8 Cruise Line Secrets They Don’t Want You to Know
Think you know how cruising works? 🚢 Here are 8 behind-the-scenes cruise secrets the cruise lines don’t want you to know — including hidden fees, upgrade tricks, and real tips from Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean travelers.
If you’ve ever wondered what cruise lines don’t tell you before you book, this post is for you. I recently made a video called “8 Cruise Secrets the Cruise Lines Don’t Want You to Know” — and it’s one of the most eye-opening cruise tips videos I’ve ever made. You can watch it here 👇
Whether you’re planning your first Disney Cruise, setting sail with Royal Caribbean, or thinking about your next Carnival voyage, knowing what goes on behind the scenes can save you money, stress, and a few surprises once you’re onboard.
#8 – Cruise Lines Make More Money After You Board
The ticket price is just the beginning. Cruise lines keep fares low to get you onboard, but they make their real profit from what happens once you’re at sea. Drinks, spa treatments, shore excursions, Wi-Fi, and even bottled water add up fast.
The onboard economy is built around upsells — so it pays to plan ahead. Many of these extras can be booked online before you cruise, often for less.
💡 Pro Tip: Book drink packages and excursions before boarding day, and set a spending limit in the app if you’re traveling with family.
#7 – What Most Passengers Don’t Know About the Medical Center
Every cruise ship has a medical center, but it’s not like a full hospital. It’s designed for basic care, emergencies, and stabilizing patients until they can reach a port.
What most people don’t realize: visits can be very expensive and are billed out-of-pocket if your insurance doesn’t cover travel.
💡 Pro Tip: Always travel with insurance that includes cruise medical coverage — even if you’re only cruising to the Caribbean.
#6 – Crew Members Work Long Hours Behind the Magic
Cruise ship crews are some of the hardest-working people in hospitality. Many work 10–12 hour days, seven days a week, for months at a time.
They live onboard, often sharing small cabins below deck, and rotate between contracts. Despite that, the majority of crew members love what they do and take pride in delivering great guest experiences.
💡 Pro Tip: Be kind to your crew — a genuine thank-you or small gratuity can make a big difference.
Surfside on Star of the Seas
#5 – That “Free” Cabin Upgrade Isn’t Always a Deal
You might be offered a last-minute upgrade for what seems like a small fee — but here’s the catch: those “deals” often come with trade-offs.
You could lose your preferred cabin location, your connecting room, or even end up under a noisy deck area. Always double-check before saying yes to an upgrade.
💡 Pro Tip: If you love your current cabin, keep it. Not every “upgrade” is actually better.
#4 – Onboard Wi-Fi Is a Profit Center
Cruise Wi-Fi has come a long way, especially with Starlink internet now rolling out on major lines. But it’s still pricey — and the “unlimited” plans often come with restrictions like no streaming or video calls.
💡 Pro Tip: Download movies, playlists, and eBooks before you sail. If you must stay connected, buy the full-cruise Wi-Fi package early — it’s usually discounted pre-cruise.
#3 – Shore Excursions Aren’t Always Run by the Cruise Line
That “official” excursion may not actually be run by the cruise company. Many are operated by third-party vendors, and prices are marked up significantly.
💡 Pro Tip: Research local tour operators before your trip. You’ll often find the exact same experiences for less — just make sure they guarantee on-time return to the ship.
Icon of the Seas Balcony Stateroom
#2 – Your Cabin Is Watched More Closely Than You Think
Ever wonder how your room gets cleaned so fast? Cruise lines track cabin occupancy digitally — they know when you’re out, so housekeeping can step in.
There are no hidden cameras (don’t worry!), but motion sensors and smart locks are often used to optimize service and energy use.
💡 Pro Tip: Turn on your “Do Not Disturb” sign when you need privacy. Crew members respect it — and you’ll get fewer interruptions.
#1 – Cruise Lines Rely on Your Data
From the moment you download the app to your last night onboard, cruise lines collect tons of data — what you order, where you go, even which bars you linger at.
It’s not sinister; it’s about marketing. They use it to tailor offers, promotions, and future itineraries.
💡 Pro Tip: Use guest mode if you’d rather not share too much data, and skip optional surveys that aren’t required.
Bonus: Cruise Gratuities Are Split (and Sometimes Pooled)
Many first-time cruisers assume their prepaid gratuities go straight to their server or stateroom host. In most cases, tips are pooled and distributed among a larger team — including support staff you never meet.
💡 Pro Tip: If someone goes above and beyond, tip them directly with cash at the end of your cruise. It ensures they actually receive it.
Ready to Cruise Smarter? Watch the Full Video
These are just a few of the cruise secrets I reveal in my latest YouTube video. I go deeper into how cruise lines make money, what they don’t advertise, and the small details that make a big difference for first-time cruisers.
🎥 Watch the full video now: 8 Cruise Line Secrets They Don’t Want You to Know
If you found this post helpful, be sure to subscribe to my channel for more cruise tips, Disney Cruise Line insights, and honest advice for travelers who want to make the most of their vacation time.
