We also have taken a step back on how formal we go for sure. It’s just easier to pack! We have no problem dressing for dinner but it’s just a lot more chill now in our choices.
Since 1980. We cut out drinks, separate camera, reduced pictures to one per cruise, spa raffle (I did win once), trying to go to all events, bingo, and specialty restaurants (unless we got a free one or included in package) and late night dancing.
My first cruise was also Explorer in 2006. We are diamond and the 4 free vouchers are enough for us. We also don't do the photos, or bring our big camera, the iPhone works just as well. Haven't packed the tux and gown in a couple years. Do bring a sports jacket and very nice dresses.
We have just booked a cruise on the Oasis of the Sea for May 2025, I have been cruising before but my wife has not so we are looking forward to it (plus this is our first vacation in 4 years). Your videos are excellent as my last cruise was 25 years ago so there has been some changes. Your videos have been most helpful and will allow us to be properly prepared as I am a planner.
My first cruise was on Harmony of the Seas, 2018. Sebastiao was my steward. He managed to keep our room tidy without us ever seeing him go into the room. We love to stay on our balcony more than we like to be out in the ship, so that was quite a feat for him. Not only did he keep the room tidy, but he came at least twice a day. Last week we were on Wonder of the Seas. They only tidy the room once a day and we always saw when the steward needed to clean our room, when he'd come by.... Most cruises between, especially since Covid, this is the new norm. Also on the first cruise, we could eat all we wanted, in the MDR. Now, some lines charge for extras.
Attending shows (like the newly wed game), especially if it’s been taped and will be televised later. Don’t want to get to the venue 30-45 minutes early for a good seat when the taped show provides a good view. But other shows, like ice skating and aqua are worth in person.
I don't do the art auction any more. I stopped My Time dining because it seems like it has become harder and harder to get a time I want and eating early provides many benefits for the rest of the evening. My wife no longer gets a drink package of any kind and instead gets the "coffee card".
These are pretty much what we have cut out also. Another thing we don't do is a lot of shore excursions. We might do one once in awhile if we're in a new port.
Our first cruise was also back in 2006 on the Mariner of the Seas. We don't buy the drink package either, but we did buy a drink card on our last cruise. We also take our own photos. That's what our phones are for. And two of us get the soda package.
We cut out the bread basket in the MDR. While we really like RC bread, we don't need those extra carbs. Also, we avoid the elevators when we only have 1 or 2 decks to climb and we usually take the stairs down from the Windjammer.
One thing about the raffle that was not mentioned: its not enough to cover any of the services provided. My wife won on her first 2 cruises. (Still baffled by that) But it was only enough to cover about half of any of the treatments, and of course could not be applied to the thermal suite. So even if you win, you still end up spending money (so its only worth it if you would have gotten the massage or whatever in the first place)
I've cut out the spa entirely. The raffle is an easy lure for them, but when they got you in there during your treatment, its upsell after upsell after upsell. She told me I needed massage oil, along with this treatment formula, oh and by the way you need this salt glow stuff to clens your skin. And after that she had a list of self treatment steps I should perform after I get home. When she came out with that list, it was with a bunch of other products to use! The total was well over $1,000 over a above my treatment cost. And then its do you want to book another appointment later in the cruise? And Im a guy that finds it hard to say no but this was ridiculous, I said I'll go with the oil and I left a decent tip. I ended up cancelling the next appointment over the phone. It was a never again moment for me and I didn't look back on next cruises. My local land based spa here has none of that, and I just get a treatment its much cheaper and happy with the service.
Looks like we will be cutting out Royal. We wanted to book an Alaska cruise next September, But after a price quote on nearly $7000 for simple handicap balcony cabin, plus airfare and hotel and one excursion (4600) for the cruise itself, we just can't afford it any more on our retirement. we were almost diamnd plus also.
I've been on 93 cruises (7 diff cruise lines) and I average paying $650 - $900 usually for an inside cabin which I prefer. No drink pkg. , no specialty dining, no excursions (I've been to most ports) no photos. Casino....play only the game that has the lowest house advantage (craps-6 bets only) take off the gratuities and pay tips in cash. No spa either. And I am not poor!! Just frugal!!
