Challenging Common Cruise Ship Advice: Overrated and Underrated Tips

In the video titled “Challenging Common Cruise Ship Advice: Overrated and Underrated Tips” by Royal Caribbean Blog, the speaker aims to provide a fresh perspective on common cruise ship advice. They discuss both overrated and underrated tips to help you navigate your next cruise. Some of the tips they mention include the importance of packing a bathing suit in your carry-on for the first day of the cruise, the convenience of staying near an elevator lobby instead of avoiding cabins near elevators, and the benefits of purchasing outlet adapters for more electrical outlets. The video offers valuable insights that might challenge your beliefs about cruising and help you make the most out of your next cruise experience.

Overrated Tips

Not overpacking

One of the most commonly repeated tips when it comes to cruising is to not overpack. This advice suggests bringing only what you think you’ll need and then taking half of it out. While the idea of packing light and not bringing unnecessary items may seem appealing, it’s important to consider the practicality of this advice.

Sure, overpacking may lead to extra fees for luggage and the inconvenience of lugging around heavy bags. However, underpacking and not having enough clothes or essentials can quickly become a hassle. Especially when going on a longer cruise or visiting multiple destinations, having a few extra outfits or shoes can make a significant difference in your comfort and convenience.

Instead of focusing on not overpacking, it’s worth considering a balanced approach. Be realistic about what you’ll need during your cruise, but don’t be afraid to bring a few extra items. Having the peace of mind that you have everything you need will likely outweigh any inconveniences caused by carrying a slightly heavier bag.

Bringing one’s own drinks on board

Another commonly mentioned tip that can be considered overrated is the idea of bringing your own drinks on board. While it’s true that some cruise lines allow passengers to bring a limited amount of non-alcoholic beverages or wine on embarkation day, the benefits of this practice may not outweigh the hassles.

Carrying a bag with drinks, whether it’s a few bottles of soda or a couple of bottles of wine, can quickly become cumbersome, especially when you have to carry it along with your other carry-on luggage. Additionally, the quantity of drinks you’re allowed to bring is limited, and it may not be sufficient for the duration of your cruise, especially if you plan to share with others.

Considering these factors, it may be worth investing in a drink package offered by the cruise line. The convenience of having unlimited access to a variety of drinks without the hassle of lugging them around can greatly enhance your cruising experience. While this option may incur additional costs, the convenience and peace of mind it offers may make it a worthwhile investment.

Not booking a cabin near an elevator

Contrary to popular belief, the recommendation to avoid booking a cabin near an elevator can be considered overrated. Many travelers prefer to book cabins away from elevators under the assumption that they may experience excessive noise or disrupted sleep due to the constant movement of people. However, staying near an elevator lobby can offer several advantages that outweigh any potential drawbacks.

By opting for a cabin near an elevator lobby, you can enjoy the convenience of easy access to various areas of the ship. This can be especially beneficial for passengers with mobility issues or those who prefer not to walk long distances for various activities or meals. Additionally, being close to an elevator lobby reduces the time and effort spent navigating the ship, allowing you to maximize your enjoyment of the onboard amenities.

It’s important to note that modern cruise ships are designed with noise reduction features to minimize any disturbances caused by elevator operations. Additionally, most passengers tend to be respectful of their fellow travelers and avoid excessive noise near cabin areas.

When considering your cabin choice, it’s essential to weigh the convenience of staying near an elevator lobby against your personal preferences for a quieter cabin location. Don’t be quick to dismiss the option of booking a cabin near an elevator without considering the potential benefits it can offer.

Purchasing ‘The Key’ package

‘The Key’ package, offered by some cruise lines, promises various benefits such as priority embarkation, access to exclusive dining and entertainment venues, and enhanced customer service. While this package may seem enticing, it can be argued that its value is overrated.

Many of the benefits offered by ‘The Key’ package can either be obtained individually or may not be essential for all cruisers. For example, priority embarkation can often be achieved by booking a higher-tier stateroom or by being a member of the cruise line’s loyalty program. Similarly, exclusive dining and entertainment venues may not necessarily offer a significantly different experience from the already available options on the ship.

Before investing in ‘The Key’ package, it’s essential to carefully evaluate whether its benefits align with your specific needs and preferences. Consider if the additional cost is justified by the offered perks and if you would genuinely take advantage of all the package has to offer.

Bringing an over-the-door shoe organizer

Bringing an over-the-door shoe organizer is a tip that has gained popularity among cruisers as a way to maximize storage space in cabins. However, the necessity and practicality of this suggestion may be overrated, given the storage options available in modern cruise ship cabins.

Most cabins on cruise ships are designed with ample storage space, including closets, drawers, and shelves. These storage areas are usually sufficient to accommodate clothing, accessories, and personal belongings for the duration of the cruise. While an over-the-door shoe organizer can be useful for travelers with specific organizational preferences or traveling with a large group, it may not be a necessary item for everyone.

Before deciding to bring an over-the-door shoe organizer, consider the available storage space in your cabin and your personal organizational needs. If you find that the existing storage options are inadequate, then investing in a shoe organizer may be worth considering. However, for the majority of cruisers, it may be more practical to utilize the provided storage space efficiently without the need for additional organizers.

Buying an expensive camera

Investing in an expensive camera specifically for a cruise may seem like a logical choice, especially with the array of stunning landscapes and memorable moments you’re likely to encounter. However, the suggestion of buying an expensive camera for a cruise can be considered overrated, given the advancements in smartphone camera technology.

