Yes, I Lysol everything. I start with the door and go left to right around the entire cabin! Light switches, remote, handles… gives me great peace of mind lol😊
@@susanwest1696 I buy multi-packs of baby wipes, pour alcohol and vinegar into the package (MUCH cheaper than disinfectant wipes!) and wipe everything down from top to bottom. It's GREAT for getting out stains, scuffs...pretty much anything. They are my saviour! Perfect for hotel rooms, too.
Great suggestions. Some additions: 1) put your cell phone on airplane mode but keep Wi-Fi turned on. That way, you won’t be charged for the ship’s roaming (very expensive) cell service. 2) check for odors, especially in the bathroom. On a few cruises, there was something amiss in the plumbing causing odors. A quick call to customer relations will send a technician who will diagnose and fix the problem. 3) At the first meal in the main dining room (or specialty restaurant), let the server know of any dietary restrictions. They will follow through with your requests throughout the cruise. 4) walk all of the public spaces, this will help you find things that you want to do or return to. 5) if you’ll be taking classes in the gym, go to the gym and sign up ASAP because some classes sell out. 6) If there’s ample time before sailing, you can get off the ship. A great thing to do if you are in a port that’s right near attractions (such as Sydney). You can have some fun and even shop for anything you forgot to bring with you. 7) Make reservations at specialty restaurants. If you are splurging on a specialty restaurant, making your reservation early will ensure that you get the time slot that works best for your schedule. 8) Sign up for raffles. Sometimes, the shops have day-1 raffles where you might win a prize.
Excellent additions! I learned the hard way on my first cruise about how fickle phones can be. Even though I did put it in airplane mode, at some point I got a text from AT&T saying I had thousands in data usage. I looked and saw that airplane mode had turned off. There was a toll-free number I could call while on the ship so I called and they verified that my phone model (it was a Samsung Galaxy) did indeed have an issue with airplane mode randomly turning off. They agreed to waive the charges and they gave me this bit of advice, which I now do every time. BEFORE turning on airplane mode, under Connections I go to Mobile networks. Then I do the following, which must be done in this order: 1) Turn OFF International Data Roaming. 2) Turn OFF Mobile Data. 3) Then turn ON Airplane mode. By doing this, even if airplane mode goes off for some reason, you sill cannot access data on the network and cannot incur any charges. Then when I want to go back on data I simply reverse the 3 steps in order 3, 2, 1.
@@mrscbury My pleasure! It only takes a couple extra steps and you have the confidence of knowing there's no way you could be charged. After awhile it becomes routine.
First thing I do, once getting into cabin, is unpack my carry on items and toiletries and store valuables in safe. I do my eMuster drill and get that out of the way. Then when luggage arrives, I unpack and get settled in. If not already done, I make reservations for dinners and entertainment - usually do that when first getting onboard before the cabins are ready as well as getting lunch. After unpack, I look at the activities and find a place to watch the sail away and get the first cocktail of the cruise!
We watch the muster drill video while we wait to board. As soon as we board, we locate our muster station and check in. Once that's done, we will walk around and find a bar😅... All that before we even have our room available.
Wish everyone would do that. We do it too. The constant announcements for people that haven’t gone to muster are annoying. They should not activate your card for drinks or food until you go to muster
We always wipe down everything with cleaning wipes. We do this every where we go. Hotel rooms, planes, trains, cars and cruise cabin. Just to be on the safe side. Then we organize everything in the room. Hang nice shirts/pants and tshirts shorts swimwear etc goon shelves and drawers. Us3 the luggage under the bed for dirty clothes for longer cruises and a mesh laundry bag in the closet.
I would add, try out the bed in your stateroom. It was a miserable first night and I tipped generously and asked our attendant if there was anything that could be done to the bed to make it softer. It was beautifully comfortable the 2nd night and the rest of our cruise. I wish I would've tried the bed immediately on embarkation so that the first night was as good as the others.
Great tips! My routine: 1) Start at the door and take pics of everything with my phone from one end to the other. 2) As you mentioned, inspect everything (items missing, working order, etc.) and wipe down anything funky and/or frequently touched with homemade disinfecting wipes. 3) Unpack. 4) Hot tubs!!
Unpacking is key. Then keep a laundry bag in the bottom of your closet. Just put all your dirty stuff straight in that bag and your room will stay organized.
One thing I would suggest. Check for bedbugs. Although it’s highly unlikely these little annoyances will be on a cruise ship; but on rare occasions they can be present and trust me, there’s almost nothing worse than waking up with bites from these little bloodsuckers.
Decorating your door is fun and practical. Helps you find the room easily and show your excitement, but do not put your names on the door. Had someone make charges to my room due to this. Was able to dispute but just a heads up to all.
