cruise room tips

Stay in the Loop: The latest cruise DEALS & NEWS delivered to your inbox - Click Here!

CruiseOverload

29 Cruise Cabin Hacks Every Traveler MUST-KNOW

Taking a cruise is an adventure in and of itself. Although most cruises are intended to be a relaxing occasion, unpacking in a cabin can be slightly frustrating.

If you’ve ever taken a cruise, you know the cabins can be pretty cozy and compact, so you have to be smart about how you organize your belongings.

Although cabins can be rather snug, they tend to be laid out in a way that takes advantage of all the space available.

So to make the best use of the area, we have compiled some tried-and-tested cruise cabin hacks to take full advantage of every crevice, transforming even the smallest space into a neatly organized haven.

Table of Contents

Cruise Cabin Hacks

Bring Only What You Need

Before we even get to the cabin, the biggest ‘hack’ is packing only what you’ll need and use.

The cabin space is tight, tight, tight. You don’t want to bring more than you’ll need.

Go through your wardrobe ahead of time and select outfits that suit both day and nighttime activities on the ship. Remember to factor in any special theme nights or dress codes .

Put Your Luggage Underneath The Bed

The first thing you’ll want to d when you get into your cabin is unpack and slide your luggage under the bed. This not only clears floor space but also helps to keep your cabin tidy and accessible.

If you have a carry-on and a larger luggage, you can store one inside the other making even more room.

Request Extra Hangers

Once on board, reach out to your cabin steward for extra hangers. This will let you maximize closet space and avoid wrinkled clothes.

Some people like to bring their own hangers. Don’t do that! It’ll be highly inconvenient and there are plenty onboard to request extra.

Packing Cubes, Packing Cubes, Packing Cubes!

Packing cubes are not just a cruise hack, but a life hack!

They turn the chaos of packing into a neatly organized ballet of belongings, each item in its designated place. Packing cubes keep your belongings sorted and easy to find, transforming your suitcase into a model of efficiency.

Designating a color for each family member can simplify the process even further, making unpacking and finding what you need a breeze, even in the most compact cruise cabin.

Desk = Vanity

Truth be told, the bathrooms can be as small as the cabins itself. Convert the desk in your cabin into a personal vanity area by organizing your beauty supplies neatly in the drawers.

There truly just isn’t enough space in the bathroom and the desk makes the perfect spot for all your makeup and skincare products.

Bring A Power Strip

Bring along a non-surge-protected power strip approved for cruise ships to accommodate your electronic devices and keep them all charged.

This simple addition to your packing list ensures that you can keep cameras, phones, and tablets fully powered, ready to capture every moment of your adventure.

Unfortunately, the cruises I;ve gone on didn’t have many outlets and we’d have to argue over who gets to charge and when.

Pack a Portable Charger

On a similar wavelength, pack a portable charger to make sure tyu always have enough juice.

A portable charger ensures your devices stay powered up while you’re on the move around the ship or ashore. It’s a travel MUST.

Magnetic Hooks and Clips

Your cabin’s walls are metal, which makes magnets your new best friend. Hang items like shore excursion tickets or wet swimsuits.

Make sure you get some heavy-duty magnetic hooks to make sure they stay on. This clever hack not only keeps your essentials within easy reach but also helps maintain a clutter-free and organized cabin.

Get An Over-The-Door Organizer

Using an over-the-door organizer in your bathroom can significantly maximize your space, offering a clever solution for the often cramped quarters.

Slip one over your bathroom door to store toiletries, keeping them off limited counter space.

Bring Air Freshener For The Bathroom

Bringing a small air freshener for the bathroom is a simple yet effective way to maintain a fresh and pleasant atmosphere in your compact cabin space.

Cruise ship bathrooms are notorious for being tight and lacking ventilation, so a discreet air freshener can make all the difference, keeping your personal retreat smelling clean and inviting throughout your voyage.

Whether it’s a spray, a plug-in, or a hanging freshener, this small addition makes a huge difference.

Packable Shelves And Hampers

Investing in packable shelves and hampers can revolutionize the way you organize and maintain your cruise cabin.

These ingenious items unfold to provide extra shelving for clothes and a designated spot for laundry, helping keep your living space tidy and sorted.

When not in use, they collapse flat, taking up minimal suitcase space. This hack is perfect for those looking to maintain a sense of order and cleanliness in their cozy sea-bound home.

Get A Motion Sensor Nightlight

Purchasing a motion sensor nightlight is a smart move for navigating your cabin in the dark.

These handy devices provide a soft, guiding light that automatically illuminates when you move, ensuring safe and gentle passage during late-night ventures.

It’s a small, thoughtful addition that enhances safety and comfort, allowing you to find your way without disturbing the peaceful ambiance of your stateroom.

Organize Your Papers

Maintaining a single, organized spot for all your essential documents, like excursion tickets, passports, and boarding passes, is crucial for a stress-free cruise experience.

Consider using a dedicated envelope or a travel document organizer where each vital paper has its place.

This method ensures that everything you need is readily accessible and secure, saving you from frantic searches and giving you more time to enjoy the adventures ahead.

Mesh Laundry Bags

Mesh laundry bags are perfect for keeping worn garments separate from the clean ones, simplifying the task of laundry once back home.

By designating these breathable bags for your used garments, you prevent the mix-up of clean and dirty items, making it easier to keep your living space organized and odor-free.

Once you return home, the task of doing laundry becomes a breeze, as you can directly transfer the contents of the bag into the wash

Utilize Shower Clips

Cabin showers are typically compact, and shower curtains can stick to you. Bring a few clothespins or magnetic clips to keep the shower curtain in place.

This simple hack enhances your shower experience, keeping the curtain contained and your bathroom floor dry.

Door Shoe Organizer for Snacks

Transform a clear shoe organizer into a snack station by hanging it over a door or on a wall. Fill it with your favorite treats, granola bars, or small packaged items.

This not only keeps your snacks organized but also saves precious drawer and counter space.

Suction Cup Baskets

Bring along a few suction cup baskets or caddies.

These can stick to the walls of your shower or bathroom, providing extra space to hold your toiletries, shower gels, and shampoos, keeping them within easy reach and off limited surfaces.

Curtain Rings for Scarves and Belts

Pack a few plastic curtain rings. They’re lightweight and can be used to hang scarves, belts, or even hats on closet rods or hooks, keeping them untangled and easy to access.

Dryer Sheets

Tuck a few dryer sheets in between your clothes and in your suitcase to keep everything smelling fresh throughout your journey.

They can also help reduce static and can be used to freshen up your cabin’s drawers and closet.

Clip-On Reading Light

If your cabin’s lighting is limited or you don’t want to disturb your roommate, a clip-on reading light can be a game-changer.

It provides just enough light for you to read or navigate the cabin without waking others.

Foldable Water Bottle

When cruising, every bit of space counts, making a collapsible water bottle an essential item for savvy travelers.

These innovative bottles are designed to shrink down to a fraction of their full size when not in use, easily fitting into a small purse, pocket, or compartment in your daypack.

This means more room for other essentials and souvenirs without the bulk of a traditional bottle.

Travel-Sized Humidifier

A travel-sized humidifier is an excellent solution for maintaining a comfortable cabin atmosphere, especially in the often dry environment of a cruise ship.

These compact devices are designed with portability in mind, easily fitting into your luggage without taking up much space.

Many models are ingeniously engineered to work with standard water bottles or have their own small reservoirs, making them convenient to set up and use.

Silk Sleeping Bag Line

A silk sleeping bag liner is a luxurious yet practical addition to your cruise cabin essentials.

This sleek, smooth material is known for its hypoallergenic properties and gentle touch on the skin, providing an extra layer of cleanliness and comfort.

Silk is also thermoregulating, keeping you cool in tropical climates and warm during cooler nights at sea, ensuring a restful sleep regardless of the destination.

Pack A Mini Electric Fan

A small, portable fan can improve air circulation and provide white noise if you’re a light sleeper. This is particularly helpful in inside cabins where air can feel stagnant.

Most travel fans are lightweight and compact, designed to fit easily into your luggage without taking up much space.

Highlighters for Daily Schedules

Bringing a set of different colored highlighters on your cruise is a small but strategic way to organize and enhance your onboard experience.

Cruise ships often provide a daily schedule of activities. Bring a few different colored highlighters to mark activities each family member is interested in.

Cord Organizer

In today’s digital age, you’re likely traveling with a variety of electronic devices, each with its own cords and chargers.

Keep your electronic cords and chargers tidy with a travel cord organizer. This prevents tangling and makes it easy to find what you need without rummaging through your bags.

Download All Your Entertainment Beforehand

Before embarking, download movies, books, or podcasts to your device.

While many ships offer entertainment, having your favorites on hand is perfect for downtime or while relaxing in your cabin.

Not to mention, the internet packages can get pricey onboard!

Glow-in-the-Dark Tape

Place a small piece of glow-in-the-dark tape on key items like your phone, light switches, or bathroom door.

It makes them easy to locate in a dark, unfamiliar room without turning on the lights.

Peppermint Oil or Ginger Candies

A small bottle of peppermint oil can do wonders.

It’s refreshing, can help alleviate seasickness , and a dab under your nose can mask less pleasant odors in tight quarters.

Another great way to avoid seasickness are with ginger candies. These ginger chews in particular have been a lifesaver for me when nausea hits!

Similar Posts

Is There A Nickelodeon Cruise?! (Best Family Cruises!)

5 Bizarre Cruise Ship Attractions You Won’t Believe Exist

How To Know If You Will Get Seasick On A Cruise (& PREVENT IT!)

How Much Does A Cruise Ship Cost To Build? (SHOCKING AMOUNT!)

The 8 Roughest Seas For Cruise Ships (RANKED!)

Debarkation Day: Common Mistakes Every First-Timer Makes

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

32+ Savvy Cruise Cabin Hacks and Tips You Need to Know

Looking for effective cruise cabin tips and cruise cabin hacks to enhance your cruise experience? Embarkation day is filled with excitement: First, the awe-inspiring first sight of your cruise ship. Then, the rush of stepping on board signals the start of your vacation. Finally, enter your cabin—your home for the next several days.

It doesn’t matter if you’re in an interior room or spacious suite; even the nicest cabins can benefit from a few clever hacks. These tips, from magnetic hooks to extra power strips, will maximize your space and comfort.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we earn a commission at no extra cost. Please refer to our  full disclosure  for details.

In this guide, I’ll share essential cruise cabin tips followed by transformative cruise ship room hacks. Whether it’s your first cruise or you’re an experienced cruiser, these strategies will help make your stateroom feel spacious and welcoming. Join the discussion and share your tips in the comments below!

Sign Up for  Amazon Prime Membership  to Take Advantage of the Included Free Fast Delivery

Table of Contents

1. Book the Right Cabin

Choose the right cabin after deciding on a cruise ship and itinerary. Select a cabin type that aligns with your needs, preferences, and budget. Cabin types vary widely in size, location, and amenities.

An inside cabin might be the most economical choice if you’re on a budget. But if you prefer natural light and fresh air, consider opting for an ocean view or balcony cabin. This decision depends largely on what’s most important to you during your cruise.

For those looking to save on a cruise , you might choose a ‘guaranteed cabin’ rate, which allows the cruise line to select your cabin, often at a lower cost. However, this can have downsides because you can’t pick your cabin location.

2. Choose the Right Location

Choosing the right cabin location on a cruise ship is essential for your comfort and convenience.

• Stability and Access Mid-ship cabins are often more stable, reducing the risk of seasickness. They also tend to be centrally located, making it easier to reach various ship amenities.
• Cabins far from elevators or stairs may require long walks.
• Those close to elevators or stairs can be noisy due to passenger traffic.
• Proximity to High-Traffic Areas Consider how close you are to the buffet, pool deck, or the engines. For instance, being under the pool deck might mean hearing noise from activities above.
• Surround Yourself With Cabins Ideally, you should choose a cabin surrounded by other staterooms rather than public areas to avoid excess noise.
• View or no view: If the view is important to you, book a cabin without obstructions, such as lifeboats.
• Decide if you prefer the starboard (right) or port (left) side based on desired views and sunlight.
• Consider whether you’d like to be in the aft (back), middle, or forward (front) sections of the ship.
• Think about how close you want to be to specific ship amenities or activities.

Studying the deck plans can greatly aid in selecting the perfect cabin location according to your preferences. A great cruise agent should be able to help you pick a cabin location.

3. Look for Reviews of the Cabin

Before finalizing your cabin selection, seeing what others have said about it is a good idea. Here’s how you can gather insights:

• YouTube : Search for videos by entering the specific cabin number. Reviewers often give detailed tours of the cabins and share their experiences.
• Cruise Forums and Facebook Groups : These platforms are treasure troves of user-generated content where you can find photos, videos, and discussions about specific cabins.
• Google Search : A quick search can also reveal images and reviews of the cabin from various travel and cruise sites.

This research can help you avoid surprises and ensure the cabin meets your expectations.

4. Check for Bedbugs

Before you settle into your cabin, take a moment to check for bedbugs , even in the cleanest-looking spaces. Start by inspecting the seams, creases, and folds of the mattress where bedbugs often hide. It’s a simple step that can prevent a lot of discomfort later.

You might have seen online videos of cruise passengers encountering bedbug infestations. While rare, these instances remind us that bedbugs can be found anywhere—even in luxurious environments. By checking your cabin first, you can enjoy your cruise more peacefully and avoid unwanted hitchhikers on your journey home.

Remember, this tip isn’t meant to deter you from cruising—we love to cruise ! It’s about being prepared and ensuring your comfort and safety.

5. Ask for a Mattress Topper, Extra Blanket and Towels

On embarkation day, as soon as we meet our cabin attendant, we ask them for a mattress topper, an extra blanket, and extra towels. The beds are usually too hard for me on cruises, and the mattress topper makes a difference. The extra blanket helps if it gets too cold at night for one of us, or if we are sailing to Alaska , we like to have it for when we sit on the balcony. The extra towels are necessary for us if they are only servicing the cabin once a day like a lot of cruise lines are now

6. Sanitize Highly Touched Items and Surfaces

One of the first things you should do upon entering your cabin is sanitize frequently touched items and surfaces. Including sanitizing wipes in your cruising packing list is a good practice.

While stateroom attendants are diligent in cleaning, they often have many rooms to attend to and might miss small but critical areas. Commonly overlooked items like the TV remote control are known to harbor germs, both in hotels and at home. A quick wipe-down can help ensure these surfaces are clean, giving you extra peace of mind during your cruise.

7. Unpack as Soon as You can

Your luggage usually arrives at your cabin before the ship sets sail. Another great tip for embarkation day is to unpack immediately. This gets the task out of the way early and helps you settle in and feel more at home in your stateroom.

If you can’t unpack before the ship departs, aim to do it before bedtime. This allows you to stow away your luggage and maximize your cabin space, making your stay more comfortable and organized.

8. Use Packing Cubes When You Pack

Packing cubes help keep your luggage organized and compact. They also simplify the unpacking process once you’re in your cabin. After hanging up any necessary items, you can directly transfer the cubes into drawers or shelves. This way, everything remains organized at home, making finding what you need throughout your cruise easier.

9. Store Your Luggage Under the Bed

After unpacking, make the most of your cabin space by storing your luggage under the bed. This area typically has ample space to accommodate two to three suitcases easily. Keeping your luggage tucked away helps maximize the available space in your cabin, allowing for a more organized and clutter-free environment.

10. Store Valuables and Passports in Cabin Safe

Although we’ve never experienced theft on a cruise, it’s wise to err on caution. Use the cabin safe to secure your valuables, cash, and passports. This simple step ensures that your important items are protected throughout your journey, giving you peace of mind to enjoy your vacation.

11. Bring a Power Outlet Extender

Cruise cabins often have limited power outlets and USB ports, which might not be sufficient for all your electronic devices. Packing a multi-plug power strip can be a game-changer, allowing you to charge multiple devices simultaneously. While newer ships typically include a few more outlets and USB ports, it’s best not to rely solely on these. Bringing your own ensures you’ll always have enough charging options, no matter the cabin.

12. Utilize Over-the-Door Organizers

This is the old toiletry bag we had for years hanging on the back of the bathroom door on our last cruise. We recently purchased this new toiletry bag and plan to use it the same way on future cruises.

An over-the-door toiletry bag is a top cruise cabin hack for keeping toiletries tidy and accessible. Hang it on the bathroom door or a hook, and grab what you need as you go. This setup keeps most items organized and saves valuable counter space. Many toiletries can remain in the bag even when you return home, making it easier to pack for your next adventure.

For families or groups of three or more, consider this over-the-door organizer . It’s perfect for separating and organizing everyone’s essentials. You can customize the arrangement to best suit your family’s needs, ensuring everything is easy to find and use.

13. Make Use of Magnetic Hooks

Magnetic hooks are an incredibly versatile cruise cabin hack that can transform your space. Since the walls and ceilings in staterooms are made of metal, these hooks can be placed almost anywhere, you need extra hanging space.

Here are a few ways we use them:

• Hang lanyards, purses, jackets, or sweaters by the cabin door to clear our seating areas.
• On the walls to hold important papers, preventing them from cluttering the vanity.
• Hang clothes to dry in the bathroom. You can also use it to help hang the portable clothesline we mention later in this list.

Investing in the right magnetic hooks can help you organize and use your cabin space more efficiently.

Tip: Buy magnetic hooks that say they can hold 100 lbs or more .

14. Use a Curtain to Divide a Cabin For Privacy

Privacy can be scarce in a standard cabin when cruising with family or a group unless you opt for a suite with separate sleeping areas. A clever solution many experienced cruisers use is hanging a curtain to create private sections within the cabin.

Some lines, like Disney Cruise Line, already incorporate privacy curtains between the bed and sofa areas. However, this feature isn’t standard across all ships. To overcome this, passengers often bring shower curtain or thick blackout curtains. Magnetic hooks can easily be hung, offering a simple yet effective way to make privacy during your cruise.

15. Bring a Laundry Bag

We’ve used a particular laundry bag that is ideal for travel for several years. It folds into a small cube, is lightweight, and fits perfectly into a carry-on suitcase when full. This makes it incredibly practical for managing laundry on a cruise. Whether you choose this type of laundry bag, a scented trash bag, or a compression bag, having a designated spot to store dirty clothes is essential. Keeping them in the corner of your cabin helps maintain organization and prevents your living space from becoming cluttered or odorous.

16. Take Advantage of Cruise Offers to Do Laundry Mid-Way

Many cruise ships do not have self-service laundry rooms. So cruise lines often offer a mid-week all-you-can-fit-in-a-bag laundry special for a flat rate. This is a great tip for longer cruises, allowing you to pack less and manage your laundry efficiently.

Though the provided laundry bag might look small, you can fit quite a bit by rolling your clothes tightly. The clothes come back clean and nicely folded—often better than one might manage at home. Using this service simplifies your trip and means you can return home with clean clothes, making post-vacation chores lighter.

17. Wash Clothes in Your Cabin Sink

We always pack a few travel-sized packets of our favorite laundry detergent for easy washing right in the cabin’s bathroom sink. This method is particularly useful for quickly cleaning undergarments, swimsuits, and light shirts. After washing, simply hang them to dry in your cabin. This can be a convenient way to keep your essentials fresh throughout the cruise without relying on full laundry services.

18. Bring a Portable Clothesline

Many cruise cabins come with a clothesline in the shower for drying wet garments like swimsuits. However, this might not always be the case, especially on older ships like the Celebrity Solstice , which we found the hard way lacked this feature. Also, the provided line may not suffice if more than two people are in the cabin.

Bringing a portable clothesline can be a great solution. It’s especially useful when you need extra space for drying clothes. You can easily set it up using magnetic hooks.

 Tip: Do not hang anything to dry on the balcony. It’s not allowed. There is a risk of it being blown away into the ocean.

19. Manage Wrinkled Clothes Without an Iron

Irons and steamers are typically not allowed on cruise ships due to safety concerns. Although you may sometimes borrow an iron or a steamer from the cabin steward, this isn’t always guaranteed.

However, some cruise lines, like Carnival and Disney, provide laundry rooms equipped with irons and ironing boards. Check this availability when planning your cruise.

An effective alternative is to hang wrinkled clothes in the bathroom while taking a hot shower. The steam can help smooth out the fabric. For even better results, spray the clothes with a wrinkle releaser before hanging them up.

20. You Can Request Extra Hangers

We typically find enough hangers in the cruise cabin closet for the items we need to hang. However, if you need more, a simple cruise cabin tip is to request extra hangers from your cabin steward. Buying or bringing your travel hangers is unnecessary, as your steward can usually provide additional ones upon request, saving you space and hassle in your luggage.

21. Bring a Hanging Shoe Rack to Create More Shelving

Cruise ship cabins often lack adequate closet, shelving, and drawer space. The limited storage was obvious during our recent 5-night cruise with Virgin Voyages. Fortunately, it was a short trip, and only two of us were there. Storage can become a significant issue for longer cruises or more passengers in a cabin. A hanging shoe rack can be a lifesaver in such situations. By hanging it in the closet, you instantly create additional shelving for clothes and other items, making the most of the available space.

22. Consider Bringing a Portable Fan

While we don’t typically bring a portable fan , many cruisers find them necessary for creating a comfortable cabin environment. A fan can help circulate air and keep your room cooler, especially in warmer climates. Additionally, the white noise from a fan can aid in more restful sleep.

23. Bring a Nightlight

Once all the lights are turned off, cruise cabins can become pitch dark. A nightlight is a valuable addition for those who frequently get up at night, like myself. I typically bring 2-3 LED tea lights and place them in different corners of the cabin to provide enough light to navigate safely.

Other options include a portable mini-light lamp , a plug-in wall nightlight , or a motion sensor nightlight . Each offers a unique convenience, so you can choose one that best suits your needs to ensure your nighttime movements are safe and easy.

24. Ask to Empty Out the Mini Fridge

Cruise cabin mini-fridges are often pre-stocked with extra-cost items. A useful cabin hack is to request that your stateroom attendant empty the fridge. This frees up space for you to store your own beverages.

You might want to use the mini-fridge if:

• Your cruise line permits bringing your own bottled water or sodas.
• You have a premium beverage package that includes canned sodas or bottled water. This way, you can stock up at the bar on your way back and keep them chilled in your cabin.

25. Request a Coffee Maker or a Tea Kettle 

Not many cruisers know this, but you can often request a coffee maker or tea kettle for your cabin. It’s best to ask your stateroom attendant on the first day, and a small tip is a thoughtful gesture to show appreciation. Depending on the ship, you might receive a Nespresso-like machine with coffee pods, a kettle with tea bags, and all the necessary supplies for your morning brew.

This service isn’t available on all cruise lines, but passengers have succeeded with certain Norwegian and Celebrity ships. It never hurts to ask and enjoy the convenience of making your coffee or tea right in your cabin.

26. Enjoy Complimentary Coffee and Breakfast Delivery

One of our cherished cruise cabin tips is to arrange for coffee and continental breakfast to be delivered to our cabin on early port mornings. This treat is often included in your cruise fare, but it’s a good idea to double-check with guest services or the room service menu to ensure no additional charges.

Be aware that some cruise lines, such as Norwegian, now charge a flat rate for breakfast delivery, covering both continental and hot options. This service is invaluable on early port days or special occasions despite the surcharge. For instance, we enjoyed room service while cruising Glacier Bay in Alaska , allowing us to savor the breathtaking scenery from our balcony. In our experience, the convenience and added enjoyment are often worth the extra cost.

27. Pack a Coffee Tumbler

Bringing a coffee tumbler on your cruise can be a smart hack if you love coffee and are not planning to use a specialty drink package for premium coffee. This is a favorite tip of my husband, a true caffeine enthusiast. He loves to fill his tumbler with coffee from the buffet and then relax on our balcony or out on the deck, enjoying extended time with his brew without needing refills. The mugs they provide in the buffet are tiny.

28. Bring a Small Alarm Clock

It’s common for cruise staterooms not to include alarm clocks. To ensure you don’t miss early port days or shore excursions, consider bringing a small alarm clock to keep track of ship time. While setting alarms on vacation might not be appealing, it helps you stay on schedule and make the most out of your cruise.

We adjust our mobile phones to the ship’s time as soon as any changes are announced and use them as alarm clocks. We also coordinate this with our morning coffee delivery to ensure we’re ready for the day’s activities.

29. Don’t Forget a Wine Opener

Many cruise lines permit passengers to bring 1-2 bottles of wine per guest onboard or per cabin, though a corkage fee may apply if you plan to drink it outside your cabin. Remember to pack a wine opener , if you intend to enjoy your wine in your stateroom. However, it’s crucial to check your cruise line’s policy first; while some allow wine openers, others may consider them a security risk and prefer you use their services to open bottles. Always verify what’s permitted to ensure a smooth boarding process and enjoyable cruise experience.

30. Refillable Water Bottle

Taking a refillable water bottle on your cruise is smart, especially if your drink package does not include bottled water. It’s an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to stay hydrated. You can fill it with iced water or even iced tea from the buffet, ensuring you have access to drinkable water in your cabin throughout the day and night. This simple tip can help you save money and reduce plastic use while keeping you hydrated as you enjoy your cruise.