I am at the prime casino level. I don’t drink, so I always just get water. However, if you drunk and place bets, you might lose all your money, so it's hard to say whether there are benefits or not. The casino when open you will get drink.but you can take drinks out.
Also stopped bringing a suit since we regularly see the main dining room guests wearing shorts and T-shirts on formal night. Pants and button shirt will do just fine for formal night. Also cut the quantity of shorts and shirts I bring in half when I noticed half the cruisers were wearing the same clothes for the entires cruise. Figured nobody would notice if I wore the same clothes twice.
My wife and I also went to the spa raffle every cruise, till are last two. Ok, both times is because we had dinner reservations at 5, so no time to hang around the spa then get to our dinner. One thing that we've cut, but didn't want to is the daily trivia / word search / sudoku activity sheets, And even though I'm Diamond, I still get my soda package. Cause I'll have a cup with breakfast, one or two at lunch, if a sea day, a few throughout the day, and at least two, probably three at dinner.
Once I hit Diamond. I stopped all together the soda package. I felt like I needed to drink a bunch of soda to make up for that price. As well as bringing home that drink up as a souvenir. It's great for a couple cruises. But if you keep going on them to the point you're in Diamond. They just take up so much room at home.
I'm still trying to cut in things, but as for the spa raffle, my wife won and they called our room to let her know. Maybe she was lucky as she didn't win when we actually attended last March!
I reached Diamond so I get the refreshment package instead of the higher priced Deluxe package. 4 alcoholic drinks a day is enough. Getting cold coffees, shakes, soda and mocktails are worth the ~$25 daily. - I would like to cut the photo experience, particularly on the smaller ships where you can only get printed photos. We end up with so many that have no place to go. - Def skip the spa raffle. My daughters like to be there so I go, get the ticket and give it to them, to increase their odds. - One suit jacket with 2-3 shirts and ties works for the week. - Thanks for the reminder on these fund, calorie and time savers.
I wouldn't cruise without a drink package especially now where it includes all types of drinks, water and coffee. My bar tab would equal my cruise price. I've never done photos as I have a phone. Never done spa never cared to do a spa. I agree about bringing way less clothes. Formal nights are done when they stopped the unlimited lobster.
First cruise, I went to all those shop deals, including the art auction. I did get a few stones, charms, champagne, but for the time I invested and the crowds, I stopped doing those too.
I loved my DSLR camera, but it was a pain to carry around. My iPhone can be used almost like a DSLR now and it has 48MP whereas my last DSLR was about 12MP. This list could be my list! I've made almost every single change you have. The spa used to be my absolute favorite place and my refuge, but then I noticed the hard selling began and it really turned me off. The women working in the spa start putting tons of pressure on me, start lying and that was it! I don't go to the raffle any longer. I do use the thermal suite if there's a nice one.
I’m not diamond but I never get any drink package anyway. On my first cruise in 08 I got the soft drink package but I found myself just ordering a pop just because I had the package & not because I wanted one. I rarely drink alcohol so just buying my drinks individually saves me the most money. I was on a cruise last month and didn’t even spend $50 because the only thing I had to buy was the premium coffee. I also don’t do the photos because like you said, my phone is just fine and someone is always willing to take your picture if you ask. The one thing I would consider spending money on is maybe a dining package depending on the ship.
As a D+ member close to 450 points we get three bottles of wine delivered to our cabin each cruise. That along with the other free drinks and there is no need for a drink package. We never even finish all of the wine delivered to the cabin (yes we take it home). The only photos we ever get are the free boarding ones that D+ members get. The roaming photographers in the dining room are a pain in the butt. Since I don't carry around a cell phone I bought a Cannon camera that is about the size of a stack of credit cards and I can carry it in my pocket; take all the photos that I want anywhere. For a long time I have carried a tux on all of our cruises and I did enjoy dressing up that one (or two) nights (we always went to the cabin and changed after dinner anyway). But I think what has happened is so many passengers have rebelled (for lack of any other appropriate word) again dressing formal, so the cruise lines (at least Royal and NCL) have just made it more optional.