About Darren:
Darren is an Orlando-based travel writer and YouTuber who specializes in helping travelers make the most of their vacations to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, Disney Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean Cruises. Through detailed travel guides, reviews, and insider tips, Darren gives families, couples, and first-time visitors everything they need to plan magical Orlando theme park trips and unforgettable cruise adventures.
🎥 Watch his latest videos and travel guides on YouTube: Orlando Parks Guy
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Top 10 Things for Kids to Do on Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas is like a floating theme park, packed with non-stop family fun. Here are the top 10 activities kids will love on the world’s largest cruise ship.
Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas isn’t just a cruise ship—it’s a theme park at sea. This massive vessel is packed with family-friendly activities, thrilling adventures, and plenty of ways to keep kids entertained from sunup to sundown.
If you’re planning a cruise on the world’s largest ship, you’ll want to know the must-dos for your family. I’ve rounded up the Top 10 Things for Kids to Do on Star of the Seas—and trust me, your kids won’t want to leave!
🎥 Watch my full YouTube video of this list here (video embed below!) for a closer look at each activity and tips for making the most of your cruise.
10. Adventure Ocean & Social020
Adventure Ocean is Star of the Seas’ supervised kids’ club, designed like a summer camp at sea. The staff is energetic and engaging, keeping kids entertained while parents enjoy some downtime.
For older kids and teens, Social020 provides a safe space to make friends and enjoy activities designed just for them, like dance parties and sports tournaments. My tip? Encourage your teen to go on the first night—it’s when icebreaker games and introductions happen.
9. Surfside
Surfside is the ultimate family neighborhood on board. This kid-focused zone has:
Playscape: A colorful climbing and play area.
Splashaway Bay: A splash pad with slides and drench buckets.
Baby Bay: A safe splash zone for toddlers.
Water’s Edge Pool: A family pool with ocean views.
Arcade: Classic games (set a spending limit in advance!).
It’s the perfect home base for families, with everything close enough to keep an eye on your kids while you relax.
8. Kid-Friendly Food
Star of the Seas is a foodie paradise—even for picky eaters. Kids will love:
Sorrento’s Pizza – My go-to spot for a quick slice.
Surfside Eatery – A buffet designed for families.
Crème de la Crêpes – Sweet and savory crepes.
Base Camp – Deck 16’s quick-serve comfort food.
Surfside Ice Cream – Scoops and soft serve all day.
Everything is easy to access, making mealtimes stress-free.
7. Thrill Island: Rock Climbing & Mini Golf
On Deck 16, Thrill Island combines action and adventure.
Adrenaline Peak: A rock climbing wall with routes for every skill level.
Lost Dunes Mini Golf: A beautifully themed course with ocean views.
Map of Perfect Day at CocoCay. Click map to enlarge.
6. Perfect Day at CocoCay
Every Star of the Seas itinerary includes a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private Bahamian island. Families can enjoy:
Oasis Lagoon Pool: The largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean.
Harbor Beach: Calm, shallow waters for little ones.
Thrill Waterpark: Record-breaking slides (extra charge applies).
Splashaway Bay: A safe splash zone for kids.
🎥 I have a full Perfect Day at CocoCay guide in another video here.
5. Sports Courts
The full-size basketball court is perfect for one-on-one games or pickup matches, and there’s also soccer, dodgeball, and pickleball. Check the Royal app for tournament schedules and family activities.
4. The Family Pool & Category 6 Waterpark
Deck 15’s Family Pool offers in-water loungers, lifeguards, and easy access to the Lime & Coconut bar and El Loco Fresh.
For thrill-seekers, Category 6 is the largest waterpark at sea, with record-breaking slides like Frightening Bolt and Pressure Drop, plus two raft slides for the whole family.
3. AquaTheater Show – Torque
Torque is a high-energy, action-packed show in a massive aquatic theater. It’s filled with stunts, diving, and acrobatics—perfect for kids who don’t love traditional stage shows.
2. Absolute Zero: Laser Tag & Ice Skating
Absolute Zero offers two family favorites:
Laser Tag: A massive arena with futuristic themes. Book early in the Royal app—it fills up fast!
Open Ice Skating: Bring pants and arrive early for skate rentals.
1. Crown’s Edge
Crown’s Edge is the ultimate thrill: a skywalk and ropes course 154 feet above the ocean that ends with a surprise drop! This heart-pounding experience is perfect for brave kids (and parents) looking for an unforgettable story.
There’s so much to explore aboard Star of the Seas that you’ll never run out of things to do. For an even deeper dive, check out my full Star of the Seas YouTube playlist below!
📺 Watch the Video Here:
Darren spent nearly 20 years as an Orlando travel agent, helping families plan unforgettable vacations to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Disney Cruise Line, and beyond. Today, he has transitioned his passion for travel into writing and video production. As a travel writer and producer, Darren shares insider tips, reviews, and in-depth guides through his blog and his travel channel on YouTube, where viewers can explore destinations, resorts, and theme parks with him. You can find his videos here on his Travel Channel.
