Cruising is a lot more fun than being at work so how can it ever be bad? I believe it all about the individuals attitude. Sometimes we lose perspective, we forget how many people will never be able to take a cruise for whatever reason. Taking a step back and putting things back into perspective can really help with the minor inconveniences.
As someone who has never been on a cruise, but is planning on going on one, I have to agree. I never thought I would go on a cruise to begin with, so a lot of things that might upset others, probably won't be a big deal to me. Nonetheless, what's the point in getting all worked up about something when you're on vacation? It's supposed to be a relaxing and stress free time. Just relax and go with the flow. Most times, nothing can go that wrong that it ruins your whole vacation...
@@combatwombat594 As a retired travel agent and a avid cruiser the best advise I can provide is the same I would tell time first time cruisers, manage your expections and enjoy! Anything that can happen at the finest hotels and restaurant can happen on the ship. If there a issue talk to guest services. They'll do their best to make it right.
@@combatwombat594you will LOVE it. Around every corner you will find excitement, even the boarding process. I always like to look at others in line, you are bound to see them again. Who knows, they are probably as new to cruising as you. Find the experienced cruisers, they will give you some ins & outs! Bon Voyage - BTW, we are in #44! Never had a bad experience. STAY ON SHIP'S TIME, as to not get left behind!
@@stevodakine1 You are absolutely correct. I often get caught up in the excitement of cruising, but I do indeed forget how many people never get the opportunity to go on a cruise. I live in the rural central US and the majority of the people here do not travel much and if they do, it’s almost never internationally. We all have our own choices and I need to remember that while I choose to spend my PTO cruising, others may not have that same value or the financial wherewithal to do so. I’m trying to remind myself that I am very fortunate and that I shouldn’t judge or condemn others who are less fortunate than me.
Which is exactly why I aim to eventually reside on cruise ships full time. I’m not content in the real world, but when I’m on a cruise ship, I’m at peace and it’s a deep peace that comes from within.
We are seasoned cruisers getting ready to board Wonder of the Seas for the first time. If you bring along some OTC medicines for everything from hangovers to "I can't believe I ate the whole thing", you save yourself the trouble of trying to buy them onboard or at a port. I'd rather have it & not need it than get caught without a remedy. These things don't take up a lot of room in luggage and can save the day. Also, you need to pace yourself. Relax & enjoy!
Hey! I think my husband and I were on the same sailing as you! You're so right about the OTC medicines! Wonder's vending machines were lacking the vital stuff.
The most uncomfortable truth is when we disembark (debark?) and return to the real world. How dare they then leave the port without us? That's our ship leaving us! Back to reality--it's so harsh.
For adjoining cabins with pass thru doors. Roll up a bath towel and place it between the doors at the bottom. It will block a significant amount of noise from the cabin next door. We once had a family that had young children that HAD to practice their clarinet each day. Unfortunately, the kids really were not able to play very well.
There is a friend of mine who went so overboard at Disney, she borderline hyperventilated when we (there were three of us) sat down to settle up the tab we got from Mickey and Friends. She was convinced it was all a massive mistake and stormed over to Guest Services and they just kept listing all the places she just flashed that magic band. The other friend of mine and I kinda left her there to work things out and went back to the room and I put all the charges on a spreadsheet in the hotel room and it synced up to the freaking penny. She came back finally and it was clear she had teared up... I put half her bill on my card and we just made it back home in silence. If you can't budget for a trip, don't go.
just back from an absolutely spectacular 7 night cruise on Oasis of the Seas out of Barcelona. On this cruise, Royal offered the fresh prepared kosher program that we thought was stupendous!! The food and service were outstanding! It was held in the solarium bistro as a buffet for all 3 meals each day (we were charged $75/day per adult passenger and i think $45/day for kids up to age 12). And other than the amazing food, the cruise was truly outstanding!!! All the shows, activities, crew, etc etc etc. Superb!!!!
@@JonathanEzor they've already announced it for January 2025 on 4 different ships (Harmony, Symphony, Wonder and Odyssey). But we can only sail in the summer, so we're anxiously waiting for them to announce it for next August.
Probiotics (specifically with bifidobacterium bifidum, lactobacillus acidophilus, and/or saccharomyces boulardii) started at least 3 weeks before and then continued through a trip may help with traveler's stomach (both diarrhea and constipation). But this of course depends on lifestyle, everyday diet, etc -- the clinical data are mixed. In my own experience, I have done this with probiotics, traveled to Mexico, and did not have any issues eating street food basically every meal, every day.
I’d agree with u on this one whole heartedly and reducing your alcohol intake day to day ( and completely eliminating it if u do become ill ) David Young 39 Brisbane Australia
Eating and drinking myself sick has got to be my most uncomfortable truth of cruising. Every time I say I'm not going to do it. Every time I still manage to do it.
Another great UA-cam and a needed one for unexperienced cruisers. I've unfortunately got to hear all the codes except Echo, Echo, Echo. Great discussion about stomach problems and don't forget to bring medicines for those problems. The ship does sell meds for stomach problems but you'll need a co-signer to buy them. Bill
With no admission that this has happened to me (and certainly no admission of guilt on my part), I laughed-out-loud when you said "fight with your family". Such a foreign concept that I found it funny.
This has not happened to me, but I have seen many comments about it on social media. If you have an issue or problem while onboard, if you don't go to Guest Services while onboard it is unlikely Royal can do anything for you once you leave the ship.
If you have a problem on a cruise it will get resolved fastest by going directly to the department related to the problem. When I have a problem with my stateroom calling housekeeping gets a problem solved much faster than going to guest services.
Apple Cider Vinegar when you wake up and before you go to sleep goes a long way to help Travel Stomach. Also, if you take any sort of acid reflux medicine, take it before you start eating and drinking, not after you start feeling like crap.