Virgin Voyages highly suggests bringing a water bottle when you sail with them as they do not sell or provide bottled water on their Lady Ships.

31. Use the ‘Do Not Disturb’ and ‘Make-Up Room’

Modern cruise ships and renovated older ones often feature buttons near the cabin door to signal “do not disturb” or “make-up room” preferences. These allow you to easily indicate whether you want your room serviced or prefer privacy.

If your ship doesn’t have these electronic options, use the traditional “do not disturb” and “make-up room” signs provided. The “do not disturb” sign on your door communicates that you do not want your room serviced. Conversely, the “make-up room” sign lets the cabin attendants know you’d like your room cleaned and serviced.

32. Decorate Your Door

While we don’t decorate our cabin door, we always enjoy seeing the creative decorations on other doors as we stroll through the ship. Adorning your cabin door can make it distinct and easily recognizable—a useful hack and activity when traveling with children. It adds a touch of fun to your cruise and helps everyone, especially young travelers, quickly identify their cabin.

Note: Some cruise lines have rules and do not allow it. While others ask that you use only magnetic decor so it leaves no marks on the doors.

Cruise Ship Stateroom: FAQs

Is it better to stay higher or lower on a cruise.

When picking a cabin on a cruise ship, think about what matters most to you. If you get seasick easily, choosing a cabin in the middle of the ship on one of the lower decks is best because there’s less rocking there. If you love great views and want to be near activities like the pool, a higher deck might be better for you. Higher decks offer amazing views and are closer to fun spots on the ship, but you might feel more movement.

Can you leave your balcony door open at night on a cruise?

While many cruisers do leave their balcony doors open to sleep, leaving your balcony doors open at night is generally not recommended for safety reasons. Besides, the AC does turn off when you leave your balcony door open.

How do you build privacy in a cruise cabin?

To make your cruise cabin more private, you can hang a curtain to split the room, set bathroom times, and keep everyone’s stuff in separate spots. Wearing headphones when listening to music or watching videos can also help keep things quiet. Try finding a quiet place to relax outside your cabin for more privacy. Before the cruise, chat with those you’ll be sharing a cabin with about privacy and what you can do for each other so everyone is more comfortable.

Why do people bring magnets on a cruise?

Cruise ship cabins are usually small, so people use magnets to help organize and save space. You can use magnets to hang things like wet swimsuits and towels on the walls or to decorate your cabin door. This makes it easier to keep your cabin tidy and personalized.

BEFORE YOU SET SAIL, HERE ARE SOME RELATED ARTICLES YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS:

• Gratuities & Tipping on Cruise Ships
• First Time On a Cruise Tips
• Why Join a Cruise Roll Call

Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Cruise News
• Cruise Tips
• All Cruise Lines
• Carnival Cruise Line
• Celebrity Cruises
• Disney Cruise Line
• MSC Cruises
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Oceania Cruises
• Princess Cruises
• Royal Caribbean
• Ports of Call
• Cruise Videos
• Port Webcams

• Advertiser Disclosure

Cruise Cabin Hacks: 25 Tips to Make Your Stateroom More Livable

How can you make your cruise cabin more comfortable, feel more spacious, and a little more like home?  These stateroom tips will help get you started.

First time cruisers are always taken back by the size of their living space on a cruise ship.  After all, unless you booked a spacious suite you will only have a couple hundred square feet to call home.

This list of helpful advice will allow you to make the most of your cruise cabin and make it much more livable and enjoyable throughout your cruise.

You might feel like your cruise cabin is secondary to your cruise vacation since you will only use it for sleeping. But making that limited space in your stateroom work for you can make a huge difference after spending 7+ nights at sea.

These cruise cabin hacks will help make the best use of the cramped space and keep the most common issues from becoming a big deal.

Space-Saving Tricks

Making the most of the space in your cruise cabin is key.  You can’t add more square footage to your stateroom but you can make the space feel less cramped.

1. Use packing cubes and pack light

The packing process is key.  In a previous article on tips for packing light on a cruise we mention how popular packing cubes have become and how they can help save space during the packing process.

They are great for keeping your clothing and essentials organized and condensed.  But it’s also important to know what not to bring on a cruise .  Needless additional items only take up more precious space both in your luggage and your stateroom.

2. Utilize those drawers

Living out of a suitcase is not a great way to enjoy a vacation.  You will have a lot of drawer space around the cabin desk.  Make use of these drawers, which will help both organize your belongings and save space.  Just make sure to check every single drawer when it’s time to pack up at the end of the cruise.

3. Use a hanging toiletry bag

Cruise ship bathrooms are notorious for being tiny.  A toiletry bag can easily be hung from a towel wrack, clearing up any limited counter space.  These bags make packing easier as well so it’s a win-win.

4. Cruise ship laundry

Whether your ship has self-service laundry rooms or not, you can still consider having some laundry done while on board.  Especially for cruises of 10-nights or longer you will want to wash and reuse some clothes so you can cut down on the amount of clothing you have to bring along.

The previous link shows what cruise lines and cruise ships have launderettes, but every cruise line has some sort of laundry service for a fee as well.  And with loyalty perks some of these services can be free.

5. Use one of your suitcases as a hamper

Dirty clothes pile up quickly on a cruise.  Use one of your extra suitcases as a hamper that is kept under your bed.  There is usually plenty of space under your bed so you might as well utilize this space so things aren’t so cramped.

This works best if you have multiple suitcases and can use one of them for dirty clothes throughout the trip.  And when you get home you can just transfer everything right into the washing machine.

6. Look for extra spaces for storage

You might be surprised to find all kinds of extra places for storage in your stateroom after you start looking for it.  Whether it’s behind a mirror, inside a footstool, or on the side of a couch, cruise cabins are designed to maximize space, but it doesn’t do you any good if you don’t know it exists.

Suggested read: 35 genius cruise items on Amazon for under $15

Organization Hacks

Keeping your cruise cabin organized helps the whole vacation feel less cluttered.  It also makes it easier to find what you’re looking for when everything is in its proper place.   With the limited space available here are some organization tips to help keep your sanity.

Some of these items can be found on our post on genius cruise hacks you can buy on Amazon right now as well.

7. Pack an over the door shoe organizer

These hardly take up any room in your suitcase but can make your life a lot easier once in use in your cabin.  Many cruisers will use these over the door organizers for socks, underwear, and t-shirts, but you can also keep things like sunscreen, bugs pray, and deodorant in individual pockets.   Everything stays out of the way and is easy to access.

8. Bring magnetic hooks and clips

Cruise cabin walls and ceilings are metal.  You can’t use tape in your stateroom but magnets are the perfect solution for keeping things organized.  I love to use magnetic hooks for hanging things like hats, hoodies, and lanyards.  And Magnetic clips can keep your daily planners, excursions tickets, or any other papers organized and keep them from cluttering up your stateroom desk.

9. Ask for extra hangers

All you need to do is ask your stateroom steward for some extra hangers and you will have plenty to use for the duration of the cruise.  Hangers are better for keeping wrinkles out of clothes and I will usually try to hang up all my clothes as soon as my stateroom is accessible.  I like to pack some wrinkle release so I can spray it on my shirts and let them hang in the closet.

10. Ask to have some things removed from the cabin

Is there a coffee table or stool that’s in your way in your cabin?  Many people don’t realize that they can have their cabin rearranged a little, and the cabin steward can remove any items that don’t work for their situation.  Instead of tripping over that moveable furniture item you can have it taken out which will also give you more space.

How much space does each cruise line actually offer in their balcony stateroom category? (Image from Celebrity Edge. Photo Credit: Cruise Fever.

Comfort Hacks

It might not be the same as your bedroom and living space back home, but with a few tweaks you can make that cruise cabin much more comfortable.

11. Keeping the AC on

Bring an old cruise card or any kind of card really.  You will need it to keep the AC on when you’re stepping out of your cabin for a short period of time.  Most modern cruise ships shut off the electrical, including the AC when you remove the card from the card slot in the cabin.

And while I’m all for saving on energy, you will have to run the AC for a lot longer when you get back if it kicks off for a decent period of time.  You can set the AC at a moderate temperature and use a card in the slot to keep the room at a modest temperature.

12. Magnet hooks for privacy

If you’re cruising as a family and need a little extra privacy, those aforementioned magnetic hooks can come in handy.  Use them to hang a sheet from the ceiling and add some separation in the stateroom.  So, those magnetic hooks can serve multiple purposes.

13. Bring that pillow from home

Sometimes the right pillow can mean the difference between a good night’s sleep and a morning of exhaustion.  Even though it takes up more room, it might be worth it to pack your favorite pillow, especially if you are a light sleeper.

14. Pack some tealights

Real candles are on the banned list of items you can’t bring on a cruise.  But if you want a romantic setting or just a relaxed vibe in your cabin, pack some LED tealights.  They flicker just like real candles and will last the length of the cruise.

15. Bring your own shampoo and body lotion

Don’t get me wrong.  Your cruise cabin will come with soap and shampoo in the bathroom.  But if you’re even a little picky about the products you use on your skin and in your hair you might want to being your own.  Some cruise lines even tout that their shower products are versatile enough to be a soap, shampoo, and conditioner all in one, but many cruisers prefer their own products over the all-purpose ‘stuff’ found in the shower.

16. Bring some clothes pins or clips for the curtains

Who doesn’t love to sleep-in on a cruise, right?  Well those cabin curtains can let in a little too much light if your cabin is facing East in the morning.  Pack some clothes pins or towel clips which can also serve to keep the curtains drawn tight.

These clips are useful when cruising to Alaska or Norway when the sun is still out at 11pm as well.

Food and Drink Hacks

17. Empty out your mini fridge

Ask your room steward to empty the mini fridge of beverages you don’t want, and use it to keep your own drinks nice and cool.  These drinks usually carry a heavy cost anyway and most drink packages don’t include the drinks in the stateroom fridge.  Since you’re usually allowed to bring a certain amount of canned drinks on board you might as well use this in-cabin perk.

You can also use the mini fridge for stashing some snacks you grabbed from the buffet up on the Lido deck.

18. Bring a collapsible water bottle

I love having a collapsible water bottle on a cruise.  It doesn’t take up much space in a suitcase and it can be used throughout the cruise.  I fill it up from the stateroom sink, and it comes in handy during shore excursions and tours.  You’ll save a few bucks having your own water and keep from getting sick if you’re worried about the water in a foreign port of call.

19. Take advantage of free room service

Most mainstream cruise lines now charge for room service .  But often they still provide a free continental breakfast at no extra cost.  You just need to take care of the gratuity.   You can still have a full breakfast later on, so why not take advantage of some room service to start your day!

Technology Tips

20. Bring an outlet adapter

With all the devices and electronics we rely on in our daily lives, a cruise ship cabin never seems to have enough outlets.  Even though many modern cruise ships have more USB and power outlets than older ships, you still might want to being an outlet extender.  Just make sure it does NOT have a surge-protector as these cause problems with a cruise ship’s electrical system.

I like to travel with a European travel adapter as well in some cases so I can make use of the 220 outlets.

21. Sound machine

You can use an app on your cell phone for this or bring along a dedicated sound machine if that works best for you.  Cruise ship walls can seem very thin when you have a noisy neighbor, so a nice white noise could make the difference for a solid night’s sleep.  My personal preference is either brown noise or green noise.

22. Pack a motion-sensing nightlight

With the light switch on the outside wall of a cruise cabin bathroom, having a nightlight that comes on when it senses motion can come in handy.  Otherwise, the light from the bathroom can interrupt the sleep of others in the cabin.  You can use this light in the bathroom itself or low enough on the floor so it doesn’t come on when you’re rolling over in bed.

23. Bring a fan

Whether it’s battery powered or plugged in, a fan can double as a sound machine as well.  Ventilation in a cruise cabin is often not too great, so you will want a little fan if this is a concern.   This is especially true if you have an interior cabin .

24. Having a portable charger

This will come in handy when off the ship, but you will want to keep it charged up in your stateroom.  On long days of shore excursions, the last thing you want is your phone on 2% when you are about to take some pictures or videos.  A portable power bank will help make sure you have plenty of juice for all your electronics when out for the day.

25. Bring a portable speaker

I don’t advise using a Bluetooth speaker on the balcony of your cabin, as it could prove annoying to your neighbors.  But a portable speaker can help enhance your cruise cabin with the music you love.  You can also use it if you plan to use a phone or tablet to watch movies in your cabin and want a little more volume.

Final Thoughts

With a few tweaks you can make your cruise cabin  the perfect home away from home.  But don’t feel like you have to bring all of the items listed above.  Do what works for you, and follow some tips on packing light for your cruise so you can focus more on the actual vacation part.

Learn the cruise secrets most people don't know and cruise like a boss. Check out Intelligent Cruiser here for a better cruise vacation. (Sponsored)

Princess Cruises Changes Beverage Limit for Their Premier Package to Unlimited

10 ways rookies waste money on a cruise, 6 activities on cruise ships you can’t do anymore, new cruise ships under construction/ordered by cruise lines 2024-2036, related articles, cruising with an ‘almost expired’ passport: 6 mistakes to avoid, 4 things cruise lines want you to ignore, 8 things i skipped on my cruise to save money, what happens if there is a hurricane during my cruise dates, recent popular posts.

Two brothers started Cruise Fever in 2011 when they decided they couldn't stop cruising so they might as well write about it. Do you have Cruise Fever too? Follow along on this incredible voyage!

© 2011-2024, Cruise Fever ®. All rights reserved

• Privacy Policy
• Cruise Newsletter

21 tips and 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?

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter.

As the head of The Points Guy's cruise content team , I get these sorts of questions all the time.

This brings me to the tips below. If you've read this far, you are likely a first-time cruiser looking for advice for an upcoming trip, and that's exactly what this story is meant to offer. It contains my list of 21 ways to make your first sailing go more smoothly.

It's a list drawn not just from my own experience over 25-plus years of cruising but also the observations of more than 100 cruising fans who shared their tips with TPG in a lively conversation on the topic at the TPG Lounge on Facebook. (If you're not a member yet, we highly encourage you to join.)

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.

Related: What happens if you miss your cruise ship

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 on board.

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, but also a phone charger, a bathing suit, a hat, sunscreen and other items that will let you head straight to the pool deck to start the fun.

Related: Use this packing list for your next cruise

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 self-serve 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.

Related: Everything you need to know about cruise ship laundry service

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 one bottle of wine or Champagne per passenger at boarding. You can also bring up to a dozen standard cans, bottles or cartons of nonalcoholic drinks per cabin.

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.

Related: Are drink packages on cruise ships worth it? A line-by-line guide

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. It contains everything from cold medicine to seasickness pills. I rarely use any of it, but I also never get hit with a ridiculous toiletries charge.

While we're on the topic of sundries, don't forget extra batteries for your camera if you are bringing one.

Related: The ultimate guide to picking a cruise line

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 onshore 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 keycard). I am, of course, too cool to ever put a keycard 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 eschews lanyard-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.

Related: 20 things you should bring on every cruise — including a roll of duct tape

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.

Research ports in advance

There are some types of vacations — a beach trip, for instance — where you don't have to do much advanced 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. Here at TPG, we're starting to build out a series of home port and destination port guides for everywhere, from PortMiami to Bora Bora .

Related: The ultimate guide to Caribbean cruising

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.

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 ToursByLocals .

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.

Related: The ultimate TPG guide to shore excursions

Independent tours can also 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.

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 many things in advance when I am sailing on a giant ship such as Royal Caribbean's record-breaking Wonder of the Seas, where thousands of other passengers are competing for the choicest reservations.

Related: 15 giant ships that are the best for fun

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.

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.

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.

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.

Related: The best cruise apps to streamline your vacation at sea

Use a travel agent to book

Given the complexity of booking a cruise — there are a lot of decisions to make during the booking process, trust us — we recommend that you use a seasoned travel agent who specializes 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 can also help you if something goes wrong just before, during or after your voyage.

In addition, travel agents can often secure you extra onboard credit and other perks that you might not be able to get by booking directly with a line.

Related: Why you should always use a travel agent to book a cruise

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 .

Related: The TPG guide to travel insurance for cruises

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.

Related: 8 cabin locations on cruise ships that you definitely should avoid

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 spent 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 spent on travel and 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on dining.

Related: How to book a cruise with points and miles

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 are also 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 has already been included before adding another 15% or 20% to the total. Otherwise, you may end up tipping twice.

Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on a cruise ship

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 costs $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.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

• Port Overview
• Transportation to the Port
• Uber & Lyft to the Port
• Dropping Off at the Port
• Cruise Parking
• Cruise Hotels
• Hotels with Parking Deals
• Uber & Lyft to the Ports
• Things to Do
• Cozumel Taxi Rates
• Free Things to Do
• Restaurants Near the Cruise Port
• Hotels & Resorts With Day Passes
• Closest Beaches to the Cruise Port
• Tips For Visiting
• Shore Excursions
• Cruise Parking Discounts
• Hotels with Shuttles
• Which Airport Should I Use?
• Transportation to the Ports
• Dropping Off at the Ports
• Fort Lauderdale Airport to Miami
• Inexpensive Hotels
• Hotels near the Port
• Hotels With Shuttles
• Budget Hotels
• Carnival Tips
• Drink Packages
• Specialty Restaurants
• Faster to the Fun
• More Articles
• CocoCay Tips
• Norwegian Tips
• Great Stirrup Cay
• Harvest Caye
• How to Get the Best Cruise Deal
• Best Time to Book a Cruise
• Best Websites to Book a Cruise
• Cruises Under $300
• Cruises Under $500
• Spring Break Cruise Deals
• Summer Cruise Deals
• Alaskan Cruise Deals
• 107 Cruise Secrets & Tips
• Tips for First-Time Cruisers
• What to Pack for a Cruise
• What to Pack (Alaska)
• Packing Checklist
• Cruising with Kids
• Passports & Birth Certificates
• Bringing Alcohol
• Cruising with a Disability
• Duty-Free Shopping
• Cruise Travel Insurance
• Things to Do on a Cruise Ship
• What Not to Do on a Ship
• News & Articles

57 Must-Have Tips, Advice, and Info For First-Time Cruisers

Taking your first cruise? The only thing that can match the excitement of an upcoming vacation is the overwhelmed feeling that comes with trying to navigate and plan for your first trip. We’ve been there. Our first cruise, we had no idea what to expect.

From embarkation on cruise day to dining to shore excursions, everything you do on a cruise is just a little different than any other vacation you’ve ever been on. That’s why we’ve taken the time to round up a boatload of tips — 57 to be exact — that will help you know better about what to expect come cruise day. These are all tips we’ve learned over more than a decade — and dozens — of cruises.

From the basic details of cruising to how to save some cash — and much more — we’ve got everything you need to be confident and enjoy your trip the second you reach the port.

Note:  This article contains links to Amazon that are affiliate links. Should you make a purchase, we receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you.

1. Don’t Worry About Cash on Board; Everything Is Paid Through Your Room Key

When you go through check-in, you’ll receive the key to your room. (Check-in online ahead of time? It may be in a sealed envelope at your cabin door.) This “key” is actually like a credit card that you’ll slide into your cabin door to unlock it. But it does a lot more. It’s also linked to your shipboard account, and you’ll use your room key just like a credit card to charge items to your account.

No matter if you’re buying a drink or a souvenir on one of the ships, you’ll use this card to pay. The only time you’ll use cash is when you are off the ship in port ( here’s how much cash to bring ). This is much more convenient than having to carry around dollars. Just be sure to keep a close hold on your card!

2. Interior Cabins Are Fine For First-Time Cruisers

Wondering if you should get an interior cabin or a balcony room? Don’t sweat it. Balconies are great, but there are some big advantages for interior cabins . As a first-time cruiser, it’s doubtful you’ll be spending much time in your room anyway as you’ll want to be out and about exploring. Having an interior cabin is a cheaper way to get on your first sailing without breaking the bank.

3. Balcony Rooms Are Worth It

As we just said, interior cabins are great for first-time cruisers who are usually out around the ship the entire trip. But if you do decide to spring for a balcony room, it’s well worth it.

This is especially the case if you’re the sort of person who likes to take your time getting ready in the morning while sipping on a cup of coffee or just having your own private space to take in the view. Having the fresh air — and the million-dollar views — from your balcony is worth the extra cost if you want to pay a little more for your trip.

4. What to Expect With Security at Check-In

Who isn’t turned off by the intrusive security at airports these days? From having to empty water bottles, to taking off shoes, to raising your hands and being scanned by a machine, it’s awful. Thankfully, cruise security is much more like flying used to be.

Enter the terminal and then you’ll have to pass through a security checkpoint. You’ll step through a metal detector and your bags will go on an x-ray machine. The security process takes just a few seconds. There aren’t highly intrusive screening measures in place such as pat-downs, you don’t have to remove your belt or shoes, and you don’t have limits on liquids.

5. Book Packages Ahead of Time for a Discount

Any veteran cruise passenger knows the best way to save some cash is to book packages ahead of your cruise. Things like drink packages and wi-fi are discounted through your online account before your cruise. Cruise lines offer this incentive to get you to book early and spend more money. Still, if you’re going to buy the packages anyway, it’s worth it.

The savings can be substantial versus the onboard prices, such as drink packages offered for buy one, get one 50% off. 

6. Passports Are Better Than Birth Certificates

One nice thing about cruises is that many trips allow you to sail with only a birth certificate and photo ID (if the cruise begins and ends in the same port). If you don’t have a passport, you can still leave the country and don’t have to go through the hassle and expense of obtaining one.

Even so, it’s much smarter to sail with a passport. Not only does it come in handy should you need to leave the ship early due to an emergency, but it can also save you time. These days many ports use facial recognition matched with your passport for entering the country. Snap a photo and you’re on your way home. Those with birth certificates sometimes still wait in line to be checked by an officer.

7. Don’t Worry About Changing Money in Port

Headed to the Caribbean? It’s likely you’ll visit several countries — with several different currencies — within just a few days. The good news is you don’t have to think about converting currencies at each port. The ports you visit thrive on tourism and make things easy for tourists. They will all gladly accept U.S. dollars, and often take credit cards. Just bring some smaller bills for your port days and you’ll be all set.

8. Take Advantage of Drink Policies to Bring Things On

When you get on a ship there is no shortage of places to spend money. That’s why we suggest passengers take advantage of any chance they have to save.

Case in point: Carnival and Royal Caribbean — two of the biggest players in cruising — allow you to bring on 12 cans of non-alcoholic drinks . 

Considering that soft drinks are about $3 each on a cruise, that can save you a nice chunk of change. As well, it allows you to bring your favorite non-alcoholic drink with you in case it isn’t served on the ship.

9. Order Multiples in the Main Dining Room

Most people don’t realize it, but the cruise lines will often bend over backwards to make you happy. Case in point: You can order multiple items from the dining room menu.

So say you want an appetizer, but can’t choose between two of them. Don’t choose. Instead, just order them both.

This makes it a great way to try dishes that are out of your comfort zone. If you don’t end up liking it, then there’s no big loss since the dining room food is included. (Some lines may charge a small fee for multiple entrees.)

10. Yes, You Can Bring (Some) Alcohol on Board

Cruise lines know that people want to let loose and have a drink (or ten!) on the cruise. That’s why they charge high prices for their booze. Still, most cruise lines allow you to bring aboard some alcohol when you embark at the start of your trip. It’s very restrictive in that it’s typically only a bottle or two of champagne. Still, we recommend taking advantage as it’s much cheaper than buying drinks once on the ship.

11. Do the Math Before Booking the “All You Can Drink” Packages

If you’ve been tempted by the drink packages, do the math before you buy it. Drink packages seem like good deals, but the rules can make them quite pricey. For instance, many cruise lines force each person in a cabin to buy the package if any passenger buys it. As well, you have to buy the package for the entire cruise.

That means even on days when you are in port (and not on the ship for most of the day), you’re still paying for the package. Finally, with high daily prices, you usually have to drink 7-10 drinks each and every day you are on the cruise to come out ahead.

For many passengers, they are actually better off buying drinks individually . (Use our Drink Package Calculator to see if you’re better off with a package.)

12. Take Your Time, Reduce the Lines

Want to board first? Want to be first off the ship? Great, hope you like standing in line. Today’s ships carry more than 5,000 passengers at a time. That means there are usually lines for everything, especially right when they open like when it’s time to board the ship. We’d suggest simply taking your time and don’t worry about being anywhere right when it opens. It will mean you spend less of your vacation waiting around and more time enjoying your trip.

13. Parking at the Port Is Convenient, But There Are Cheaper Options

If you’re driving to the cruise port, then you should know that it doesn’t get any more convenient than with the official port parking lots. They are typically right at the cruise terminal, so you unload and head right to check-in. Of course, they charge for that convenience.

If you search for parking lots near the port , you can usually find independent lots that are nearly as convenient, but at a sharp discount to parking at the port. These lots almost always offer a free shuttle to drop you off right at the ship as well.

14. Many Hotels Offer Free Cruise Parking

Plan to stay in town the night before your cruise? If you’re driving in, look for a hotel that offers a cruise parking special . As an incentive to attract guests, many hotels (especially in smaller port cities like Galveston) offer free parking if you stay a night with them. It’s an easy way to save a bundle, but only if you planned to stay the night anyway. It’s typically not worth it to stay just to get free parking.