So you just lay in the sun, by the pool, get skin cancer, never see anything new? Why bother? Go to a land locked resort near you, do the same things, for less money.
I cut out my time dining feel like after 645pm I'm missing out on a lot of things that are going out. If there is a day I want to eat later grab something from the jammer or pizza
Off topic but you’re my best source for all things Royal. Do you have insight on why RC has been selling bookings on Oasis class ships with San Juan in the itinerary? The pier was damaged months ago and it’s my understanding that no Oasis class ship has stopped there since the damage. Thank you for your terrific effort !!!
We did The spa raffle for the first time in Alaska last year and normally I wouldn’t but we were stuck in the Puget Sound for weather. We showed up and my mom actually won! (We never win anything) and there was a lot of people there because we were stuck not moving. From then on we usually try to make it and so far we haven’t won anything again but we did get a managers special that had more included and less money than the regular one so we were satisfied either way because we did want to get a massage. If it is while we are sailing away I probably wont go either but we had left NJ on the last one so there wasn’t much interesting to pass by until the Verrazano Bridge.
I'm an advocate for eliminating the unlimited alcohol drink package as it only leads to problems and irresponsible drinking. The unlimited alcohol package encourages passengers to drink excessively in order for them to recoup the cost of the package.
we don't bring formal attire, suits, jackets, or even dress shoes. We have to fly internationally to get to the ship and there is just no room in the luggage for formal clothes and shoes.
Regarding camera's I didn't buy my phone for the camera quality. I lost my camera when we went to Alaska and would have way better quality than my phone. You do what you have to when you are retired on a limited income. My husband only wears collard shirts and Khaki pants, I just wear nice tops and Boho pants. My husband has too much "stuff" with medicines and medical devices. I'm going to go to raffles but I don't fall into the buy stuff. I've won a few things. Always knew it's always like the casino, the house always wins.
I dont do any of the fine dining/specialty dining at all, especially the hibachi. Those can be done back on land. I agree with the pictures, its actually not worth it, overpriced.
May I assume you (and your wife) primarily play the slots when in the casino? I have found that table games do not accrue points fast enough for me to ever get free anything....
It is interesting that American people need to be constantly reminded on what the dress code is for each event, location and time of the year.... They are capable of showing up in Pijiama and Flip flops everywhere - as they already do all over Austin, capital of Californians
Cruising has gone down hill substantially, on the enjoyment and way up on pricing, since we started cruising in the 1980's. We have found land vacations much more satisfying and great experiences.
limited numbers of kids, and they behaved, but not like the little buggers and their entitled parents today. In South Florida, the predominant language spoken on the ship was English not Spanish (think Miami and FLL) as today. There were new island experiences, not like the money sucking fake ports and captive beach sites controlled by cruise lines today. In the past the cruiser was made to feel special, not the heads in the bed corporate goal of most lines today...especially RCL. The kids sail free today just sucks for real cruisers. Ok, bring well behaved children today but place the others with a responsible adult near home.
@williamwatson689 you sound on the older side 70+. There are cruises that cater to your ages. Also costs go up. In 75 you could buy a suv for 4800 now they are 70k.
@@kirkl0766 exactly... that was 40 years ago, times change. And I agree, there are still cruise lines for people that want no kids, no noise, and play bingo/trivia.
I have cut out the balloon drop parties on the ships having a promenade. Way too crowded and noisy. One or two thousand people end up popping balloons. Big deal. I'd rather use the time to explore other areas of the ship like an evening swim or hot tub.
That is GOOD advice to someone who hasn’t cruised yet. I want to know the times to explore or be on parts of the shop when the other thousands of people are trying to get in on trendy stuff!