My tip is to bring a mattress topper or request one asap because the bed are horrible unless you are in a suite. We were on the Odyssey with a group of 8 last week. The beds are hard like an exam table. We requested before the trip some padding and it did not show up but our wonderful stateroom attendant did his best to help. The pillows are no better. We knew these things might be an issue and checked the mattress out while we unpacked and settled in on day 1. I am not sure why RC changed to this awful beds for most cabins. We booked late and the suites were sold out. The Odyssey was wonderful beautiful ship but those beds sort of ruin it when you can not get any rest.
@@ChuckTownRC51 still gotta pay this one off first lol. We booked it through Affirm. Should be paid off by August or September. Then I can start planning the next one.
I would add one more thing. If you bring a back pack on board pack a change of clothes. Like Shirt and pants, and possible swim wear. This way you don`t have to wait until you luggage arrives at your stateroom. You can go for a swim or if you luggage is late to arrive you have at least a change of clothes if needed.
Thank you Matt for all the videos and guides. I also listen to your podcast while I workout. My wife and I are going on Navigator OTS for a 4 night Ensenada cruise in June! It will be my wife’s first cruise ever and my 4th! My first cruise ever was RC’s SOVEREIGN OTS so you know it’s been a while 😹 that was like 2005.. then I went in a Disney cruise as a teen.. didn’t care for it. Then went on Liberty OTS in 2019 with my sister! Can’t wait to share RC with my wife. We talked about going on a cruise and she said “which cruise line? I’ve be never been on one before so I trust you to decide” and I INSTANTLY knew RC is for her. More her scene. We aren’t party people. I will be enjoying that pool deck with all the frozen drinks my tummy can handle.
I would like to thank you Matt! I've been watching your videos to learn all about cruises since February! I'm going on my cruise TODAY!!!!! Navigator of the Seas! I'm so excited for it! 4/23 Thank you so much for all the tips you've given! I know I won't be missing anything huge on my vacation due to the education from you! Cheers M8
It’s funny…all the things you listed are EXACTLY the things I do as soon as I get on the ship! I guess I must be doing things right if I’m doing what the professionals do! Lol
Good video for people. I always check that everything works tell cabin Stewart I need distilled water for my c-pap machine free. Also extra towels 2 regular wine glasses and ice. Put decorations on door and unpack that's my routine 😊🎉🎉
The first thing that I do after getting to a hotel room is make myself a nice mug of tea to drink while I check out the space in the room and storage that is available for use .
@@johnlavery6116 I haven't had any hidden charges on my bill. I check my account daily. I've found the shopping to be good on the ship. Fair prices and quality products. I bought a Tissot Watch and the price was very good.
I never put my luggage under the bed I don’t like doing that. Remember your luggage is mixed with everyone else’s. Bed bug alert Just saying 😩 Then I check my room for these critters and then wipe down everything and then unpack Then the vacation begins 😀
I bring a Fire TV with me. The TVs are mostly Samsungs, so a Samsung remote should operate the TV and change inputs even if the remote in the cabin does not have that button. Some ships require more to get them to work with external devices, like unplugging the Ethernet port and powering off the TV. It would be nice for Matt to provide instructions for each ship.
The first thing I do whenever I get into my room is change into some relaxing clothes! I take the chance and travel the same day of the cruise (I know, I know. I'm taking a huge risk there) and I'd bring a change of clothes in my backpack for when I get on the ship, I can switch out of the traveling clothes and something more relaxing.
I will said before unpacking, INSPECT your cabin… in my last experience with different cruise line we have to change cabins 2 times… we un packed 3 times! I’m pregnant and we have a baby, this wasn’t only exhausting but it also caused a lot of stress and body aches. Nightmare vacation!
@@bugwar5545 It was great. Had trouble with the airlines, but the cruise itself was awesome. We enjoyed Navigator. Looking forward to Adventure OTS next summer!
Just wrapped a cruise on Voyager of the Seas and FYI standard refrigerators were no longer available, even in the suites. They had coolers, but they couldn't keep things "cold" for very long.
I always bring my luggage not because I dont want to tip. I tip quite a lot on vacation but, I'm terrified of having my luggage lost. It would ruin my entire vacation.
I was going to comment this! I also am a generous tipper, but almost every cruise I've been on, I've seen a flyer of a picture of someone's lost luggage. 😢 I always pack a small suitcase and a bookbag for my carry on and bring both with me onboard. A lost suitcase would ruin my cruise for sure.
Im a janitor and housekeeper with severe OCDs Wife and i bring cleaning supplies with us on every trip and pack our own blankets and pillows. Is that allowed on a cruise?
I never unpack my suitcase! That would be just stupid. If there is not a lot of space, like on the river cruise in Egypt, I close it again after taking out my new outfit, done.