15. There’s No Bill to Sign (or Tip to Leave) in the Dining Room

Tipping is a fact of life on a cruise. And cruise lines have included gratuities with your cruise fare or charged daily to your account, so they are taken care of automatically. That means when you eat in the free restaurants on the ship like the buffet and the main dining room, there’s no bill to pay or tip to leave.

It can feel a little wrong the first time, but when you are done with dinner, you simply get up and walk out.

Now, this doesn’t go for specialty restaurants that are a fee. If you eat there you’re expected to sign the bill to confirm the charge, and the gratuity is tacked onto the price.

16. Turn Your Phone On Airplane Mode Once on the Ship

There are horror stories of people coming back from their cruise with unexpected cell phone charges. The reason is either they use their phone willingly without realizing they are connected to a “roaming” tower or their phone used data without their knowledge for things like updating apps or downloading messages. No matter the reason, you don’t want to accidentally get dinged with a sky-high phone bill. Put your phone on airplane mode before your cruise leaves the shore.

You should also turn on the wi-fi, which will allow you to connect for free to the cruise line’s app. You can also pay to connect to the ship’s wi-fi and use your phone as normal.

17. Yes, You Can Hear Through the Walls (So Keep it Down)

If you’re worried about sounds traveling through the walls, you should be. To be clear, the walls are not paper thin, so you won’t hear the cabin next to you watching a TV at a normal volume. But if you are the type that makes a lot of noise (ahem… enjoying your vacation with your partner, perhaps?), then you should try to keep it down. You’ll also be able to hear people in the halls through the door.

18. The Main Dining Room Serves Breakfast and Lunch

Most passengers will eat their dinner in the main dining room, but they actually serve breakfast and lunch there too. The buffet is quick and easy for these meals, but the quality and freshness is usually lower than what you’ll get in the dining rooms. Head over if you want something a little better.

19. It’s a Ship… Not a Boat

It’s not a big deal, but just so you don’t sound like a rookie cruiser, it’s good to understand the terminology. It is a cruise ship that you are sailing on. Calling it a boat during the trip may get you funny looks. 

There’s no real cut-off on what is a considered a boat, versus a ship — other than ships are known as large ocean-going vessels. There’s no doubt that the size and scale of any cruise ship you sail will definitely put them firmly in the “ship” category.

20. Ports of Call Aren’t Always Disneyland

With everything seemingly so perfect on the ship, it can be easy to think that ports of call are perfect as well. To be fair, ports you visit will be pretty safe, especially in the tourist areas. Venture outside of these spots, however, and it’s just like any other place. There are good parts of town and places where you don’t want to venture.

Odds are you won’t find these spots without looking for them, but be aware of your surroundings at all times and don’t do anything like flash lots of cash or wear tons of fancy jewelry. It’s also a good idea not to drink too much in port to keep your wits about you.

21. Cruise Insurance? Always a Good Idea to Have

The fact is that most people will never use the travel insurance that they buy. Still, if something goes wrong at sea, it’s a great thing to have. Travel insurance can help cover costs of getting sick or injured in a foreign country, as well as compensate you for travel delays, lost baggage and more. If you’re on the fence about buying insurance, we’d suggest doing so. You can read more about travel insurance and what it covers here .

22. Be Ready for Itinerary Changes

Have your heart set on Cozumel? Can’t wait for that private island? Just know that cruise itineraries can change for any number of reasons. Whether it be an issue with the ship, weather, or even riots in port (yes, this has happened). Often the cruise lines will try to sub one port for another, but it isn’t unheard of for them just to scrap a stop in port altogether. Keep in mind that this is a fairly rare occurrence, but it does happen.

23. Don’t Use Cruise Line Transfers to the Port; They’re a Lousy Deal

If you’re flying in for your cruise, then you’re going to need a ride to the cruise port. Cruise lines are happy to offer this service, for a price. All the cruise lines will offer a shuttle that runs from the airport to the cruise port, but the catch is they are expensive.

For example, Carnival offers a ride from Miami International to the port for about $23 per person, one way. The trip is only about 15 minutes and an Uber costs about $25 for the trip. In other words, a roundtrip on the cruise shuttle would cost $184 for a family of four, but only around $50 with Uber or Lyft.

24. Don’t Waste Time Searching For a Deal; Fares Are the Same on Every Website

If you think you’re going to find some hidden deal, stop stressing. Every cruise website offers the same fares these days . Here’s the results of a recent search we did for an upcoming cruise, pricing it out across several sites:

Our advice? Book directly with the cruise line to cut out the middleman in case there is an issue with your reservation. If you don’t know what cruise line you want to sail, then an aggregator like Expedia can search multiple lines at once.

25. Yes, There’s a Hair Dryer in Your Cabin

Save the space and leave the hair dryer at home. Each cabin comes with a hair dryer for your use. They usually aren’t fancy, but get the job done. Even better, let the breeze on the top deck dry your hair for you (that’s a joke… sea hair is a real thing!)

You’ll normally find it in the built-in console in the main part of the cabin, not in the bathroom.

26. Outlet Adapters Are a Must-Have

From portable fans to laptop and tablet chargers to nightlights to curling irons, the need for outlets in a cruise cabin is always increasing. That’s why we suggest bringing aboard an outlet adapter like this one to plug in and give you more free plugs.

One thing to know — adapters with surge protectors are forbidden. A simple multi-plug adapter is all you really need, and it’s worth its weight in gold.

27. Cabins Get Very Dark; Bring a Night Light

There’s nothing worse than being in an unfamiliar, dark cabin and having to get up in the middle of the night to use the restroom. Save yourself from walking into furniture and stubbing your toe by packing a simple plug-in nightlight . It’s especially helpful if you’re in an interior cabin where there are no windows to provide outside illumination.

28. Every Cabin Comes With a Safe; Use it

When you leave your cabin, be sure to put any valuables in the cabin safe. No, it’s not perfect, but it acts as a good deterrent from crimes of convenience and provides you with a little peace of mind. The safes aren’t that big, but will hold cash, jewelry, phones and passports with plenty of room to spare.

29. Your Balcony Isn’t as Private as You Think

The cruise line might sell it as a private balcony, but there isn’t a whole lot of privacy. Your balcony on your cabin will have walls that shield you from the adjoining cabins, but the walls often don’t go from the floor to ceiling. They can easily be looked under or above, and someone could look around the side of them if they really wanted to. Keep this in mind if you’re out on the balcony when the mood for romance strikes .

30. Drink in Port to Save Cash Versus on the Ship

We all know drinking is part of cruise culture, but the cost can soar quickly. Beers cost about $8 on the ship. Cocktails usually run $12-$14.That’s why it’s a good idea to head to port if you want to get your money’s worth.

Most of the party bars near the cruise terminals in the Caribbean will have drink specials designed to get you in the door. It’s often much cheaper than drinking at a ship’s bar.

31. Taking the Stairs Is Faster If Traveling Only a Few Decks

With upwards of 20 decks on some cruise ships, going up and down via stairs is time-consuming… and tiring. But with so many people using the elevators, it’s common to have to wait awhile before you get one. That’s why if you are only going up or down three decks or fewer, it’s usually faster to take the stairs. Plus, it will help you work off some of those buffet calories.

32. Don’t Stress: Formal Night Isn’t a Big Deal

No, you don’t have to buy a tux or an evening gown for your cruise. You won’t be out of place if you do, but formal night actually isn’t that big of a deal. On these nights, plenty of people dress up, while others just put on a pair of nice pants and a button-down shirt. Our advice? Just keep it a step above poolside casual  (so no shorts or t-shirts) and you’ll be just fine.

33. Don’t Tip Twice! Gratuity Is Usually Automatic

Grab a drink from the bar? Your bill will typically include a gratuity automatically (normally 18%). Keep this in mind and double-check the itemized receipt before you sign as there is often another line for write-in tips. Unless the service was simply above and beyond, there is no reason to give a second tip on your drink.

34. You’ll Get Sunburned Much More Quickly in the Tropics

Everyone tells you to be sure to wear plenty of sunscreen on your cruise, but they don’t tell you why. At lower latitudes the sun’s rays are more direct. The result is that you can get burned being exposed to the sun for as little as 10 minutes if you aren’t used to it. So yes, wear the sunscreen, as well as a broad-brimmed hat to keep the UV rays off you as much as possible. The last thing you want is to look like a lobster on the second day of a week-long cruise.

35. Cruise on Older Ships to Save Money

News stories always hype up the biggest, newest cruise ships, and the cruise lines charge a pretty penny for sailings on these ships. If you’re looking to save money, look for trips that sail on older vessels.

These ships are still in great shape (and are often refurbished), but offer fares that are hundreds of dollars less than a similar sailing on a new member of the fleet.

36. Pack as Much as You Want, But Be Smart

Most of us are used to air travel, where you are charged sky-high fees for checking in baggage. Cruise ships are completely different.

There are no fees for luggage and no hard rules for how much you can bring. It’s a nice change of pace from flying, but don’t go crazy. Remember that even though you can bring more on board, you still have to lug all that luggage around. Lighter is better. If you’re bringing more than one large bag for a week-long cruise, then you’re packing too much.

37. Don’t Cruise If You Have a Warrant For Your Arrest

Traffic ticket that you never cleared up? Some other run-in with the law? If you have a warrant, don’t think about taking your first cruise. It’s a well-known tactic by law enforcement to check the passenger manifest against those with outstanding warrants. They often let the passengers sail on the cruise, and bust them when they come back . Get it cleared up before and you won’t have anything to worry about.

38. Worried About Seasickness? Here’s What to Know

If you fear being seasick, the good news is that most times you don’t even feel the ocean. That’s not to say you won’t feel occasional bumps or rocking, but if you’re expecting to move with the ocean, it doesn’t happen much. In fact, ships are so stable they often have pool tables onboard.

But if you are worried about it, then just pack some motion sickness medication or patches. You can also look for a cabin that is as low and close to the middle of the ship as possible.

The action of the waves causes the ship to pitch up and down the most at the end of the ship, with the middle acting as the fulcrum on a see-saw. There’s no guarantee you won’t feel the motion, but it should be better than getting a room toward the front or back of the ship.

39. Avoid Lines By Visiting Guest Services Late at Night or Early in the Morning

Chances are decent you’ll need to visit Guest Services as least once during your trip. If you do have to go to ask something about a reservation or your account, try to time your visit to off-hours (the desk is open 24 hours a day). Times like just before dinner can see long lines, when you’d rather be out enjoying yourself. Early in the morning (before 8 a.m.) and late at night (after 9 p.m.) are the best times to see the shortest lines. You also see shorter lines in the middle of the cruise.

40. Wait For People to Exit the Elevators Before Trying to Get In

Elevators are the heartbeat of the ship. With 5,000 cruise passengers trying to go up and down on more than a dozen decks, elevators are constantly busy, no matter the time of day. That’s why you should always wait to enter only after people have gotten out. It’s polite, but it also makes getting on and off much easier. Just stand far enough back to give people plenty of space to exit and then enter only after your sure everyone is off. 

41. Pack a Small Fan For Your Cabin

While every cabin has air conditioning, they don’t have fans of any kind. That’s not an issue if you have a balcony and open your door, but any interior room is going to get a little stuffy — especially if you’re the sort of person that’s used to airflow. Luckily, you can bring aboard a portable fan like this one . As a bonus, a fan makes a great white-noise machine to help drown out any sounds from neighboring cabins.

42. Wear Sandals With Thick Tread Around the Ship

If you have a pair of cheap flip-flops that you like wearing around the pool, then it’s time to upgrade. Those sandals usually have slick bottoms that get worn down easy. When you hit a puddle, it’s easy to lose your grip and slip. On a ship, there are way too many places where you can slip and fall — especially around the pool. Upgrade to a pair that has a nice rubberized sole with plenty of tread.

43. What to Take Into Port With You

When you’re headed into port, the only two things you have to take with you are your ship keycard (it’s used to check you on/off the ship) and a photo ID if you’re 16 or older. Some people bring passports, but they aren’t required. 

Apart from that, you just want to bring whatever you might want or need for the day. If headed to the beach, we suggest a towel (beach towels are provided on the ship and can be taken into port), some cash, sunscreen, a hat, and walking shoes. 

44. Your Casino Payouts Can Be Worse Than on Land

If you want to gamble, a cruise ship offers plenty of opportunity. Nearly every cruise ship offers a casino . Just don’t expect great payouts. For example, on most ships blackjack pays 6-to-5 instead of the usual 3-to-2. Craps games heavily limit the amount of odds bets you can make. Video poker offers lower paybacks than the optimum pay table.

Head to the casino, enjoy yourself, but don’t think you’re getting a great deal.

45. Always Pack Some Cool-Weather Gear

Even if you are headed to the sunny Caribbean, it’s still a good idea to bring some warm clothes. When the ship is sailing and the sun has gone down, the combination of cooler temps and a strong breeze make it downright chilly on the deck. In addition, many spots around the ship are well air-conditioned, meaning you can be cool indoors as well.

46. Sail During the Summer/Spring Break for Younger Crowds

If you want to hang out with a younger crowd, then the time of year you sail is the biggest factor as to who you will sail with. Ships see younger crowds when school is out — Spring Break, Christmas, and Summer Break.

And if you’re looking to avoid younger folks and have a quieter cruise, then try to sail when school is in session and people are heading back to work. Months of January and February, as well as September and October will see older crowds compared to summer.

47. Save Hundreds By Sailing Off-Season

The rule of thumb is that cruises are most expensive when school is out. That’s because more people are able to take trips, driving up demand. So if you’re flexible with your dates, you can sail during off-season months like January or October and save some considerable money . The same trip sailing in late January can be 50% the cost of the same sailing that departs at the peak of summer.

48. Shorter Cruises = More Party-Like Atmosphere

If you want to have a calmer, quieter cruise, then look for trips that are seven days or more. Shorter cruises, which are less-expensive overall, tend to attract younger and more energetic crowds. That’s not to say it’s going to be like Mardi Gras, but shorter cruises — especially those traveling during the summer months — will definitely be a bit rowdier than what you’ll see from a week-long trip.

49. Invest in a Good Dry-Bag For Shore Days 

If you’re sailing to the Caribbean, the first image that comes to mind is white, sandy beaches and clear water. But what do you do with your cash, wallet, phone, and anything else you don’t want to get wet?

You can either leave it on shore as you swim or risk it getting soaked in the water. That’s why a dry-bag like this one is a great investment. It’s cheap, compact, and keeps all your stuff safe and sound.

50. Go Ahead, Splurge on Shore Excursions (Worth It)

Your first thought when you see the prices of shore excursions is that they are expensive. It’s not unusual for a shore excursion that is just 3-4 hours run more than $100 per person. But we think this is one spot to splurge on your trip.

Excursions give you a chance to do things you won’t have the opportunity to do anywhere else in the world — from exploring ancient ruins to taking a submarine under the Caribbean . After your trip you won’t remember the money you spent, but you won’t forget the experience you had.

51. Be Prepared for Hundreds in Port Fees and Gratuities

Cruise lines advertise ridiculously low fares. Well, just know that they are just the start of what you’ll pay. In addition, you’ll have to pay taxes and port fees, which can run into the hundreds depending on your specific trip. Add to that gratuities, which run about $18 per person, per day. Combined, these fees can add considerably to the cost of your cruise. Be prepared.

Note: Following a new law in California, cruise lines now advertise port fee and taxes in the price of the cruise, making pricing much more transparent from the start.

52. Keeping in Touch is Expensive (Internet Access)

Want to check email, surf the web, or call/text back home? Prepare to pay. Out at sea, the only communication is via satellite. Every cruise ship will have packages that allow you to call or get web access , but they charge a high price (often around $15-25 per day). There are several work-arounds (such as international plans that will give you cell phone service in port cities or using free wi-fi in ports), but for many people, it might be best just to turn off your device and enjoy being disconnected for a few days.

If you do book wi-fi, we’d suggest getting the top-tier package. Lower plans tend to have frustratingly slow connections.

53. Don’t Even Think About Being Late For the Ship

Check out the video below. As a first-time cruiser, don’t let this happen to you. The departure times for port days aren’t suggestions. You should be back on board by that time and not a moment later. The last thing you want to do is be a “pier runner” or worse, miss the ship altogether.

54. No Habla Espanol? No Problemo.

Many of the ports in the Caribbean and Mexico are Spanish-speaking countries, whereas others may speak Dutch or French. Don’t worry. You don’t have to be multi-lingual to get by. The cruise ports thrive on tourism and they make it as easy as possible for foreign tourists to get around. Practically everyone you encounter will speak English, so you can leave the Spanish dictionary at home.

55. Be Prepared to Have Your Picture Taken

Not the sort of person that likes having your picture taken by strangers? Get ready, because it will start before you even step foot on the ship. It’s big business on a cruise for roving photographers to take pictures of guests having fun. The pictures are then sold in the photo store on the ship. As a first-timer, it can be unnerving when you’re trying to relax (which others love it).

To be fair, the photographers are great and it’s a nice way to get a professional photo done to remember your trip. If you don’t want a picture taken, you can just politely decline. And there’s no charge unless you decide to buy the picture.

56. Don’t Expect to Drink the Alcohol Bought in Port

If you think that bottle of tequila you just bought in Cozumel will make for a fun evening, think again. Just like on embarkation day, you can’t bring on bottles of booze from ports. Anything bought in port will be held on the ship and delivered back to your stateroom the night before you leave.

57. Be Careful, Cruises Are Addicting

You sure you want to take that first cruise? One thing they don’t tell you in all the brochures is how addicting it can be. A week of being catered to, eating great food, and visiting multiple exotic ports is hard to forget when you head back to work after your trip. In fact, many people book their next cruise while on the ship. But let’s be honest… there are worse habits to have than a cruising habit!

Related Articles:

• The Must-Read First-Time Cruise Guide for New Passengers
• 22 Basic Things Every First-Time Cruiser Should Know
• The 8 Things First-Timers Forget to Pack for a Cruise

Popular: 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of)

Read next: park & cruise hotels for every port in america, popular: 107 best cruise tips, secrets, tricks, and freebies, related articles more from author, explained: differences between large and small(er) cruise ships, 39 useful things to pack for your cruise (including 17 you’d never think of), the 7 simple safety tips you have to know on a cruise, heading to port the 10 must-have things to bring with you, why people love cruises: 68 best reasons to take a cruise, 13 simple things that surprise first-time cruisers, 15 comments.

My first cruise next week will tender at Phuket with overnight stay. I’m wondering whether tender boat is usually available round-the-clock and will I be able to get back to the ship at midnight on Day 1? Or should I consider booking a hotel onshore? Thank you.

Not sure on that. Only stayed overnight in a port once and there was an “all-aboard” at midnight so they didn’t want you staying out past that time. It will be a cruise line policy, however, so yours may be different.

Where or who do I find out about Port Fees and taxes how much I should budget.

This will all be disclosed prior to buying. You can price the specific cruise online, but normally just factoring in $100-$200 per person is a quick way to figure it.

Ok I’m confused about the alcohol. Because most I have seen allow two bottles of wine per cabin (Either per port or per cruise). But this says you won’t get it until after the cruise?

No, you can bring on bottles of wine/champagne. Anything bought in port will be held until the last day of the cruise and then delivered to your room the last night.

Thank you for explaining that your room key acts more like a credit card on a cruise. My wife and I are planning on taking a cruise at the end of the year as a way to celebrate the coming of the new year. This will be our first time, so these tips you shared will help us make sure we have a great experience during the cruise.

I’m planning my trip first cruise. When choosing a balcony cabin on a large cruise, is it better on the upper decks, middle or lower? There seem to be price differences for different decks. Rom is there no difference? Thank you for infor.

To us it doesn’t really matter. It’s more about where you want to be in proximity to other parts of the ship. For example, most of the indoor amenities (casino, shopping, etc) are in the middle of the ship. Outdoor amenities are on the higher decks. So it’s really about if you mind taking the stairs or elevators to get back and forth.

My favorite part of this article is when you said that booking the balcony room is the best choice. As you mentioned, it is perfect for those who take their time in the morning while drinking a cup of coffee with a view. This is perfect for my husband and me because my husband is way too slow in the morning since he is a night owl. Actually, ever since we were dating, he would never choose to go out in the morning. Thanks!

Wow, it’s interesting that you said that there are no luggage fees in cruises, and we can bring as much as items as we want to. My family and I are going to look for a cruise trip for summer because it has been of our dreams ever since my husband and I got married. Our kids were also very excited when we told our plans with them. We will keep these tips in mind. Thanks a lot!

is there smoking cigarettes on a carnival cruise

Yes there is, but only in designated areas. It’s not allowed in your cabin or on your balcony.

Just returned from our first cruise and I am so glad I read your ‘tips and advice’! They really helped! And yes, they are ‘addicting’! Already booked for this summer out of NYC on a 4 night with new Carnival ship to Bermuda!!! YAY!!

Love to hear you had a great time!

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

11 Smart Things to Pack for Your Cruise Cabin

The cheapest u.s. cruises for all of 2025 (starting at under $200), hotels with cruise shuttles for every major port in america, 107 best cruise tips, tricks, secrets, and freebies.

• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions

Celebrity Blog

• Special Occasions
• Choosing a Cruise
• Planning / Booking A Cruise
• Preparing For Your Cruise
• What To Expect On A Cruise
• Australia, New Zealand & the Pacific
• Central America
• East Coast & Bermuda
• Mexican Riviera
• South America & Antarctica
• Destinations

17 Invaluable Cruise Tips From a 20-Year Cruise Veteran

By Sue Bryant

Last updated: June 4th, 2024

• Find a Cruise

Whether you’re planning your maiden voyage or have already sailed the seven seas, you can always get more out of your cruise with some smart advance planning. Here are some cruise tips and tricks for everybody from first-time cruisers to experts.

1: Make Creative Stateroom Choices

Celebrity Cruises Suite

If you’re traveling as a multigenerational group, be creative with the configuration of your accommodation. For example, parents and grandparents would appreciate a private veranda, while kids could have an inside stateroom across the corridor. Consider interconnecting rooms—there are plenty on Celebrity’s ships—or The Retreat , where your family of four could enjoy the comfort and space of a two-bedroom suite.

Take a look at The Retreat if you’re a couple, too, as the extra amenities in this blissful sanctuary make a romantic vacation that much better, from premium beverages to an exclusive restaurant, Luminae , and a serene, private lounge and deck.

Read: How to Choose the Best Stateroom on a Cruise

2: Pack Smart

Experienced cruisers have all sorts of cruise tips and tricks for packing , some more unexpected than others. For example, magnets will attach loose pieces of paper, like excursion tickets and party invitations, to your cabin wall. Colorful towel clips will stop your beach towel from flying off your lounger on a breezy day. Compression cubes are perfect for squeezing more into your luggage, while hanging washbags mean you can store toiletries vertically, rather than cluttering the bathroom.

Invest in a travel pill organizer for any meds to avoid packing endless bottles, and a jewelry roll to keep everything together. A USB octopus means you can charge multiple devices from one USB socket, although power extension strips are not allowed. A thermal water flask will keep your drinking water cool all day and is more environmentally sound, as you won’t be discarding half-full plastic bottles once they warm up.

A tote bag is perfect for the beach (if you’ve chosen The Retreat, you’ll find a very chic complimentary one waiting in your suite). If you’re planning kayaking trips or are headed to the Galapagos , where you’ll be zooming around on Zodiacs, a roll-top wet bag keeps valuables dry.

Finally, pack everything you need for the first afternoon of embarkation day in your carry-on, not least swimwear, a cover-up, and sunblock, so you don’t have to wait for your suitcases to be delivered to your stateroom.

Read: Expert Cruise Packing Tips

3: Arrive a Day Early

Venice, Italy

If you’re traveling long distance, why not add on a night in a hotel before joining the ship? You’ll be able to enjoy a little local culture on your first night—for example, a stroll through Venice , or fresh seafood in Athens with a view of the floodlit Acropolis—and sleep off some jetlag. You’ll arrive at the port fresh and ready for an adventure at sea.

Read: What Are the Longest Cruises You Can Take?

4: Get to Know the Ship

Camp at Sea

Part of the fun of the first day is exploring your new home, and a wise cruise tip from experienced sailors is to take a self-guided ship tour. This way, you’ll figure out where you want to sunbathe, eat, and relax, find classes you like the look of, and see the array of activities on offer in Camp at Sea.

You’ll be given a map of the ship, or can use your Celebrity app to explore. Start on the highest possible deck and work your way methodically down. You’ll be amazed at how much you learn—which restaurants beckon, the enticing treatments on offer in the aromatic haven of the spa, the best spot from which to enjoy the thrill of sailaway on your first evening.

If you’re traveling as a family with young children, knowing the shortest routes around the ship is always a good idea, as you’ll inevitably be dashing back to your stateroom every now and then for forgotten items.

Read: How to Plan a Cruise for a Large Family

5: Budget for Beverages

Depending on your habits, investing in a beverage package can be one of the best cruise tips to follow. It’s easy on the carefree, sunny days of vacation to enjoy a couple of glasses of wine with lunch, a sundowner as you set sail, more wine with your evening meal, and then some cocktails in the nightclub.

