15 Little Things That Make a BIG Difference on Royal Caribbean
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- čas přidán 18. 10. 2021
- We often talk about really "big picture" tips, such as what cabin to book, ship to pick, or ways to save money, but today I've got a list of some minor, yet important tips to enhance your cruise vacation that will have a big impact!
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I took two cruises in the last two months. I carried lots of $5 bills with me. I passed them out every time I ordered a drink. The cruise employees were not able to work for 1 1/2 years. I talked to many of them and most did not have unemployment compensation in their countries. I prepaid tips but at the end of the cruise I gave the waiters and cabin steward an extra $30. I know $30 does not seem like much to Americans. My cabin steward had to hold back tears. He said his family had to eat rice on many days during pandemic because he could not find any work. So be generous on your cruises.
Great tip!
Wish I had money like that
I first used the $5 function on our honeymoon. Quick and easy for me, appreciated by those that received.
We are already socking a little bit of tip money away and have been for a bit now. Gonna keep doing this right up until we board, for just this purpose. As a (former due to the pandemic) travel agent, I completely understand the lack of funds over the cruise shutdown. While I am fortunate enough to not have gone through anything that severe, I can empathize. I ALWAYS carry cash for those that handle my room and food at a minimum.
I hope they pin your post, it is that important!
Going to do this on my trip this December. Thank you!
There is ONE more thing you should add. A paper photo copy of your passport, copy of another ID (such as a driving licence) and a photo copy of your credit card(s), and put these copies in one of the handy plastic bags you were talking about. Yes, I know what you are saying now '...I've got photos of those documents on my phone' or even 'I have photos of those documents in the 'cloud', and that is great, but your phone could be lost or stolen, or you forget your password to the cloud or you can't get internet connection to work when you REALLY need it... You save SO MUCH TIME AND HAZZLE if you have hard copies (paper photo copies) of those documents, if you would ever need them.
I've alway enjoyed waking up early to see the sun rise. There are some sun rises that will take your breath away. Also it is kind of fun to get up to a nearly empty ship and feel like the top deck is all yours. At the end of the cruise like to take a walk around to reflect on my vacation that I just had. I also like to thank the Ocean for a safe and enjoyable trip. This last part may sound and seem strange but is makes me feel like the trip is complete and I am ready to return back to my normal life again.
Hopefully soon when this pandemishit is over!
Great list! As an experienced cruiser, the only other things I would add to this list is to pack one change of clothes in your carry on bag along with your swim suit. If your luggage doesn't make it on the ship, you can have a full vacation with your suit and another change of clothes. We had our luggage go missing for a full day before on a cruise ship. Thankfully they found it by the next day. Another tip is to pack half of all your clothes in your partners bag and vice versa. Usually it's just one bag that goes missing and this way each of you will still have half your things. Other than these two tips, I think you did a great job covering them all. Maybe you can do a pdf of this on your web page for new cruisers. Did you mention using a packing list?? That's a big help for me.
We went to Mexico this summer with two other couples and one of the guy’s luggage got lost. It put a damper on the trip. He had to get a cab and got to Walmart to get some replacements. Being in a different country with a language barrier wasn’t fun. His luggage arrived 3 days later. Your tip would have been very useful. I wish we have thought of it back then. 👍🏾 Great tip
@@aaronbryant2222 done this for years..and I enjoy using the hot tub whilst sipping on a pina colada , soon as I'm on-board.. and observing others , observing me and thinking, "Why didn't we do that?"🤣
Absolutely brilliant with the suitcase trick! Love it!
Great extra tip
Thank you! Because of this video, I checked my cruise for next month and got a $1000 refund because of a price decrease!!!!
Love hearing how many people just who watched this video have saved big bucks!
Wowza!
Not only flying but I would also get there the day before if you’re driving. Especially if you’re leaving out of a port in Florida and have to get on I-95. The peace of mind is priceless.
Matt after a long day of work… and I come home and one of your videos are up…I instantly relax and watch! I always thumbs up by the way! Thank you for this channel!
Thanks so much! Really glad to hear you are enjoying the videos!
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND a second pair of glasses. I NEVER PACK a second pair but on the 2nd day of my cruise 🛳 I almost lost mine due to high winds! Thank goodness that my son was with me!
I like to bring a soft small blanket in my suitcase when I travel. Great for cozy times on the balcony or when having a quiet moment on the wonderful promenade deck.
I usually don’t comment on videos, but you just saved me $1000 on my cruise by giving me the “check your price again” tip. Thanks a thousand times. Cheers!