@@Allthathingss not that I know of. Locally i can carry my own bottle onboard. When i travel i have to get creative. Seal it well in a travel bottle. But that could get messy.
Had an Alpha-Alpha-Alpha on my Utopia cruise a few weeks ago. We were a few hours out of Port Canaveral and turned around and went back. We didn't have to fully dock, the Coast Guard came out and met the ship and transferred the person with the medical issue off the ship. I heard later he was okay and I hope that was the case. The captain did a great job of explaining the situation and the possible ramifications for our itinerary, which wound up being none.
I didn't hear the Alpha call go out. But on Harmony (first week of Sept) we went back to Galveston because someone had a medical emergency as the captain explained. So we leave port to go right back lol.
Specific to cruising…if your stomach is upset and your antacids or gas pills aren’t working, take some motion sickness pills. On my first cruise, I just thought I had the travel stomach but it was actually minor motion sickness. Once I took my Dramamine, I was good.
Great advice! Thank you! We're going on our first cruise with our toddler (5th cruise for us with RC) in October on Icon!! I loved the curtain trick for the stateroom, we booked a Jr Suite! Do you have the link for those magnetic hooks, please?
Question Matt: I'm hearing oasis of the seas is going in for dry dock October 1st 3 weeks before our transatlantic cruise from Barcelona to Florida...should I be concerned about this? Flying from US to Spain and our airline tickets and our hotel is booked thru RC...I'm not a worry wort just curious...
Thanks for giving us the 'bird's eye low down' on mostly-preventable cruise discomforts, including that final bill! (See? Somebody still uses that phrase.) I really enjoy your videos!
I never argue with my wife. It's no longer about "Happy wife, happy life". Every response I make is based solely on my basic instinct to survive - Yes dear, as you wish, absolutely, I trust your decision 💀
So I am not a big coffee drinker, but every morning, I have 1 cup of the powdered french vanilla coffee by Maxwell House. I NEED that one cup in the morning keeps me regular. I learned the hard way that I need to travel with that. It is powder so all I have to do is add it to hot water. So sticking to your regular diet is important.
I love the ocean and ships, but, I live in in a very quiet rural area and being on a cruise ship with 4000 other people, waiting in line, loud neighbors, screaming kids, rude people would be my my worst nightmare! ! 😂 For people that enjoy cruising, hey good for you, have fun!❤️
Had about six thousand people on my cruise, and being from a quiet rural area myself, had a blast. Reservations take care of a lot of lines, didn't have no loud neighbors, screaming kids or rude passengers. Guess if you want to be miserable, you will find a way to do so.
There are ships with 2,000 to 3,000 passengers. If that's still too many people for you, go on Viking ocean cruises. They have smaller ships. To avoid really bad behavior, go on a 7 day or longer cruise. Also, avoid cruising during Spring Break. To avoid the hordes of kids, try to cruise when school is in session. There will always be some kids because of home schooling and some parents taking kids out of school to go on the cruise. If you totally want to avoid kids, go on adult only lines or sailings. Viking, Virgin, Saga (UK) to name a fee.
I take an imodium tab the morning of boarding after breakfast. Seems to have relieved the need to find a restroom in a hurry later in the day due to stress or bad food.
I do not understand why RCCL does not enforce the no smoking on balconies. On Anthem last year the guys next to us constantly smoked and then threw the cigarettes overboard. We contacted Security several times and were told they could not do anything unless they were 'caught in the act." Those guys were regulars- heard their casino tales- so they obviously knew to take a few puffs and toss overboard. The Policy to me is ridiculous.
Happenend to us with next door guest smoking. Security had to go two different occasions to catch them in the act. My wife is allergic and got really sick. RCL gave us $700 future credits for the inconvenience and since they did not believe us the first time we reported the issue.
That is interesting as when I reported it both times no one really cared. I guess next time I will be spending more time at Guest Services...... On Liberty in August the smell of marijuana was also present, and I am curious how those folks managed to sneak it on board.
There are a few uncomfortable truths that I deal with but certainly don’t prevent me from cruising: pool chairs always ALL being occupied, elevators taking FOREVER to come, finding time to pack and have your luggage out by 10 pm on the last day, struggle to find seating in the Windjammer every morning for breakfast, the “hurry up and wait” shore excursion cueing situation, to name a few. Ultimately, my pros outweigh the cons on a cruise that keeps me coming back year after year. Was on the MSC Meraviglia this year, looking forward to the Icon next year. 🛳️🙂
Alpha, Alpha, Alpha is a specific kind of medical emergency that activates the medical emergency response team versus a minor medical accident. Called for a none responsive guest (unconscious), none breathing or heavily bleeding. All other cases are dealt with by security response guards and Nurse on Duty.
I was on a NCL ship a couple years ago when ALPHA, ALPHA, ALPHA was called for someone in the bathroom on the pool deck. Guy was found dead and when the took him out they put up white sheets around him so they could hide the body from passengers near the area. It was good we were in port because only a handful of people were on the pool deck…
With that last one about settling the bill, make sure to CHECK your bill throughout the trip and especially on that last night! They can and do make mistakes and you'd hate to be in a surprise for hundreds or thousands of dollars getting charged to you or your room by mistake. Take no heat with the guest services as they are working so hard, and just talk to them about the disputed charges and they can usually get it all sorted out.
checking your account throughout the trip is a MUST! I just got off Symphony a couple weeks ago, had to stop by guest services multiple times to remove incorrect charges that were eating into my onboard credit
I have a credit card on file, but if I have a lot of cash left I pay down on the account. Also I have to pack my patience as getting on elevators can be crowded and take a long time.
Question: If you really had a problem with a maxed out credit-card and a balance remaining after you have offered all the cash that you have with you . . . you said that the cruise-ship will not allow the person to disembark . . . So where would you be staying?