It’s not all about booze; other beverage packages offer non-alcoholic drinks, some cater to kids, and others include just soda or mineral water.

6: Match Your Tech To Your Itinerary

There’s no need to bring an entire mobile office, but think about what you might need at the destinations you’re visiting on your cruise itinerary . In Alaska, binoculars are essential for wildlife spotting, as is a camera with a zoom lens. An essential cruise tip here is to bring a spare battery, as nobody wants a dead camera just as that pod of orcas appears.

You can’t fly a drone from a ship—but some of the tiniest models, for which you don’t need a license, are appropriate for catching those ‘wow’ aerial shots of, say, the Stockholm archipelago, or the dazzling gold and turquoise sweep of a Caribbean beach. Always check, though, whether your mini-drone is legal.

If you’re sailing somewhere tropical and are likely to be snorkeling or diving, consider a GoPro or a waterproof case for your smartphone for underwater shots. For long city tours involving a lot of walking, a heavy camera can be a burden, but a smartphone is perfect for street shots and video.

Read: What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise

7: Use the Celebrity Cruises App

Celebrity Cruises app

If you haven’t tried the Celebrity Cruises app on previous cruises, now’s the time. On a practical basis, the app makes boarding swifter and allows you to snap up dining and excursion reservations. But it’s fun, too. The in-app calendar is a fantastic tool for scheduling your day, rather than scribbling on the printed daily program.

The chat function is the perfect way to keep track of friends and family on board. You can manage your expenses, too. You can even use your smartphone to open your cabin door or control the lights and shades from your bed.

8: Try a Capsule Wardrobe

St. Petersburg, Russia

If you prefer to travel light, a good cruise tip is to plan a wardrobe that works hard. Each item needs to match other items, so keep the color palette minimalist. One pair of pants, for example, can be paired with any number of floaty tops, or with sneakers by day and strappy sandals by night.

One relatively simple summer dress can be accessorized with statement jewelry, scarves, and different shoes, and worn by day after it’s made an appearance for dinner. Lightweight travelers suggest just three pairs of shoes: one pair for walking, flip flops for the ship, and something more dressy for evening.

Roofdeck Garden

The dress code on Celebrity Cruises’ ships is smart casual throughout, with a couple of Evening Chic evenings per cruise. You don’t need a ball gown or tuxedo for these—although some cruisers nonetheless love stepping out in full sparkle. The reality, though, is that everybody is having too much of a good time to judge what you’re wearing every day.

9: Skip the Travel-sized Toiletries

Small bottles are generally environmentally unsound, so buy a set of reusable travel-sized bottles and decant your favorite products before leaving home if you like to travel with a particular brand. Shampoo, conditioner, liquid soap, and soap bars are provided, in any case.

Royal Suite bathroom

If you are bringing big bottles, like sunblock, double wrap them in plastic. Nobody wants to open their suitcase to a gooey mess. Aromatherapy oils, too, have a habit of leaking, and while tea tree is great for insect bites, and lavender for sleep and soothing sunburn, wrap them tightly unless you want to wander around the ship smelling like an intense herbal aroma.

10: Make Breakfast an Occasion

While the choices in the Oceanview Cafe are undeniably mouth-watering, mix it up a little, especially if you have kids in tow and you’re eating at peak time, when everybody is getting ready to go on tour. Change out the bustle of the cafe for a more serene experience in the main restaurant, where you’ll enjoy table service, made-to-order omelettes, and delicious specials like eggs Benedict or pancakes with maple syrup.

11: Plan Specialty Dining

Lawn Club Grill

You’ll probably be booking several of the specialty restaurants on board, so plan your time wisely. If you’re ashore all day on a long excursion, you’ll most likely be tired, so this might be the night for a quiet dinner in the main dining room.

If there’s a sunset sailaway from somewhere exceptionally beautiful, like Santorini, for example, make that the day you dine at the Lawn Club Grill or the Rooftop Garden Grill on Edge or Apex. If you only choose one specialty experience and you’re cruising with kids, go for Le Petit Chef, a spectacular animation experience that thrills and entertains all ages.

Booking spa treatments early evening, when there’s usually more availability, is tempting, but don’t leave it too late on big evenings like the cocktail hour. On the other hand, on a sailing day, especially if there’s an Evening Chic dress code, soak up some sun, dress up to the nines, and make this your night in Murano, where an elegant outfit matches the beautiful setting.

12: Take Time Out

If you’re a seasoned cruiser and are perhaps revisiting old haunts in Europe , why not take a day off? This is particularly rewarding—and feels slightly decadent—in the heat of the Mediterranean summer, but with so much sightseeing on offer, exhaustion is a real issue. So book a spa treatment for a port day when there are usually special offers, or occupy prime position by the pool, enjoying the sensation of having the ship to yourself, like a luxurious private yacht.

If you do venture ashore, do as the locals do. Sit for hours in a beautiful square with morning coffee and head back on board for a siesta. If your ship has a late sail, take a stroll in port at sunset and stop for aperitivos, followed by a late dinner on board.

13: Document Your Voyage

Most of us take photographs and videos, but thinking of other ways you could document your vacation is one of the best cruise tips to help you remember your vacation. You could pack a sketch pad and pencils and give drawing a try—nobody will judge if you can only manage a stick figure. Try creative writing; sit in some gorgeous waterfront café, or on deck at sunset, and describe what you see. Or try a video app and get creative with micro-movies.

You could even try a sound diary, recording snippets of sound on your phone as a memory—the chatter of dolphins, the cry of a bird, the clackety-clack of a train, the bustle of a restaurant. Ask the whole family for their best shots at the end of the trip and create a photo book. Or collect ticket stubs and other scraps—more of a challenge in the digital age—for a good, old-fashioned vacation scrapbook.

14: Keep the Family Happy

One of the joys of cruising in a multigenerational group is that there’s enough variety on board for everybody. A ship is the perfect environment in which families can scatter, do their own thing, and meet up at an agreed time and place to enjoy quality time together.

For example, your teens might want to visit the Teen Club, while grandparents may head out on a tour while you work out in the gym or relax in the privacy of your veranda. Maybe agree to meet for lunch, or take a couple of fantastic family-friendly excursions . There’s no pressure to do everything as a group, though, and the joy of a cruise ship is that it’s safe for all ages.

Read: Best Cruises for Teens

15: Make Exercise Fun

Celebrity yoga class

If you exercise regularly at home, there’s every possibility on a Celebrity Cruises ship to keep up your routine with some exciting classes. On Edge-series ships, join a high-energy, live-streamed class on the Peloton bikes. Get the whole family signed up for a salsa class, or simply inhale the sea air on an early morning power walk. Use the stairs instead of the elevator. Wear an activity tracker and see if you can hit 10,000 steps a day—it’s really not difficult on a ship.

16: Manage Your Time Ashore

Iguazu Falls, Buenos Aires

There are some ports that invite wandering. Mykonos Town and Barcelona , for example, are easy to navigate. Venice is a place to lose yourself among the tranquil canals and alleyways, while Juneau in Alaska is a joy to wander at your own pace or try the friendly public bus service to reach the Mendenhall Glacier.

On the other hand, from Naples , you’ll want to visit the excavations at Pompeii, which is infinitely better with a guide. A tour is a reassuring and more effective way to navigate the teeming chaos of Bangkok. South American ports are trickier if you don’t speak Spanish, and cities like Buenos Aires and Santiago are, in any case, sprawling.

However you spend your day, though, be back on time! Unless you’re on an official excursion, the ship won’t wait.

17: Reinvent Yourself

Martini Bar

Cruising is undeniably exciting and romantic, so let go of your everyday stresses and rediscover the real you. Nobody here knows you, so you can be whoever you like. This is the time for sartorial expression, so let your fashion imagination run wild. At home, you may not sit at a glamorous cocktail bar, sipping a martini and wearing a sparkly dress, or a suave summer tuxedo, but in the elegant setting of a Celebrity Cruises ship, why not?

Push your boundaries, however gently. Boost your adrenaline with a new activity, like zip-lining or a high-speed RIB tour. Stay up insanely late, dancing. Try karaoke. Or get up early, head up on deck, and watch the sunrise. You can always snooze during the day.

Join a class on board and learn a new skill. Meet new people and let them see the you that isn’t encumbered by school runs and office commutes. You may surprise yourself.

Inspired to set sail? The whole world awaits, so start exploring our thrilling destinations and browse itineraries on our website .

Sue has been writing about cruising for 20 years and is lucky enough to have sailed all seven continents. She lives in London, where she is cruise editor of The Times and The Sunday Times newspapers, as well as a freelance contributor to magazines and websites worldwide.

Related Itineraries

Key West & Perfect Day

• 4 nights ON CELEBRITY REFLECTION
• DEPARTING FROM FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA

Key West & Bahamas

Bahamas & Perfect Day

• 3 nights ON CELEBRITY REFLECTION

Bahamas, Mexico & Cayman

• 6 nights ON CELEBRITY BEYOND

Aruba, Bonaire & Curacao

• 8 nights ON CELEBRITY BEYOND

Related Articles

19 Things Not to Do on a Cruise

Accessible Travel Guide

How to Prevent Seasickness on a Cruise

12 Wildlife Photography Tips for Beginners

The Only Cruise Packing List You’ll Ever Need

The Complete Guide to Dining Options on Celebrity Cruises

What to Expect Your First Time on a Cruise

What to Wear on a Cruise: The Ultimate Guide

Celebrity Cruises & Gay Times UK Announce Video Mini-Series “Trailblazers”

What Is a Repositioning Cruise?

11 Cruise Picture Ideas

5 Best Thanksgiving Cruises From Florida

Free Vacation Planning Services

CALL US 888-751-7804

Sign Up for Special Offers

I would like to receive electronic Promotional messages from Celebrity Cruises Inc. You can unsubscribe at anytime. Please view our Privacy Policy .

• First Name *
• Last Name *
• Email Address *
• Country * Country Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Colombia Comoros Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Costa Rica Côte d'Ivoire Croatia Cuba Curaçao Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic East Timor Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Polynesia Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Greenland Grenada Guam Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati North Korea South Korea Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macedonia Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Mauritania Mauritius Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestine, State of Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russia Rwanda Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Sudan, South Suriname Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Togo Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Tuvalu Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Vatican City Venezuela Vietnam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe

STAY IN THE KNOW

Thank you for subscribing.

See you on board soon.

Here Are 9 Fantastic Cruise Cabin Hacks That Make Your Ship Absolutely Cozy

By: Author Elaine Warren

Posted on Last updated: October 15, 2023

Categories CRUISE TIPS , ONBOARD EXPERIENCE , Travel Hacks

Cruise ship rooms are substantially smaller than a typical room at a hotel or resort.  But that’s no reason for your family to feel overly cramped or confined!   Following this handful of simple cruise cabin hacks will help you make the best use of all the space available to you. And, they’ll greatly increase your overall comfort level.  

Related Content:  63 First Time Cruise Tips That Will Make Your Family Cruise Terrific

We’ll also flag some simple organizational tools that can help as well.  Several inexpensive, time-tested convenience items are often recommended by veteran cruisers as cruise cabin hacks that will help you maximize your usable space. ( This post has been updated for 2023. )

Be sure to check out our recommendations on our favorite cruise accessories.

This post may contain affiliate links. Visit our Disclosures Page for more information.

9 Simple Cruise Cabin Hacks

Cabin hack no. 1: unpack fully and store luggage..

Once your luggage arrives at your cabin, unpack it all. You should make sure that all of your family members do so as well. Everyone will be much more comfortable if you’re not continually pulling suitcases out to look for things.

If you packed using packing cubes to organize your stuff, you can pull them right out of the suitcase and drop them in the drawers. Once your bags are empty, you should nest luggage as best you can and place them under the bed. (Many coordinated luggage sets are perfect for nesting!)

Cabin Hack No. 2: Clear Pre-Existing Clutter.

Cruise ship rooms often have numerous items on the counter that you don’t really need, or that you know you won’t use. (In a post-pandemic environment, perhaps there will be less of this.) All of those items can be cleared off and placed in the closet on the high shelf. For instance, if your room has an ice bucket and glasses, you probably won’t really need them.  If you are ordering room service they can bring ice and glasses for you.  And, the best part, they can be whisked away or left outside your door once you are done.  No need for a permanent station that uses up valuable counter space.  Also, if you have small children, such items are an unnecessary attractive nuisance.  

Similarly, you probably won’t need the magazine-type items or table books that you may find in your room.  In the event you really do want to read them, you can always pull them out of the closet.

Cabin Hack No. 3: Search for Secret Storage.

This cruise cabin hack has the most relevance to newer cruise ships. Look for “hidden” storage spaces behind mirrors or wood paneling. Sometimes you may be pleasantly surprised to find additional shelves or cubbies. If you do not find any, you should ask your stateroom attendant whether you have overlooked anything.

Join Our Mailing List & Receive Your Own Copy Of The Cozy Cabin Checklist! 

Cabin Hack No. 4: Increase Storage Space in Your Cruise Ship Rooms With Hanging Shelves.

A set of foldable hanging shelves for the closet can be quite handy.  Think of the kind that you often see for sweaters. These come in many variations, but the best ones for this purpose are the kind that has some kind of a stiff or supported bottom to each shelf, and where the entire unit folds up easily into a single square for easy packing.

A sturdy closet organizer provides additional storage space for clothes or almost any other item you choose.  It maximizes the use of vertical space without sacrificing overall storage capacity.  If you have one with four to six shelves, this provides storage equivalent to a small dresser. This will free up other valuable drawers, shelves, and counter space throughout your cabin. You can use them to store just about anything – clothes, shoes, swim gear, small toys, books, souvenirs acquired en route, etc.

Cabin Hack No. 5: Make the Most Of Closet Hangers.

In most cruise ship rooms, storage space will be at a premium, particularly if you are trying to accommodate the belongings of more than two people. Your stateroom will have some combination of closets, drawers, and shelves. There will be hangers provided in the closet, and you should utilize them. Drawer space is often at a premium, so you should plan to hang some clothes where practical. For instance, as noted in our Norwegian Bliss review , our mini-suite only had drawers in the bathroom.

Typically, if guests needed additional hangers, they could request them from their stateroom attendant. It is unclear at present whether people will be able to do that under the new protocols for Coronavirus. If you know you will have many items to hang, consider packing some lightweight foldable travel hangers .

Cabin Hack No. 6: Pack Handy Laundry Bags.

Bring along a couple of medium to large travel laundry bags . Place them at the bottom of your closet to collect dirty laundry throughout your trip. This will help keep your closet organized and your cabin tidy. With two or three, you can organize your laundry as you go and streamline your return packing. While cruise ship rooms usually have a bag to send in clothes to the ship’s laundry for washing or dry cleaning, these are almost always paper and not reusable. (Note: Typically, you won’t find an iron in your cruise cabin .)

Cabin Hack No. 7: Cruise Ship Rooms Need an Over the Door Shoe Organizer.

Go ahead and bring along one of those tried and true over-the-door shoe organizers for the back of the bathroom door.  This may be the single cruise hack that you will most often see included in recommended packing lists and checklists for cruises.

Believe the hype !  It probably wasn’t until our fourth or fifth cruise that I finally broke down and decided to give this cruise cabin hack a try.  And it was totally worth it.  The bathrooms in most cruise ship rooms are positively tiny — as in you are lucky when you can fit two people in at the same time.  The storage space and counter space in the bathroom itself are very limited.  If you are a couple traveling alone, you can probably work it all out.  But if you are traveling with kids, or otherwise have a larger party, there will rarely be sufficient bathroom space (unless you are in a suite). 

Best Features for Organizers

You can find these over-the-door organizers in a variety of shapes and sizes. The ones that are plastic throughout and transparent seem to work the best. The plastic ones can easily be folded up into a variety of shapes and tucked into a spare spot in your suitcase. The transparency of the plastic allows you to quickly see what is in the various pockets at a glance.

This item will substantially increase the available storage space in your bathroom and makes it easier to organize your toiletries and the like in an efficient manner. With one of the organizers that have 20 or more generously sized pockets, you can organize numerous bathroom items for each family member – toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorants, shaving materials, shower caps, lotions, first aid kit, medicines, etc. And, depending on which row is selected, this can make it easier to keep certain items in or out of the reach of small hands.

Cabin Hack No. 8: Make Most of Cruise Ship Rooms’ Walls With Magnets.

Most of the walls in cruise ship rooms are made of metal.  So magnets become a very simple cruise hack. If you bring along a set of magnets , this allows you to utilize your cabin wall space as storage.  They can be used to hang papers, notes, lanyards, and other small items on the wall.  This helps reduce clutter and clear counter space.  You can also use them to help keep your family organized (or at least informed) by posting family schedules, notes, or other information.

You will find that you accumulate a great deal of paper throughout the cruise. Indeed, papers will likely be waiting for you when you first enter your stateroom. There will be daily newsletters about shipboard events, and you will also receive various flyers regarding promotions, shore announcements, or upcoming important events. One magnet can be designated to store all of the old cruise guides and various papers you get while on board, instead of leaving them strewn about the cabin.

Best Features For Magnets

You can get the most use out of the clamp/clip styles or hook styles.  These provide more versatility and can function as multiple cruise hacks. You can use them to hang up swimsuits or clothes to dry, secure beach towels to deck chairs, secure curtains, and many other helpful functions.  

For example, you can also use magnets as a cruise cabin hack to organize your cruise card lanyards. Because cruise cards are essential and used so frequently, you will find that many passengers will have the cards secured by or in a lanyard that they can wear around their neck or wrist.  Using magnets, you can position your lanyards near the door where they can be easily retrieved. And, you can position them sufficiently high up that they are out of reach of busy hands.

Cabin Hack No. 9: Make Cruise Ship Rooms Tech-Friendly With Outlet Expanders.

Most cruise ship rooms have an extremely limited number of electric outlets that are readily accessible.  Often, you will only find 1 or 2, and they won’t necessarily be conveniently located. A simple cruise hack to fix that will be packing something to maximize the usability of any electric outlets available.  A family of four with a variety of tablets, phones, and other devices will need a little help, so pack an outlet expander .  Indeed, given the number of electronic items we typically carry these days, this is really a must-have cruise accessory .

You can find these in a variety of configurations.  It would be particularly useful to grab one that has slots for several USB connections as well as traditional plug outlets. These are very compact and take up minimal counter space.

(For more recommendations, check out 9 Best Travel Power Strips For That Next Fantastic Cruise ).

Don’t forget to check out our post of great travel hacks for families!

Visit our recommendations page for more cruise tips on our favorite cruise accessories .

Elaine Warren

Founder & Crew Chief

• Visit Facebook account (opens in a new tab)
• Visit LinkedIn account (opens in a new tab)

Keep up with the latest cruise tips and insights! Follow us on Pinterest:

Related Articles

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

[…] Cozy Cabin Checklist | Family Cruise Companion […]

My husband & I cruise all the time. I agree with all your tips, especially if you have a family. I have been using packing cubes and over the door shoe hangar in bathroom for years. My other tip bring your own hangars, either the wire or the suede coated ones, remove the ships hangars (they are wide and bulky) your hangars will double your space. This time I’m trying the closet organizer hangar that you put 5 items on and it folds down.

Thanks for your comments, Felice! I agree that using thinner hangers can add lots of additional space to your closet. So if you have room in your luggage, that’s a great extra to pack.

• Favorites & Watchlist Find a Cruise Cruise Deals Cruise Ships Destinations Manage My Cruise​ FAQ Perfect Day at CocoCay Weekend Cruises Crown & Anchor Society Cruising Guides Gift Cards Contact Us Royal Caribbean Group
• Back to Main Menu
• Search Cruises " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-2-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruises" target="_self"> Search Cruises
• Cruise Deals
• Weekend Cruises
• Last Minute Cruises
• Family Cruises​
• 2024-2025 Cruises
• All Cruise Ships " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-4-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-ships" target="_self"> All Cruise Ships
• Cruise Dining
• Onboard Activities
• Cruise Rooms
• The Cruise Experience
• All Cruise Destinations " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-5-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-destinations" target="_self"> All Cruise Destinations
• Cruise Ports
• Shore Excursions
• Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Caribbean Cruises
• Bahamas Cruises​
• Alaska Cruises
• European Cruises​
• Mediterranean Cruises​
• Royal Destinations
• Cruise Planner
• Make a Payment
• Check-In for My Cruise
• Beverage Packages​
• Shore Excursions​
• Book a Flight
• Dining Packages​
• Royal Gifts
• Required Travel Documents
• Transportation
• Book a Hotel
• Redeem Cruise Credit
• All FAQs " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-7-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/faq" target="_self"> All FAQs
• Boarding Requirements
• Future Cruise Credit​
• Travel Documents​
• Check-in​ & Boarding Pass
• Transportation​
• Perfect Day at CocoCay​
• Post-Cruise Inquiries
• Royal Caribbean
• Celebrity Cruises

The Ultimate Family Vacation Pools on Icon of the Seas

Here's an insider's guide to the many pools Icon of the Seas℠ will offer.

YOUR ULTIMATE

Cruise guide.

This is Royal Caribbean’s ultimate guide to helping you take your cruising experience to the next level. Don’t just take a vacation — take an immersive cultural journey, a palate-pleasing culinary expedition, or a full-blown epic family vacation that everyone will enjoy. All you need to know and more, is just one click away.

FEATURED ARTICLE

Latest articles

Casino Royale Cruise Guide

[Infographic] The Ultimate Travel Packing List for a World Cruise

A Guide to Planning the Best Family Cruises Onboard Oasis of the Seas

Alaska Souvenirs to Take Home With You So You Never Forget Your Trip

The Best Family Beaches in Florida

Sign up to receive information about our special offers and deals. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more details about how we use your information, view our Privacy Policy .

CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE

trending stories

Relaxing Vacation Spots in the Caribbean: Peaceful Weekend Getaways

Insider Tips To Maximizing Your Time At Perfect Day At Cococay

The Most Scenic Holiday Vacations Around the World

EUROPE VACATION: REMARKABLE PLACES TO SEE IN YOUR LIFETIME

4 RELAXING PLACES FOR YOUR WEEKEND CARIBBEAN

PERFECT SUMMER GETAWAYS FOR THE BEST FAMILY VACATIONS

ONCE IN A LIFETIME ALASKA CRUISE VACATION: BUCKET LIST DESTINATIONS

BEST PLACES TO TRAVEL

If you’re looking for inspiration or even if you already know exactly where you want to go, our helpful guides give you the latest scoop on top travel destinations and the best places to vacation. check them out..

the caribbean

mexican riviera

best FAMILY vacation

Want to plan a family getaway but don’t know where to start read on for the best family vacation spots and top destinations for family vacations. you’ll find everything you need to create the epic family vacay you’ve been waiting for..

Family Cruises | Voyager of the Seas

August 13, 2024

Envision your next travel vacation, as you plan the best family cruise getaway while sailing onboard the Voyager of the Seas. Unexpected cruise activities.

Free Cruise Activities | Voyager of the Seas

As one of the best cruise ships sailing, the Voyager of the Seas offers an abundance of free onboard cruise activities & vacation experiences.

The Best Family Vacation On Explorer of The Seas

Explorer of the Seas is a great choice for the best family vacation. Learn how you can maximize your family time onboard.

Best Family Vacation On Odyssey of The Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

If you’re looking to plan an amazing family cruise vacation, the brand-new Odyssey of the Seas overflows with fun activities for kids and family-friendly entertainment.

Best Family Cruise Vacation on Allure of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

August 8, 2024

Are you planning your next family vacation? Check out these family cruise tips for maximizing your cruise on Allure of the Seas.

The Best Time to Visit The Bahamas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

July 31, 2024

Choosing the best time to visit The Bahamas is made easier by year-round sailings and various departure ports.

Family Cruise Activities on Ovation of the Seas

July 30, 2024

Uncover the best ideas for family cruise activities! With all kinds of unforgettable fun, a relaxing trip on Ovation of the Seas will top your watchlist.

Family Vacation Cruise Ideas for the Holidays

July 23, 2024

Start a new holiday tradition of taking a family vacation cruise while creating relaxing personal experiences for everyone with scenic destinations around the world.

What to Know About Cruising from the Four Florida Cruise Ports | Royal Caribbean Cruises

July 3, 2024

Planning to set sail from one of the Florida cruise ports? Whether you sail from Tampa, Miami, Fort Lauderdale or Orlando, these tips will help you plan.

Eastern vs Western Caribbean [Infographic]

Don't know the differences between the Caribbean islands? Here's how to choose between eastern vs. western Caribbean cruise itineraries for your dream vacation.

How to Communicate With Family on a Cruise | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Never been on a cruise vacation and not sure about Wi-Fi and cell service while you're at sea? Here's how to communicate with family on a cruise.

The Best Time to Visit Bermuda | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Here's your guide on everything you need to know when deciding the best time to visit Bermuda.

Best Long Weekend Getaways to the Bahamas on Utopia of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Make the most of a weekend getaway Caribbean cruise to the Bahamas onboard Utopia of the Seas with these ideal travel tips.

