Navigate your first Royal Caribbean cruise with confidence using this practical guide full of expert tips.
Discover essential first-time cruise tips and avoid common mistakes to ensure your first Royal Caribbean adventure is smooth and enjoyable.
Whether you’re counting down to your first cruise or just starting to plan, a Royal Caribbean adventure is an exciting escape – but it can also feel overwhelming. I still remember stepping onto a cruise ship for the first time: thrilled by the possibilities, yet unsure what to expect. Fear not! This guide will walk you through practical, first-timer tips – from planning and packing to onboard hacks – all tailored to help families, couples, and solo travelers avoid common pitfalls and cruise like seasoned pros. Let’s set sail on the right foot!
Plan Ahead for Smooth Sailing
Book Early and Lock in Deals: Cruise fares generally only go up as your sail date approaches, so it pays to book as early as possible. Royal Caribbean prices are known to rise with demand, unlike airfare sales that sometimes drop last-minute. Aim to reserve your cruise 12–24 months in advance to snag the lowest price and preferred cabin choice. Likewise, book any add-ons early – from drink packages to excursions – because buying onboard can cost 30% more than pre-cruise rates. Royal Caribbean often runs pre-cruise sales on beverage, dining, and Wi-Fi packages, so grabbing those ahead of time will save you money.
Choose the Right Ship and Itinerary: Not all Royal Caribbean ships are the same. Do a bit of homework to pick a ship that fits your style. The largest Oasis-class ships (like Wonder of the Seas) are packed with thrills – zip lines, water slides, even a Central Park – perfect for families and adventure lovers. If you want the absolute newest and biggest, Icon of the Seas offers record-breaking amenities (including the largest water park at sea). But bigger isn’t always better. If you prefer a more relaxed vibe or get overwhelmed in crowds, consider a smaller ship in the Radiance or Vision class. These more classic ships still have pools, shows, and rock-climbing walls, just on a cozier scale. The key is to match the ship and itinerary to your vacation style so you’re neither bored nor overstimulated. For instance, short 3-4 night cruises (often on older ships) tend to be more fast-paced and party-oriented, while a 7-night cruise allows a balanced mix of activity and relaxation. Also, think twice about exotic itineraries like a long transatlantic cruise for your first time – they involve many days at sea and unpredictable weather, which can be tough if you’re not yet sure you love cruising. It might be best to start with a shorter or more port-intensive cruise to test the waters.
Take Advantage of Online Check-In: As soon as your cruise countdown hits the check-in window (usually about 30 days out), hop on the Royal Caribbean app or website to complete your online check-in. This lets you pick an arrival time at the port – and the earlier, the better. Securing one of the first boarding slots makes the embarkation process a breeze. You’ll zip through security and document control so fast that “you don’t even stop moving,” according to cruise experts. Arrive at the terminal on time (or even a bit early) for your chosen slot – if you show up late afternoon with the procrastinators, you risk long lines or even missing the ship in a worst-case scenario. A pro-tip for travelers flying to the port: plan to arrive the day before if possible. It removes the stress of last-minute flight delays on embarkation day.
Reserve Must-Do Experiences in Advance: Don’t wait until you’re onboard to book popular shows or specialty restaurants. Royal Caribbean allows you to reserve entertainment and dining on their website’s Manage My Cruise portal weeks before departure. Think of it like planning a Broadway weekend – you wouldn’t show up in NYC and just hope to snag tickets last-minute. The hit ice-skating shows, aqua theater extravaganzas, and dinner at specialty venues can fill up quickly. By reserving in advance, you’re guaranteed a seat and won’t spend your first day in long booking lines. The same goes for shore excursions: if there’s a specific activity you have your heart set on (say, swimming with dolphins in Cozumel or a zip-line in the rainforest), book it ahead of time. Tip: Royal Caribbean’s own excursions are convenient, but don’t overlook reputable third-party tours for potentially smaller groups or unique experiences – just be sure any independent tour gets you back to the ship well before all-aboard time!
Get Travel Insurance: Cruise veterans always say, “hope for the best, prepare for the worst.” Purchasing a good travel insurance policy is an essential safety net. It’s relatively affordable and covers things like trip cancellation, lost luggage, and onboard medical care (which can be very expensive out of pocket). Royal Caribbean strongly recommends that all guests have cruise insurance from the time you book. Nobody wants to think about illness or missed connections, but if something does happen, you’ll be so glad to have that coverage.
Pack Smart (and Don’t Overpack)
Pack Your Carry-On Essentials: One rookie mistake is checking all your bags and then waiting hours for them to be delivered to your stateroom. Learn from my mistake: I once spent my first afternoon aboard just staring longingly at the pool because my swimsuit was in my checked luggage! Now I always pack a lightweight carry-on bag with first-day must-haves. Bring a swimsuit, sunscreen, medications, and important documents in your hand luggage so you can hit the pool (or just freshen up) immediately upon boarding. Cabins often aren’t ready until early afternoon, so having a daypack with a change of clothes lets you start the fun right away. If you’re traveling with kids, toss their swimsuits and goggles in the carry-on too – they’ll thank you as they zip down the waterslides while others are stuck waiting!