That hearing everything next door is real😂. I was vacationing with my son and was next door to some teen girls with their music on. Luckily my son is a teen too so i was used to it & they werent in the room all the time.
I was on a Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas cruise and couldn't sleep. A passenger was in a bar going nuts, throwing chairs and tables down the grand staircase. I forgot what code they used but it wasn't any of those. Took 8 security guys to subdue him with shields.
The last cruise I was on they didn't use any codes or I didn't hear any. We were embarked from Galveston and we had to go back. Captain said there was a medical emergency. Then each port of call I noticed an ambulance/stretcher going onto the ship. Then before we disembarked at Galveston. I had no idea but days after we got off the ship, I found that a 12 year old boy plummeted to his death from one of the upper decks. He fell several decks down to central park. Other cruise issues, sometimes I have issues with the flushing the cabin toilet or I can sometimes smell sewage. Other issues is passengers children. Sometimes they will run across the hallway or upstairs or jump on the bed. It gets me upset because where are the parents. How to get into a cash crunch, the main culprit is either buying some overpriced jewelry OR gambling. I have had some large bills stacked up. Scary I know! Other thing I wish parents could quiet down their kids when I am at a show.
Well dang it! I have been doing this all wrong for all these years. They kick me off that ship end of every cruise no matter how hard I try to stay on the ship. All I had to do was not pay that bill at the end of the cruise and they won’t let me off? Well know I know! 😂😂😂
On our Alaskan cruise last year, I woke up in the middle of the night to “alpha, alpha, alpha” a couple times on the intercom. I was seriously freaked out! At the time I didn’t know what it meant.
As far as travel stomach,...I keep my tummy on its toes by eating at different times and fasting,....Over the years, tummy said fine,...I wont bug you any more.....Im all good now :)
Make sure you check out your ship before you buy the cruise. I don't understand why people complain about cruises when they don't check out the ship they will be on as well as the planned activities. It always surprises me. Also, Royal is not responsible for the weather. People should not complain if they are a day late or a port closes. It is all part of cruising. You can be sad that it happened but don't let it ruin your vacation. Vacations are as good as we make them :)
The other reason I want to go on a Royal Caribbean cruise so much: the Royal caribbean blog. I mean who else has a fan channel like Royal Caribbean Blog. And on some level, I am sure you operate with Royal caribbean's approval even if not affiliated with the company. the first being to get to be on some of the biggest ships at sea.
Pro tip, take 2 credit cards, I was in Nassau and the bank put a hold on my 1st card thinking fraud. Had to use my other card to settle up at the end of the cruise
The whole "family fight" thing couldn't have been more true on our cruise on Oasis. We heard screaming from the Main dining room as we were leaving and just as we got on the elevator, 2 members of a party got on covered in food, clearly still heated over whatever happened at the table. Wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it myself lol
One thing not mentioned which was a nuisance on both my cruises; when the dance clubs tell you not bring a drink on the dance floor in a club they are serious; numerous times the DJ would turn on the lights and stop the music when someone brought a drink on the dance floor. Safety is taken much more serious on a cruise than at a nightclub or bar on land.
You mentioned cigarettes. I am very allergic to smoke. Twenty years ago, I wrote to every member of the RC Board of Directors, requesting no smoking. For example, the soft-serve ice cream machine was located inside the smoking area, albeit on the outside of the ship. Right after that (coincidence?), smoking was banned in cabins and the ice cream machine was moved to the nonsmoking side. C'mon RC, get with it. Smoking on board is still a health issue and a great inconvenience. Let's stop ALL smoking on cruise ships and eliminate a serious cause of danger 2000s of passengers, including children. As Matt says, this is the number one threat to a cruise ship.
I’m not allergic, but I absolutely cannot stand the smell of cigarettes so I do agree. Sounds harsh, but it’s ironic they won’t allow us to bring our travel steamers (clothes get very wrinkled in suitcases), but someone else can bring their cigarette lighters…oh ok…
The worse thing that happened to me was losing my family on the ship one day. I spent most of the day alone. This was 20 years ago, before you could message each other on your phone. I think I had a flip phone back then. 😂
I had my debit cardon file, and even though I didn't use it at all, they put a $1000 hold on my card for 30 days. This was on Carnival. Just a reminder to never use debit cards, only credit cards.
Diamond plus and have been an avid supporter for Royal for years. I always found myself telling new cruisers “don’t sail with (name another line) sail with Royal and you will have a great time every time!” Well let me tell all of you out there, cruising use to be tons more enjoyable than it is now. To many people on these mammoth ships. Having to schedule entertainment or get shut out because too many people on board. RüDê, rude rude people everywhere. Prices are off the charts now. I miss the days of getting up and looking through the daily schedule and planning my entertainment for the day. Going to the pool deck and not seeing an ocean of empty chairs reserved with towels and one soul guarding 10 of them.. Enjoying the Buffett without people pushing ahead of me to get the first (or last) scoop of food. I believe it is over for me now. I have moved onto the world of land tours and at my pace guided by groups who care about the travelers experience. I challenge you to try a group like Gate 1. Bye Royal Caribbean and thank you for the past. RIP.
I went on a RC cruise and used the ATM to get $60. No money, no receipt and I was still charged the $60 on my credit card. Will NEVER use ATMs on a ship again.
Just came off of a 7 day cruise on the Wonder of the seas and this was the most BORING cruise I have ever taken. I'm glad I got to experience Royal but never again.
Unfortunately I had a alpha alpha alpha called for me, on a recent ICON of the seas cruise a weeks ago ..I had a little to much to drink and …. For that call it cost me $1300 .00 😂🎉
I have a question - How does Royal Caribbean justify using its Global Security Department to punish (retaliate) against customers trying to get answers to very important concerns? How do they justify cancelling customer's vacations because they do not want to answer their very important concerns?