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Royal Beach Club Bahamas: Royal Caribbean’s New Private Paradise Opens December 2025
Royal Caribbean is opening the Royal Beach Club in Nassau, Bahamas — an exclusive beach experience launching December 2025. See concept art, learn about activities, and get booking tips in this first look.
Opening Date & Booking Info
Grand Opening: December 27, 2025, with inaugural guests welcomed aboard Symphony of the Seas, Utopia of the Seas, or Liberty of the Seas.
Booking Now Open: Day passes and cabana reservations are live as of July 2025 via the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner or onboard Shore Excursion desks.
Pricing:
Unlimited Open Bar & Dining Day Pass: from US $169.99 (21+)
Non‑Alcoholic Pass: from US $129.99 (13+) & US $109.99 (ages 4–12)
Kids 3 and under free.
Capacity & Advice: Designed for up to 4,000 guests (versus 13,000 at CocoCay). Passes can sell out quickly—especially during peak times—so early booking is highly recommended
What’s Included with the Royal Beach Club Bahamas Day Pass
Your pass grants:
Round-trip water taxi transport from Nassau port with two drop-off docks
Unlimited access to two pristine beaches and three themed pools.
Lounge chairs, umbrellas, towels, lockers, showers, and free Wi-Fi
Complimentary snacks at three beach grills and drinks at ten bars
Live music, entertainment options, lawn games (e.g., cornhole, tumbling towers), and artisan markets showcasing Bahamian crafts
When to Book
Booking opened in early July for sailings calling Nassau in December and beyond. Pricing is subject to seasonal shifts—your best bet is to secure your spot 4–6 months ahead. Passes can purchased onboard if still available, but shore-ex desk tends to run low during popular sailing days.
Why This Matters for Orlando Parks Fans
Sure, Orlando has its splashes, but the Royal Beach Club offers a unique shore-side escape exclusive to Royal Caribbean guests. It blends private-venue vibes with Bahamian flair—lightning-fast ferry, upscale amenities, and lively zones—delivering a premium, eco-friendly outreach beyond theme park gates. Plus, it signals the future of cruise-destination partnerships.
Many Royal Caribbean cruises with a Bahamas itinerary that depart from Orlando (Port Canaveral) stop in Nassau.
Final Takeaway
Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is shaping up to be a luxurious, well-rounded shore excursion—ideal for families, party lovers, and those seeking relaxation. With its all-inclusive design, limited capacity, and Bahamian-led development, it's a fresh offering for cruise fans planning a Nassau stop. If you're onboard, snag that pass early and soak up the ultimate beach day!
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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These are the Best Royal Caribbean Cruise offers of the year (2024)
Royal Caribbean’s Early Black Friday sale is happening now for most major cruise itineraries. If you’re a cruiser, this is the offer you wait for all year.
Royal Caribbean's early Black Friday sale for 2024 is officially underway, offering me a variety of exciting deals on cruise vacations that I cannot ignore. I find that they provide enticing discounts on select sailings, up to $750 off most cruises, along with special perks such as generous onboard credits kids sail FREE, and 60% off your second guest.
The offer strategically targets a wide range of destinations, making it appealing for different types of travelers with diverse interests and preferences.
I truly appreciate how the promotion encourages booking early, as it allows me to secure my preferred dates and itineraries at a fantastic value, ensuring a memorable vacation experience.
Royal Caribbean Early Black Friday Sale 2024
Royal Caribbean BOGO60
Booking Window: November 8 - December 9, 2024
Sailing Window: Sailings departing on or after November 9, 2024
Offer Details: Buy One Guest, Get Second Guest 60% Off & 30% Off on 3/4 Guest
Royal Caribbean Kids Sail Free
Booking Window: November 8 - December 9, 2024
Sailing Window: Sailings departing on or after November 9, 2024
Offer Details: Guest 12 and under sail free on sailings 3 nights or longer*
Black Friday Preview Sale
Black Friday Preview Sale
Booking Window: November 8 – 11, 2024
Sailing Window: Sailings departing on or after November 9, 2024
Offer details: Up to $750 Instant Savings
*Kids Sale Free Offer excludes:Thanksgiving Sailings (Departing between November 22, 2024 – November 29, 2024); (Departing between November 20 - November 28, 2025), Holiday Sailings (Departing December 20, 2024 – January 3, 2025); (Departing between December 18, 2025 – January 1, 2026), Spring Break Sailings (Departing between March 7, 2025 – March 28, 2025); (Departing between March 6, 2026 – April 9, 2026), Holy Week/Easter sailings (Departing between April 12, 2025 – April 24, 2025), Radiance Alaska Cruise Tour Sailings (Departing May 16, 2025 – September 12, 2025); Summer sailings (Departing between May 22, 2025 – August 29, 2025); Anthem of the Seas sailings (Departing November 21 – December 28, 2024); Chinese New Year sailing on Anthem of the Seas (Departing January 27, 2025) except for Alaska Summer Sailings (Departing May 23 – August 29, 2025)
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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Plan a smooth visit to Universal Orlando with this helpful accessibility guide for guests using wheelchairs and mobility devices. Learn how ride transfer requirements work, what to expect in queues, and how to navigate the parks confidently in 2025.