What's Free on Utopia of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

The new Utopia of the Seas℠ offers plenty of free restaurants, attractions and entertainment to help you plan an unforgettable, all-inclusive vacation.

What To Wear on a Cruise: Dressing for the Vacation | Royal Caribbean Cruises

When you're planning a weekend away, packing is incredibly important. If you're wondering what to wear on a cruise, this guide has you covered.

Family Cruises | Wonder of the Seas

June 21, 2024

Envision your next travel vacation, as you plan the best family cruise getaway while sailing onboard the Wonder of the Seas.

Everything You Need to Plan a Perfect Day at Cococay

June 14, 2024

Planning on maximizing your experience at Perfect Day at CocoCay discover everything you need to know from record-breaking slides and rides, free kid-friendly attractions to delicious restaurants, and chilled out activities.

One Day, Three Ways At Perfect Day At Cococay

Planning your time at the new CocoCay? If you want to unwind, head to Chill Island on the east side of CocoCay. Or visit the Oasis Lagoon or the Thrill Waterpark to get on the side of adventure.

The Ultimate Kid-Friendly Vacation to Perfect Day at CocoCay

Set sail to the best kid-friendly destination in the world on a cruise from Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando to Perfect Day at CocoCay and discover all the amazing family-friendly activities, award-winning shows, and record-breaking attractions.

Amazing Family Friendly Summer Cruise Vacations

Enjoy your family summer vacation on a cruise to Perfect Day CocoCay and discover the private islands beautiful beaches, kid-friendly attractions, great restaurants and record-breaking water rides and activities for all ages. Find summer cruise deals.

Top Tips for Planning a Cruise to Alaska

June 7, 2024

Discover the top tips for planning a cruise to Alaska and uncover the best times of the year to spot Alaskas wildlife, locate must-see attractions, find Alaskan cruise deals and more.

Cruise Room Upgrade Tips | How to Bid with Royal Up | Royal Caribbean Cruises

May 21, 2024

Earn cruise room upgrades using points from past sailings or credit cards, tracking price drops and bidding with Royal Up. What's Royal Up? Find out.

Vacation Gift Ideas: Give the Gift of Cruising | Royal Caribbean Cruises

May 20, 2024

Can you buy gift cards for cruises? Yes — Royal Caribbean gift cards are great vacation gift ideas for future cruises and a variety of experiences onboard.

Caribbean Vacation Ideas for a Seven-Night Cruise | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Find Caribbean vacation ideas to maximize your time and fun on a seven-night Caribbean cruise, including ideas for port planning and shore excursions.

How do Slot Tournaments Work? Details & Expectations | Royal Caribbean Cruises

May 7, 2024

A slot tournament at sea aboard a Royal Caribbean ship combines a relaxing cruise vacation with a fun and social way to win slot tournament cash prizes.

The Best Travel Gifts for Dad’s Next Vacation

May 6, 2024

Dads deserve to be spoiled. Plan the ideal cruise vacation trip with an infographic guide and get ready to make memories to last a lifetime.

Enjoy the Ultimate Family Vacation by the Pool on Icon of the Seas

April 30, 2024

With a pool for every day of the week, Icon of the Seas makes it easy to maximize every sun-dappled moment onboard during the ultimate family vacation.

Cruises are the Best Birthday Weekend Getaways | Royal Caribbean Cruises

April 29, 2024

Birthday weekend getaways onboard cruise ships are an ideal way to celebrate your loved one's special day.

Girls and guys weekend trip ideas: How to plan a cruise getaway | Royal Caribbean Cruises

April 22, 2024

Looking for great girls or guys weekend trip ideas? Here are some useful tips to plan the perfect getaway with your friends.

Can You Take Days Off Without PTO? Here's What You Need to Know | Royal Caribbean Cruises

April 19, 2024

An epic vacation doesn't have to mean depleting all your vacation days. Can you take days off without PTO? Yes! Here are some ways to do it.

How To Have the Best Family Vacation on Utopia of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Royal Caribbean's newest Oasis Class ship makes planning a family vacation easy. Here's everything you need to know.

Your Casino Drink Is a Tell | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Your casino drink will give other players a glimpse at who you are. Choose your game and your drink wisely as you spend some time at Casino Royale℠.

What’s Free Onboard Oasis of the Seas

April 11, 2024

As one of the largest cruise ships, the Oasis of the Seas offers an abundance of free onboard cruise experiences and attractions for everyone on vacation.

How to Have Your Best Family Vacation Onboard Icon of The Seas℠

There are many reasons why Icon of The Seas℠ offers the best family vacation out there, from exceptional pools to daytime activities and rocking nightlife.

6 Best Cruises Out of Port Canaveral | Royal Caribbean Cruises

April 9, 2024

From short weekend getaways to family-friendly vacations and extended voyages, cruises out of Port Canaveral are the ideal island vacation getaway.

Western Caribbean Family Vacation Ideas: Icon of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

April 2, 2024

Combine the new Icon of the Seas with these top destinations for the most memorable, kid-friendly, Western Caribbean family vacation.

From NYC to Nova Scotia Vacation Ideas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Discover all the outdoor adventure activities, historic attractions and delicious foodie delights that await on a Nova Scotia vacation from NYC.

Best Weekend Cruises from Florida | Royal Caribbean Cruises

April 1, 2024

Whether you're a couple, a family or a solo traveler, weekend cruises from Florida make a fabulous quick break full of sun and sand.

7 Ways To Use Onboard Credit | Royal Caribbean Cruises

March 18, 2024

Wondering what to do with onboard credit? Use it or lose it, baby! If there's one motto for how to treat your cruise credit, this is definitely it.

Best Family Vacation Onboard Mariner of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

March 11, 2024

With so many reasons why Mariner of the Seas offers some of the best options for family cruises the real decision is your next vacation destination.

Plan the Best Cruises From Venice | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Cruises from Venice can be a gateway to discovery — and not just of the places you sail to. Here are some Venice excursions to get you inspired.

Benefits of Using Your SeaPass Card at Casino Royale | Royal Caribbean Cruises

What is a SeaPass® on Royal Caribbean and what are the benefits of using your SeaPass card at Casino Royale℠? VIP perks and even a free cruise, to start.

Eastern Caribbean Family Vacation Idea | Royal Caribbean Cruises

March 8, 2024

Icon of the Seas℠ offers the best eastern Caribbean family vacation around, with plenty of sunshine and beach time.

Visiting Lovely Loch Ness on Scotland Vacations | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Here's everything you need to know about visiting Loch Ness on Scotland vacations, including its history, how to get there, and the best things to do.

Fun European Vacations for Adventures | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Are you looking for your next adventure? This thrill-seekers guide will show you where to get the ultimate adrenaline fix on European vacations.

Discover Wi-Fi Cruise Packages | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Even if you plan to lose yourself in your next cruise, you'll want to stay connected. Here's what you need to know about Royal Caribbean Wi-Fi .

Tips for Summer Travel with Kids | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Planning summer travel with kids can be a breeze if you keep these tips in mind.

Everything You Need to Know About the Best Cruises For Teens | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Why is Royal Caribbean's <em>Icon of the Seas</em>℠ Caribbean sailing one of the best cruises for teens? The answer lies in the vast array of wow-worthy moments.

Planning a Trip To Alaska: Land vs. Sea | Royal Caribbean Cruises

When planning a trip to Alaska, many travelers wonder if it's better to explore the state by land or by sea. Here's why travel by cruise ship is best here.

Our Family Alaska Cruise: A Vacation We'll Never Forget | Royal Caribbean Cruises

On our family Alaska cruise, we created lifetime memories by sharing glacier spotting, dog sledding, flightseeing and other adventures with our teens.

Plan Your Best Spa Getaways | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Plan the best spa getaway possible with experiences being tailored to suit your vacation needs. Rest and rejuvenate in exotic destinations around the world.

Best Cruises from New York | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Curious about the best cruises from New York? Options include Bermuda, the Bahamas and New England. Discover these exciting cruises from Cape Liberty.

How to Plan a Culture Trip to the Caribbean Islands | Royal Caribbean Cruises

A culture trip allows you to explore the vibrant traditions, flavors and rhythms of the Caribbean islands.

A Guide to Planning the Best Family Cruises Onboard Oasis of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Plan the best family vacation, here are some of the top ways you can maximize your time traveling onboard Oasis of the Seas for your epic family cruise trip.

The Ultimate Guide to Your Caribbean Vacation| Royal Caribbean Cruises | Royal Carribean Cruises

Royal Caribbean's 2024 cruises offer the perfect Caribbean vacation, bringing you to the region's beaches, culture, history and cuisine.

Top Secret Vacation Spots in Europe | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Take your best European vacation with access to the top secret vacation spots to visit when traveling in Europe. Pick and save your favorite.

Caribbean Festivals with Holiday Foods | Royal Caribbean Cruises

This year, go to the Caribbean for the holidays. The combination of Caribbean festivals and local holiday foods will make it a vacation to remember.

What to Pack for a Cruise to Alaska | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Take the guess work out of what to pack for a cruise to Alaska with this guide that tells you what to bring and why you'll be glad you did!

The Best Secret Mediterranean Beaches | Royal Caribbean Cruises

From the mainstream French and Italian Rivieras to secluded idylls in the Balkans, your search for the best Mediterranean beaches ends here.

Visiting Historic Abbeys in England | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Did you know some abbeys in England are still open for visits? This guide will help you discover the most glorious and influential abbeys in England.

Top Secret Vacation Spots in the Caribbean | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Take your best Caribbean vacation with access to the top secret vacation spots to visit when traveling in the islands. Pick and save your favorite.

What Makes Royal Caribbean the Best Cruise Line? | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Having won awards year after year for our dining, entertainment, service and ships, Royal Caribbean is easily one of the best cruise lines in the world.

The Best Holiday Destinations To Visit This Season | Royal Caribbean Cruises

The best holiday destinations are those that allow you to forget your stresses back home and spend time with your closest loved ones.

The Most Famous European Cathedrals | Royal Caribbean Cruises

From Notre Dame to the iconic La Sagrada Família, here are some of the most famous European cathedrals.

Northeastern Facts to Illuminate This Beautiful US Region | Royal Caribbean Cruises

The Northeast is a must-visit destination for travelers who love food, culture, history and the outdoors. These Northeastern facts will inspire your visit.

Pablo Picasso Facts and How He Influenced the Art World | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Headed to Europe on a cruise for art immersion? Enjoy these Pablo Picasso facts for your vacation travels and save your favorite destinations.

Underrated European Travel Destinations | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Take your best European vacation with access to the top underrated travel destinations to visit when taking a vacation in Europe. Pick and save your favorite.

Best Activities for Grandparents and Grandchildren on a Cruise | Royal Caribbean Cruises

With so many activities for grandparents and grandchildren to enjoy together, a cruise vacation is the perfect choice for multi-generational families.

Fun Activities for kids in Alaska | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Fun activities for kids abound on an Alaska cruise. Embark on a thrilling journey with young explorers through breathtaking landscapes.

How to Plan a Summer Getaway Cruise That's Fun and Relaxing For All

Travel tips on planning a summer getaway cruise for kids to be one of your best summer vacations filled with fun relaxing adventures among friends and family.

Dive Into Alaska Traditions on Your Next Cruise | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Whether you're curious about Alaska native culture or other Alaska traditions, here's how to make these an integral part of your trip up north.

How to Get Travel Tuesday Cruise Deals | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Travel Tuesday cruise deals go live at midnight on Cyber Monday, and are designed to bring you discounts on experiences that you'll remember for a lifetime.

Best Affordable Summer Vacations for Families | Royal Caribbean Cruises

A smaller budget doesn't have to mean less fun. Families can look to budget cruises for affordable summer vacations that appeal to kids and adults alike.

Grenada Snorkeling: Best Places to Snorkel When Visiting St. George | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Ready to explore the best of the Caribbean's underwater world? These are some of the top spots for Grenada snorkeling near St. George's cruise port.

Planning All-Inclusive Family Vacations: Tips and Tricks | Royal Caribbean Cruises

All-inclusive family vacations, whether at a resort or on a cruise, offer the convenience of one-stop booking and activities for the whole family to enjoy.

6 Memorable Family-Friendly Attractions in the Caribbean

Looking for some top family-friendly attractions in the Caribbean? Here are the best things to do for kids and adults alike.

How to Plan the Best Hawaii Family Vacation | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Want to wow your family? Follow this guide to planning the best Hawaii family vacation.

9 Tips for Preparing Your House for an Extended Vacation | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Preparing your house for an extended vacation can seem like a huge task, but doing a few things before you go will make your trip carefree.

5 Top Kid-Friendly Places in Mexico

The best kid-friendly places in Mexico include museums, leafy plazas and ancient ruins that kids of all ages will love.

Top Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Jamaica

As a kid, I used to travel to Jamaica frequently. My parents loved traveling to the island because of the amount of kid-friendly things to do in Jamaica.

World Cruise Segments - Take One, or Take Them All!

Learn about the world cruise segments, which you can take separately or take them all for the most epic around-the-world cruise

Planning a Mini-Vacation from Los Angeles

Before embarking on cruises out of Los Angeles, enjoy a mini-vacation from LA, which might include Palm Springs, Mexico or San Diego.

How Do I Prepare My Kids for a Cruise? | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Wondering, "How do I prepare my kids for a cruise?" Check out these expert tips and activities to keep kids busy and engaged on port and sea days.

Traveling With a Toddler to Perfect Day at CocoCay | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Traveling with a toddler is easy when you book a cruise to Perfect Day at CocoCay. Read on for advice and tips for traveling with a toddler.

Why You Should Take an Alaska Summer Vacation Cruise

Most people tend to focus on the Caribbean for summer cruises, but an Alaska summer vacation can be a great option, too.

Family Cruises Onboard Icon of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Icon of the Seas is loaded with features that cater to families traveling together. Here’s how to plan the perfect family getaway onboard.

Great Ideas for Family Summer Vacations

If you're looking for great ideas for family summer vacations, take your kids on a Caribbean cruise. Cruises offer fun, safe places to travel on a budget.

Last-Minute Family Vacation Ideas

Create memorable moments. Take advantage of last-minute family vacation deals by spontaneously booking a holiday cruise for all those who you choose.

Best Restaurants on Spectrum of the Seas

Maximize your cruise vacation with the best restaurants when sailing on Spectrum of the Seas. Find the free places to eat as well as fine dining options.

Single-Parent Vacation Cruises with Kids

Discover the best travel tips to booking single-parent vacation cruises with your children traveling alongside for all the adventures and family fun.

Family Vacations on Spectrum of the Seas

Plan the most unique family vacation with the secret advantage to traveling with ease. Adventure awaits those who seek it, create your greatest experience.

Best Exotic Petting Zoos in Florida

Planning to visit the best petting zoos for exotic animals before your cruise vacation out of Florida? Enjoy insider details on these unique experiences.

Perfect Summer Getaways with Family

The best summer getaways are planned together. Create a family cruise as you sail on the perfect summer vacation to the Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska, and more.

Best Black Friday Travel Deals

Find where to get Black Friday travel deals for big savings on your ideal family getaway. Get the best Black Friday travel deals when taking a vacation on a budget.

7 Can't-Miss Cabo Day Trips

Discover the best things to do while traveling on your Cabo San Lucas day trip as you voyage on a vacation getaway to visit Mexico for the perfect cruise!

Winter Activities that Bond the Family

Whether you are taking a winter vacation around the world or playing games in the snow at home. Bonding over these fun family activities is sure to warm hearts.

What to Pack for a Cruise with Your Kids

Knowing what to pack for a cruise with your kids just got easier for the whole family when using our packing list of essentials. Start your trip with ease!

Things to Do on Wonder of the Seas

With a wealth of onboard cruise attractions and experiences discover 10 of the best things to do onboard Wonder of the Seas for a vacation getaway.

How to Relax on Your Cruise: Bedtime Stories

Discover how you can reach maximum relaxation during your next cruise. Find the most relaxing bedtime stories to chill while on vacation.

Sailing With the King of Broadway: History Spotlight

Legendary composer Andrew Lloyd Webber might not seem relevant to your next cruise, but he's certain to intersect with your onboard entertainment experience.

Holiday Vacations Around the World

Planning a holiday vacation? How about New Year's Eve in Sydney? Here are the most beautiful travel destinations to visit during the holidays around the world.

Insider Tips To Saving Money On A Family Cruise Vacation

From Kids Sail Free promotions to the best places to eat on a cruise for free. Discover these amazing insider tips to saving money on a family cruise vacation.

10 Best Family Spring Break Vacation Destinations

Looking for spring break ideas for the family. Explore the 10 best family spring break destinations in the United States and the Caribbean and find the perfect mix of relaxing and adventurous vacation destinations.

7 Perfect Puerto Vallarta Day Trips

Set sail on a cruise vacation and discover the best things to do while traveling on your Puerto Vallarta day trip. Plan your Mexico getaway your way!

6 Caribbean Vacation Wardrobe Packing Tips

Build the perfect Caribbean vacation wardrobe for your next getaway cruise with these travel packing tips. Craft a stylish cruise outfit for everyday!

Plan the Best London Day Trips Ever

Set sail on a getaway cruise vacation and discover the best things to do in London while enjoying your day trips. Experience history, Harry Potter, and more!

Best Botanical Gardens in Jamaica

Uncover the most stunning botanical gardens in Jamaica as you plan the best Caribbean vacation getaway. Enjoy the lush landscape & relaxing nature.

Planning a Memorable Dubai Vacation

Traveler’s guide to planning a memorable Dubai vacation filled with extraordinary things to do while making the most of your journey across the world.

Tips for Your Panama Canal Cruise

Take a moment to make the most of your Panama Canal cruise vacation. Uncover what you might not know about this tiny and fascinating country as you travel.

Family Vacation Ideas for Cruises

Take a moment to make the most of your family vacation, uncover the best places to visit when taking a cruise for everyone. Enjoy a guide tailored to you.

Swimming with Dolphins in Jamaica

Plan the ultimate swimming with dolphin experience in Jamaica as you make the most of your Caribbean vacation travels. Enjoy a tailored adventure guide.

Fun Mother Daughter Vacation on a Cruise

Get inspiration for your next mother-daughter day onboard. Cruises are ideal for having fun with your family during an amazing vacation.

Ways to Give Back to the Community

There are many easy and impactful ways to give back to the community this holiday season. Spread the joy of holiday charity as a gift to your local area.

Adult-Only Relaxing Cruises For Moms

Relaxing on a cruise has never been easier with these kid-free ideas. Enjoy an adult-only vacation while on a cruise with your family.

Fun European Cities to Visit With Kids

Traveling with kids? Here are some fun European cities to visit on your next European cruise — plus tips to make it a memorable, stress-free experience.

How to Plan the Best Family Cruises Onboard Quantum of the Seas

Dive into out-of-this-world adventure on the groundbreaking Quantum of the Seas®, where far-flung feats, treats and eats make for unforgettable, one-of-a-kind memories.

Planning a Rome Vacation From the Sea and Beyond

Here are some Rome vacation must-sees and tips on how to navigate travel when arriving or departing via cruise through Civitavecchia.

Where to Find the Best Skiing in the Alps

Here's everything you need to know about skiing in the Alps, including where to stay and when to visit.

What's the Best Travel Credit Card for Rewards and Benefits?

This guide to the best travel credit card focuses on the benefits of traveling with a credit card and the best cruise credit card for rewards and benefits.

Relaxing Vacation Spots in the Caribbean

Visit tranquil places in the Caribbean, like the cenotes of Mexico, to find the most relaxing vacation spots.

Best Caribbean Islands for Families

The best Caribbean islands for families offer beaches, adventures, and new experiences. Plan your family-friendly Caribbean vacation today.

How to Plan a Cruise for the First Time

Read up on how to plan a cruise for the first time, including tips on what to pack, where to go and how to select the perfect itinerary for your vacation.

How To Plan a Trip for Relaxing Vacations

From organizing ahead to avoiding overpacking and fostering a new mindset, here's how to plan a trip for creating a relaxing vacation in eight easy steps.

Vacation Ideas for Families on Icon of the Seas

Travel with the best family vacation ideas possible onboard Icon of the Seas. Encounter top level cruise experiences and its seven neighborhoods.

Bahamas Travel Hacks for Families

If you're taking the whole family on a Bahamas vacation, we've got some travel hacks for families to make your kid-friendly trip easier.

Relaxing Family Vacations & Getaways

Discover why cruises are the best fit for large families. Find flexible dining options, age-appropriate activities, & adult spaces to bond.

Best Family Vacation Onboard Adventure of the Seas

Experience the ultimate family adventure onboard Adventure of the Seas! Book your best family vacation and set sail on the adventure of a lifetime.

How to Budget for a Vacation

Reveal all the best tips on how to budget for an affordable family vacation getaway. Ensure your travels with less stress and more enjoyment.

Family Vacation Ideas on Symphony of the Seas

Uncover all the exciting family vacation ideas and travel activities that are waiting for you onboard a cruise getaway with Symphony of the Seas.

Family Vacations on Liberty of the Seas

Embark on the best family vacation aboard Liberty of the Seas. Experience the ultimate adventure and create unforgettable travels with your loved ones.

Family Vacations on Harmony of the Seas

Uncover all the exciting travel activities and ideas for the best family vacation waiting for you onboard a cruise getaway with Harmony of the Seas.

Family Vacations on Navigator of the Seas

Navigator of the Seas offers endless opportunities for you to bond with your loved ones. Discover all the exciting family vacation ideas and travel activities.

FIND A CRUISE NEAR YOU

Adventure is closer than ever browse through our helpful guides to find the perfect cruise sailing from your backyard. from weekend getaways to weeklong explorations, there are countless thrilling options for cruises near you..

24 Hours in Miami, What to See and Do

Follow our one-day guide to experiencing Miami, and you’ll get a pretty well-rounded taste of this melting pot metropolis. Discover the best things to see and do with 24 hours in Miami.

The Best Cruises From Florida

Discover some of the most amazing islands you can visit in the best cruises from Florida. Learn tips on how to maximize a few days before or after your cruise at this amazing departure port.

Best Cruises From Fort Lauderdale

Cruise from Fort Lauderdale to the Bahamas on a weekend getaway cruise or longer 7 Day Caribbean Cruise that takes you to Nassau, Perfect day at CocoCay, St. Maarten, San Juan, Cozumel and Falmouth. Find cruise deals out of Ft. Lauderdale

Best Cruises From Miami

Cruise from Miami and start your vacation in one of the worlds best places to visit, then set sail from the Port of Miami to The Bahamas, Mexico, Puerto Rico and beyond on weekend getaway cruise or a longer Caribbean adventure. Here are the best cruises from Miami

The Best Cruises From The New York Area

From the sun-dappled Caribbean to the quaint Canadian coast, you won’t believe how many incredible places you can sail to on a NY cruise. Here are just some of the fascinating places you can cruise from the New York Area.

7 Best Cruises From New Orleans

Cruise from New Orleans to the Bahamas on affordable cruise vacations to the Caribbean with stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Cozumel, Roatan, Belize City, Key West, Nassau, and Costa Maya. Find cruise deals out of New Orleans

Galveston Top Rated Attractions and Tours

From the historical Galveston Ghost Tours and the Taste of the Strand Tours to bird-watching at the Bolivar Flats and visiting the historical Bishop's Palace and Moody Mansion. Here are Galvestons top rated attractions and tours you dont want to miss.

Cruises From LA: Amazing Destinations

Cruises from Los Angeles are the best way for you to discover the Mexican Riviera. Jump onboard a Baja Cruise from Los Angeles and start an amazing family vacation.

9 Cool Things to Do on Short Cruises From LA

Explore 9 cool things to do on short cruises from Los Angeles with Royal Caribbean Cruises. Top-rated vacation destinations in the Baja Coast, including Catalina Island and Ensenada.

Best Cruises From Texas

Royal Caribbean offers plenty of great itineraries to choose from if you’re looking for an unforgettable cruise from Texas. Keep reading to discover the best spots.

10 Best Breweries in Los Angeles

Craft beer lovers, come thirsty and hoist a pint in some of the best breweries in Los Angeles and beyond!

Explore the Fun-Filled Cruises Out of Tampa

From the tropical islands of the Caribbean to the European shores, discover all the amazing places you can visit on a cruise out of Tampa. Here are 10 of the fascinating places you can cruise to from Tampa Florida.

Best Summer Vacation Cruises From New York

Your guide to the best summer vacation destinations you can cruise from New York. Check some new vacation destinations off your bucket list on the perfect New York cruise.

Best Cruises From Orlando

Maximize your vacation on an adventures cruise from Orlando and experience translucent water caves in the Bahamas, water-soaked adventures at Perfect Day CocoCay and breathtaking views at every destination. Here are 10 amazing destinations you can cruise to from Orlando.

Best Cruises From Orlando, Florida

Looking for a great weekend getaway? Cruise from Orlando to the Western Caribbean islands on a 3 night Bahamas and Perfect Day Cruise or longer 7 night western caribbean cruise out of Port Canaveral. Find cruise deals from Orlando FL.

9 Galveston Vacation Must Know Facts

Galveston vacations are totally underrated. This charmingly fascinating Texas beachside town is teeming with history and tons of interesting facts.