Be ready for lots of butt cheeks. I was a bit surprised with how RCL is a family friendly cruise line. Simply be advised that the MDR is probably the only safe haven from that.
1) On my cruise with six thousand other passengers, most of the time the elevators weren't crowded. 2) Food was fine, some was really tasty. 3) Closed stairways? They are building memories for the next fifty years. All you have to do is walk an additional 100 feet to get around them. And they ain't closed that much.
Crowds People holding seats for others Not so nice bar workers When u paid over 1000 dollars Weak drinks Rude people Not enough hours at port I went on symphony of the seas in April Don’t think I would go on other cruise but I did like the shows Not so good food And hot in the room if u get a balcony room very uncomfortable
lol All accurate information that’s useful but the title was soooo misleading…i expected to hear more shady stuff than this about royal caribbean, maybe some things that happened with them that were a little controversial, etc. This is just a list of things that could or couldn’t happen when you cruise with any line, not just royal caribbean. Maybe just change the title a bit, cause it is giving a little bit of clickbait 🤷♀️
We’ve taken a vacation break from cruises after 20, mostly in the suites, and gone back to traditional non-cruise vacations. Tired of the same cruise ports. Tired of Royal. Tired of the rules that are selectively enforced. Tired of the passenger drama. Tired of the hyper-inflated prices. Good luck to all of you who persist and won’t give up.
Good for you! That’s the beauty of having diverse perspective and freedom to choose what we like to do. I for one, can’t wait to enjoy my next RC cruise.
Same here, only carnival so far. After being gouged at springbreak at 3200 for an inside cabin. A simple san diego Sheraton marina or oceanside wyndham for great weather and nice dinners.
We still have the bug! Retired, we can choose our cruises very carefully Re time, ship, destination. So far we were pretty lucky with not do many screamy kids on board, but when like with the last cruise, HAL tries to get their ship full at 50% reduced prices compared to what we paid and the kids take over all the available pools and hot tubs, we get mad! HAL? No not again. Royal? Okay, we are Diamond plus,, makes things cheaper with the drink perks, but when the cruise itself is hefty in price? Bigger ships the size for a full town? 3 and 4 day booze and Party cruises? No, not for us. Next cruise line, please. We live in Europe and have seen a lot here, but still so much to do. We have also visited almost every caribbean Island by ship,... So - there are lots of alternatives Our next vacation in September is hiking in the Black Forest!
I feel like you like it's quite irresponsible of you to publish code words the ship uses. it kind of defeats the purpose of having them. especially when it seem you don't fully understand them the meaning of them.
Cruising is a lot more fun than being at work so how can it ever be bad? I believe it all about the individuals attitude. Sometimes we lose perspective, we forget how many people will never be able to take a cruise for whatever reason. Taking a step back and putting things back into perspective can really help with the minor inconveniences.
As someone who has never been on a cruise, but is planning on going on one, I have to agree. I never thought I would go on a cruise to begin with, so a lot of things that might upset others, probably won't be a big deal to me. Nonetheless, what's the point in getting all worked up about something when you're on vacation? It's supposed to be a relaxing and stress free time. Just relax and go with the flow. Most times, nothing can go that wrong that it ruins your whole vacation...
@@combatwombat594 As a retired travel agent and a avid cruiser the best advise I can provide is the same I would tell time first time cruisers, manage your expections and enjoy! Anything that can happen at the finest hotels and restaurant can happen on the ship. If there a issue talk to guest services. They'll do their best to make it right.
@@combatwombat594you will LOVE it. Around every corner you will find excitement, even the boarding process. I always like to look at others in line, you are bound to see them again. Who knows, they are probably as new to cruising as you. Find the experienced cruisers, they will give you some ins & outs!
Bon Voyage - BTW, we are in #44! Never had a bad experience.
STAY ON SHIP'S TIME, as to not get left behind!
❤
@@stevodakine1 You are absolutely correct. I often get caught up in the excitement of cruising, but I do indeed forget how many people never get the opportunity to go on a cruise. I live in the rural central US and the majority of the people here do not travel much and if they do, it’s almost never internationally.
We all have our own choices and I need to remember that while I choose to spend my PTO cruising, others may not have that same value or the financial wherewithal to do so.
I’m trying to remind myself that I am very fortunate and that I shouldn’t judge or condemn others who are less fortunate than me.
The absolute worst thing about a cruise is waking up on the last day at the disembarkation port😃
Confirmed!
Agree 😢
Which is exactly why I aim to eventually reside on cruise ships full time. I’m not content in the real world, but when I’m on a cruise ship, I’m at peace and it’s a deep peace that comes from within.
So TRUE!!!! I want to again and I just left the ship on Thursday from my 4-year wedding anniversary. I was so sad to go :(
@@ericar3661 My last cruise was in the spring and I’ll be going again in the fall. It’s almost tortuous to wait.
We are seasoned cruisers getting ready to board Wonder of the Seas for the first time. If you bring along some OTC medicines for everything from hangovers to "I can't believe I ate the whole thing", you save yourself the trouble of trying to buy them onboard or at a port. I'd rather have it & not need it than get caught without a remedy. These things don't take up a lot of room in luggage and can save the day. Also, you need to pace yourself. Relax & enjoy!
Hey! I think my husband and I were on the same sailing as you! You're so right about the OTC medicines! Wonder's vending machines were lacking the vital stuff.
The most uncomfortable truth is when we disembark (debark?) and return to the real world. How dare they then leave the port without us? That's our ship leaving us! Back to reality--it's so harsh.
