15 Little Things That Make a BIG Difference on Royal Caribbean 

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.

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.

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.

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.

Thank you! Because of this video, I checked my cruise for next month and got a $1000 refund because of a price decrease!!!!

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!

WOW...MATT YOU SAVED ME $646!! I just refared post final payment and got this huge on-board credit!!! Thank you!!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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 :)

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.

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!!!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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'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 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.

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.

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.

One more little thing - there is no charge to use the spa locker room and many times, it includes a steam room.

My next cruise is onboard Allure so I will listen to your tip, "Finding Small Wonders"!

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

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.

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 video! The elevator tip is a great tip. Especially if you had a few at the bar, easier to find your room.

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.

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!!! 🚢

Fly in several days ahead - then tour the neighborhood. FUN!!!!

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.

The contact lens tip: a life saver. I changed to the 1-day disposable lenses, so i dont need the solution anymore

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.

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.

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.

My mom and I did the Small Wonders scavenger hunt, was a ton of fun.

Thanks for the tip about the Small Wonders. We will definitely check this out on the Oasis in December.

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.

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.

Idea - best way / different ways to carry your cruise card

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!

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.

77 days b4 my first ever Royal cruise! 9 night Eastern Caribbean New Year’s cruise out of New Jersey, we embark on New Year’s Eve I cannot wait!

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.

Just saved me over 200 dollars. Thank you soo much!!

Thanks for remnding me to bring extra glasses!

Thank you for repeating what I’ve been doing for years 😂 I Actually saved on my back to back trip 1200. $

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.

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 RU-vid 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! 🎉🚢

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!

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.

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

Matt , no matter how much You Cruise these are all Great Ideas to go over ... Thanks ..

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 !

The tip to pack a bathing suit in your carryon is great.

For those who are going ashore, be very aware of the surroundings and people. Pickpockets and purse snatchers and hustlers are legion. Carry $50-100 inside your shoe w/a copy of your Driver's license, and Picture page of passport, under the cushions just in case, in a Ziploc bag.

My luggage didn't arrive until 1:30 AM, I arrived at 11:30. Thank goodness I flew in a day early!

I always WEAR my swimsuit under my clothes at embarkation. I pack extra undergarments in my bag in case I decide to change back into the clothes.

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.

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

“ yes Matt flying in ahead of time saved my vacation” lol 😂

Fantastic tips in this one! Especially about bringing your swimsuit in your carry-on!

I am leaving in 6 days. This channel really helped me alot!

Hey - nothing wrong with shuffleboard Matt :P Great tips. Thanks!

We love being near the elevator and have never had trouble with noise!

Really good info for planning ahead. Reduce stress of travel #noanxietyzone

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?

Found Hiddens wonders. Also, here's another one, don't book mdr for 9 PM. They start being anxious, rushing a bit, and toys will end up looking at the crew setting tables for the next day.

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.

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!

GOOD ADVICE AS ALL WAYS THINK MATT

ALWAYS PACK TWICE AS MUCH MEDICATION AS THERE ARE CRUISE DAYS!

Play Shuffleboard - it is really fun for all ages!!

Great tips. Updating my cruise list now. 👍🏽👏🏽😊

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.

Hey!! Matt Hochberg, i just tuned in, planning our first cruise, and i would know your voice anywhere!! I used to listen to your WDWToday podcasts while i was at work. You guys were so great, so funny and helped a lot. Glad to hear ya again and i hope you are doing great! Thanks for the welcome distraction all those years working a desk, you guys made my days a lot better!! P. S. I still think Mike cheated staying in an RV at the campground!😂❤️

The deck 4 or 5 promenade is where I chill.

Take photo of everything document related. My wifi did not work in Canada but my screen shot of my negative covid test worked.

I always book my room near elevators, never have had any issues at all

AND, if your cruise ends in a foreign country, I recommend that you don’t fly out on that day. Our cruise arrived in Shanghai at 7pm due to fog.

Tip - Pack some items of clothing and yer bathing wear in her carry on,, Then you can enjoy pools n tubs prior to the Masses ! And get changed after for dinner, even if her case hasn't arrived

Lmao the girlfriend and I are actually going on the liberty of the seas in January and fully plan on playing shuffle board

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.

The reason I choose My Time Dinning is because I don't want to be bound to a strict time table when I am on vacation

Could you do a video on everything the app is used for?

We just received notice of a price drop on our Sept '22 Alaska cruise already. That's why we always use a travel agent.

Me too!

Make sure to have a lot of small bills in cash for when you go on the islands. Last thing you wanna do is buy something from a county that uses different currency and only having a $20. So I like to have majority of my cash I'm small bills for tipping and small things on the islands.

Older ship tips. (Specifically serenade of the seas) cruise in November

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.

Great vid Matt watching it on Harmony in the Mediterranean atm

Great tips!