@@friendofenkidu3391 Sorry if you misunderstood. Cadence is referring to the those sudden shifts in volume during speech. The reason radio speech is so level is due to a compressor catching those annoying rise in volume. But thanks for replying. As a musician I am well aware of the speed control. Great way to cheat at learning phrases.
to be honest, we did not cut ANYTHING from out cruise as all that stuff you mention, was NEVER there to start with. So you cannot cut, what does not exist Those high margin items that Royal sells, are indeed there, to squeeze people's money ( which they may have or not. But this is irrelevant as Credit Card nowadays covers for EVERYTHING)
I agree with all of your points except for the formality of your personal dress code. Whether you go to a specialty restaurant or the main dining room for dinner, you have a choice that isn't dependent on the cruise venue's expectation- you may dress as a gentleman or as a boy.
I think it should be titled, “Things I’ve cut since I started cruising and now I am a privileged member!” This doesn’t help anyone who is new to cruising. Almost everything you suggest is for status members.
I'm just sharing my experience. We share a lot of different videos here, and they vary in scope. I think new cruisers might gain perspective on how things could change down the line.
Matt, I Am a Diamond Plus on Royal, and I know of what I speak. The roast beef sandwich in the Park Cafe and in the solarium Cafe is a joke. It is the roll is tough as leather and the meat is like rubber and impossible to chew and swallow most of the time. The only way I've been able to eat the sandwiches to take it apart and cut the meat up into small pieces and tear the roll apart you should tell the truth and stop praising this sandwich and maybe Royal Caribbean will clean up their act and put out a edible sandwich.
Bro we knooooow u hate the drink package. You don’t recommend it. U think it isn’t worth it. How many times are you gonna down the drink package. It’s repetitive. 🙄 How many people don’t gamble. How many people aren’t diamond, not to mention pinnacle🙄. Everyone isn’t YOU. A lot of us are younger than you and enjoy drinking. The Drink package is subjective. I get it every time👍
I think you missed when I said I think the drink package is a good buy, just not something I get. It’s not in the same category as The Key, which I don’t recommend to anyone
The title needs to be, things I don't pay for after spending a quarter million dollars on cruises. Or perhaps, here's a video because I ran out of topics of interest.
We also have taken a step back on how formal we go for sure. It’s just easier to pack! We have no problem dressing for dinner but it’s just a lot more chill now in our choices.
Since 1980. We cut out drinks, separate camera, reduced pictures to one per cruise, spa raffle (I did win once), trying to go to all events, bingo, and specialty restaurants (unless we got a free one or included in package) and late night dancing.
My first cruise was also Explorer in 2006. We are diamond and the 4 free vouchers are enough for us. We also don't do the photos, or bring our big camera, the iPhone works just as well. Haven't packed the tux and gown in a couple years. Do bring a sports jacket and very nice dresses.
We have just booked a cruise on the Oasis of the Sea for May 2025, I have been cruising before but my wife has not so we are looking forward to it (plus this is our first vacation in 4 years). Your videos are excellent as my last cruise was 25 years ago so there has been some changes. Your videos have been most helpful and will allow us to be properly prepared as I am a planner.
You will LOVE the Oasis …or any Oasis class ship. 👍🏻
I agree with Matt’s points
experienced cruisers know
I think the title needs to change to "Things I've Cut Since I Started Cruising"
I really thought this was a video about things Cruise lines have discontinued because of the phrasing. 😂
I was thinking the same, but the title updated when refreshed 🥰🥰
He took your advice 😂
What was the title before?
He said that when the video started
My first cruise was on Harmony of the Seas, 2018. Sebastiao was my steward. He managed to keep our room tidy without us ever seeing him go into the room. We love to stay on our balcony more than we like to be out in the ship, so that was quite a feat for him. Not only did he keep the room tidy, but he came at least twice a day. Last week we were on Wonder of the Seas. They only tidy the room once a day and we always saw when the steward needed to clean our room, when he'd come by.... Most cruises between, especially since Covid, this is the new norm. Also on the first cruise, we could eat all we wanted, in the MDR. Now, some lines charge for extras.