I am booked on Freedom of the Seas in March 2022, and I will be watching this video again about a month before cruise. Thanks for all the info!!!
WOW...MATT YOU SAVED ME $646!! I just refared post final payment and got this huge on-board credit!!! Thank you!!
They should offer a perk if you make final payment within 60 days of booking if you're sailing several months out. This will give them a lot of cash flow for very little cost.
That’s terrific!
BRING EXTRA CONTACTS!
I definitely learned this the hard way on my cruise to Alaska in 2019... I ripped my contacts the first day of the cruise (I don't have daily/disposable... mine are 1 pair/month). I had to wear glasses the rest of the trip. Not a huge deal but definitely inconvenient when I wanted to go on things like the flow rider... and then I couldn't wear my sunglasses (they are non perscription since I almost always wear contacts).
I will definitely do this for my next cruise in July 2023 on Oasis :)
Pro tip - in your phone diary enter the cruise day number under the days. If you ring up and say you want a reservation on Thursday it adds confusion. To you it’s Thursday and to them it may be day 4.
Boy am I happy I stumbled across this video! I'd booked a 7 night cruise several months ago and was set to make my final payment in a couple of weeks. I followed your advice about checking to see is there'd been any price drops by making a mock reservation on-line similar to what I had booked. Lo and behold! There was indeed a price difference! I called RC and not only did the price drop mean that the cruise is now "paid in full", but I'm also due a refund of over $100! That's a difference of over $1,100! Thank you for such an excellent tip!
That convinced me to wait as long as I can to pay for the cruise. Thanks.
Tip for CPAP users: pack your approved extension cord (without surge protection) in your carry on bag, so you can explain its medical purpose. Ours was confiscated at the embarkation port in Port Canaveral while sailing on RCCL because it was in my checked luggage (with the CPAP machines, go figure) and I wasn't able to explain why I needed it. Came as a shock when we unpacked & had to ask the steward for one. They are sometimes available on a first-come, first-serve basis and we got lucky. Now I always pack ours in my carry on bag, just in case.
Thanks for sharing this suggestion!
Do you take distilled water as well?
@@jeffewaldt9166 We don't use it, but I know you can carry it on and/or purchase it & have it delivered on Carnival. I would call the cruise line ahead of time & get the details for each line. 👍🏻
@@jeffewaldt9166 Royal provides distilled water at no charge. Call them to request it before your cruise.
@@dianej1714 TU for that info! Appreciate it.
LOVE all of Matt’s great tips. Update since this was recorded. I was told by a RCCL customer service agent when I booked my cruise for 2023 that the “Cruise with Confidence” ends for all cruises September 30, 2022. You can now only get a price adjustment within 48 hours of booking for cruises booked after March 31, 2022. Not saying a “special” won’t come along again for this perk. Thank you Matt, we cruise often but always learn from your videos.
Great tips, here's another one. Pack a few of clothes pins in your bag, you can get these at most dollar stores. Use to hang your wet swim suits on the clothes line in the shower or to hold down your towel on your chaise lounge.
Thanks for the tip about the Small Wonders. We will definitely check this out on the Oasis in December.
Thank you Matt for asking viewers for input on tips we would like… when filming a tour of a ship it would be great to show a close up of the swimming pools - are there steps going into the water, or ladders. I would think I’m not the only senior adult who can’t manage getting in and (especially) out of a pool without steps. I am able to cruise again and I love spending time in the pool - I don’t want to find myself on a ship where I am unable to enjoy the pool.
If I am correct. It looked like they had a chair that could have lowered you into the pool if you need.
I've tried a few of these tips before, but for me, the promenade deck is an absolute must. You can't go wrong with a nap after lunch on the promenade deck of a Vision class ship. 😊
I would add that if you do have onboard credit which you don’t use, go the last night to the casino, withdraw this money in chips, have a gamble or not, then take the chips back and ask for cash rather than crediting it back to your account. Voila, cash in hand.
I was wondering about not using the credit. Brilliant. Thanks.
Re: Promenade deck: Oasis and Quantum classes don't really have the "classic" promenade deck. They have a walking path that is narrow and much more closed in, although there are a couple spots to sit and watch the water. On the other classes, YES, the promenade deck is a godsend. It's so peaceful and relaxing. A great place to drink your coffee in the morning or have that nightcap before you end your cruise day in the evening. Also be aware that a section of the promenade deck (about a quarter of one of the sides) will be a smoking section.
Extra contacts are a must. Lost one while swimming, so glad I had a back up pair!