Top 10 Florida Birding Hotspots | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Explore the best bird-watching spots in Florida! Our comprehensive guide offers insider tips and information for an unforgettable birding vacation.

TOP THINGS TO DO

There’s no time for tame on vacation. take a peek at our travel tips for ideas on the top things to do onboard our award-winning ships. plus, learn about all the must-dos at top travel destinations..

Things to Do on Voyager of the Seas

Plan the best vacation with all included onboard cruise activities and experiences! Discover the top 10 things to do onboard Voyager of the Seas.

Top 8 Things to Do on Explorer of the Seas

Here are the top things to do onboard Explorer of the Seas. Explorer of the Seas unlocks a world of adventure for every traveler onboard.

Free Things To Do Onboard Explorer of the Seas

Learn about some of the best free things to do onboard Explorer of the Seas. You don’t need to blow your budget in order to enjoy an unforgettable vacation.

Top 7 Things to Do on Odyssey of the Seas

Here are the top 7 things to do onboard Odyssey of the Seas. The new Odyssey of the Seas has so many amazing onboard attractions.

Top 9 Things to Do on Independence of the Seas

Here are the top 9 things to do onboard Independence of the Seas. Independence of the Seas has become a guest favorite thanks to all its activities.

Top 9 Things to Do on Allure of the Seas

August 7, 2024

Here are the top things to do on Allure of the Seas. There are so many things to do on this cruise ship, you’re going to wish you had more sea days to experience them all.

Top 10 Free Things to Do on Ovation of the Seas

Discover what’s included from dining venues with free food to free activities and entertainment, you’ll be amazed with a vacation on Ovation of the Seas.

Things to Do on Ovation of the Seas

With so many onboard cruise attractions and experiences discover the top 10 things to do onboard Ovation of the Seas for a vacation temptation.

Top 5 Museums in Galveston [Infographic]

Headed to the Texas Gulf Coast? Whether or not you stop there before cruising, these are the top five museums in Galveston you should check out.

Island-Hopping in the Caribbean for the Best Vacation Spots

Discover the best vacation spots while island-hopping in the Caribbean. With so much to see plan the ideal cruise with an infographic guide full of ideas & travel tips.

Best Mexican Rivera Cruises

Do you want to escape to the Mexican Rivera? Discover Baja, Ensenada, and Cabo San Lucas onboard the best cruise ships.

[Infographic] What to Drink at Perfect Day at CocoCay

From the island's signature Coco Loco drink to its elevated Coco Cuvée, Perfect Day at CocoCay offers a wide range of sips worth getting excited about onshore.

[INFOGRAPHIC] A Guide to the Best Cruise Ship Restaurants

Planning a getaway at sea with Royal Caribbean? Treat your inner foodie to the best cruise ship restaurants with this guide to cruise ship dining.

11 Things to do on Adventure of the Seas

Uncover some of the best ideas for things to do while traveling on a family vacation onboard a cruise getaway with Adventure of the Seas.

10 Facts About Turkey the Country

June 27, 2024

Planning to visit Turkey? We have the top 10 facts about Turkey the country, giving everything, you need to know to plan the best vacation trip.

Relaxing 7 Day Cruise to Europe

No matter which 7-day cruise to Europe you end up booking, here's how to plan a European vacation that's high on adventure with low added stress.

Guide To Chill Island at Perfect Day

Discover Chill Island insider tips to all the relaxing things to do from renting overwater cabanas with VIP services, snorkeling with the friendly manta rays to finding the best places to unwind and soak up the island vibes.

The Ultimate College Spring Break Cruise Vacation

If you are looking for an all-out college spring break vacation filled with beach vibes, thrilling rides and amazing parties it doesn’t get any better than a spring break cruise to Perfect Day at CocoCay. Find cruise deals to Perfect Day at CocoCay

Best Restaurants at Perfect Day At CocoCay

Explore all the restaurants on the Perfect Day at CocoCay island and discover all the complimentary dining venues that offers loads of food and drink favorites that will fuel you up in between adventures.

Perfect Day Honeymoon Guide

Celebrate your newly-wedded bliss on a romantic Caribbean honeymoon cruise to Perfect Day at CocoCay, the best Caribbean destination for newly married couples. Find cruise deals to Perfect Day at CocoCay

Making the Most of a Seven-Night Western Caribbean Cruise | Royal Caribbean Cruises

What to do on a seven-night western Caribbean cruise including the best destinations to visit, what to pack, top shore excursions and cruise travel tips.

Take Your Perfect Day at CocoCay® to the Next Level | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Who said you shouldn't mess with perfection? Visit a thrilling water park or a relaxing lagoon to make your Perfect Day at CocoCay® even better.

Top 7 Most Thrilling Things to do at Perfect Day At CocoCay

Experience the top 7 most thrilling things to do at the Perfect Day at CocoCay from sliding down the tallest waterslide in North America to zip lining across the island and much more.

The Top Free Things to Do Onboard Mariner of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

May 23, 2024

Enjoy an insider’s guide to all the free things to do onboard Mariner of the Seas for cruising with kids and when taking an adults-only vacation.

The Best Time to Visit Banff | Royal Caribbean Cruises

May 22, 2024

The best time to visit Banff is also the best time to cruise from Vancouver, so go ahead and pair your sailing with a side trip.

When is the Best Time to Visit Maine? | Royal Caribbean Cruises

When is the best time to visit Maine? It depends on your interests, but August, September and October tempt with lobster, whales, beer and fall foliage.

10 Best Things To Do in Australia

From Melbourne to Sydney to iconic animal experiences and world-class wine regions, here are the 10 best things to do in Australia.

Alaska Souvenirs to Take Home With You So You Never Forget Your Trip | Royal Caribbean Cruises

After traveling somewhere new, you want to bring something back with you to remember all of your fun adventures. Don't miss these Alaska souvenirs.

A Guide to Australian Beaches

Discover the best Australian beaches for families, wildlife spotting, lounging, learning how to surf and diving into authentic beach culture.

Best Things to Do in Baltimore | Royal Caribbean Cruises

There are so many things to do in Baltimore. It's full of history, good food, amazing culture and fascinating people.

Visiting Los Angeles From the Sea | Royal Caribbean Cruises

These tips for visiting Los Angeles on a California cruise include what to pack, the best things to see and how to experience this West Coast destination.

Best Vacation Spots in Alaska in the Summer

Alaska in the summer is a must for adventure travelers looking for wilderness hiking, epic glaciers, dog sledding, and sea kayaking

Hawaiian Traditions: A Deep Dive Into Luau History

Learn about luau history, its traditions, and how to experience this unique Hawaiian celebration.

Hawaii Hidden Gems: Secret Beautiful Places for Vacation | Royal Caribbean Cruises

The most beautiful Hawaii hidden gems including secret spots on Oahu, Big Island, Maui and Kauai. Includes hikes, gardens, black sand beaches and more.

The Spookiest Places in Europe for Ghost Hunters | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Seeking scary places to visit? These are some of the spookiest places in Europe, from the streets of London to the forests of Transylvania.

Big Ben Facts to Know Before Your Next Vacation | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Discover the most fun Big Ben facts, plus facts about the royal family and its connection to Elizabeth Tower and the Houses of Parliament.

Best Things To Do in Athens, Greece, on Your Cruise Vacation

There is no shortage of things to do in Athens. The Greek capital has a history of more than 3,400 years to entertain you.

Planning a Barcelona Vacation From the Sea

A Barcelona vacation is always a good idea, but arriving at this iconic port of call by sea is a truly unique experience. Here's why.

The Top Free Things to Do Onboard Adventure of the Seas

Discover free things to do on your Adventure of the Seas vacation! Explore exciting destinations without breaking the bank. Affordable experiences await.

Tour Galveston's Historic Homes

Galveston's historic homes are a great introduction to this exciting city. Find out some of the must-see historic homes, and when and where to tour them.

How to get from Brightline trains to port? | Royal Caribbean Cruises

May 14, 2024

Cruising out of South Florida has never been easier, thanks to convenient routes on the high-speed Brightline train.

Free Things To Do Onboard Freedom of the Seas

April 12, 2024

A guide to some of the best free things to do onboard Freedom of the Seas, so you can spend less time planning and more time experiencing all the complimentary thrills.

Free Things on Harmony of the Seas

Discover free things to do on your Harmony of the Seas vacation! Explore exciting destinations without breaking the bank. Affordable adventure awaits.

Free Things to Do on Quantum of the Seas

Discover what’s included from dining venues with free food to free shows and entertainment, you’ll be amazed traveling on Quantum of the Seas.

What's Free Onboard Wonder of the Seas

Enjoy the best cruise activities when vacationing onboard Wonder of the Seas with travel tips on free places to eat as well as included onboard attractions.

Insider Tips to Maximizing Your Time at Perfect Day at CocoCay

March 20, 2024

Discover Perfect Day at CocoCay insider tips and learn what to bring, what to expect, how to make cabana reservations and how to find your way around the island.

Top Things to Do on Icon of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

This larger-than-life cruise ship offers endless onboard activities to fill all your sea days.

How to Plan the Best Family Cruises on Serenade of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Whether you’re traveling with adult relatives, small children, or the whole extended family, this Radiance Class cruise ship offers something for everyone.

Berlin for Oktoberfest: What To Know Before You Go | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Berlin for Oktoberfest is one of the world's best parties. Here's everything you need to know before you go on your cruise to Berlin.

The Top 10 Things To Do Onboard Oasis of the Seas | Royal Caribbbean Cruises

Enjoy an outlined list of the top 10 fun things to do onboard Oasis of the Seas to help get your vacation-planning ideas flowing for your travels.

Dive Into the Epic History of Hawaiian Surfing | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Travel back in time and discover the history of Hawaiian surfing and how it went from a royal pastime to an international sport.

9 Things to Do in Galveston with Kids | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Family activities in Galveston range from exploring pirates and ghosts to heading to the beach and local water parks. Here's a list of our favorites.

Best of Boston: Sights, Bites and Delights | Royal Caribbean Cruises

A best of Boston guide full of ideas for the best Boston tours including harbor cruises, ghost walks, historic and nature walks and major league sporting.

Polynesian Culture in Hawaii: History of Dancing and Island Influences | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Hawaii is more than resorts, volcanoes and beaches. The best trips to these paradise islands invite you to discover Polynesian culture in Hawaii.

Hawaii Vacations for Couples: 8 Most Romantic Spots To Visit | Royal Caribbean Cruises

A guide to Hawaii vacations for couples including where to go, what to do and how to amp up the romance on a Hawaiian cruise to the islands.

Celebration Travel Tips & Vacation Ideas

Celebration travel accounts for an estimated 60% of cruise bookings. Here are some vacation ideas for your next birthday, graduation or anniversary.

New Orleans Voodoo History | Royal Caribbean Cruises

A surge of freed Haitians entered Louisiana, bolstering the Voodoo population and introducing new rituals and beliefs into the New Orleans community. Learn more about the history of New Orlean’s Voodoo.

What Is the Best Way to See Alaska? | Royal Caribbean Cruises

As you plan your Alaska vacation, you might be torn between traveling by cruise ship, plane or even car. Here's how to decide the best way to see Alaska.

Enjoying Breakfast in Rome

While it's true that many Italians take a quick, casual approach to the day's first meal, your breakfast in Rome will be anything but forgettable.

9 Family-Friendly Things To Do in Miami Before a Cruise

A comprehensive list of family-friendly things to do in Miami before a cruise that will excite the whole family.

Lace Up for the Best Ice Skating in the World | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Ice skating is an exciting activity for families and couples. When you cruise on the World Cruise, you can discover the best ice skating in the world.

Mexico Weekend Getaways from LA | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Enjoy Los Angeles and new Mexican flavors and vistas during one of our Mexico weekend getaways.

Best Cruise Ship Pools are on Icon

Icon of the Seas features some of the best cruise ship pools in the world, not to mention water slides that break records and private areas for adults.

Local Things to Do in Barcelona

Discover the best things to do as a local while traveling to Spain for your own Barcelona vacation experience with these helpful ideas & travel tips.

Things to do on a Catalina Island Vacation

Discover the best things to do on a Catalina Island vacation from where to eat and relax to top family-friendly activities and wildlife watching spots.

Rainforest Pyramid | Moody Gardens

Travel tip when planning a Galveston vacation, don’t miss your chance to visit Texas’ Rainforest, Aquarium, and Discovery Pyramids in Moody Gardens.

Best Fishing Trips in Florida

Where are the best fishing spots in Florida? What is the top location to plan a fishing trip before my cruise? Start your search for the ideal fishing getaway.

10 Amazing Los Angeles Day Trips

Discover the best things to do while traveling on your Los Angeles day trip as you voyage on a cruise vacation from California for the perfect getaway trip!

7 Memorable Mazatlan Day Trips

Voyage on a cruise vacation and discover the best things to do while traveling on your Mazatlan day trip. Visit Mexico for a perfect getaway!

Local Jamaican Dishes & Delicacies

Discover the most delectable Jamaican dishes as well as a few of the best-known restaurants to visit during your next vacation cruise to Jamaica.

Best Cruise Restaurants Onboard Wonder of the Seas

With an abundance of onboard cruise restaurants and fine dining experiences discover the top cruise foods aboard Wonder of the Seas for a vacation sensation.

Things to Do on Spectrum of the Seas

Plan a vacation with many onboard cruise sensations. Discover the top 9 things to do while traveling onboard Spectrum of the Seas.

Top Mediterranean Cruise Experiences

From Mykonos to Malta, we’ve curated a collection of the top spots to have a luxurious experience on your Mediterranean cruise.

Things to Do on Serenade of the Seas

Make your vacation a sensation with onboard cruise attractions and experiences! Discover the top 10 things to do onboard Serenade of the Seas.

Caribbean Speed Boat Tours

Create the best speed boat adventure experience while on your cruise to the Caribbean. Enjoy the ultimate travel guide made for your next vacation voyage.

Top 11 Must-Try Mediterranean Foods

Mediterranean food is renowned worldwide for being exceptionally healthy and balanced. Here are the top 11 must-try Mediterranean foods.

Top 10 Waterfalls to Visit in Jamaica

Discover the top 10 famous waterfalls to visit in Jamaica while traveling on your cruise vacation as you enjoy an abundance of hidden destinations.

Conquer the World's Longest Zip Line in Alaska

Don’t wait any longer, riding the world's longest zip line in Alaska will be an experience you'll never forget while on your next Alaskan mountain adventure.

Dog Sledding Tours

There's nothing like an amazing adventure during an Alaskan vacation, and if you're looking for things to do then dog sledding is a bucket-list experience.

Top 10 Things to Do on Mariner of the Seas

Here are the top 10 things to do onboard Mariner of the Seas. Mariner of the Seas is loaded with fun onboard attractions and unforgettable experiences.

Best Things To Do On A Cruise

Explore the Oasis Class ships seven neighborhoods and discover the best things to do on a cruise that delivers a larger than life experience. Find deals for cruises on the Oasis class ships

Top 10 Things To Do Caribbean Islands

From reggae music and art museums to cobblestone lanes and leafy plazas, the Caribbean islands each have their own distinct flavor. Explore this selection of the top 10 things to do in the caribbean islands.

Ultimate Guide To Oasis Lagoon

The best Oasis Lagoon at Perfect Day at CocoCay insider Tips to discovering all the amazing things to do, family-friendly attractions and thrills you don't want to miss. Find cruise deals to Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Top 5 Southern Caribbean Islands to Visit

Cruise to the best Southern Caribbean Islands and explore the most beautiful destinations in the Caribbean from the white-sandy beaches in Aruba to the vibrant capital city of Puerto Rico. Here are the top 5 Southern Caribbean islands you don’t want to miss.

11 Adventurous Water Activites In Puerto Rico You Must Try

Discover all the amazing water activities in Puerto Rico that you must try from Scuba Diving with coral sharks, watching Forlorn Bays Light Up at Night, to ridding down natural waterslides when visiting Puerto Rico.

10 Best Places to Visit in Turkey

Cruising to Ephesus soon? Here are the 10 best places to visit in Turkey, with something for every traveler.

20 Amazing Eastern Mediterranean Tours

From The Sultan Ahmed Mosque tour in Istanbul to the ancient history combined with breathtaking nature tours in Rhodes. Here is our top 20 list of the best tours for a Eastern mediterranean cruise vacation.

Top 4 Insider Tips to Thrill Waterpark

Thrill Waterpark at Perfect Day At CocoCay top 4 insider travel tips uncovers free things to do, places to go and thrills you can share with friends. Find cruise deals to Perfect Day at CocoCay.

8 Things To Know Before You Visit Coco Beach Club

Packed with premium all-inclusive amenities, Coco Beach Club at Perfect Day at CocoCay provides guests with exclusive luxury vacation experiences and VIP treatment. Discover the top 8 things to know before you visit Coco Beach Club.

The 5 Most Relaxing Things to do at Perfect Day At CocoCay

Discover the most relaxing things to do on your luxury getaway to Perfect Day at CocoCay from the luxury CocoCay Overwater Cabanas to the most popular Chill Island Cabanas and much more.

Visit Australia for Kite Flying Vacation

Plan a trip for visiting Australia for a sky-high kite flying adventure. Make your Australian vacation a sensation with these travel temptations!

Sugarloaf Mountain Rock Climbing

Consider planning a Sugarloaf Mountain rock climbing trip for an exhilarating experience as you take a Brazil vacation cruise. Adventure awaits!

Top 10 Best Aquariums in Florida

Plan a day trip before or after your cruise to make the most of your vacation travels from Florida with a visit to the top 10 best aquariums.

Best Things to Do in St. John

Find the best things to do in St. John along with the need-to-know on how to get to the small Virgin Island for your own travel vacation getaway.

Best Belize Landmarks to Discover

Envision your next Belize vacation cruise, plan a long or short getaway to visit famous landmarks such as the mysterious Great Blue Hole. Adventure awaits!

Art Basel Miami Day Trip Before a Cruise

Plan one of the best Miami day trip experiences before or after your cruise with an unforgettable visit to Art Basel. Enjoy every part of your vacation!

10 Australian Vacation Experiences

Make your Australian vacation a sensation with these travel temptations! Discover the top 10 remarkable things to do when visiting Australia.

Best Cruise Restaurants | Voyager of the Seas

With an abundance of onboard cruise restaurants and fine dining experiences discover the top cruise foods aboard Voyager of the Seas.

Adventure Traveling Jungle Tours

Uncover the ultimate jungle tours and adventure traveling experiences throughout the Caribbean and South America. Enjoy a guide tailored to your vacation cruise.

Galveston Camping: 10 Tips to Before You Go

Take a moment to make the most of your Galveston camping trip. Uncover the best campsites, when to visit, and adventurous things to do as you camp.

How to Haggle in Street Markets of the World

Uncover the ultimate guide on how to haggle like a local as you make the most of your world travels. Adventure awaits those who seek it.

Traveling in Thailand | Things to Do in Bangkok

Uncover the best things to do in Bangkok for making the most of your vacation when traveling in Thailand. Enjoy a guide tailored to your cruise travels.

Best Cruise Restaurants | Freedom of the Seas

Planning to dine at the best cruise restaurants onboard the Freedom of the Seas. Remain in the know with the ultimate cruise dining guide to sailing with success.

The Best South American Countries to Visit

Here's a guide to some of the best South American countries to visit on a cruise. Here, you'll find a beautiful land of wonder and adventure.

A Guide to the Best Places to Visit in the Caribbean

Each Caribbean island has its own identity, attractions, culinary delights and natural wonders. These are the best places to visit in the Caribbean.

What's Included in on a Cruise

New to cruising and unsure exactly what is included on a cruise? Read on to learn about all the fun things Royal Caribbean ships offer for free.

Cruise Ports Near Me: Midwest United States

As you browse cruises, the first question you ask will be "Where are cruise ports near me?" Here's how to choose a port, and what to do once you're there.

Best Day Trips From Tokyo on a Japan Vacation

Enjoy these vacation ideas for things to do while planning the best Japan day trips when visiting Tokyo. Make your trip an amazing experience with these tips.

Best Asian Countries To Visit for First-Timers

A guide to the best Asian countries to visit on a cruise for first-timers.

Go Extreme Cave Tubing in Belize

Intrigued by the thought of cave tubing in Belize? Here's everything you need to know before you book your next adventure for your vacation.

5 Best Ways to Experience Mardi Gras in New Orleans

Enjoying the best ways to experience Mardi Gras is easy when keeping these tips in mind for visiting New Orleans during this exciting, historic holiday.

Best Things to Do on Your Galveston Day Trip

Planning to visit Galveston? Here's how to plan the ultimate Galveston day trip, whether or not it is before or after a cruise out of Texas.

Best Caribbean Adventure Vacations

Your guide to some of the best adventure vacations in the Caribbean for thrill-seekers, with activities like volcano hiking, ziplining, and more.

Galveston Historic District: 9 Things to Do

The Galveston Historic District is a busy port city that is bursting with history and excitement. Explore some of the best things to do on the Strand.

Free Things to Do on Navigator of the Seas

Discover all the free places to eat along with the top complementary things to do on a vacation cruise getaway with Navigator of the Seas.

12 Best Places to Dance in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Dancing in San Juan is a favorite local thing to do. A great experience for those wanting to experience the joy and soul of Puerto Rican music.

Top Things to Do on Liberty of the Seas

Uncover all the exciting travel activities and ideas on the top things to do that are waiting for you onboard a cruise getaway with Liberty of the Seas.

Cliff Camping while Extreme Hiking: The Do's and Don'ts

Looking to go cliff camping while extreme hiking? Don't miss our guide to the do's and don'ts of this thrilling outdoor adventure. Learn essential safety tips and gear recommendations to make the most of your experience.

10 Things to do on Rhapsody of the Seas

Discover 10 of the top ideas for things to do while traveling on a travel vacation onboard a cruise getaway with Rhapsody of the Seas.

The Ultimate Guide to a Blue Lagoon Iceland Vacation

Plan the ultimate Blue Lagoon Iceland vacation. Our guide covers top attractions, insider tips, and expert recommendations. Start planning now.

Quick Bahamas & Key West Vacations

Bahamas & Key West vacation getaways are perfect for travelers looking for pristine beaches, rich history, delicious food, & stunning wildlife encounters.

Fashion Week Places to Visit in Paris

Find all the top fashion places to visit in Paris and how to get there during Fashion Week getaway travels. Plan your France vacation!

FOR THE FOODIES

From mouthwatering dishes you can’t miss in bermuda to the most decadent desserts around the world, you’ll find the ultimate foodies guide for food lovers right here take a look and get ready to be hungry. .

The Best Cruise Restaurants Onboard Brilliance of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Enjoy an insider’s guide to the best places to eat on your cruise vacation while dining onboard Brilliance of the Seas at its many restaurant options.

Top 10 Restaurants On Allure of the Seas Cruise Ship | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Foodies love Allure of the Seas! Discover 10 onboard restaurants that will make you a believer.

The Best Cruise Restaurants Onboard Icon of the Seas

Whether you’re a serious foodie or just appreciate the simple pleasure of a great meal, you won’t be disappointed by the cruise dining options onboard Icon of the Seas.

Best Food Vacations & Holiday Recipes

Indulge in culinary delights on the best food vacations. Explore holiday recipes from around the world and discover the best places to visit for foodies.

Holiday Food Around the World

Planning a holiday cruise this year? Find traditional holiday dishes from around the world for an unforgettable culinary food vacation.

Best Cruise Ship Food Planner for Families and Couples | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Sea, sand, sun and fab food? You bet! The best cruise ship food is literally at your fingertips at these Royal Caribbean restaurants.

What to Eat at Coco Beach Club

Perfect Day at CocoCay® is Royal Caribbean's® private island escape. It's best known for its thrilling water park, gorgeous cabanas and beautiful beaches, but it's also a foodie's dream come true.

Israeli Food: Top 10 Must-Trys

Here's a list of some of the best Israeli food found in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa and beyond including sabich, shakshuka and bourekas.

The Ultimate Sparkling Wine Cheat Sheet

The Ultimate Sparkling Wine Cheat Sheet. Before you say "cheers" with your next glass of sparkling wine, take a moment to learn about what's inside the glass you're clinking.

The Best Craft Breweries in Alaska

For all the beer lovers planning an Alaskan cruise vacation, we’ve curated the ultimate zythophile guide to visiting 5 of the best craft breweries in Alaska.

Top 9 Mariner of the Seas Restaurants | Royal Caribbean Cruises

May 10, 2024

Enjoy the best cruise food possible on Mariner of the Seas. Discover which restaurants offer the top dining options for your vacation getaway.

Best Serenade of the Seas Restaurants | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Enjoy an insider’s guide to the best places to eat on your cruise vacation while dining onboard Serenade of the Seas at its many restaurant options.

The Best Cruise Restaurants Onboard Jewel of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Enjoy an insider’s guide to the best places to eat on your cruise vacation while dining onboard Jewel of the Seas at its many restaurant options.

The Best Western Caribbean Street Food | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Sure, it's a region renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, but western Caribbean street food — with its diverse cultural richness — is also a draw.