I use to use the porters but my luggage was left on the dock lucky I brought a backpack with a outfit in it so at the first port I had to buy clothes. Never again I will drag my luggage around
Hi! I ❤ your channel!!One of the items that I’ve seen in your prior videos, the cruise safe multi plug was banned and confiscated from me yesterday getting on Oasis of the Seas
Good info. But I disagree about newer ships have more storage - I have found this to be the opposite. For example, the new desks don’t have a drawer. And no shelf or cupboard above the tv. Other cutbacks as well, but those two come to mind. Money saving for the builds I am sure…
With Windstar Cruises, you have a walk in closet that is huge, a shower/bathtub, a sofa with huge window, ...plenty of room. Unlike the massive awful floating cities, you will be able to eat where you want, what time you want, and not with the same people every night (Boring!!)
QUESTION: Is there a way to find out if our stateroom attendant is male or female prior to embarkation? We like to bring a gift for him/her and would love to bring a more personalized one this time.
Thanks for the tips! We'll be sailing RC for the first time this year, and will be in a junior suite. Will the attendants come at specific times each day? Wondering if we can customize when they come for service. I'm always caught off guard when housekeeping comes to my door and I'm still in bed. Lol.
There is a magnetic sign that the stateroom attendants watch for... One side is the "do not disturb" side and the other is "out catching thrills" to let them know that you are out of your room. I use the sign all the time and it works great!
No no no. Very first thing, place your luggage in the tub, then with a flashlight, check the couch seams and removed fitted bed sheet and inspect the mattress all around the seam. Look for blood spots, small little bedbugs, look for small coffee ground looking items on the mattress. If the bed is infested, you WILL BE GLAD you did not place your luggage under the bed or couch. Thank me later
I have a question about managing time out at sea. I guess that is important to plan the sailing days accordingly and to enjoy and not sleep in jejej. Does the cruise operate on different time zones, depending on where they stop within the itinerary?
The cruise ship usually recommend that you keep your time pieces on ship time and don't depend on pieces that usually change time automatically according to zone. An old fashion watch is good.
We've bid through Royal Up for a balcony cabin. We leave on May 1. When will we know if our bid has been accepted? I've heard it can be after sailing. Should we just wait to unpack?
I bid for the first time today and the confirmation says they will notify you by the time the ship departs. "If you do not receive a notification within 2 hours of departure, your room has not been upgraded."
Royal Up is very hit or miss. They can upgrade you at boarding time. I would just plan to be in the room you are assigned to at this point, and the royalup would be a bonus
Do we find this information online or do we have to call RC to clarify? Also, what alcohol is allowed to carry on and how many for 2 people ? Is it one bottle per person? For Anniversary, Thanks
If you’re boarding early, can you use your electronic sea pass card from the app or Apple wallet for purchases or for your drink package before you get your physical card when you can get to your state room?
@@RoyalCaribbeanBlog Okay Thanks. All app now. It has been 10 years for me. Going in 3 weeks Harmony of the Seas in Miami cannot wait! Got to research the islands.
Did I hear correct? Do you not need to make reservations for shows in harmony of the seas? Also when will you know when your room is ready? Do you get a notification? Or just check on your own
They usually make an announcement when they are ready. I have stopped by earlier to get the sea pass but I don’t leave anything in the room until they say they are available.
Shows you should reserve however don’t panic if they show as sold out. There is always a stand by line and you can usually get in via that process. Just show up for the standby line 15 minutes before the show.
Harmony is an Oasis class ship, so per Matt yes you do; reservations are highly recommended for piece of mind (and for the comedy shows, which will fill-up almost immediately when reservations go live). You can get in to most shows without a reservation by arriving 30 mins before, queuing up, and being let in ~10 minutes before the show starts due to no-shows for reserved guests.
I like those Pellegrino grapefruit sodas and RC does not have them onboard. I do not drink those sugary sodas they serve onboard. I was told by a rep from RC that we could not bring a 6 pack of soda. But here you said we could bring a six pack, which is it?
@@bugwar5545 We were allowed 1 bottle of wine per person in our check-in luggage during embarking only; no six-pack of soda. the ship was not willing to stock Pellegrino grapefruit sodas onboard either so I ordered only 2 cocktails, both were nasty. Luckily the wine was decent.
@@benitafinleypurifoy181 I just called Royal Caribbean, they confirmed that you CAN bring up to twelve soda's with you. Dunno who is doing the scamming, but I will believe the cruise line till proven wrong.
Even if you have been cruising for 50 years, which I doubt, that would be 6 cruises per year, every single year, for 50 years. Thats assuming you're 70 and started at 20. Riiiiiiight. No job? Cruised every other month huh? I always get a kick out of the cruisers that feel like they have to lie to impress people. I seen another liar like yourself the other day, say that they have been on 600 cruises. Stop it. Don't be so insecure, it's silly.
Make sure you have good water pressure in the shower and that you can get hot water. That and checking that the toilet flushes is the first thing I always do.
Love this! Wish more people understood it. It's sad, the amount of code switching that goes on because "proper English" is needed to be taken seriously