Magnets are awesome! I ordered some from Amazon. They are great for hanging things to dry. Sweaters, or just extra space if the closet is full
Great tips. Updating my cruise list now. 👍🏽👏🏽😊
I actually book a room all the way forward or aft on the ship for 2 simple reasons, the rocking of the ship gives me amazing sleep quality, and to walk further and burn more calories. Oh, and I don't use the elevators for the same reason.
Headed on our very first cruise this summer! Your video blogs have been so helpful in breaking down every aspect of cruising. We love good hints and hacks!
Going on my 1st cruise this December. Very eager for the experience!
My next cruise is onboard Allure so I will listen to your tip, "Finding Small Wonders"!
Yes! Our travel agent was just able to get us a room upgrade with an onboard credit due to price changes and we’ve already paid.
Fantastic tips in this one! Especially about bringing your swimsuit in your carry-on!
I love your videos Matt. So many good tips (we always book close to the elevators) but I love all your visuals. Here in Australia I'm missing cruising and the ships so much. Hope to be cruising soon.
Glad you like them!
I believe gratuities are included in the price of an alcohol drink package as well. If so, that might be a good tip to include for guests. Always good to tip the waiters you really like a little extra (and you will always find some favorites on the ship) but I found myself tipping every drink during a past cruise because I wasn’t aware.
Thank you for that very important advice, especially flying in before the day of the cruise. Since flying after COVID-19, at least three of my flights have been delayed two or three times.
Matt , no matter how much You Cruise
these are all Great Ideas to go over ...
Thanks ..
I appreciate that!
One more little thing - there is no charge to use the spa locker room and many times, it includes a steam room.
Hi matt. Definitely check the cruise prices. We got up graded and £400 back after booking as a few weeks later we saw our cruise that much cheaper. We are cruising for the first time this June and have found your videos really helpful. Thank you.
I am always the over packer when it comes to meds and contacts. I will bring a few packets of every type if medication out there.
Great video! The elevator tip is a great tip. Especially if you had a few at the bar, easier to find your room.
Hypothetically, of course
I'll keep that intoxicated navigation tip in mind. :-)
Fly in several days ahead - then tour the neighborhood. FUN!!!!
Great tips!
Matt, my parents arrived to their cruise port a day before and there were issues with their airplane so it was due to depart later that night or the next morning so that was not an option... they bought another flight with a different airline! That's why we all recommend to arrive at least a day before!
I'm so glad I watched this. My boyfriend and I just got $350 of on board credit thanks to the best price guarantee. Had no idea about it
How did you go about getting the best price guarantee? Nobody gave you grief?
@@tylerbrown7027 nope! It's really easy. You just call the regular support line and ask about it. They confirm that there is a lower price and then give it to you immediately. We did it and so did our friends who went.
@@Gtneff I'll have to do that for sure. I appreciate you taking the time to answer me.
I realized how important it's to use a travel agent when I wanted to move my booking to another itinerary. I was surprised my agent moved the down payment very quickly to the other itinerary without having to refund and book again. It's faster than having to reach Royal Caribbean directly on the phone.
That’s awesome!
Matt, my question yesterday about the Day One onboard discounts- Yes, it can apply to the Spa but maybe other things too? I was just wondering if the cruise had very low interest "pre-cruise" and they were trying to generate revenue on Day One, maybe one could catch a deal somewhere? (especially nowadays when ships are low occupancy)
Hi Matt! Great tips as usual! I did not know you can try for a better price right up to the sailing date. This is a change for RCL. By the way, can you suggest a cell phone holder that you wear around your neck or can carry around the shoulder?
ziploc bags are great on shore excursions. Had an extra large one to put wet swimsuits in. Came in handy on a St. Lucia excursion where the young man behind me was getting car sick on the windy roads. Always carry a spare one now.
Great point!
I am leaving in 6 days. This channel really helped me alot!
This was a solid video!
Thank you!
My mom and I did the Small Wonders scavenger hunt, was a ton of fun.
Hey - nothing wrong with shuffleboard Matt :P Great tips. Thanks!
Just saved me over 200 dollars. Thank you soo much!!
Excellent!
Cruising again in a few months. Our booking has dropped almost $800!!!!! Will keep checking to see if it will drop further. Arriving the day before is a must for us. Less stressing over flight delays. Great tips and will jot them down!!! 🚢
It's such a good feeling when you re-price and save so much!
@@RoyalCaribbeanBlog BEST EVER!!!🤗🤗🤗
Oh yes with my knee issues we always book next to the elevator and middle of the ship because I have only half a ship length to walk from the cabin to whatever I’m doing. And if I need to rest going from one end to the other I can pop into my cabin and take a 10-15 min break if I need to.