😂😂 yes you are spot on
For adjoining cabins with pass thru doors. Roll up a bath towel and place it between the doors at the bottom. It will block a significant amount of noise from the cabin next door. We once had a family that had young children that HAD to practice their clarinet each day. Unfortunately, the kids really were not able to play very well.
There is a friend of mine who went so overboard at Disney, she borderline hyperventilated when we (there were three of us) sat down to settle up the tab we got from Mickey and Friends.
She was convinced it was all a massive mistake and stormed over to Guest Services and they just kept listing all the places she just flashed that magic band. The other friend of mine and I kinda left her there to work things out and went back to the room and I put all the charges on a spreadsheet in the hotel room and it synced up to the freaking penny. She came back finally and it was clear she had teared up... I put half her bill on my card and we just made it back home in silence.
If you can't budget for a trip, don't go.
just back from an absolutely spectacular 7 night cruise on Oasis of the Seas out of Barcelona. On this cruise, Royal offered the fresh prepared kosher program that we thought was stupendous!! The food and service were outstanding! It was held in the solarium bistro as a buffet for all 3 meals each day (we were charged $75/day per adult passenger and i think $45/day for kids up to age 12). And other than the amazing food, the cruise was truly outstanding!!! All the shows, activities, crew, etc etc etc. Superb!!!!
Same here on Symphony out of Cape Liberty! Let's hope Royal adds this option to more sailings!
@@JonathanEzor they've already announced it for January 2025 on 4 different ships (Harmony, Symphony, Wonder and Odyssey). But we can only sail in the summer, so we're anxiously waiting for them to announce it for next August.
Probiotics (specifically with bifidobacterium bifidum, lactobacillus acidophilus, and/or saccharomyces boulardii) started at least 3 weeks before and then continued through a trip may help with traveler's stomach (both diarrhea and constipation). But this of course depends on lifestyle, everyday diet, etc -- the clinical data are mixed. In my own experience, I have done this with probiotics, traveled to Mexico, and did not have any issues eating street food basically every meal, every day.
I’d agree with u on this one whole heartedly and reducing your alcohol intake day to day ( and completely eliminating it if u do become ill )
David Young 39 Brisbane Australia
I refuse to ever do all of that and call it a vacation. No. It’s a game of chance.
I LOVE Royal Carribean!!! That line and Princess are my favorites
Hmmm, I might need to look into Princess. I’m obsessed with Royal!
Eating and drinking myself sick has got to be my most uncomfortable truth of cruising. Every time I say I'm not going to do it. Every time I still manage to do it.
Right there with you! 🤦🏽♂️
Only once did I overindulge that much during my second cruise, a 14-night transatlantic…broke me from EVER repeating it! Never again!😳🤢
Another great UA-cam and a needed one for unexperienced cruisers. I've unfortunately got to hear all the codes except Echo, Echo, Echo. Great discussion about stomach problems and don't forget to bring medicines for those problems. The ship does sell meds for stomach problems but you'll need a co-signer to buy them.
Bill
You heard the Oscar one?
With no admission that this has happened to me (and certainly no admission of guilt on my part), I laughed-out-loud when you said "fight with your family". Such a foreign concept that I found it funny.
This has not happened to me, but I have seen many comments about it on social media. If you have an issue or problem while onboard, if you don't go to Guest Services while onboard it is unlikely Royal can do anything for you once you leave the ship.
Cruisers need to check their onboard account every day to fix any issues with daily transactions. Fix it early…
If you have a problem on a cruise it will get resolved fastest by going directly to the department related to the problem. When I have a problem with my stateroom calling housekeeping gets a problem solved much faster than going to guest services.
Apple Cider Vinegar when you wake up and before you go to sleep goes a long way to help Travel Stomach. Also, if you take any sort of acid reflux medicine, take it before you start eating and drinking, not after you start feeling like crap.
My dad does that! Go get'em tiger, and 🤢! 🤣
Do they carry ACV on the ship? I take it at home but I'm trying to figure out how to fly with it.
@@Allthathingss not that I know of. Locally i can carry my own bottle onboard. When i travel i have to get creative. Seal it well in a travel bottle. But that could get messy.
Had an Alpha-Alpha-Alpha on my Utopia cruise a few weeks ago. We were a few hours out of Port Canaveral and turned around and went back. We didn't have to fully dock, the Coast Guard came out and met the ship and transferred the person with the medical issue off the ship. I heard later he was okay and I hope that was the case. The captain did a great job of explaining the situation and the possible ramifications for our itinerary, which wound up being none.
I didn't hear the Alpha call go out. But on Harmony (first week of Sept) we went back to Galveston because someone had a medical emergency as the captain explained. So we leave port to go right back lol.
You always got me whenever you say "Up next" 😂😊❤
This a great video for first time cruisers! And I will def be sharing with my family and friends!
Awesome! Thank you!
9:45 "Definitely loved each other A LOT" 🤣😂💀
I’d rather hear that than a fight😊
Very interesting, thank you for the onboard codes insight Matt.
Do you know if those same codes are used across all cruise lines?
Yes they are
@8:25 great book title, There is More Than One Path to a Great Vacation.
Specific to cruising…if your stomach is upset and your antacids or gas pills aren’t working, take some motion sickness pills. On my first cruise, I just thought I had the travel stomach but it was actually minor motion sickness. Once I took my Dramamine, I was good.
Great advice! Thank you! We're going on our first cruise with our toddler (5th cruise for us with RC) in October on Icon!! I loved the curtain trick for the stateroom, we booked a Jr Suite! Do you have the link for those magnetic hooks, please?
Have fun! We loved Icon with a toddler!
Try doing a web search for 'magnetic hooks'.
If it is your first suite cruise, see if you can upgrade to a Grand Suite and get all the bennies.
Good advice Matt, thanks.
