Cruising requires some sacrifices that land-based vacations don't. The biggest one may that you have very limited space.
Cruise cabins are roughly around 180 square feet. That's half the size of a traditional hotel room. And while newer rooms have better designs with a lot of clever spaces like headboards that also offer storage and bedside USB ports, many older ships do not offer those amenities.
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Many cabins have limited storage, a single power outlet, and no USB ports.
In addition, many cruisers face other challenges like if you check your luggage, you are limited to what you're wearing and anything you put in a carry-on until as late as the early evening. If you check your bags, they may be sitting there when the captain announces that cabins are ready or, they could even appear after the start of early dinner times.
Over the years, cruise passengers have figured out countless "hacks" to help them get the most out of their cruises. Not every hack works for every person, but many of these tips will help you have a better cruise.
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Here are some Royal Caribbean hacks
Royal Caribbean used its X, the former Twitter, page to ask its followers to share some travel hacks.
"What’s the most underrated travel hack?" the cruise line posted and its audience shared some good ones.
Some hacks are useful before your cruise begins. "
When arriving at the airport and someone picking you up. Always have them pick you up at the departure drop off. Sounds weird I know but it is faster. Especially if it's late night when not many flights departing there are less people coming in to get dropped off," posted Midas Mark.
Robin Hendrix shared one that many people never even consider.
"Wear your swimsuit when you embark so you can jump in the pool immediately," she wrote.
Ideally, you should also bring something to change into in case your bags don't arrive as you don't want to have to spend the late afternoon in a wet bathing suit.
"Go early! I traveled the day before to Baltimore," posted Tito #PositiveVibes.
That advice was shared by multiple other posters.
"Always go a minimum of one day early if you have to fly to join a cruise ship," added CaptPat48.
That's a smart idea as well, especially during times of year when bad weather is possible. If you miss your cruise due to travel reasons, you won't get a refund unless you bought travel insurance that covers that scenario.
The comically named Noneya Business shared a travel hack full of travel hacks.
"Have a cruise "go bag": towel clips/bands, lip balm, magnetic hooks, bingo dobber, sun block, door decorations, rubber ducks, etc...your contents may vary," the posted.
Some people offered onboard tips you may not have considered.
"We bring take out containers for bringing snacks back to our room. Then the room steward won't accidentally throw it out and it won't get stale sitting on a plate," wrote Lisa Michelle Lutes.
Josh & Rachel shared a hack that works for them that might not apply to everyone.
"Pass on the internet package Only way to truly disconnect from the world anymore. We never get the internet package and probably never will," they wrote.
ALSO READ: Top travel agents share how to get the best price on your cruise
Another poster shared advice that is both good and a bit self-serving.
"Using a travel agent to book your trip. They do all the work. You get to sit back and relax," shared Executive Experience Travel.
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