Attending shows (like the newly wed game), especially if it’s been taped and will be televised later. Don’t want to get to the venue 30-45 minutes early for a good seat when the taped show provides a good view. But other shows, like ice skating and aqua are worth in person.
I don't do the art auction any more. I stopped My Time dining because it seems like it has become harder and harder to get a time I want and eating early provides many benefits for the rest of the evening. My wife no longer gets a drink package of any kind and instead gets the "coffee card".
These are pretty much what we have cut out also. Another thing we don't do is a lot of shore excursions. We might do one once in awhile if we're in a new port.
You forgot the dreaded Art Auction!
I never went, so nothing's changed for me
Our first cruise was also back in 2006 on the Mariner of the Seas. We don't buy the drink package either, but we did buy a drink card on our last cruise.
We also take our own photos. That's what our phones are for.
And two of us get the soda package.
We cut out the bread basket in the MDR. While we really like RC bread, we don't need those extra carbs. Also, we avoid the elevators when we only have 1 or 2 decks to climb and we usually take the stairs down from the Windjammer.
One thing about the raffle that was not mentioned: its not enough to cover any of the services provided. My wife won on her first 2 cruises. (Still baffled by that) But it was only enough to cover about half of any of the treatments, and of course could not be applied to the thermal suite. So even if you win, you still end up spending money (so its only worth it if you would have gotten the massage or whatever in the first place)
Good point!
Thanks for all the great info
I've cut out the spa entirely. The raffle is an easy lure for them, but when they got you in there during your treatment, its upsell after upsell after upsell. She told me I needed massage oil, along with this treatment formula, oh and by the way you need this salt glow stuff to clens your skin. And after that she had a list of self treatment steps I should perform after I get home. When she came out with that list, it was with a bunch of other products to use! The total was well over $1,000 over a above my treatment cost. And then its do you want to book another appointment later in the cruise? And Im a guy that finds it hard to say no but this was ridiculous, I said I'll go with the oil and I left a decent tip. I ended up cancelling the next appointment over the phone. It was a never again moment for me and I didn't look back on next cruises. My local land based spa here has none of that, and I just get a treatment its much cheaper and happy with the service.
I got a massage on a cruise once and said no to everything else. Not hard to do.
Looks like we will be cutting out Royal. We wanted to book an Alaska cruise next September, But after a price quote on nearly $7000 for simple handicap balcony cabin, plus airfare and hotel and one excursion (4600) for the cruise itself, we just can't afford it any more on our retirement. we were almost diamnd plus also.
LOL there is something wrong with that
Alaskan cruises in general are more expensive.
We're going on an Alaska cruise next September, and it's costing about $8500 for the five of us. Two standard outside balcony rooms.
@@jimroscovius 4,000 ish yes if you select the balcony. I now see they say 7,000 includes everything, they said handicap balcony.
I've been on 93 cruises (7 diff cruise lines) and I average paying $650 - $900 usually for an inside cabin which I prefer. No drink pkg. , no specialty dining, no excursions (I've been to most ports) no photos. Casino....play only the game that has the lowest house advantage (craps-6 bets only) take off the gratuities and pay tips in cash. No spa either. And I am not poor!! Just frugal!!
I have to agree, we have done the same over the years. 25 cruises and 3 booked 🎉
Photos in the MDR…or any restaurant venue, it’s usually Formal Night and you’re literally a sitting duck for the photographer.
I liked on Thanksgiving when they took our picture in the dining room. It had Thanksgiving border and I enjoyed that.
I am at the prime casino level. I don’t drink, so I always just get water. However, if you drunk and place bets, you might lose all your money, so it's hard to say whether there are benefits or not. The casino when open you will get drink.but you can take drinks out.
Also stopped bringing a suit since we regularly see the main dining room guests wearing shorts and T-shirts on formal night. Pants and button shirt will do just fine for formal night. Also cut the quantity of shorts and shirts I bring in half when I noticed half the cruisers were wearing the same clothes for the entires cruise. Figured nobody would notice if I wore the same clothes twice.
My wife and I also went to the spa raffle every cruise, till are last two. Ok, both times is because we had dinner reservations at 5, so no time to hang around the spa then get to our dinner. One thing that we've cut, but didn't want to is the daily trivia / word search / sudoku activity sheets, And even though I'm Diamond, I still get my soda package. Cause I'll have a cup with breakfast, one or two at lunch, if a sea day, a few throughout the day, and at least two, probably three at dinner.
We've cut out desserts at dinner. By the end of the day, we've already stuffed ourselves.
Once I hit Diamond. I stopped all together the soda package. I felt like I needed to drink a bunch of soda to make up for that price. As well as bringing home that drink up as a souvenir. It's great for a couple cruises. But if you keep going on them to the point you're in Diamond. They just take up so much room at home.
My first cruise was one year ago on Explorer Of The Seas
Still get photos, Diamond so 2 free. I don’t dress up as much. Great suggestion about the sugary drinks. 3 cruises booked on Royal!!!!
I'm still trying to cut in things, but as for the spa raffle, my wife won and they called our room to let her know. Maybe she was lucky as she didn't win when we actually attended last March!
Love your list! Wife and I on same wave! 😂
I reached Diamond so I get the refreshment package instead of the higher priced Deluxe package. 4 alcoholic drinks a day is enough. Getting cold coffees, shakes, soda and mocktails are worth the ~$25 daily. - I would like to cut the photo experience, particularly on the smaller ships where you can only get printed photos. We end up with so many that have no place to go. - Def skip the spa raffle. My daughters like to be there so I go, get the ticket and give it to them, to increase their odds. - One suit jacket with 2-3 shirts and ties works for the week. - Thanks for the reminder on these fund, calorie and time savers.
I wouldn't cruise without a drink package especially now where it includes all types of drinks, water and coffee. My bar tab would equal my cruise price. I've never done photos as I have a phone. Never done spa never cared to do a spa. I agree about bringing way less clothes. Formal nights are done when they stopped the unlimited lobster.
First cruise, I went to all those shop deals, including the art auction. I did get a few stones, charms, champagne, but for the time I invested and the crowds, I stopped doing those too.
I've actually won the drawing once and got a free massage. All I had to do was tip. And that's why I go every time lol
I loved my DSLR camera, but it was a pain to carry around. My iPhone can be used almost like a DSLR now and it has 48MP whereas my last DSLR was about 12MP. This list could be my list! I've made almost every single change you have. The spa used to be my absolute favorite place and my refuge, but then I noticed the hard selling began and it really turned me off. The women working in the spa start putting tons of pressure on me, start lying and that was it! I don't go to the raffle any longer. I do use the thermal suite if there's a nice one.
I’m not diamond but I never get any drink package anyway. On my first cruise in 08 I got the soft drink package but I found myself just ordering a pop just because I had the package & not because I wanted one. I rarely drink alcohol so just buying my drinks individually saves me the most money. I was on a cruise last month and didn’t even spend $50 because the only thing I had to buy was the premium coffee. I also don’t do the photos because like you said, my phone is just fine and someone is always willing to take your picture if you ask.
The one thing I would consider spending money on is maybe a dining package depending on the ship.
I have cut out the casino on a cruise. Poor odds and very easy to catch Covid. The casino is the dirtiest area where you can go on a ship.
I really do not care for "Formal" nights. I'm on vacation and I just want to relax. If I want to wear a tie, I'll go back into the office.
I no longer buy the alcohol package either.i have what i would like. When the cruise ends i compare the cost and i always come out the winner
As a D+ member close to 450 points we get three bottles of wine delivered to our cabin each cruise. That along with the other free drinks and there is no need for a drink package. We never even finish all of the wine delivered to the cabin (yes we take it home). The only photos we ever get are the free boarding ones that D+ members get. The roaming photographers in the dining room are a pain in the butt. Since I don't carry around a cell phone I bought a Cannon camera that is about the size of a stack of credit cards and I can carry it in my pocket; take all the photos that I want anywhere.
