we’ve done, there have always been rainy days where we wished we had a travel umbrella to avert getting drenched! When you’re out at sea, it’s often wildly windy too, so you’ll want one that is windproof. The additional benefit of an umbrella is you can also use it for sun and UV protection on those really hot days that will likely burn you otherwise.
18.Discounted Tickets on Popular Cruise Destination Shore Excursions
Shore excursions are way cheaper than the lame ones offered by the cruise lines (who often jack up the price to take a hefty commission). Get Your Guide is our favorite booking service for the most authentic tours purchased directly from the local companies.
Based on the most popular cruising ports – some activities to check out include: Swimming with dolphins in Cozumel, attending an authentic luau in Hawaii, and whale-watching in Alaska. Whether you’re cruising through the Bahamas or the Greek Isles, they offer discounted experiences like snorkeling with wild pigs in Nassau, visiting the best wineries in Santorini, and climbing the ancient Mayan Ruins of the Mexican Riviera.
19.Activated Charcoal (Food Poisoning Remedy)
Do not leave home without these charcoal tablets. Cruising often offers a false sense of security. You think, “Oh I’m on an ‘American’ boat, food will be safe. There shouldn’t be any problem with food poisoning or stomach viruses, right?” Wrong. You will most likely be visiting foreign countries like Mexico, Bahamas, Jamaica, St. Maarten, Honduras, Greece, etc., and all of these places are known for serious traveler’s diarrhea. Unfortunately, cruise ships are notorious for folks getting sick at the buffets. These puppies will save the day. No one wants to spend their whole vacation in the tiny ship’s swaying bathroom. Trust me! (Of course, you should always consult your doctor).
20.Long-Sleeved Swim Rash Guard
Being that most tropical destinations are closer to the equator, the sun in Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Southern Caribbean can be extremely harsh. I almost never burn and I turned red like a tomato on our first trip! It was a good reminder of the importance of covering up whether on the boat during cruising days or lounging at the beach. My husband is fair-skinned and cannot go to the beach without using a men’s rash guard. This one (pictured) is super stylish and flattering for women while offering serious UPF/UV sun protection – you can’t go wrong with it.
21.Water-Resistant Backpack
A water-resistant daypack is a seriously non-negotiable item for me when cruising. Not only are you literally surrounded by water all day, but the little boats that bring you to excursions and land can easily soak your things. My backpack actually fell in the water once and all of my stuff got ruined… Learn from my mistakes and protect your essentials with this backpack. Whether boating, snorkeling, or just docking – you will be happy to have it. This one folds up into its own tiny storage pouch when not in use.
22.Cooling Towel Set
Most cruise destinations are for hot locations (even during the winter months) so traveling with this cooling towel is a necessity for me. I hate feeling overheated and even though the comfort of air conditioning is available inside the ship, the deck is often scorching and AC is hard to come by at the port. If I’m strolling through the streets, visiting markets or other tourist attractions, I always carry this towel with me. For relief, you simply wet the towel, wring it out and apply it to your neck or shoulders for instant comfort. The towel is chemical-free and comes in a small case that prevents the other items in my daypack from getting damp.
23.Gorgeous Dress
By day, a cover-up may do the trick – but by night, you will need something a bit fancier! From the multiple dining options onboard to the inevitable dance club and lounge visits, this sexy cocktail dress is the ideal evening look. Most people go on vacation to feast and there will be no shortage of meals on a cruise ship, I like that this look covers my tummy yet hugs the curves for a modest look that complements all body types. We’re going for – affordably chic while looking like a million bucks!
24.Slip-On Mesh Water Shoes
In tropical locations, it’s likely that you’ll be in and out of the water while you’re exploring or taking part in shore activities – and flip-flops are not going to cut it. You’ll want something comfortable that can go from land to sea so you can wear them while walking around beachside towns or trails and then hop right into the water for some snorkeling. You don’t want to worry about getting sand or water in your heavy hiking shoes, causing you to slosh around and be weighed down. Plus, there are many beaches and reefs where it’s not a good idea to go barefoot, so these mesh water shoes are a safe solution.
25.Sand-Resistant Beach Blanket
A high-quality beach blanket is hard to find but will be a game-changer when cruising. This one by Wellax is made of parachute-like material that drys in no time, and sand can’t stick to it – no more sand grains in your picnic snacks! It folds up into a little carry bag and even has a pocket for your belongings such as keys and cell phones. Pair it with the travel towel and you will have everything you need for a low-stress day in the sun.
26.Hanging Toiletry Bag
Ships – even big, stable ones like cruise ships – tend to rock back and forth. They also leave a lot to be desired as far as countertop space and you may find yourself shrugging in disbelief at your 25-square-foot bathroom! Because of this, leaving your toiletries or makeup out and on the counter in your room is not a practical idea. A hanging toiletry bag makes packing extremely easy and keeps items organized and in-place so you always have access to what you need. When you’re ready to pack it away, all you do is fold it back up and go!
27.Packable Sun Hat
Since the most popular cruising routes sweep across the Bahamas, Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Hawaii, and Alaska – you will always need a decent sun hat. This one is my go-to because it is wide-brimmed and sweat-resistant, but most of all, it is packable! I’ve never met a hat that didn’t look completely destroyed and disheveled after a day in my suitcase. But this one rolls up to maintain a chic shape, making it ideal for wanderlusters that don’t want the sun in their eyes all day.
Credit For The Article Goes To The Author Lyric Fergusson On April 6, 2023. Information Was Found On https://www.asherfergusson.com/.
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