Cruise Cabin Hacks – Magnets and More: Space in cruise cabins is limited, but a little creativity goes a long way. Did you know the walls and ceiling are metal on Royal Caribbean ships? Seasoned cruisers bring along a few strong magnetic hooks to take advantage of this. You can hang hats, swimsuits, lanyards, or even lightweight bags on the walls to free up shelf space. Also consider a cruise-approved outlet extender or USB hub, since older ships (built before 2010) might have only one or two outlets in the whole cabin. Just make sure any adapter does NOT have a surge protector, as those are banned and will be confiscated by security. An extender with one AC outlet and multiple USB ports is ideal and is allowed under Royal Caribbean’s rules – this way you can charge all your devices at once without fighting over outlets.
What to Wear – Day, Night, and Theme Nights: Royal Caribbean is pretty casual about dress codes, but you’ll want to pack the right attire so you’re prepared for everything. By day, it’s all about comfort and swimwear. Bring at least two or three swimsuits per person – there’s nothing worse than pulling on a cold, damp swimsuit from yesterday! For walking around the ship and in port, comfy sneakers or sandals are a must (you’ll do more walking than you think, these ships are huge). In the evenings, the main dining room suggests “smart casual” dress most nights. You don’t need a tux or ball gown – sundresses, khakis, or nice jeans and a polo are fine – but do pack at least one dressier outfit if you plan to attend the optional formal night or dine at a specialty restaurant. On formal nights, many guests enjoy dressing up for photos and a sense of occasion. If that’s your thing, go for it! If not, no worries – it’s optional. Also, Royal Caribbean often has fun theme nights (80s night, white party, Caribbean night, etc.). These aren’t mandatory either, but if you have room in your suitcase for a Hawaiian shirt or something neon, it can be fun to join the theme parties. And don’t forget a light jacket or wrap – ocean breezes and indoor AC can get chilly.
Don’t Overpack Bulky Items: It’s tempting to bring a different outfit for every day (and night) of your cruise, but resist overpacking. Storage in cabins is limited, and laundry services are available if you need them. Focus on versatile pieces you can mix and match. For instance, a pair of shorts you can re-wear, or a skirt that goes with multiple tops. Also, leave the beach towels at home – Royal Caribbean provides pool towels that you can take onshore (just remember to return them, or you might incur a charge). One thing worth packing extra of: sun protection. Bring plenty of sunscreen (reef-safe if you’ll be swimming) and even a bottle of aloe vera gel for any sunburns – many first-timers underestimate the Caribbean sun and end up lobster-red by Day 2. Having aloe on hand will be a vacation-saver if you do get too much sun.
Handy Extras: A few little items can make your life onboard easier. A compact power bank for your phone is great for long excursion days. A reusable water bottle helps you stay hydrated (you can refill at drink stations for free with water or lemonade). Bring a packable beach bag or backpack for port days to carry towels, snorkel gear, and souvenirs – something that folds flat in your luggage. And consider a nightlight or small alarm clock, especially if you have an interior (no-window) cabin. Interior rooms get pitch dark at night – you don’t want to stub your toe if you get up, and a soft nightlight can help orient you to morning vs. middle of the night.
Embarkation Day: Start Off Right
Get to the Port Early: On the morning your cruise departs, plan to arrive at the cruise terminal early, ideally at the start of your assigned boarding window. Excitement will be high, and getting there early not only builds the anticipation, it also helps you avoid any last-minute rush. Royal Caribbean’s embarkation process is impressively efficient, but thousands of passengers still have to get on board in a short time. Being at the front of that wave means less waiting around and more time to explore once you’re on the ship. If you’re driving to port, give yourself extra time for parking and shuttle lines. If you’re taking a shuttle or rideshare from a hotel, expect there may be traffic near the port – it’s worth building in a cushion. Trust me, the peace of mind is worth the slightly early wake-up.
Boarding and Muster Drill: After check-in, you’ll be on the ship before you know it. One of the first requirements is the muster drill, a safety briefing all passengers must attend. These days Royal Caribbean makes it super easy – you can watch the mandatory safety video on the app or stateroom TV, then just check in at your muster station to verify you know where it is. Do this immediately when you board, before you get distracted by the buffet or flow-rider! It only takes a few minutes, and once it’s done, you can relax knowing you’re set on safety. Crew members are stationed all over on Day 1 to guide you to the right place. Pro tip: If you do the video portion on the app while waiting to board or during lunch, you can be among the first to complete the drill.
Explore the Ship (Map in Hand): Walking onto a Royal Caribbean ship for the first time is jaw-dropping – there’s so much to see! Take the time on Day 1 to explore your ship’s neighborhoods and amenities. Grab a deck map (or use the app’s map) and wander around. Veteran cruisers often study the ship layout weeks in advance, but even if you didn’t, you can still get your bearings early. Find the main pools, the buffet (Windjammer Café), main dining rooms, theaters, and your nearest elevator banks. This little “treasure hunt” is fun and helps you feel at home much faster. If you have kids, walk them to the Adventure Ocean youth club to get registered on Day 1 – it will be less chaotic than doing it later. And go ahead and make any reservations you didn’t do online (like spa appointments or specialty dining) as soon as you board – there are usually staff and booking kiosks around the Promenade or Centrum for this purpose.