All great tips, as always, Matt. I nodded my head all through it as they're almost all musts for me. BTW many also apply on land trips, too. Funny little story about using an agent...I always booked my Royal trips direct since I didn't think an agent would matter. Everything I saw, read, or heard said that they will always give you the same price anyway - but they might be able to throw in some perks. Well, three days ago I was booking a Royal cruise direct and, just for the heck of it, went to an OTA to compare. The price was exactly the same. I called anyway just to see if they could offer me something more, like OBC. Guess what? They gave me a price that was $300 less than what I was looking at even on their own site - and they gave me an extra $100 OBC. I'm sold.
I booked direct because I didn’t know any better. If it’s already booked would they be of any help?
@@trueworship424 It depends on whether or not you have made final payment yet and what the cruise line policies are. For example, with Royal Caribbean you can cancel before the final payment date and you'd only lose a non-refundable deposit. Then you could rebook it through a travel agent if you want. But it may not be worth it depending on how much you'd lose.
I booked direct with RC then talked to a travel agent and they just transferred it! It was easy abc I got $50 OBC per person in each cabin
@@tarasayre4295 Yes, since I posted this a year ago I have been on 8 Royal cruises and have done the same as you. It never hurts to shop around and many travel agents want to secure your business and will match or better the deal.
Great vid Matt watching it on Harmony in the Mediterranean atm
Have fun! (And yes, I'm jealous)
@@RoyalCaribbeanBlog Thanks Matt sorry I know its your fav ship its my first time on here and must say the limited capacity is class, great time to cruise...love your videos and your pod keep up the good work.
Don't forget that on Radiance, Freedom, and Voyager class Royal ships the heliport is open all day unless there is bad weather and that is also a great spot to relax, and for arrivals and departures from ports.
Thanks Matt
Thanks for remnding me to bring extra glasses!
I just have something to point out regarding the rebooking price drop for your cruise. I noticed that after I booked my cruise online it states that you only have 48 hrs to get the difference of finding a lower price.
Really good info for planning ahead. Reduce stress of travel #noanxietyzone
Glad it was helpful!
On carnival we have stayed close to the elevator and that's all we heard entire cruise. Royal seems to have a LOT better insulation especially for sound.
Thanks for the validation.
I stayed first cabin beside the elevator and hallway to the theatre backstage and never heard a sound.
We are driving to Galveston the day before and our cruise on Symphony in May we are flying the day before I already have the app
Checked and my cruise is cheaper with some on board credit now. Spent an hour on hold to RCL and they pointed out that Best Price Guarantee is only applicable for booking made before 31st October 2021 and that sail before April 30th 2022. I'm sailing on the Wonder in May so it wasn't applicable.
As a beginner cruiser, I don't know if I get easily sea sick due to lack of experience being out at sea. I will certainly pack anti-nausea but I would like to know where on these large ships are the common location/s to feel movement? Thank you for all the great content you put out here on CZcams for us Matt! I have been taking notes from your videos as my husband and I are preparing to go on our first cruise together (my 2nd cruise ever) this week! I'm super excited! 🎉🚢
Idea - best way / different ways to carry your cruise card
I booked June 2021 and in Sept got a cruise adjustment $50. If I see it lower again can I get it adjusted again? Also as a first time cruiser I added gratuity to my cruise payment. How do I know who to tip or not tip?
We've always booked near elevators. No noise and so quick n easy to get about.. particularly midship. I also go higher up, so nearer to Windjammer n pools ! Just not directly under the pool - NOISY !
My wife and I have been Carnival cruisers and have missed the opportunity to cruise due to the 19. We decided to go for it and wanted something different. We've booked Royal Caribbean for the first time on the Mariner sailing 1/1/22 and it appears to be sold out, so we can't get any reduced price. Q: what percentage of full is this voyage booked?
GOOD ADVICE AS ALL WAYS THINK MATT
Could you do a video on everything the app is used for?
Thanks for the suggestion!
Me too!
The contact lens tip: a life saver. I changed to the 1-day disposable lenses, so i dont need the solution anymore
I am cruising over Thanksgiving. Any special tips for holiday meals or activities? We’ll be in Nassau but having dinner back at ship. When can I make those reservations
My wife and I are sailing on Anthem of the Seas in March and we were able to make our specialty dinning reservations in advance.
typically when i travel i bring just cary on luggage and no checked bags, is this an option for a cruise? it’s my first cruise as an adult and only my second one ever. i was hoping to just bring a cary on into the ship and not have to wait for it to arrive at my stateroom
Well,i booked to fly the red eye, so we shall see. 1st cruise, and I booked before I found all the tips/tricks. I do get in at 9 am, with a 4:30 ship leave time, so hopefully all goes well.