For a long time I have carried a tux on all of our cruises and I did enjoy dressing up that one (or two) nights (we always went to the cabin and changed after dinner anyway). But I think what has happened is so many passengers have rebelled (for lack of any other appropriate word) again dressing formal, so the cruise lines (at least Royal and NCL) have just made it more optional.
We’ve been on six cruises We cut out going to the spas, and shore excursions, my husband doesn’t bring suits anymore either,
So you just lay in the sun, by the pool, get skin cancer, never see anything new? Why bother? Go to a land locked resort near you, do the same things, for less money.
I cut out my time dining feel like after 645pm I'm missing out on a lot of things that are going out. If there is a day I want to eat later grab something from the jammer or pizza
I enjoyed your video, but I would change the title. I don’t think it represents what the video is.
Off topic but you’re my best source for all things Royal. Do you have insight on why RC has been selling bookings on Oasis class ships with San Juan in the itinerary? The pier was damaged months ago and it’s my understanding that no Oasis class ship has stopped there since the damage. Thank you for your terrific effort !!!
One 7 day interior room yearly cruise would take 100 yrs to reach 700 ponts, Pinnacle status
We did The spa raffle for the first time in Alaska last year and normally I wouldn’t but we were stuck in the Puget Sound for weather. We showed up and my mom actually won! (We never win anything) and there was a lot of people there because we were stuck not moving. From then on we usually try to make it and so far we haven’t won anything again but we did get a managers special that had more included and less money than the regular one so we were satisfied either way because we did want to get a massage. If it is while we are sailing away I probably wont go either but we had left NJ on the last one so there wasn’t much interesting to pass by until the Verrazano Bridge.
I'm an advocate for eliminating the unlimited alcohol drink package as it only leads to problems and irresponsible drinking.
The unlimited alcohol package encourages passengers to drink excessively in order for them to recoup the cost of the package.
we don't bring formal attire, suits, jackets, or even dress shoes. We have to fly internationally to get to the ship and there is just no room in the luggage for formal clothes and shoes.
Regarding camera's I didn't buy my phone for the camera quality. I lost my camera when we went to Alaska and would have way better quality than my phone. You do what you have to when you are retired on a limited income.
My husband only wears collard shirts and Khaki pants, I just wear nice tops and Boho pants. My husband has too much "stuff" with medicines and medical devices. I'm going to go to raffles but I don't fall into the buy stuff. I've won a few things. Always knew it's always like the casino, the house always wins.
The money you might lose at the casino would probably pay fr or the drink package!!
Lol!!
MATT......‼️‼️‼️‼️💯💯✌️
You did vs what they did (or didn’t).
As a diamond plus cruiser, couldn’t agree more. We were 5 for 5 on your recommendations. Thanks Matt!!
I dont do any of the fine dining/specialty dining at all, especially the hibachi. Those can be done back on land. I agree with the pictures, its actually not worth it, overpriced.
Never purchased a drink package if any kind. I do the 🎰 casino
Matt, how many cruises would you say you go on in a year?
About 12-14
@@RoyalCaribbeanBlog wow 🙌. Im 3-4
May I assume you (and your wife) primarily play the slots when in the casino? I have found that table games do not accrue points fast enough for me to ever get free anything....
Yes, especially if we are playing for points
It is interesting that American people need to be constantly reminded on what the dress code is for each event, location and time of the year....
They are capable of showing up in Pijiama and Flip flops everywhere - as they already do all over Austin, capital of Californians
Yea I'm gold status. 😢
Cruising has gone down hill substantially, on the enjoyment and way up on pricing, since we started cruising in the 1980's. We have found land vacations much more satisfying and great experiences.
What was it like in the 1980s?
limited numbers of kids, and they behaved, but not like the little buggers and their entitled parents today. In South Florida, the predominant language spoken on the ship was English not Spanish (think Miami and FLL) as today. There were new island experiences, not like the money sucking fake ports and captive beach sites controlled by cruise lines today. In the past the cruiser was made to feel special, not the heads in the bed corporate goal of most lines today...especially RCL. The kids sail free today just sucks for real cruisers. Ok, bring well behaved children today but place the others with a responsible adult near home.