Enjoy Lunch Beyond the Buffet: After boarding, most people’s first stop is Windjammer buffet – which is great, but know that other lunch options are available too. On many ships, the Park Café, Café Promenade, or even the main dining room might be open for lunch on embarkation day. These venues can be hidden gems to avoid crowds. For example, the Park Café (on ships that have a Central Park area) offers custom salads, sandwiches, and the famous roast beef kummelwick sandwich – perfect if you want to skip the buffet frenzy. Starting your cruise with a relaxed meal can set a nice tone.
First-Day Swim and Slides: If you’re eager to dive into vacation mode, head straight to the pool deck after boarding (with that carry-on swimsuit we discussed!). Embarkation day is actually one of the best times to enjoy the pools and water attractions with minimal lines. Most people won’t have their swim gear handy, so you’ll see the waterslides, FlowRider surf simulator, and hot tubs blissfully uncrowded. It’s a great opportunity, especially for kids (or kids at heart) to get in some splash time. Just remember to apply that sunscreen – the Bahamas sun doesn’t care that it’s Day 1.
Making the Most of Your Time Onboard
Pace Yourself – You Can’t Do It All (And That’s OK!): Royal Caribbean ships are packed with activities, from rock climbing walls to ice shows to trivia contests. It’s tempting to try to do everything, but it’s also totally fine to do nothing at all. On your first cruise, give yourself permission to relax as well as have fun. Plan a few “must-do” activities each day (the cruise daily planner or app will list all events). Maybe it’s the Broadway-style show one night, the water slide in the afternoon, and trivia at the pub. In between, take a nap on a deck chair, watch the waves, or enjoy a coffee. Some first-timers over-schedule every hour and end up exhausted. Remember, it’s a vacation – a great cruise balances fun and downtime. Conversely, don’t spend the whole week in a deck chair either and miss the cool experiences included in your fare! Explore the ship and try things that interest you: zip line, mini-golf, karaoke, dance classes – even if you’re new to something, why not? You might discover a new hobby on board.
Pool Chair Strategy – or Finding Quiet Corners: Sea days are when everyone hits the pool deck. If lounging by the pool is high on your list, plan to claim a deck chair early (by ~9am, definitely before 10am) on sea days. By late morning, chairs right near the pools are often all taken (and yes, chair hogging does happen despite rules). If you sleep in and come out at noon, you may have to wander to find a spot. But here’s a tip: Royal Caribbean ships have lots of outdoor space beyond the main pool. Venture to the forward or aft ends of the ship on the upper decks – you’ll often find plenty of open loungers with great ocean views. The Promenade deck (the wrap-around deck on a lower level of many ships) is another serene spot to read or watch the waves from a cozy chair. For a quieter swim, check if your ship has an adults-only Solarium pool – it’s usually less hectic, and no kids are allowed in that area. Couples love the Solarium for a more tranquil vibe, and it can be a nice retreat if the main pools feel too lively.
Activities for All Ages: Royal Caribbean truly offers something for every traveler. Families should definitely check out the Adventure Ocean kids clubs and teen lounges – they are included in your cruise fare and kids often beg to go back after Day 1! While the kids are happily supervised (maybe making pirate costumes or learning science tricks), parents can enjoy some adult time knowing the youngsters are having a blast. Couples might indulge in a spa day or a quiet walk on the open decks at sunset. There are also usually romance packages (like breakfast in bed or private beach dinners) that you can arrange for a special touch. Solo travelers, cruising is a fantastic way to meet people or enjoy “me time” as you please. Royal Caribbean schedules casual meetups for solos/singles – they’re often in a bar early in the cruise. While those gatherings are hit-or-miss, it doesn’t hurt to drop by and say hello. Also join group activities like mixology classes, game shows, or even just chat with others at the bar or dining table. The atmosphere onboard is friendly, and you’ll find plenty of fellow travelers happy to share conversation. If you prefer solitude, no problem – there are quiet nooks (the library, Solarium, or your own balcony) where you can read or watch the sea in peace. The beauty of a cruise is you can be as social or as private as you want.
Stay Connected (or Don’t): Royal Caribbean’s Voom internet is among the faster cruise Wi-Fi products, but it isn’t cheap. If you need to stay connected for work or family, consider purchasing an internet package in advance (it’s usually cheaper pre-cruise than onboard). However, if you can swing it, try disconnecting a bit! Many cruisers find joy in going mostly off-grid – perhaps just checking messages in port when you find free Wi-Fi at a café. If you do buy Wi-Fi, one hack for couples or groups: you can buy one device plan and share it by logging in one at a time (only one device can use it at once). This only works if you don’t need simultaneous access, but it can save money.
Dining and Drinks: Maximizing Meals at Sea
Explore All Your Dining Options: A common mistake for first-timers is assuming the big buffet is the only included dining. In reality, