Planning a Royal Caribbean cruise can be the highlight of your year. The excitement of exploring new destinations and enjoying all-inclusive amenities can make it a dream vacation. But some mistakes can turn this dream into a nightmare.
Knowing what to avoid can save you time, money, and stress, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip.
Common MistakeS People Make When Booking Royal Caribbean
Planning a Royal Caribbean cruise starts long before you step on board. Consider these important steps to ensure a smooth and enjoyable booking process.
1. Not Choosing the Right Cruise
Now this sounds obvious, but research is key when choosing the right cruise. Consider where you want to go, the length of the cruise, and the ports of call.
It’s easy to look at the Royal Caribbean website and select a 3 or 4 day cruise from Miami – at first glance they may all look very similar, but they are not!
Look into the types of activities available on board, as they can vary significantly by ship. For example, some ships have water slides and rock climbing walls, while others focus on relaxation and adult-only areas.
Check the best times of the year to visit your chosen destinations. If you’re interested in the Caribbean, avoid hurricane season.
Use online forums, reviews, and travel blogs to gather insights. Use tools like TripAdvisor and cruise forums to compare options and get personal experiences from other travelers.
2. Not Understanding Booking Options
You have different ways to book your cruise.
Online Booking: You can book directly through the Royal Caribbean website or online through online cruise travel agents.
Traditional Travel Agents: They can help find the best deals and assist with multi-faceted trips, like those with pre- and post-cruise stays. Agents also offer personalized advice and can help with any last-minute changes or cancellations.
However, you need to choose your travel agent carefully. Some give full service personal advice, while others are no more than “pile them high” sales groups with no afterservice.
Cruise Line Representatives: Calling Royal Caribbean directly can sometimes yield better rates and promotions that aren’t advertised online. They can answer specific questions and make recommendations based on your preferences. For new cruisers, this can be really helpful.
Understanding the booking options can help you find the best price and add valuable flexibility to your travel plans.
3. Not Setting a Budget
Budgeting is crucial for a stress-free vacation. If you don’t set a budget and properly map out your full cruise expenses, you might be in for a huge shock!
Start by considering the cruise fare. Look for specials and discounts.
But then you need to add the extras – the port taxes and sales tax. Don’t forget about additional costs such as excursions, beverages, dining upgrades, and tips.
A rough budget breakdown can be:
- Cruise fare: Surprisingly this is not always the major cost – varies by destination and season.
- Port Taxes and Sales Tax: The more ports of call, the higher the port taxes
- Excursions: Can add up quickly.
- Gratuities: Often added daily per person.
- Onboard spending: Souvenirs, spa treatments, and specialty dining.
- Any Drink or Dining Packages: Research what it on offer. Make sure you know how much drinks will costs on Royal Caribbean
- Travel To and From The Port (including any overnight Hotel stays): This is often overlooked and can be pricy – especially Hotels in Miami
- Travel Insurance: The biggest mistake you will ever make it so need travel insurance when you didn’t take it out.
Set aside a buffer for emergencies or unexpected expenses.
Packing and Preparation
Getting ready for your Royal Caribbean cruise means carefully planning what you need to pack and ensuring you have all your necessary documents. From cruise essentials to arrival tips, preparation is key to a smooth trip.
4. Overpacking
When packing for your cruise, it’s a mistake to overpack. You won’t need three large suitcases; instead, aim for versatility and comfort.
Swimwear is essential for pool time, and lightweight clothing is perfect for day trips. Don’t forget formal attire for special dining events.
Medications are important to bring along. Keep them in their original containers and pack more than you think you’ll need.
Sunscreen and hats should be on your list to protect against the sun. A reusable water bottle is handy for staying hydrated.
Bringing electronics like your phone, camera, and chargers will help capture memories and stay connected.
I said it at the beginning and I will say it again – switch your phone to airplane mode once on board to avoid roaming charges.
A travel power strip can be useful since you’ll likely have fewer outlets in your cabin. Just make sure you take a cruise approved power strip.
5. Overlooking Important Documentation
Having the right documentation is crucial, but it can get a bit complicated as the documentation you need can depend on what type of cruise you are on.
For example, on a “closed loop” cruise, you can get away with providing a driving license, state ID or birth certificate. A closed-loop cruise is a cruise that starts and ends at the same US Cruise port and visits certain countries.
However for any other cruise you will need a passport.
It’s vital that you confirm with Royal Caribbean what ID they expect you to have and find this out early and check you have that documentation. – there is nothing worse than discovering you need an important document the day before you are due to cruise and you have lost it.
Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. Some countries have strict rules about the validity period left on your passport, so six months is the recommended minimum.
Check if you need visas for any of the destinations. Royal caribbean doesn’t often tell you this! For example, when cruise lines were visiting Cuba, the Cuban authorities required payment of a $60 “Tourist Visa” before you could get off the ship in Havana. Royal Caribbean did not make that fact well known at all!
Take photocopies of your passport, ID, and travel insurance just in case you lose the originals during travel or during the cruise.
Cruise tickets and boarding passes should also be handy, either as printouts or accessible on your phone.
Remember to print your Cruise Luggage tags before you arrive at the port – we always suggest using these luggage tag holders to ensure the tags don’t fall off!