Alaska Food: Where to Find the Best Food in Alaska | Royal Caribbean Cruises

The best Alaska food to try on a cruise includes king crab, salmon, fry bread, birch syrup, wild berries and more.

The Best Cruise Restaurants Onboard Rhapsody of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Enjoy an insider’s guide to the best places to eat on your cruise vacation while dining onboard Rhapsody of the Seas at its many restaurant options.

The Best Cruise Restaurants Onboard Odyssey of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Discover an insider’s guide to the best places to eat on your cruise vacation while dining onboard Odyssey of the Seas at its many restaurant options.

Dining Guide to Quantum of the Seas

With many great options for onboard cruise dining experiences, we have your guide to discovering the top places to eat on Quantum of the Seas.

Finding Speakeasy Bars Near Me

Planning to visit famous speakeasy bars around the world without the password? Enjoy insider details on traveling to these interestingly unique experiences.

Famously Popular Foods from Bermuda

Encounter most famous foods in Bermuda including Bermudian Fish Chowder, Rum Cake, and more. Envision your next foodie vacation.

Best Desserts in the World

Discover the most delightful foods to enjoy on a sweet-lover's journey as you treat yourself to the best desserts in the world. Plan your foodie vacation.

6 Caribbean Islands with Delicious French Cuisine

Find the best Caribbean Islands to visit with your cruise to eat like a French in the Caribbean. These islands were made just for you.

Best Food in Nassau, Bahamas

A guide to the best food in Nassau, Bahamas. Discover new flavors in restaurants by the water or within the historic city of Nassau.

Indonesian Food in the Caribbean

Encounter Indonesian food and how Indo Caribbean culture has influenced the flavors of Caribbean cuisine. Envision your next foodie vacation.

Best New York Foods Using NY Water

Sample the best foods in New York with our guide to uncovering the top places for enjoying the secrets of NY water in bagels, pizza, and doughnuts.

Five of the Best Mexican Food Dishes to Try

Discover local favorite foods including the best types of Mexican dishes to explore during your next vacation to Mexico for sampling its vibrant culinary history.

New Orleans Restaurants

Mr. Bs Bistro, Pascals Manale, Brigstens, Dragos Seafood Restaurant. Here are New Orleans best restaurants serving local NOLA dishes from backyard crawfish boils to chargrilled oysters and locally sourced seafood Gumbo.

6 Popular Farm Foods from Spain

Here are six of the most popular farm foods from Spain. The headstrong Spanish farmers continue to produce some of the world's finest oranges, olives, and hams.

16 Best Foodie Vacation Destinations

Sink your teeth into tender succulent seafood in Maine, crave-worthy curries in Jamaica, French-inspired flavors of St. Maarten and many more indulgent dishes at these 16 Best Foodie Vacation Destinations.

Top 15 Food and Wine Destinations in The Mediterranean

Cruise to the Mediterranean and discover the regions top 15 food and wine destinations from the most famous tapas in Barcelona, to the endless choices of seafood in Greece and more. Find deals for cruises to the Mediterranean.

15 Best Traditional Puerto Rican Dishes

Cruise to Puerto Rico and experience Old San Juan distinct culture and the best traditional Puerto Rican dishes from the most popular Mofongo, the favorite street sandwich Tripleta and Puerto Ricos national dish Arroz con Gandules and more.

Best Comfort Food from Around the World

Encounter the best comfort food from around the world including Belgian frites, Croatian ice cream, and more. Envision your next foodie vacation.

Local Insight: Best Caribbean Rums

What are the different types of rum? How can you tell good Caribbean rum? Enjoy our vacation guide to the best places to travel for distilleries.

How to Choose the Best Olive Oil

Uncover the secrets to having the best olive oil in the world as well as the know-how on all the many types and their uses. Enjoy a guide tailored to you.

10 Best Breweries in Northeast America

Uncover the best breweries in Northeast America to make the most of your vacation travels. Adventure awaits those who seek it, enjoy a guide tailored to you.

Eating in Italy | Local Food Traveling

Uncover the ultimate guide to eating locally in Italy as you make the most of your vacation travels. Adventure awaits those who seek it.

Turkish Desserts to Sweeten your Vacation

Turkish desserts are as pivotal to the experience of traveling in Turkey as a cruise through the Bosphorus Strait. Enjoy a guide tailored to your vacation.

Discover the Caribbean National Dishes

Caribbean cuisine is something you can't miss when visiting the region. Explore this guide to learn about the Caribbean National Dishes.

Enjoy the Best Breakfast in South America

Where to find the best breakfast in South America including Peru, Colombia and Brazil. What to eat and where to find the tastiest bites to start your day.

Top Cruise Dining on Symphony of the Seas

Experience the best cruise restaurants onboard Symphony of the Seas for an unforgettable dream vacation. Book now for a stress-free getaway!

Famously Popular Street Foods

Explore culture through famously popular street foods on your Ultimate World Cruise. Enjoy the best food around the world from Mexico to Asia, & beyond.

Best Food on Navigator of the Seas

Experience exquisite dining on vacation with Navigator of the Seas cruise restaurants. Indulge in delectable cuisine and breathtaking ocean views.

Best Harmony of the Seas Restaurants | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Discover the best cruise restaurants available onboard on Harmony of the Seas for an unforgettable family vacation filled with delicious cuisine.

Top 9 Restaurants on Ovation of the Seas

Have your pick of all the best restaurants and dining option when planning a cruise vacation onboard the award-winning Ovation of the Seas.

Best Restaurants in Galveston

Enjoy this handy guide on the best local restaurants in Galveston when seeking the top places to eat on your visit to this Texas beach town.

Planning the Best Family Cruises on Wonder of the Seas

What's Free for Cruise Activities Onboard Wonder of the Seas

10 of the Best Things to Do Onboard Wonder of the Seas

Best of lists, discover where to find the 10 most beautiful beaches in the caribbean or the top european cities you can cruise to this summer. we’ve made a list of the best vacation spots to visit. read on and start planning.

Best Free Things to Do on Odyssey of the Seas

Your cruise fare includes so many great free things to do onboard. Discover the best free things to do onboard Odyssey of the Seas cruise ship.

10 Best Luxury And Standard Cruise Ship Accommodations

Explore the 10 best luxury and standard Royal Caribbean cruise ship accommodations from the luxurious 2-story Ultimate Family Suite with a dedicated concierge and VIP privileges to the less expensive Studio Stateroom designed for a perfect nights rest.

The Best European Summer Vacations

Planning the best European summer vacations? We’ve curated the ultimate guide to visiting some of the most relaxing and legendary destinations to travel to in Europe.

The Best Summer Vacation Cruises From The Northeast

Maximize your summer vacation with plenty of sun, underwater discoveries, street dancing and zip-lining on a Cruise from the Northeast to Bermuda, the Bahamas, Mexico and Perfect Day at Cococay.

The Best Alaska Cruises

June 6, 2024

Your Guide to the Best Cruises From Alaska. Learn more about the most stunning destinations you can visit on an Alaska cruise from Seattle or Vancouver.

Top 9 Free Things to Do on Symphony of the Seas

Discover what’s included from free activities to dining venues with free food, you’ll be amazed when taking a vacation onboard Symphony of the Seas.

Best Places to Visit in Ancient Egypt

There are so many great places to visit in ancient Egypt. Plan your vacation in Egypt from the wonder of its pyramids to the many temples and tombs.

Best Black Friday Vacation Deals

Make it easy to travel on a budget with the best Black Friday vacation deals for your dream getaways. Save big on Black Friday deals for vacation.

Europe Vacation: Best Places to Visit

There's more to a European cruise vacation than just packing your bags! Plan the perfect trip on your travel getaway to visit the best places in Europe.

Best Relaxing Beaches in Florida

Where are the best relaxing beaches in Florida? What is the quietest beach in Florida? Start your search for the most beautiful & secluded places to visit.

Best Mediterranean Cruise Destinations

Uncover 8 of the best Mediterranean cruise destinations while on your travel vacation. Adventure awaits those who seek it, enjoy a guide tailored to you.

Choose the Best Baja Mexico Cruise for You

Discover the best things to do on vacation as you enjoy numerous iconic destinations on your Baja Mexico cruise from Los Angeles including Ensenada and Cabo.

Best Cruises From Barbados

On the best cruises from Barbados, you can visit Trinidad, Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao. And some farther-flung destinations in Central and South America on longer itineraries.

The Best Caribbean Ports to See on Your Cruise

Discover the best Caribbean ports to see on your cruise. These Caribbean ports are filled with sights to enjoy an affordable Caribbean vacation.

11 Fun Facts About the Best Caribbean Destinations

Discover 11 fun facts about the best Caribbean destinations. Plan your next visit to the Caribbean with around these surprising facts.

Best of NYC: Visiting The Statue of Liberty

Enjoy the best of NYC before or after your next cruise from the New York area. Spend the day visiting Lady Liberty before cruising.

Best Mini Vacation Getaway Destinations

Envision your next travel trip, plan a short mini cruise to the Bahamas or a relaxing vacation getaway with a day trip in Oregon. Adventure awaits!

Best Summer Vacation Ideas & Spots

Plan your escape from the winter weather with the best summer vacation ideas for spots to keep the sunny skies and warm ocean breezes alive year-round.

Best Baja Fishing Trips in Mexico

Experience top Baja fishing trips on your next vacation. Plan the best travel adventure with expert precision and make unforgettable memories.

Best Places to See Northern Lights

On the hunt to travel to the best place to see the northern lights? From Alaska to Iceland to Norway, here's where, when, and how to see the northern lights.

Best Costa Rica Waterfalls for Vacation

Experience the best waterfalls in Costa Rica on your next vacation. Our curated guide offers a range of breathtaking destinations and adventures.

Best Scotland Castle Tours

There are over 1,500 Scotland castle tours to choose from. We've narrowed down a list of the most; historic, cultural, famous, and royal significance.

Vacation the Best Beaches in Galveston

Planning a Galveston beach vacation? From the best beach spots to hotels, restaurants, and shopping, your beach trip to Galveston starts here.

Best Adventure of the Seas Restaurants

Uncover the best places to eat on a cruise onboard Adventure of the Seas from specialty restaurants and fine dining to complimentary place for free eats.

PLAN YOUR CRUISE

Need help planning a vacation we’ve got you covered. check out our guides for everything you need to know to make the most of your getaway, like how to plan a cruise, what to pack and more., get to know your ship, learn cool tips about our ships — and read our cruise ship reviews and guides to learn the best things to do onboard, what’s included, and why we’re voted the best cruise line, year after year. we have all the details for you in one convenient place.

The Top Things to Do Onboard Brilliance of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Brilliance of the Seas makes it impossible to feel bored during a vacation! These top things to do onboard this beloved cruise ship make it a fan favorite for many.

The Best Free Things to Do Onboard Brilliance of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Brilliance of the Seas, smaller than Oasis Class cruise ships, offers an intimate low-key vibe that has kept a strong fanbase among vacation travelers.

Icon of the Seas Reveal What is included in a Cruise

Discover all the best things to do as we reveal what is included in a cruise onboard Icon of the Seas, the world's first Icon Class ship with Royal Caribbean.

The Best Cruise Restaurants Onboard Grandeur of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Enjoy an insider’s guide to the best places to eat on your cruise vacation while dining onboard Grandeur of the Seas at its many restaurant options.

Top Reasons Why Grandeur of the Seas Delivers Epic Family Cruises | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Enjoy an insider’s guide full of Voyager Class insights for planning your best family cruise vacation onboard Grandeur of the Seas.

Best Time to Go to Casino Royale℠ | Royal Caribbean Cruises

April 24, 2024

When should you go to Casino Royale℠ on a Royal Caribbean cruise? The best time to go to the casino might be during a sea day, show time or late at night.

Free Things to Do on Rhapsody of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Maximize your travels at no additional cost. Create your all-inclusive vacation experience with some of the best free things to do on Rhapsody of the Seas.

Free Things to Do on Grandeur of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Insider’s guide to all the best free things to do onboard Grandeur of the Seas both for cruising with kids and when taking an adults-only vacation.

What’s Free Onboard Icon of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Icon of the Seas has a lot of affordable vacation options at no additional cost including free restaurants, fun activities, and many places to relax onboard.

Free Things To Do on Serenade Of The Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Enjoy our guide to some of the best free things to do onboard Serenade of the Seas. Spend time experiencing all the complimentary activities and food.

What’s Free Onboard Independence of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Find a breakdown of some of the top free things to do onboard Independence of the Seas when looking for what is included with your cruise vacation.

What’s Free Onboard Radiance of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Check out the full list of things to do that are included on Radiance of the Seas & browse popular itineraries to start planning your next vacation onboard.

What's Free Onboard Liberty of the Seas

When you sail onboard the much-loved Liberty of the Seas®, bold thrills, crave-worthy dining and maxed-out adventure are all included in your cruise fare.

Spectrum of the Seas Free Activities

Maximize your travels at no additional cost. Create your own all-inclusive vacation experience with some of the best free things to do Spectrum of the Seas.

Top Things to Do on Grandeur of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Enjoy an insider’s guide to all the top things to do onboard Grandeur of the Seas for cruising with kids and when taking an adults-only vacation.

Best Independence of the Seas Restaurants | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Enjoy an insider’s guide to the best places to eat on your cruise vacation while dining onboard Independence of the Seas at its many restaurant options.

Where to Find the Best Texas BBQ | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Whether you are looking for brisket, sausage or ribs, here's where to go for the best Texas BBQ in restaurants across the state.

Best Brilliance of the Seas Family Cruises | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Enjoy an insider’s guide to discovering the best family cruises for your next vacation onboard Brilliance of the Seas. Start sailing today.

The Best Eastern Caribbean Food | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Caribbean food, which spotlights spices, tropical ingredients and cultural influences.

Why Anthem of the Seas for the Best Family Cruises | Royal Caribbean Cruises

As part of the Quantum Class at Royal Caribbean, the Anthem of the Seas is an engineering marvel loaded from bow to stern with next-level features for families.

The Top Free Things to Do Onboard Anthem of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Find out what is free onboard Anthem of the Seas. Check out a full rundown of the dining options, shows, and cruise activities available for your vacation.

A Guide to Casino Etiquette | Royal Caribbean Cruises

This insider's guide to casino etiquette offers several casino tips and strategies that can help both beginers and advanced players.

How to Plan Unforgettable Family Cruises Onboard Radiance of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Enjoy the best family vacation cruise possible while onboard Radiance of the Seas with our breakdown of tips and tricks to making the most of your getaway.

Best Restaurants on Anthem of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Get insider tips about the game-changing Quantum Class cruise ship, Anthem of the Seas, and its amazing restaurants accompanied by an unparalleled food scene.

Best Independence of the Seas Family Cruises | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Enjoy an insider’s guide to discovering the best family cruises for your next vacation onboard Independence of the Seas. Start sailing today.

The Best Cruise Restaurants Onboard Radiance of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Enjoy a rundown of all the dining options onboard Radiance of the Seas, plus a glimpse of some of the top menu items at each restaurant.

The Best Cruise Restaurants Onboard Liberty of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

The fan-favorite cruise ship from New York, Liberty of the Seas, is home to some of the best cruise restaurants in the entire Royal Caribbean fleet.

How to Have an Epic Family Vacation Onboard Rhapsody of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Planning your next epic family vacation starts today onboard Rhapsody of the Seas, a mid-sized cruise ship that is part of the Royal Caribbean Vision Class.

Travel in Style: Best Rooms on a Cruise Ship | Royal Caribbean Cruises

This handy guide gives you the scoop on the best rooms on a cruise ship, from budget-friendly options to royal suites.

Top 7 Restaurants On Explorer of the Seas Cruise Ship

To help make planning your meals on deck a little easier, we’ve rounded up some of the best dining options onboard Explorer of the Seas.

How to Choose the Best Rooms for Families on a Cruise Ship

How do you choose a stateroom on a cruise ship? Start researching the best rooms for families on a cruise ship now to make sure your trip is perfect later.

Making an Icon: Icon of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Icon of the Seas is not just another cruise ship, it the very first in an all-new class being shown in the monthly video series, Making an Icon.

Things to Do on Radiance of the Seas

With an endless amount of onboard cruise attractions and experiences discover the top 10 things to do onboard Radiance of the Seas for your next vacation.

Top 9 Things to Do on Harmony of the Seas

Here are the top 9 things to do onboard Harmony of the Seas. Harmony of the Seas is an award-winning wonder that’s loaded with all kinds of incredible onboard experiences.

Top 10 Things to Do on Symphony of the Seas

Here are the top 10 things to do onboard Symphony of the Seas. Symphony of the Seas is brimming from bow to stern with amazing experiences, including delicious dining options.

Top 8 Things to Do on Freedom of the Seas

Here are the top 8 things to do onboard Freedom of the Seas. Freedom of the Seas has even been called the best ship for first-time cruisers.

Top 10 Things to Do on Navigator of the Seas

Here are the top 10 things to do onboard Navigator of the Seas. Navigator of the Seas has all kinds of family-friendly activities, foodie-approved restaurants, and amazing bars.

The Top 9 Things To Do Onboard Quantum Of The Seas

With an abundance of onboard cruise attractions and experiences discover the top 10 things to do onboard Quantum of the Seas for a vacation temptation.

Family Vacation Ideas on Freedom of the Seas

Experience a memorable family vacation aboard Freedom of the Seas. Enjoy exciting activities, delicious dining options, and endless fun for all!

explore our private islands

Check out our guides to learn more about private island vacations at perfect day at cococay and our private destination labadee — including things to do, best dishes to try and how to get there..

Weekend Getaways: Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas [Infographic]

Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas gives you the best opportunity to create your own great weekend getaway the way you want to travel!

Top Free Activities and Free Things To Do at Perfect Day at CocoCay

The best free activities and free things to do at Perfect Day at CocoCay®, Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas.

Labadee Private Island Vacations | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Indulge in the best private island vacations in Labadee and discover all that this island has to offer for thrill-seekers and chill-seekers alike.

EXPLORE MORE

Previewing: Promo Dashboard Campaigns

My Personas

Code: ∅.

How to Choose the Best Cabin on Any Cruise

From important cruise cabin vocabulary to how to score a deal and which cabins to avoid, this is your comprehensive cheat sheet on how to pick the perfect accommodation on your next sailing..

• Copy Link copied

Book the Silver Endeavour Owners Suite for a truly luxurious take on expedition cruising.

Courtesy of Silversea

If you’ve never booked a cruise before, choosing a room can be a surprisingly complex undertaking. At a hotel or resort, you might be more focused on bed configurations while onboard a cruise ship, it’s typically all about the ever-changing view—or lack thereof. To add to the equation, each room type usually has multiple categories and decks to choose from.

From inside cabins with no windows to sprawling suites with multiple balconies and floors, cruise rooms can really run the gamut. Depending on the type of sailing you’re on, an upgrade could be worth the splurge or not. To help with your decision, familiarize yourself with these standard cruise room categories and the pros and cons of each.

What are rooms on a cruise ship called?

Rooms on a cruise ship are typically referred to as cabins or staterooms. These two terms are interchangeable and are both used to refer to rooms onboard a cruise ship. The terminology simply depends on each cruise line or individual.

What are the standard cruise cabin categories?

Booking an inside stateroom on a Disney cruise can be a great way to get a more affordable cruise fare for a fun-filled vacation.

Courtesy of Matt Stroshane/Disney Cruise Line

Inside or interior cabin

Inside or interior cabins are the entry-level cruise room category. Located along the inside hallways of a cruise ship, the name denotes that there is no window or porthole. While these windowless rooms are typically the smallest in terms of square footage on any given ship, some cruise lines offer inside staterooms suited to families. These budget-friendly accommodations sleep up to six people onboard Royal Caribbean , for example, with twin beds, a pullout sofa, and convertible bunk beds called Pullmans.

Some cruise lines, including Disney and Royal Caribbean , even offer rooms on select ships that can be considered inside cabins with a view. With the help of virtual portholes, piping in a live video feed, virtual portholes can depict footage of the outside to mimic that of a real window. Disney’s “Magical Portholes” also feature the occasional drop-in from your favorite animated characters like an appearance from Flounder and Scuttle of The Little Mermaid .

Outside or oceanview cabin

Oceanview cabins are somewhat self-explanatory in the sense that they offer some type of view, whether it’s through a picture window or porthole, and they typically feature slightly more square footage than their interior counterparts. However, this is where careful attention to deck plans—or a knowledgeable travel advisor —comes in handy; some categories of outside staterooms have an obstructed view, meaning they might come with a smaller price tag, but you’ll mostly be gazing at the underbelly of a lifeboat.

You’ll also want to consider which side of the ship you’re on. In nautical terms, if you’re facing the front of the ship, “port” means the left-hand side, and “starboard” is on the right. It can be hard to dictate the perfect vista for each port of call, but proactively choosing your location could affect whether you’ll be able to watch your arrival into port from the comfort of your cabin or you’re mostly staring out at the sea.

Balcony or veranda cabin

A balcony cabin and a veranda cabin are the same thing. On oceangoing ships, this category of cabins comes with a step-out balcony, allowing cruisers to privately enjoy some fresh ocean breeze over morning coffee. These rooms typically come with at least a small table and a set of chairs on your balcony, so you can read, soak up the sun, or indulge in alfresco room service. When you consider living space, note that cruise lines often factor the size of the balcony into the total square footage of a stateroom. Balcony cabins are typically scattered across a ship, including at the front, also referred to as the “forward” of the ship, or “aft,” meaning back of the ship. Consider whether you are someone who would rather watch the wake or gaze at the horizon. Preferred locations—like a wraparound balcony at the back of the ship—will vary in price and are typically the first cabins to be booked.

Due to their smaller dimensions, many river cruise ships, like the Avalon Saigon on the Mekong River, feature French balconies in staterooms.

Courtesy of Grant Sweetwood/Avalon Waterways

French balcony cabin

If you see the term “French balcony,” a room type common on river cruise ships , it means that you might have sliding glass doors that open to a railing but not the ability to fully step outside. Some room types classified as “mini suites” are really glorified balcony cabins, meaning they have slightly more square footage but few suite-style amenities. Read the fine print to make sure that the premium perks or amenities you might expect are included in the price before booking them.

For some travelers, it could be worth splurging for that truly awe-inspiring suite, like the two-story Grand Wintergarden suite on Seabourn Venture .

Courtesy of Seabourn

Suites are the most spacious and deluxe rooms on any cruise ship, but not all suites are created equal. Suites can vary in square footage from about 400 square feet up to 6,000-plus on a single ship, but they almost always feature at least one balcony. In recent years, cruise lines have begun organizing their top-tier cabins into categories, assigning certain levels of perks and freedoms depending on which type of suite a guest is booked into. For example, someone staying in an entry-level suite might be able to partake in priority embarkation, but only someone in the highest-level suite category has access to an unlimited mini-bar and private restaurant. From owner’s suites with grand pianos to loft suites with multiple stories, this is the most diverse category of staterooms.

Some cruise lines feature a suite complex or club area accessible only with a special key card, like Norwegian Cruise Line’s the Haven or MSC Cruises’ Yacht Club , which offer even more exclusive spaces and services for guests staying in designated suite areas. Some luxury cruise lines , like Silversea or Regent Seven Seas , only offer rooms categorized as suites on their ships, which all come with amenities like personalized butler service.

Single or studio cabin

The days of financial penalties for people who cruise alone are mostly in the rear view. While some cruise lines still charge a substantial fee to offset the cost of a single person to a cabin, many other cruise lines are building quaint staterooms designed—and priced—with a solo cruiser in mind. Solo cabin choices range from inside to outside cabins to rooms with balconies, depending on the ship. However, you’re most likely to find them as interior rooms, like those in Norwegian’s own area for solo cruisers called the Studio . While Studio staterooms are available fleetwide, only select Norwegian Cruise Line ships feature a dedicated lounge space so that independent cruisers can meet and mingle. Other cruise lines known for single cruiser accommodations include Cunard and Holland America Line .

Norwegian Cruise Line offers studio accommodations for solo travelers like this cabin on the Pride of America cruise ship.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Guarantee cabin

One of the vaguer terms that’s thrown around when booking a cruise is a “guarantee cabin.” Initially enticing because of its discounted price, these rooms are the leftover inventory and are typically not assigned until shortly before your sail date. While there is nothing wrong with securing a bargain on your vacation, leaving this decision to fate could result in an unappealing location with late-night noise or other bugaboos. Yes, there is a slim chance of a surprise upgrade by booking a guarantee cabin, but more often than not you’re simply forfeiting the chance to choose your own room. This type of cabin should only be selected by the very flexible who are willing to bet on their chances.

Accessible cabin

Accessibility on cruise ships applies to a host of accommodations for the hearing impaired; blind or low vision; those requiring a special dietary menu, medical device, or service animal; and cognitive impairments like autism. However, the accessible category mostly pertains to mobility. These rooms, available across the majority of cruise lines and ships, offer wider hallways and entryways, more maneuverability, and bathrooms with features like roll bars, shower seats, and lowered sinks to accommodate wheelchair users. Due to limited availability, these cabins usually sell out in advance. If you require the features of an accessible stateroom, be sure to contact the cruise line well before your preferred sail date.