Great info.... thank you
Question Matt: I'm hearing oasis of the seas is going in for dry dock October 1st 3 weeks before our transatlantic cruise from Barcelona to Florida...should I be concerned about this? Flying from US to Spain and our airline tickets and our hotel is booked thru RC...I'm not a worry wort just curious...
The thin walls thing was hilarious lol 😆. Will def keep this in mind on our first cruise haha
French Onion Soup, yum...
Great advice RCB team
Thanks for giving us the 'bird's eye low down' on mostly-preventable cruise discomforts, including that final bill! (See? Somebody still uses that phrase.) I really enjoy your videos!
The best thing about cruising is that everyone can do something different and then come together for a meal. Bring earplugs!
I never argue with my wife. It's no longer about "Happy wife, happy life". Every response I make is based solely on my basic instinct to survive - Yes dear, as you wish, absolutely, I trust your decision 💀
There are some good divorce lawyers for those being abused that bad.
You'll find a much happier life without that harpy.
That French Onion Soup B-Roll footage makes me hungry every time I see it!
So I am not a big coffee drinker, but every morning, I have 1 cup of the powdered french vanilla coffee by Maxwell House. I NEED that one cup in the morning keeps me regular. I learned the hard way that I need to travel with that. It is powder so all I have to do is add it to hot water. So sticking to your regular diet is important.
I love the ocean and ships, but, I live in in a very quiet rural area and being on a cruise ship with 4000 other people, waiting in line, loud neighbors, screaming kids, rude people would be my my worst nightmare! ! 😂 For people that enjoy cruising, hey good for you, have fun!❤️
Almost everyone who criticizes cruising has never been on a cruise. Give it a try!😊
They got small ship
Had about six thousand people on my cruise, and being from a quiet rural area myself, had a blast. Reservations take care of a lot of lines, didn't have no loud neighbors, screaming kids or rude passengers. Guess if you want to be miserable, you will find a way to do so.
There are ships with 2,000 to 3,000 passengers. If that's still too many people for you, go on Viking ocean cruises. They have smaller ships.
To avoid really bad behavior, go on a 7 day or longer cruise. Also, avoid cruising during Spring Break.
To avoid the hordes of kids, try to cruise when school is in session. There will always be some kids because of home schooling and some parents taking kids out of school to go on the cruise.
If you totally want to avoid kids, go on adult only lines or sailings. Viking, Virgin, Saga (UK) to name a fee.
Thanks for the information
I'm on Day 3 of my cruise and we just had a our fourth Alpha Alpha Alpha.
I take an imodium tab the morning of boarding after breakfast. Seems to have relieved the need to find a restroom in a hurry later in the day due to stress or bad food.
I do not understand why RCCL does not enforce the no smoking on balconies. On Anthem last year the guys next to us constantly smoked and then threw the cigarettes overboard. We contacted Security several times and were told they could not do anything unless they were 'caught in the act." Those guys were regulars- heard their casino tales- so they obviously knew to take a few puffs and toss overboard. The Policy to me is ridiculous.
Totally agree. It’s very dumb
Happenend to us with next door guest smoking. Security had to go two different occasions to catch them in the act. My wife is allergic and got really sick. RCL gave us $700 future credits for the inconvenience and since they did not believe us the first time we reported the issue.
That is interesting as when I reported it both times no one really cared. I guess next time I will be spending more time at Guest Services...... On Liberty in August the smell of marijuana was also present, and I am curious how those folks managed to sneak it on board.
@@lindab8049 Doesn't security have cameras?
People not using the kid's club and thinking the other adults want to listen to their bratty kids thru the entire show.
There are a few uncomfortable truths that I deal with but certainly don’t prevent me from cruising: pool chairs always ALL being occupied, elevators taking FOREVER to come, finding time to pack and have your luggage out by 10 pm on the last day, struggle to find seating in the Windjammer every morning for breakfast, the “hurry up and wait” shore excursion cueing situation, to name a few. Ultimately, my pros outweigh the cons on a cruise that keeps me coming back year after year. Was on the MSC Meraviglia this year, looking forward to the Icon next year. 🛳️🙂
Alpha, Alpha, Alpha is a specific kind of medical emergency that activates the medical emergency response team versus a minor medical accident. Called for a none responsive guest (unconscious), none breathing or heavily bleeding. All other cases are dealt with by security response guards and Nurse on Duty.
I was on a NCL ship a couple years ago when ALPHA, ALPHA, ALPHA was called for someone in the bathroom on the pool deck.
Guy was found dead and when the took him out they put up white sheets around him so they could hide the body from passengers near the area.
It was good we were in port because only a handful of people were on the pool deck…
With that last one about settling the bill, make sure to CHECK your bill throughout the trip and especially on that last night! They can and do make mistakes and you'd hate to be in a surprise for hundreds or thousands of dollars getting charged to you or your room by mistake. Take no heat with the guest services as they are working so hard, and just talk to them about the disputed charges and they can usually get it all sorted out.
checking your account throughout the trip is a MUST! I just got off Symphony a couple weeks ago, had to stop by guest services multiple times to remove incorrect charges that were eating into my onboard credit
I have a credit card on file, but if I have a lot of cash left I pay down on the account. Also I have to pack my patience as getting on elevators can be crowded and take a long time.
Question: If you really had a problem with a maxed out credit-card and a balance remaining after you have offered all the cash that you have with you . . . you said that the cruise-ship will not allow the person to disembark . . . So where would you be staying?
That hearing everything next door is real😂. I was vacationing with my son and was next door to some teen girls with their music on. Luckily my son is a teen too so i was used to it & they werent in the room all the time.
Just be glad that your son wasn't in the room with the girls. Then if it got quiet you'd be panicking.