@@williamwatson689 sounds like a fantastic place to have been! It’s on one life’s great disappoints that wonderful things cannot last forever.
@williamwatson689 you sound on the older side 70+. There are cruises that cater to your ages. Also costs go up. In 75 you could buy a suv for 4800 now they are 70k.
@@kirkl0766 exactly... that was 40 years ago, times change. And I agree, there are still cruise lines for people that want no kids, no noise, and play bingo/trivia.
I stopped over packing clothes and shoes.
I have cut out the balloon drop parties on the ships having a promenade. Way too crowded and noisy. One or two thousand people end up popping balloons. Big deal. I'd rather use the time to explore other areas of the ship like an evening swim or hot tub.
That is GOOD advice to someone who hasn’t cruised yet. I want to know the times to explore or be on parts of the shop when the other thousands of people are trying to get in on trendy stuff!
Too crowded on a enclosed vessel 😂😂😂
We’ve cut cruising entirely.
lol
Lol. A smart one when price gauging occurs.
High heels!
I've been watching and enjoying for a bit. Is it possible for you to add an audio compressor to control your cadences?
He really does speak too fast. I wonder if he actually speeds up the audio.
@@friendofenkidu3391 Sorry if you misunderstood. Cadence is referring to the those sudden shifts in volume during speech. The reason radio speech is so level is due to a compressor catching those annoying rise in volume.
But thanks for replying. As a musician I am well aware of the speed control. Great way to cheat at learning phrases.
Dressing up to me is a sweater and slacks. NEVER a tie!!
RCCL has cut out the 2nd lobster tail, so Lobster Night is no longer special. The tails are 3” or less, you get one only. Why dress up for THAT?
to be honest, we did not cut ANYTHING from out cruise as all that stuff you mention, was NEVER there to start with.
So you cannot cut, what does not exist
Those high margin items that Royal sells, are indeed there, to squeeze people's money ( which they may have or not. But this is irrelevant as Credit Card nowadays covers for EVERYTHING)
I agree with all of your points except for the formality of your personal dress code. Whether you go to a specialty restaurant or the main dining room for dinner, you have a choice that isn't dependent on the cruise venue's expectation- you may dress as a gentleman or as a boy.
I think it should be titled, “Things I’ve cut since I started cruising and now I am a privileged member!” This doesn’t help anyone who is new to cruising. Almost everything you suggest is for status members.
I'm just sharing my experience. We share a lot of different videos here, and they vary in scope. I think new cruisers might gain perspective on how things could change down the line.
Matt, I Am a Diamond Plus on Royal, and I know of what I speak. The roast beef sandwich in the Park Cafe and in the solarium Cafe is a joke. It is the roll is tough as leather and the meat is like rubber and impossible to chew and swallow most of the time. The only way I've been able to eat the sandwiches to take it apart and cut the meat up into small pieces and tear the roll apart you should tell the truth and stop praising this sandwich and maybe Royal Caribbean will clean up their act and put out a edible sandwich.
Bruh, this title is backwards
Bro we knooooow u hate the drink package. You don’t recommend it. U think it isn’t worth it. How many times are you gonna down the drink package. It’s repetitive. 🙄
How many people don’t gamble. How many people aren’t diamond, not to mention pinnacle🙄. Everyone isn’t YOU. A lot of us are younger than you and enjoy drinking. The Drink package is subjective. I get it every time👍
I think you missed when I said I think the drink package is a good buy, just not something I get. It’s not in the same category as The Key, which I don’t recommend to anyone
One and done with RCCL. Never again!
@boujeemama3575 do share. I would like to hear why. Going for the first time in a few weeks.
@@OurTH-camChannel25there will always be people who don’t like something. We went in June and loved it and are going on a cruise in June next year.
Photos are just cheesy esp with compared to your phone in your pocket
Status like you have isn't cheap to get. Not a useful video.
The title needs to be, things I don't pay for after spending a quarter million dollars on cruises. Or perhaps, here's a video because I ran out of topics of interest.