Smartphone cameras have significantly evolved in recent years, with many flagship devices offering high-resolution images and advanced features. For most cruisers, a modern smartphone camera can provide excellent quality photographs without the need for an additional expensive camera.

Consider the convenience and practicality of using your smartphone as your primary camera during the cruise. Smartphones are compact, always within reach, and offer the ability to instantly share and back up your photos. Additionally, many smartphones have advanced editing capabilities and a wide range of photography apps, allowing you to enhance and personalize your images.

Unless you’re a professional photographer or have specific photography needs, it may be more practical and cost-effective to rely on your smartphone camera for capturing your cruise memories. Save the expense of a dedicated camera and invest in other aspects of your cruise experience instead.

Underrated Tips

Packing a bathing suit in a carry-on

While some cruisers may overlook the importance of packing a bathing suit in their carry-on, this tip can greatly enhance the start of your cruise. Embarkation day offers an excellent opportunity to take advantage of the pool deck and enjoy the onboard amenities before the pool area gets crowded.

By having your bathing suit readily available in your carry-on, you can quickly change into it and head to the pool deck upon boarding the ship. This avoids the need to wait for your luggage to be delivered to your cabin and allows you to make the most of your first day on the cruise.

In addition to being able to enjoy the pool deck with fewer crowds, packing a bathing suit in your carry-on also ensures that you can relax and refresh after a long day of traveling. It’s a small but highly underrated tip that can greatly enhance the start of your cruise experience.

Using a travel agent to book a cruise

One frequently underrated tip when it comes to cruising is to use a travel agent for booking your cruise. While it’s certainly possible to book a cruise on your own, having a knowledgeable and experienced travel agent by your side can significantly simplify the process and enhance your overall experience.

A good travel agent not only assists with booking your cruise but also provides valuable guidance and support throughout the entire planning and preparation process. They can help you navigate the various options, recommend the best itinerary for your preferences, and ensure that you receive the best value for your money.

Furthermore, should any issues or questions arise before, during, or after your cruise, a travel agent can be your advocate and handle them on your behalf. This allows you to focus on enjoying your vacation without the stress or hassle of dealing with logistical matters.

Contrary to popular belief, working with a travel agent usually does not incur any additional costs. They are compensated by the cruise line, so tapping into their expertise and assistance comes at no extra expense to you. Utilizing the services of a travel agent can prove invaluable, especially for first-time cruisers or those seeking a hassle-free vacation.

Staying near an elevator lobby

While it’s often advised to book a cabin away from elevators to avoid potential noise disturbances, staying near an elevator lobby can be an underrated choice worth considering. The convenience and accessibility provided by being close to an elevator lobby outweigh any perceived downside.

By staying near an elevator lobby, you can minimize the time and effort spent navigating the ship to reach various areas and amenities. This is particularly advantageous for passengers with mobility concerns or those who prefer to have quick access to dining venues, entertainment areas, and other onboard facilities.

Modern cruise ships are designed with noise reduction features, ensuring that any noise generated by elevator operations is minimal and unlikely to disrupt your sleep or overall experience. Additionally, passengers generally respect quiet hours and are mindful of their fellow travelers when near cabin areas.

When selecting a cabin location, it’s essential to evaluate your personal preferences and priorities. If convenience and accessibility are important to you, staying near an elevator lobby can provide a seamless and efficient cruising experience.

Using a laundry hamper in the cabin

One often overlooked but highly underrated tip is to bring a laundry hamper for your cabin. This simple item can greatly enhance your cabin organization and overall quality of life during the cruise.

By having a designated space for dirty laundry, you can keep your cabin tidy and avoid the hassle of mixing clean and dirty clothing. A laundry hamper ensures that your cabin remains organized and allows you to quickly identify which items need laundering.

Additionally, utilizing a laundry hamper can help you assess your cabin’s storage space more effectively. By containing your dirty laundry in a separate container, you can better gauge how much free space you have for other belongings.

A laundry hamper doesn’t take up much space in your cabin and can easily be stored in a closet or under the bed when not in use. This often overlooked item can greatly contribute to a more efficient and enjoyable cruising experience.

Using outlet adapters for more electrical outlets

With the increasing reliance on electronic devices during travel, having sufficient electrical outlets in your cabin becomes essential. An underrated tip that can greatly enhance your convenience is to bring outlet adapters.

Cruise ship cabins are typically equipped with a limited number of electrical outlets, which may not be sufficient for charging all your devices or using multiple electronics simultaneously. By bringing outlet adapters, you can expand the number of outlets available and avoid the inconvenience of constantly swapping out chargers or devices.

Outlet adapters are compact and affordable, making them a worthwhile investment for any traveler. They allow you to charge your devices, use laptops or other electronics, and ensure that you have the necessary power for all your onboard needs.

Before purchasing outlet adapters, it’s important to research the specific electrical outlets used on the cruise ship you’ll be sailing on. This way, you can ensure that you select the correct adapters that match the ship’s electrical configuration.

In conclusion, there are several overrated and underrated tips when it comes to cruising. It’s important to consider each recommendation in the context of your individual preferences, needs, and the specific cruise you’ll be embarking on. Taking the time to critically evaluate each tip can help you make informed decisions and enhance your overall cruising experience.