I was on a Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas cruise and couldn't sleep. A passenger was in a bar going nuts, throwing chairs and tables down the grand staircase. I forgot what code they used but it wasn't any of those. Took 8 security guys to subdue him with shields.
Free live entertainment!
@@bugwar5545
No repeat performances tho.
If you missed that show on its opening night then sorry, you missed it. 😭
The last cruise I was on they didn't use any codes or I didn't hear any. We were embarked from Galveston and we had to go back. Captain said there was a medical emergency. Then each port of call I noticed an ambulance/stretcher going onto the ship. Then before we disembarked at Galveston. I had no idea but days after we got off the ship, I found that a 12 year old boy plummeted to his death from one of the upper decks. He fell several decks down to central park. Other cruise issues, sometimes I have issues with the flushing the cabin toilet or I can sometimes smell sewage. Other issues is passengers children. Sometimes they will run across the hallway or upstairs or jump on the bed. It gets me upset because where are the parents. How to get into a cash crunch, the main culprit is either buying some overpriced jewelry OR gambling. I have had some large bills stacked up. Scary I know! Other thing I wish parents could quiet down their kids when I am at a show.
Well dang it! I have been doing this all wrong for all these years. They kick me off that ship end of every cruise no matter how hard I try to stay on the ship. All I had to do was not pay that bill at the end of the cruise and they won’t let me off? Well know I know! 😂😂😂
Right? Lol. What if you don't come up with it?
On our Alaskan cruise last year, I woke up in the middle of the night to “alpha, alpha, alpha” a couple times on the intercom. I was seriously freaked out! At the time I didn’t know what it meant.
As far as travel stomach,...I keep my tummy on its toes by eating at different times and fasting,....Over the years, tummy said fine,...I wont bug you any more.....Im all good now :)
I always travel solo, so avoid the family fights
Nice.
Make sure you check out your ship before you buy the cruise. I don't understand why people complain about cruises when they don't check out the ship they will be on as well as the planned activities. It always surprises me. Also, Royal is not responsible for the weather. People should not complain if they are a day late or a port closes. It is all part of cruising. You can be sad that it happened but don't let it ruin your vacation. Vacations are as good as we make them :)
The other reason I want to go on a Royal Caribbean cruise so much: the Royal caribbean blog. I mean who else has a fan channel like Royal Caribbean Blog. And on some level, I am sure you operate with Royal caribbean's approval even if not affiliated with the company. the first being to get to be on some of the biggest ships at sea.
Pro tip, take 2 credit cards, I was in Nassau and the bank put a hold on my 1st card thinking fraud. Had to use my other card to settle up at the end of the cruise
Very good. Take some cash too.
Real pro tip: tell your credit card you are going on vacation to Nassau.
The whole "family fight" thing couldn't have been more true on our cruise on Oasis. We heard screaming from the Main dining room as we were leaving and just as we got on the elevator, 2 members of a party got on covered in food, clearly still heated over whatever happened at the table.
Wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it myself lol
One thing not mentioned which was a nuisance on both my cruises; when the dance clubs tell you not bring a drink on the dance floor in a club they are serious; numerous times the DJ would turn on the lights and stop the music when someone brought a drink on the dance floor. Safety is taken much more serious on a cruise than at a nightclub or bar on land.
You mentioned cigarettes. I am very allergic to smoke. Twenty years ago, I wrote to every member of the RC Board of Directors, requesting no smoking. For example, the soft-serve ice cream machine was located inside the smoking area, albeit on the outside of the ship. Right after that (coincidence?), smoking was banned in cabins and the ice cream machine was moved to the nonsmoking side. C'mon RC, get with it. Smoking on board is still a health issue and a great inconvenience. Let's stop ALL smoking on cruise ships and eliminate a serious cause of danger 2000s of passengers, including children. As Matt says, this is the number one threat to a cruise ship.
@@SandyWohl-d5x Agreed! At least let's get it out of the casino!
I’m not allergic, but I absolutely cannot stand the smell of cigarettes so I do agree. Sounds harsh, but it’s ironic they won’t allow us to bring our travel steamers (clothes get very wrinkled in suitcases), but someone else can bring their cigarette lighters…oh ok…
I didn’t know they would hold you on the cruise if you didn’t pay the final bill, lol. That’s crazy even thinking about that happening to someone.
I am an advanced level EMT--it would be my dream job to work on a cruiseline!!!
lol..not let ya off the ship? Yay, another cruise!
Number 1 reality for me is the price. I've just got off Icon but it isn't worth the price they are selling at today.
The worse thing that happened to me was losing my family on the ship one day. I spent most of the day alone. This was 20 years ago, before you could message each other on your phone. I think I had a flip phone back then. 😂
So you learned to have a rendezvous spot and a check in time, right?
@@bugwar5545 I don’t think it bothered my husband that much. He was hanging out with his sister and brother n law. 🤷🏻♀️
I had my debit cardon file, and even though I didn't use it at all, they put a $1000 hold on my card for 30 days. This was on Carnival. Just a reminder to never use debit cards, only credit cards.
# notification Squad
Diamond plus and have been an avid supporter for Royal for years. I always found myself telling new cruisers “don’t sail with (name another line) sail with Royal and you will have a great time every time!” Well let me tell all of you out there, cruising use to be tons more enjoyable than it is now. To many people on these mammoth ships. Having to schedule entertainment or get shut out because too many people on board. RüDê, rude rude people everywhere. Prices are off the charts now. I miss the days of getting up and looking through the daily schedule and planning my entertainment for the day. Going to the pool deck and not seeing an ocean of empty chairs reserved with towels and one soul guarding 10 of them.. Enjoying the Buffett without people pushing ahead of me to get the first (or last) scoop of food. I believe it is over for me now. I have moved onto the world of land tours and at my pace guided by groups who care about the travelers experience. I challenge you to try a group like Gate 1. Bye Royal Caribbean and thank you for the past. RIP.