What is the cheapest cabin on a cruise ship?

Cruise fares are typically priced in ascending order of room type, from interior cabins up to suites. The cheapest cabin in terms of base price on any cruise ship will usually be an interior room, but keep in mind the overall value of what you’re booking before you have a knee-jerk reaction to the dollar amount. If you plan on spending all your time in the spa, some cruise lines offer spa staterooms that bundle access to the thermal suite or even a spa treatment along with proximity to the onboard wellness facilities, making the slightly higher cabin price worth the splurge. Guarantee cabins, regardless of cabin category, will also tempt your wallet, depending on if you are game for a gamble.

Keep in mind that unlike a hotel room, a cruise cabin is often priced per person based on a double occupancy (two people per room) rate. That means that you and your fellow cruiser are both paying the price listed for the cabin, which includes the cost of meals, entertainment, and more. As a ballpark figure, a cheap cruise is considered to be anywhere from $50 to $100 per person, per night.

What cabins should you avoid on a cruise ship?

While each cruise ship is different, there are some general types of cabins to consider avoiding. If you know or suspect that you are sensitive to motion or are prone to seasickness, consider avoiding cabins located on the highest decks of the ship or at the very front or back of the vessel. This is where you will mostly likely feel the pitching and rolling associated with choppy seas. The best type of cabin to book for the least amount of motion is on a deck in the middle of the ship and centrally located within that deck.

If you have small children or treasure your rest, also be on the lookout for noisy areas of the ship, like above or below the nightclub, buffet, or pool deck. Also keep an eye on whether your room is close to the elevator banks or crew areas, where chiming buttons or slamming doors can continue at all hours. A travel advisor or online reviews from fellow cruisers might be able to help steer you away from some of these problematic cruise cabins on a ship-by-ship basis. When in doubt, book a room on a deck that’s sandwiched between other passenger decks consisting only of cabins and not public spaces.

For those booking a romantic getaway, splurging on a balcony like this one in the penthouse suite on the Celebrity Flora may be worthwhile.

Courtesy of Michel Verdure/Celebrity Cruises

Is it worth getting a balcony?

A balcony stateroom is normally the most popular room category on any given ship. However, the value of a balcony room is something that will differ depending on where you’re cruising and why. If it’s a voyage with a bunch of friends and you’re not planning on spending much time in the room, it might be worth shaving off a few hundred dollars by booking a cheaper room without a balcony. But if you’re planning a romantic anniversary cruise to Hawai‘i or a bucket-list journey through the Norwegian fjords, the ability to step out of bed and onto your balcony to soak in the scenery could be well worth the extra charge.

Some itineraries, most notably Alaska, have scenic sailing days built into the cruise schedule. These are days spent at sea, navigating stunning landscapes that might include calving glaciers or breaching whales. Sure, you can get out on deck with the masses to scope out the views, but access to your balcony any time of day or night (in your robe or pjs) could add that special reminder that your floating resort is in fact moving from place to place.

Travelers prone to seasickness might also want to consider a balcony. This room feature not only provides quick access to fresh air but also lets you focus on the horizon line, which is said to help orientate your equilibrium.

What is the best room on a cruise ship?

Between a cozy inside cabin and a splash-out penthouse suite, the best room on a cruise ship is the one you can afford. That might sound cheesy, but it’s true. Paying a cruise fare includes so much more than where you’ll be resting your head, so consider the entire package before making your selection. Some promotions include all-inclusive beverages or Wi-Fi, while some upscale cruise lines include costs like airfare in the price of your cabin booking. The best room, whether you call it a cabin or a stateroom, is the one that comfortably suits the needs of you and your fellow cruisers.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

21 Cruise Tips That Will Help Make Your Trip Even Better, According to Experts

Get ready for a trip to remember with these helpful cruise tips from industry experts.

David C Tomlinson/Getty Images

Some 30 million people board cruise ships every year to hit the high seas in style. If you’re thinking about becoming one of them, first, congratulations, and second, there are a few things you should know. But not just from us. Here are 21 cruise tips and tricks from insiders to help you have the best sailing of your life . 

Related: 11 Luxury Cruise Lines That Offer Stunning Suites, Fine Dining, and Exceptional Itineraries

Understand what’s included and what’s not before you step aboard.

“Make sure you know what's included before you board your cruise, so you're totally clear on what you've paid for in advance and what you haven't. It may make sense to purchase an all-inclusive beverage package ahead of your sailing — which means less to think about once on board and potential savings depending on how much you imbibe. Windstar, for example, books cruises with rates for cruise-only options or at all-inclusive rates with unlimited beer, wine, cocktails, Wi-Fi, and gratuities. Make the decision that fits your circumstances the best when you're booking, and simply enjoy once you're on board.”  — Chris Dodds, captain on the Star Breeze from Windstar Cruises

Get the lay of the land ASAP.

“When you arrive on the ship, take time to explore each deck so that you know exactly where everything is so that you do not lose time or arrive late to an activity because you got lost. Review the schedules to see when you may be able to avoid lines for certain activities on board. If there are games such as bingo, reviewing the schedule also helps to ensure that you have the right amount of cash for the activity." — Dr. Terika Haynes, owner, Dynamite Travel

For the best en-suite views, book a room at the back of the ship.

“Although our ships offer many amazing views, especially in the comfort of your suite, I personally love the decks located on the back of the ship. Not only are they nice and quiet, but they offer wonderful sweeping views of the ocean or port. Often whales, seals, and dolphins can be spotted at the back of the ship, and a must-see for photographers is the amazing sunsets and sunrises you can catch from this area.”

— Kelly Cochrane, executive chef, Regent Seven Seas Cruises

For the best sunsets, head to the observation deck.

“ There are a lot of places you can enjoy the views onboard, but my favorite is the observation deck. Quiet and secluded, the observation deck is a wonderful place for a spectacular view.” 

— Allan Ortiz, head sommelier, Regent Seven Seas Cruises

ullstein bild/Getty Images

Explore all your shore excursion options.

"Just because your cruise ship offers a shore excursion doesn't mean you need to book the shore excursion with the cruise. I recommend working instead with an experienced travel advisor for your shore excursions in order to make your experience as immersive, private, and unique as possible."

— Andrea Galvez, director and expedition cruise expert, Craft Travel Group

Don’t overlook night time excursions.

“ Some cities are great for soaking up the sun, while others come to life at night – and some have special experiences to offer at every time of day. Do some research ahead of your voyage to find out what can’t be missed, and take advantage of all the time you have in port, especially during a late night or an overnight.”

— Andrea Baigorria, global head of PR and communications, Azamara

And pay close attention to the listed physical activity levels for excursions.

“Pay attention to the described physical activity levels when booking excursions. Many people don't anticipate (or perhaps don't believe it) when a Windstar excursion is marked as ‘strenuous,’ we actually mean it. Many of our guests are active travelers seeking a workout and will gleefully power up a hill on a mountain bike or paddle for hours. But if you're a traveler who is not seeking physical exertion like that on your outing, stick to the easy, easy to moderate, or moderate levels to ensure maximum enjoyment.” — Chris Dodds

Don’t overpack — take advantage of laundry service instead.

“My best packing tip for long trips at sea is to take advantage of the laundry services onboard. Additionally, I recommend limiting the amount of clothes you bring and packing smart. For example, windbreakers are handy in all climates and comfortable clothes for lounging around the suite and enjoying room service are a must.” 

– Kelly Cochrane

And make sure to pack important items in your carry-on luggage.

“A lot of travelers overstuff their checked bags and don't give enough care to what they're carrying in their carry-ons. Keep in mind that it takes at least several hours to deliver your baggage to you. Based on the number of workers onboard and your cabin's position, the time it takes to receive your baggage can range from a few hours to half a day. Due to this, it's imperative to have a day pack that contains everything you'll need right away. Also, don't forget to pack some fun items. Fill a compact carry-on with essentials you'll need quick access to, such as prescribed medicine, contact solution, a set of clothes, swimwear, lotion, sunglasses, and footwear.”

— Sean Harris, managing editor, Family Destinations Guide  

Don’t limit your vacation to the sailing dates.

"Be sure to pick destinations that easily allow for extension trips. For instance, if you visit Antarctica, you can easily visit Patagonia in both Argentina and Chile, as their ports also serve as the gateway to Patagonia. Another example is visiting mainland Ecuador in combination with a cruise around the Galapagos Islands. What's more, some cruises include one night at a hotel before embarking. If the cruise doesn't include this, I highly recommend one night at a hotel before embarking to err on the side of caution due to flight delays.”

— Andrea Galvez

Bloomberg/Getty Images

Share your special moments with the crew ahead of time.

"A great way to make the most of your time at sea, particularly if you’re going to be celebrating a special occasion, is to mention it in advance to your agent/cruise operator. More often than not, you’ll end up with some freebies to make your day extra special, including in-room treats, complimentary upgrades, private picnics, and onboard chefs who are typically happy to show off their creative talents by making a cake."

— Jeremy Clubb, Founder, Rainforest Cruises

And make sure to get to know the crew, too.

“Get to know your crew members – they are from all over the world, and they’ve been all over the world, so they have some amazing stories to tell. They can clue you into the hidden gems of each destination, such as the best local shopping, restaurants, viewpoints, and more. Some of my favorite moments and discoveries across the globe have come from the recommendation of an Azamara crew member.”

— Carol Cabezas, president, Azamara  

Always read the daily itineraries.

“ Keep an eye out for the ever-changing activities and food offerings onboard, especially during sea days. On Azamara, you’ll find these in your Insider delivered to your room daily. You never know when you might find me hosting our guests in one of our restaurants or an incredible local performer out on the pool deck.”

— Ryzsard Gusmann, hotel director on Azamara Quest

Let yourself enjoy a full day at sea.

"My tip to make the most of your time aboard — make sure you have at least one day at sea. Cruises are so destination-focused that travelers often overlook those ‘at sea’ days in the itinerary. But, as the saying goes, getting there is half the fun!”

— Carlos Caicedo, Marketing Manager, Luxury Cruise Connections

John Elk/Getty Images

Tip accordingly. 

“You have two options: you can prepay the tips before the cruise and not worry about that. Some people really like to do that, but some people like to tip based on the quality of the service they received. And so, we normally recommend that you tip the crew $20 per person per day, which is divided among all the crew members, and the guides between $10-15 per person per day. Those are tipping guidelines. We like to recommend to guests that they tip when they’re there because really tipping should be a representation of the quality of the service.” 

— Fernando Diez, marketing director, Quasar Expeditions , 

Have dietary restrictions? Speak directly to the chef.

“On a special diet, or have a food allergy/sensitivity that can make travel difficult? If you haven't been able to adequately address your needs virtually during the booking or pre-cruise process, ask to speak to the chef once on board to discuss your restrictions or requests. Sometimes just having the conversation in person is enough to put any worries at ease, and it will allow the culinary team every chance possible to make your dining experience the best it can be.” 

— Chris Dodds

Book specialty dining as soon as possible.

“Always try to book specialty dining as early as possible. If you wait until you board the ship, the popular restaurants are often sold out or have limited times available. I once waited until the last minute, and the only time available to book the steakhouse was at 5:30 p.m. on embarkation day. That was also the same time the ship was scheduled to sail through the Giudecca Canal in Venice. — Ben Souza, editor, Cruise Fever

Ask about a chef’s table experience.

“If you love immersive culinary experiences, see if your ship has a chef's table. This will likely be a three to four-hour tasting menu with an intimate group of eight to 10 guests led by the chef and sommelier. Only a very small portion of the ship's guests will have the opportunity to take part in these limited events, so book early or inquire with the maître d as soon as you board.” — Lauren Quirk, owner, Travel With Character 

Bring a converter just in case.

“Bring a European travel plug adapter.  Most cruise ships are built overseas, and you'll often find that lots of the outlets both in common areas and even some in staterooms are the European-style plugs.  If you're out and about and want to plug your phone in to charge, an adapter might give you access to many more plugs than other guests.” — Jonathan de Araujo, owner, The Vacationeer

You can’t count on onboard Wi-Fi, so make sure to do all your planning prior to departure.

“The Wi-Fi on ships is slow, unreliable, and expensive. When you're home and have unlimited access to Wi-Fi, plan your port days, so you don't waste the limited time you have in port researching things to do. Find out whether you're able to use Uber/Lyft in the port or find the transportation schedule ahead of time. Buy your museum/attraction/tour tickets in advance.” — Alissa Musto, cruise ship entertainer

Traveling with kids? Try connecting rooms.

“If you have a larger family, check out connecting room options. This has worked out really well for our family with children. Usually, one adult and one or two children can be assigned to each room. This setup allows for some more space and a separate space for the kids to nap while all still being connected.”  — Michelle Schomp, founder, Passport Explorers

Related Articles

6 Tips to Keep Cruise Dining Exciting

When you set sail on a cruise, the culinary delights await you. However, the novelty of dining aboard can sometimes wear off. To ensure your meals remain exciting throughout your voyage, here are six invaluable tips to spice up your cruise dining experience!

Sample Everything

Don’t stick to what you know! Take advantage of the opportunity to sample various dishes at each meal. Opt for smaller portions or share plates with friends and family. You can explore diverse flavors without committing to a single option.

Explore Specialty Restaurants

Cruise lines often boast a variety of specialty dining options, from sushi to steakhouses. Make reservations at these unique venues to experience a different culinary ambiance and menu. Not only will this provide a refreshing change, but it may also introduce you to exquisite dishes you wouldn’t find in the main dining room.

Immerse Yourself in Local Flavors

Take advantage of the local cuisine when your ship docks at a port. Whether you dine at local eateries or participate in food-themed excursions like market tours or cooking classes, immersing yourself in regional flavors will enhance your culinary journey.

Attend Culinary Demonstrations

Many cruises offer cooking demonstrations that showcase various cooking techniques and recipes. These events often conclude with tasty samples, allowing you to learn something new while enjoying a delicious treat.

Mix Up Your Dining Experience

Switch between formal dining rooms and casual eateries throughout your cruise. Many lines offer flexible dining options, so take advantage of different atmospheres and menu styles. This variety will keep your meals fresh and engaging.

Share Your Meals

If you’re traveling with others, consider ordering various dishes to share. This communal approach allows you to taste more options and turns each meal into a fun, social experience that enhances your dining enjoyment.

Following these tips lets you keep your cruise dining exciting and enjoyable throughout your journey.

You may also like

Like a local: us virgin islands.

LIKE A LOCAL Livin’ in the USVI By Carol Bareuther Sure, there are guidebooks that list every rest

Gemstones of the Mexican Riviera

Discover the unique and native gemological finds (from Chiapas amber to fire opal and agate) found s

Look What’s Being Served in Carnival’s Main Dining – Cruise News – Sept. 26, 2014.

  Look What’s Being Served in Carnival’s Main Dining Cruise News – Sept. 26, 2014 New

Sneak Peek: Porthole Travel Show Aboard Seven Seas Grandeur

Amawaterways launches new stateroom upgrade program, enjoying onboard amenities without leaving the ship.

27 Cruise Dining Tips for First Time Cruisers (2024)

Sharing is caring!

If you’re going on a cruise for the first time, you’re probably wondering how cruise ship dining works, what cruise food is included, & what dining options are available.

Cruise dining has changed over the last couple of years, from what is and isn’t included, to dress line codes & more.

Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, the cruise dining tips will help you to know your food options and make the most of your cruise vacation in 2024!

1. What Dining Options Are Available on a Cruise?

When cruising, you’ll have a variety of dining options available, each offering a different experience:

Main Dining Room : This is the heart of the cruise dining experience, typically included in your fare. It offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a menu that changes daily.

Buffet : A more casual dining option, available throughout the day, sometimes in the form of a food hall on newer ships.

Casual Dining : Includes cafes, pizza, burgers, and other quick service options.

Room Service : Available on most cruises at a nominal fee, with some complimentary options for breakfast. Premium and luxury cruise lines may have included room service all day.

Specialty Dining : These restaurants offer unique dining experiences at an additional cost.

2. Main Dining Room – What to Expect

The main dining room (MDR) is a central feature of cruise dining and is included in your cruise fare . It’s open for dinner every evening and often for breakfast, lunch, and brunch on sea days.

The main dining room or restaurant offers a sit-down meal experience with a rotating menu, including a mix of daily specials and classic favorites. Don’t miss out on trying different dishes, as in most cases you can order multiple appetizers, entrees, and desserts at no extra cost.

2. Choose Between Fixed and Open Dining Times

Most cruise lines offer two main dining options: fixed dining and open dining. With fixed dining, you choose an early or late seating and enjoy the same table, waiter, and tablemates each night.

Open dining provides more flexibility, allowing you to dine at different times each evening. Some cruise lines even offer a reservation system within open dining to avoid waiting in line.

Related: 13 Cruise Main Dining Room Tips

3. Know How to Change Your Dining Time

You can often make reservations online before your cruise. However, If your dining time doesn’t suit your plans, you can request a change. Speak to the maître d’ in the afternoon rather than during the busy dinner hours to increase your chances of getting your preferred time.

4. Request Your Favorite Waiter

If you enjoy your waiter on the first night, ask to be seated in their section for the remainder of the cruise. While not guaranteed, this can often be accomodate if you’re flexible with dining times.

Building a rapport with your waiter can enhance your dining experience, as they’ll learn your preferences and provide personalized service.

5. Be Aware of Cruise Line Dress Codes

Dress codes in the main dining room still exist in the main dining room and some specialty restaurants, though they are often less formal than in the past. Expect a mix of casual, smart casual, and formal nights.

While tuxedos and evening gowns are optional, men should bring at least one pair of dress pants and a collared shirt, as some restaurants may turn away guests in shorts. It’s a good idea to research your specific cruise line for dress code guidelines.

Related: 10 Dress Code Mistakes Not to Make on a Cruise

6. Maximize the Menu

Cruise menus in the MDR are extensive, with multiple courses offered at every meal. Don’t hesitate to order several appetizers, try different entrees, or mix and match items. Some cruise lines allow you to combine dishes or sample multiple options, especially during formal nights.

7. Watch Out for Extra Charges

While most food in the main dining room and complimentary restaurants are included, some items like lobster tails or premium steaks may come with an extra charge. This trend is more common these days, so check the menu for any additional costs before ordering.

Related: 12 Cruise Dining Etiquette Rules, Tips and Mistakes to Avoid

8. Order a Cheese Plate

A little-known cruise dining hack is to ask for a cheese plate, even if it’s not listed on the menu. Many ships offer this as a dessert option or as an off-menu treat. It’s a great way to finish your meal with a selection of cheeses and fruits.

9. Dine at Your Own Pace

If you’re not keen on a leisurely two-hour dinner, let your waiter know you’d prefer a faster-paced meal. This is especially helpful if you have evening plans, such as catching a show.

On a recent Bermuda cruise onboard Norwegian Joy, we tested this out. We had an evening sunset catamaran cruise with a 7:15 pm meeting time. The Taste, an included MDR style restaurant opened at 6:00 pm, so we knew it would be tight.

When we arrived at the restaurant we let the hostess know about our limited time. The waiter came over quickly, we ordered our food and asked for it to be served without delays between courses. To our amazement, we were done with coffee and dessert at 6:53! We had plenty of time to meet our excursion.

10. Explore the Buffet

The cruise buffet is a casual dining option available throughout the day. It offers a wide variety of foods, from breakfast staples to themed dinners. It’s perfect for quick meals or when you want to try a bit of everything.

Note that some newer ships are replacing traditional buffets with food halls, offering a different dining experience with various stations.

11. Take Advantage of Casual Dining Options

In addition to the buffet, most cruise ships offer casual dining venues like pizzerias, burger and hot dog grills, and cafes. These spots are often open late into the night, making them ideal for a quick snack or a laid-back meal.

12. Don’t Overlook Room Service

Room service used to be free across most cruise lines, but now some charge a fee for in-cabin dining. However, this can vary, so be sure to check.

However, many cruise lines still offer complimentary continental room service for breakfast, where you can order coffee, pastries, and fruit to start your day. This can also serve as a convenient wake-up call.

Related: 12 Biggest Changes to Cruising in 2024

13. Plan for Specialty Dining

Specialty restaurants offer a more intimate and upscale dining experience, often featuring cuisine like steak, Italian, or Asian dishes.

These dining venues typically require a reservation and come with an additional charge, but they’re worth trying for a special occasion or a change of pace from the main dining options.

Related: 20 Cruise Specialty Dining Tips, Tricks & Secrets

14. Be Mindful of Food Allergies and Dietary Restrictions

Cruise lines take food allergies and dietary restrictions seriously, with many offering separate menus for guests with specific needs.

Ensure your dietary preferences are noted on your booking, and discuss them with the maître d’ upon boarding. Many ships now offer gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options on their menus.

15. Ask for Recommendations

Cruise waiters often have great insights into the best dishes on the menu. Don’t hesitate to ask for their recommendations—they might steer you toward a dish you wouldn’t have considered but end up loving.

16. Bring Your Own Wine

Most cruise lines allow you to bring one bottle of wine per adult onboard during embarkation. While there’s usually a corkage fee if you bring it to the dining room, it can still be a cost-effective way to enjoy your favorite wine with dinner.

Related: What to Pack for Your First Cruise

Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner

Regular price: $27 now just $17.

17. Don’t Miss Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea is a charming tradition offered on some cruise lines, featuring tea, scones, sandwiches, and pastries in an elegant setting.

Traditional afternoon tea typically served around 3:00 PM in the main dining room. This experience is often available on Cunard, Princess, Holland America, and Viking ships.

18. Enjoy Afternoon Snacks

If afternoon tea isn’t offered, head to the buffet for an afternoon snack. Around 3:00 PM, you’ll find a selection of treats like nachos, chips, salsa, guacamole, pastries, and cakes.

It’s a great way to satisfy your mid-afternoon cravings. You can also grab some cookies or ice cream to go.

Related: 30 Household Items You Should Be Packing for a Cruise

19. Don’t Skip the Sea Day Brunch

Sea day brunches are offered on some cruise lines, especially Carnival, and are a must-try. These brunches feature a combination of breakfast and lunch dishes, often with a more extensive menu than a regular breakfast.

On a recent MSC cruise , we were impressed with their Tour de Brunch menu and sea day offerings served in the main dining room.

20. Discover Hidden Dining Spots

Cruise ships often have hidden gems when it comes to dining. These could be small cafes or eateries tucked away in less-traveled parts of the ship. Check your cruise planner or the ship’s app to discover these spots, which might become your favorite places for a quiet meal or snack.

21. Learn the Buffet Hours

While the cruise ship buffet is usually open for extended hours, it’s a good idea to check the schedule, especially on port days. The buffet does sometimes close for a short time between meal times.

Knowing the hours will help you plan your meals and avoid missing out on your favorite dishes.

Related: 50+ Must-have Cruise Essentials from Amazon

22. Take Note of Breakfast and Lunch in the MDR

The main dining room isn’t just for dinner. Breakfast and lunch are often served there as well, offering a sit-down alternative to the buffet.

Be sure to check the hours, as breakfast service can end earlier than expected.

23. Use the Cruise Line App for Dining Info

Most cruise lines now offer an app that provides detailed information on dining options, including menus, hours, and any additional charges. Use the app to plan your meals and make reservations at specialty restaurants.

24. Check Out Late-Night Snacks

If you’re hungry late at night, many cruise ships offer late-night snacks in the buffet or at casual dining venues. These could include pizza, sandwiches, or desserts, perfect for satisfying those midnight cravings.

25. Participate in Food-Themed Events

Many cruises feature special food-themed events, such as chocolate buffets, seafood nights, or BBQ parties. These events are a fun way to experience different cuisines and indulge in unique dining experiences.

26. Take Advantage of Drink Packages

If you enjoy having wine, cocktails, or specialty coffees with your meals, consider purchasing a drink package . These packages can offer significant savings compared to buying drinks individually and can be used in all dining venues on the ship.

Related: 13 Big Drink Package Mistakes Not to Make on a Cruise

27. Don’t Be Afraid to Try Something New

Cruising is the perfect opportunity to step out of your culinary comfort zone. Whether it’s trying a dish you’ve never heard of or dining at a specialty restaurant, embrace the variety and savor the experience. After all, dining on a cruise is as much about the adventure as it is about the food!

Related & Popular Posts

• 50 Must-have Cruise Essentials from Amazon
• First-Time Cruiser? Here’s How to Find Your Way Around the Ship
• 30+ Best Cruise Dresses: Amazon Ladies Resort Wear [Life Well Cruised]
• Cruise Wear for Men: Men’s Packing List for a Cruise
• 17 Worst Cruise Ship Cabins to Avoid
• 60 Cruise Packing Tips & Hacks All Cruisers Need to Know
• 12 Smart Ways to Escape the Crowds on a Cruise Ship
• 17 Rookie Mistakes First Time Cruisers Should Avoid
• Don’t Make These 10 Common Mistakes on Your Family Cruise with Kids

Final Thoughts

Dining is one of the best parts of cruising. After all, you have a wide variety of food options and dining venues, and someone else is cooking!

Please let me know your dining tips and questions in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

If you enjoy this post please don’t keep it to yourself ;-). Please feel free to share on Facebook or Pinterest (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .