Charity Bradley

One of the biggest surprises on our last Royal Caribbean cruise wasn’t a new show or restaurant. It was seeing “Express Boarding” appear on all four of our boarding passes the day before we sailed. When we arrived at Terminal A in Miami, we walked into a dedicated Express Boarding entrance, went through security before the regular lines even opened, and were onboard incredibly quickly. If…

Royal Caribbean Ship Classes Explained: Every Ship and How to Choose Ship and class information verified as of July 2026. Royal Caribbean has ships that range from smaller, more traditional vessels built in the 1990s to enormous floating resorts with neighborhoods, waterparks and entertainment venues unlike anything found on the older ships. That variety is one reason people love Royal…

A lot of first-time cruisers have the same concern before they book: “What if we get bored?” It makes sense. You’re on a ship, in the middle of the ocean… what is there really to do? But here’s the truth from someone who’s cruised multiple times: You’re not going to be bored on a cruise… unless you choose to be. Cruise ships are designed to keep you as busy, or as relaxed, as you want to be.…

If you’re new to cruising, the directions can feel like a different language. Instead of left and right, you’ll hear things like port and starboard. Instead of front and back, it’s forward, aft, bow, and stern. It sounds more complicated than it actually is—but once you understand a few key terms, navigating a cruise ship becomes much easier. Here’s a simple breakdown so you don’t feel lost on…

Cruise gratuities are one of the most misunderstood parts of cruising. If you’ve spent any time in cruise groups, you’ve seen the debate: “They’re mandatory” “They’re optional” “You should never remove them” “Always tip in cash instead” “Why would anyone want to do that? That’s awful” And people feel strongly about it. The reason this topic gets so heated is simple: 👉 Most people don’t…

If you’re trying to decide whether the Royal Caribbean drink package is worth it, you’re not alone. Some people swear it saves them money. Others say it’s a total waste. The truth?They’re both right. It all comes down to one thing:how much you actually drink — and what you drink. Let’s break down the real numbers using actual prices from Royal Caribbean so you can decide for yourself. 💰 WHAT…

If you’ve searched Amazon for a “cruise approved plug,” you’ve probably seen dozens of options that look perfect for your trip. But here’s the problem:“Cruise approved” is not a real standard — and some of those items are actually prohibited on Royal Caribbean ships. Let’s break down what’s actually allowed, what isn’t, and how to avoid having your electronics taken at security. What Royal…

What Royal Caribbean Guests Need to Know Before Sail Away If your cruise departs at 4:30 PM, you cannot treat it like a flight where you run to the gate at the last minute. Cruise ships operate on strict timelines that involve government passenger manifests, security procedures, and mandatory safety protocols. Arriving too late can result in denied boarding and lost cruise fare. Here is…

Royal Caribbean has made a quiet but important change to its beverage packages. Beginning March 15, 2026, Coca-Cola souvenir cups and access to Coca-Cola Freestyle machines are no longer automatically included with: The Deluxe Beverage Package The Refreshment Package Guests who wish to use Coca-Cola Freestyle machines will now need to purchase a souvenir cup onboard for $4.99. Who Is…

One of the most asked-about cruise questions is what happens to your drink package on the last day of your cruise. You know, that awkward morning when you’re tired, slightly sunburnt, and dragging your suitcase to breakfast wondering,“Wait… can I still get a latte?” Here’s what you need to know 👇 ✅ Yes, Your Drink Package Still Works, But There’s a Catch Your Royal Caribbean drink package…

If you’re new to cruising — or just booked a Royal Caribbean cruise for your family or friends — you might be wondering: “Will we have to sit with strangers in the Main Dining Room?” The short answer: no, not unless you want to.You can usually request your own table, or you can ask to be seated with other guests if you enjoy meeting new people. My Experience With Main Dining Seating We’ve had…

If you’re bringing your own wine onboard Royal Caribbean, you might’ve heard about something called a corkage fee and it can be confusing, especially if your bottle doesn’t even have a cork. Let’s break down exactly what it means, when it applies, and how to enjoy your wine onboard without paying extra. 🥂 What the Corkage Fee Actually Is Royal Caribbean’s policy states: “Guests who consume…

If you’ve already seen a hundred cruise packing lists with magnetic hooks and over-the-door organizers — this one’s different. These are the less obvious items that end up being total lifesavers once you’re at sea. Whether it’s your first cruise or your fifteenth, these small things can make your cabin feel cozier, your days smoother, and your vacation a little more stress-free. 1. Foaming Hand…

Royal Caribbean’s long-discussed Perfect Day Mexico is finally moving forward — and based on early details, this destination is going to look very different from Perfect Day at CocoCay. While Royal Caribbean hasn’t released full renderings or pricing, new deployment documents and official statements confirm a late 2027 opening, and some major features have already been revealed. And honestly?…

This question comes up all the time — especially now that Royal Caribbean has tightened some of its dining policies. Let’s clear it up: If you miss a show reservation, you are not charged a fee.If you miss a specialty dining reservation, you can be charged. Here’s how it works. 🎭 Show Reservations — No Fees, No Worries Shows on Royal Caribbean — whether that’s the main theater, AquaTheater,…

If you’ve been cruising for a while, you probably remember Royal Caribbean’s very long, very specific prohibited-items list. It spelled out everything: irons, kettles, candles, over-the-door organizers, bungee cords, hoverboards, dive knives, and even certain types of scissors. But in September 2024, that detailed list disappeared and was replaced with a much shorter, category-based version.And…

Royal Caribbean just added dining packages to their early access Black Friday sale and while the banner says “up to 40% off,” the real story is in the fine print. Here’s what I’m seeing inside My Royal Cruise, and what you should know before buying any dining add-ons this season. What’s on Sale Dining packages now show discounted prices across several experiences, including: Unlimited Dining…