If you gamble, have a preset limit for losses haha!!
I went on a RC cruise and used the ATM to get $60. No money, no receipt and I was still charged the $60 on my credit card. Will NEVER use ATMs on a ship again.
Just came off of a 7 day cruise on the Wonder of the seas and this was the most BORING cruise I have ever taken. I'm glad I got to experience Royal but never again.
Why
Thanks for today's video Tony!! Arrest them and ban them!!
This is not Tony's La Lida Loca page...it's Matt's Royal Caribbean Blog....🙃
If you have any type of credit at the end of the cruise, they will not let you off until they settle the credit.
So if they owe you, you get to stay on the ship till they settle up?
I’m scared of my cabin being a connecting one. I hate hearing people talk when I sleep and hate it for adult reasons lol
Unfortunately I had a alpha alpha alpha called for me, on a recent ICON of the seas cruise a weeks ago ..I had a little to much to drink and …. For that call it cost me $1300 .00 😂🎉
Nope, I’ve never gotten in a fight with anyone in my family!!
I have a question - How does Royal Caribbean justify using its Global Security Department to punish (retaliate) against customers trying to get answers to very important concerns? How do they justify cancelling customer's vacations because they do not want to answer their very important concerns?
are you sure it's not that common? last two cruises, alpha alpha alpha and oscar oscar oscar....
Kilo is the beginning of "Abandon Ship"!!
lol....fight with your family....yep
Be ready for lots of butt cheeks. I was a bit surprised with how RCL is a family friendly cruise line. Simply be advised that the MDR is probably the only safe haven from that.
That’s everywhere-at Disney world last week and I was disgusted at all the chunky hoochi mamas!!!
Bahahaha "get in a fight with your family."...never!
1) Crowded elevators
2) mediocre food
3) closing stairways for pictures
1) On my cruise with six thousand other passengers, most of the time the elevators weren't crowded.
2) Food was fine, some was really tasty.
3) Closed stairways? They are building memories for the next fifty years. All you have to do is walk an additional 100 feet to get around them. And they ain't closed that much.
I'd add: obscure casino points system. Not even the managers have any control or knowledge about it.
These are all such 'duh obviously' scenarios until you find yourself in such a scenario.
Most of these aren’t really Royal specific. It’s just cruising period.
i just drink a sprite once on board
Crowds
People holding seats for others
Not so nice bar workers
When u paid over 1000 dollars
Weak drinks
Rude people
Not enough hours at port
I went on symphony of the seas in April
Don’t think I would go on other cruise but I did like the shows
Not so good food
And hot in the room if u get a balcony room very uncomfortable
We never travel without our packets of Benefiber and liquid IV.
LAMOA!! 1st time cruisers don't care! Seasoned cruisers already know.
Taking a good, solid, daily dump is good for your health.
TMI
Only weird thing for me is knowing cruise ships do private “adult” nude cruises lol.
Considering what most passengers look like, I'd stay away from that body horror show.
Im concerned that they would literally kidnap people at the end of a cruise.
lol All accurate information that’s useful but the title was soooo misleading…i expected to hear more shady stuff than this about royal caribbean, maybe some things that happened with them that were a little controversial, etc. This is just a list of things that could or couldn’t happen when you cruise with any line, not just royal caribbean. Maybe just change the title a bit, cause it is giving a little bit of clickbait 🤷♀️
Top three annoying things on cruises:
1. Kids
2. Kids
3. Parents
The last Royal Caribbean we did had kids in the buffet standing on the tables and food everywhere 😮. Mx
@madelinealvey2876 RCL is the worst for kids and their misbehavior.
@williamwatson689 its not good. We last went with Marella adults only. Mx
you forgot drunk adults
I have to agree
He talks more than he communicates his point. Jeez just get to the point guy
We’ve taken a vacation break from cruises after 20, mostly in the suites, and gone back to traditional non-cruise vacations. Tired of the same cruise ports. Tired of Royal. Tired of the rules that are selectively enforced. Tired of the passenger drama. Tired of the hyper-inflated prices. Good luck to all of you who persist and won’t give up.
Good for you! That’s the beauty of having diverse perspective and freedom to choose what we like to do. I for one, can’t wait to enjoy my next RC cruise.
@@axelsantiago4073indeed. It sounds harsher than I meant it. Just burnt out.
Same here, only carnival so far. After being gouged at springbreak at 3200 for an inside cabin. A simple san diego Sheraton marina or oceanside wyndham for great weather and nice dinners.
We still have the bug!
Retired, we can choose our cruises very carefully Re time, ship, destination.
So far we were pretty lucky with not do many screamy kids on board, but when like with the last cruise, HAL tries to get their ship full at 50% reduced prices compared to what we paid and the kids take over all the available pools and hot tubs, we get mad!
HAL? No not again.
Royal? Okay, we are Diamond plus,, makes things cheaper with the drink perks, but when the cruise itself is hefty in price?
Bigger ships the size for a full town?
3 and 4 day booze and Party cruises? No, not for us.
Next cruise line, please.
We live in Europe and have seen a lot here, but still so much to do.
We have also visited almost every caribbean Island by ship,...
So - there are lots of alternatives
Our next vacation in September is hiking in the Black Forest!
Glad to know you are that rich.
One word for drinking.......zbiotic.
Sure! Just go ahead and book a 2nd overpriced room! simple fix!
If you are willing to pay it, it ain't overpriced.
I feel like you like it's quite irresponsible of you to publish code words the ship uses. it kind of defeats the purpose of having them. especially when it seem you don't fully understand them the meaning of them.
Don't worry. He didn't give out the really serious ones.
Don't want to panic the passengers when an armed terrorist team is taking over the bridge.