Don’t pack these essential documents in your checked luggage. Misplaced luggage can cause delays, and you’ll need your documents for check-in. Keeping them with you ensures a smoother start to your cruise.
6. Not Arriving a Day BEfore Your Cruise
If you’re flying in or driving any great distance, please consider arriving a day early to avoid any last-minute delays or travel disruptions. Having a nearby hotel reservation can save you from unexpected problems.
Arriving at the port on embarkation day itself can be hectic. Plan to arrive at your scheduled arrival time that Royal Caribbean provides. This gives you time to go through the boarding process with the least amount of stress.
Before you leave home, double-check your travel arrangements.
Prepare for embarkation day by packing a small day bag with essentials like your documentation, sunscreen, and a change of clothes.
This way, you’ll have what you need even if your checked luggage takes a while to arrive at your cabin.
Onboard Experience
Making the most of your Royal Caribbean cruise can be easy if you avoid some common mistakes. From missing out on dining opportunities to not planning your entertainment, small oversights can impact your vacation.
6. NoT Planning Dining Options and Reservations
When it comes to dining, reservations and dining times are key.
On Royal Caribbean, you have three dining options for the main dining room:-
- Early Dining: Usually 4:30pm or 5pm – good for younger kids, but might be too early for many
- My Time Dining: offers the most flexibility, but if you forget to reserve a time, expect long queus
- Late Seating: Usually 8pm or 8:30pm – this can mean you might miss some of the shows
Royal Caribbean ships also feature many different specialty dining restaurants. These have an extra cover charge and will also require booking in advance. If you skip planning this step, you might miss out on popular spots like Chops Grille or Izumi Sushi as they are fully booked.
7. NOT Planning your Entertainment and Activities
Entertainment on a Royal Caribbean cruise is top-notch, but it requires some planning as there is so much to do.
On the larger ships, popular shows and activities, such as Broadway-style productions and ice skating shows, will often need reservations. It’s a good idea to book your spots as soon as possible – and I mean BEFORE you cruise.
If you love staying active, the ship’s schedule of activities like rock climbing, mini-golf, or surfing on the FlowRider will keep you busy. But again you need to plan these. It can be so easy to just relax by the pool and before you know it you missed out on that chance to prove how good a surfer you are (or not!).
Don’t forget to check for any special themed nights or parties on board. These events can add a unique twist to your cruise experience.
8. Not Looking After Your Health
Falling ill on any cruise ship can be a problem and without insurance it could also end up very expensive. It’s important therefore to remember to look after your own health while on board.
Some key pieces of advice:-
- Pack motion sickness medication if you’re prone to seasickness.
- Stay hydrated – the hot sun, and that alcholic drinks package can lead to dehydration, so remember to drink lots of water.
- Follow proper hygiene practices to avoid any potential illnesses while on board. Utilize the hand sanitizing stations frequently. Those “washy washy” people at the Windjammer are not there for your entertainment – it’s to avoid spread of diseases like Covid and Norovirus
- Don’t forget your prescription medication
- Bring a first aid kit for any mishaps
Ports and Excursions
When cruising with Royal Caribbean, making the most out of your port stops and shore excursions requires a bit of planning. Focusing on how to explore your destinations and manage your time and activities effectively can greatly enhance your experience.
9. Not Properly Researching Destinations
Ports of call are a major highlight of any cruise. If you fail to do proper research you can be missing out on so much.
Each port city offers unique attractions like historical sites, local markets, and natural wonders.
Use Royal Caribbean’s information on shore excursions or consult recent cruise news to learn about must-see spots.
Local culture and eateries can provide a richer experience than sticking to the tourist trails.
Book shore excursions through the cruise line for safety and convenience. Royal Caribbean’s organised excursions are reviewed and usually more reliable than you might find when booking directly with a local operator.
However, you can save a lot of money if you opt for booking third-party excursions directly rather than through Royal. But please ensure they fit your schedule and offer safe travel options like verified taxis. You don’t want to end up missing the cruise!
Lastly The Most Important Mistake of All
10. Forgetting To Switch Your Photo to Airplane Mode
When on a ship, cell service is often spotty, and your phone might inadvertently connect to the “Cellular at Sea” network which is extremely expensive. When connected to this your roaming charges add up very quickly indeed.
Always remember to switch to airplane mode as soon as you board to avoid an unwanted surprise on your next bill.
Avoiding Mistakes Like These Will Ensure Your Royal Caribbean Cruise Goes Smoothly
Taking a Royal Caribbean cruise can be an unforgettable experience, filled with stunning destinations, luxurious amenities, and endless entertainment options. However, the key to making the most of your trip lies in the planning and avoiding common pitfalls that many cruisers face.
By following these insider tips—such as arriving a day early, setting a realistic budget, packing wisely, and planning your dining and activities—you’ll be well on your way to a smooth and enjoyable voyage.
Remember, the journey begins long before you board the ship. Do your research, prepare accordingly, and stay flexible to handle any surprises that come your way.
With these precautions in mind, you’re sure to have a fantastic and stress-free Royal Caribbean cruise, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Bon voyage!