How dare you talk down shuffle board! Lol it’s one of our favorite things to do on cruises! My wife and I are in our early 30s going on our 6th cruise and shuffle board is such a fun thing to play and relax at! Just giving you a hard time. Your videos are our favorite to watch in preparing for our royal cruises. Thank you!
We book near the elevator ! No Noises , cos they're not near by.. but close enough to get about much faster ! Same with decks. We like deck 10 or 12 on oasis classes
Does that price lowering thing work on other cruise lines too? I feel like they would just say no if i called
Booked on mariner of seas, there was a substantial price decrease, but since I booked using a casino rate. Was told I'm not eligible. .annoying..
They also changed my cabin (due to covid distancing) but after Jan this shouldn't even matter..ugg.
Finding a travel agent that find the cruise price drop FOR you is the holy grail. They are very far and very few. Cabins near the elevator - twice we had a cabin near the elevator/stairs and was disturbed by kids running up and down the stairs and drunks speaking loudly getting on and off the elevator during the middle of the night. I now book cabins a few cabins away.
Does Royal Caribbean typically have libraries? Not so much for the 'there are books to borrow', but more for the quiet. There are probably also lounges which tend to be quiet as well, or maybe just live music and otherwise tending to be quiet.
can you explain the dining package. if i decide i want to prepay before the cruise is that all i pay for the dinner?
I purposely book my room away from the elevator because it forces me to walk more. Not a bad thing to do after all the cruise food.
Less traffic too, (less noise)
You're not wrong, but not gonna lie, I get lazy lol
@@RoyalCaribbeanBlog I also think as long as I can walk well that I should leave the rooms by the elevators for those who can not walk well.
We had a room by the elevator on Ovation of the Seas. Perfect. No noise and so convenient. We are on Liberty of the Seas next and we are so far from the elevators on deck 12. We do try to get 10,000 steps in every day so I am sure this will not be a problem.
I try to book in between the elevator banks! If it's a smaller ship, I book near the central/main elevators.
I always tell 1st timers to packs their bathing suits in their carry on. Medications are good too.
Do you know if the Abyss, zip line & carousel are open on Oasis on the1st day to use???
Yes they are!
Remember to take closed-toe, tie-up shoes. Sandals and boat shoes can’t be worn on the zip line, and you can’t ride barefoot. We only brought slip-on shoes so we couldn’t ride it.
The tip to pack a bathing suit in your carryon is great.
We just received notice of a price drop on our Sept '22 Alaska cruise already. That's why we always use a travel agent.
How did you get the notice? Through your travel agent or on a separate site?
Hey!!! I love shuffleboard!!! 😂
Great list.
I’ll add:
-heavy duty magnets with a hook.
Also, I switched to daily contacts 2 years ago and this is absolutely the way to go now. I’m a contact wearer for 30 years and this is the biggest game changer since getting them.
Matt, do you have a particular travel agent at MEI that you use and happy with?
All the agents are fabulous
Thank you for repeating what I’ve been doing for years 😂 I Actually saved on my back to back trip 1200. $
Can you clarify more Matt, about the price drop time frame ? Someone's commented it's on 48hours after paying. But I read it's up to 48 hours prior to saiing .
Wit the enhanced cruise with confidence, it’s now up to 48 hours before sailing.
Between now and final payment date, cash refund for price difference when you reprice.
After final payment date, because of enhanced cruise with confidence, you can get onboard credit for price difference up to 48 hours before you sail.
Is it still true for 8/2022, even if the cruise is fully paid for, RCL will give credit if the price drops?
My previous question maybe I didn’t explained myself well , my girl booked our cruise abs she took the insurance that Royal offers she’s Canadian am from us we want to know if the insurance will cover both or only me for being the us resident please and thank you
I just posted an article about insurance for Canadians: www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2021/10/19/what-canadians-need-know-about-cruise-insurance
I joined cruisewatch and they send emails with price changes
We got our Alaskan balcony coming in July for the price of an interior room last fall we booked super early though FYI
I have booked my cabin close to elevators for years since I have mobility issues and cannot walk a long way at one time! Most cruise lines do not allow you to remove ship food to take into port even if it is in a baggie!
If you are taking a red eye arriving the morning of. What are your thoughts? Good or bad
Do they have life jackets on board for little kids in the pools or should you bring your own?
That’s why I have a TA they do a price check for me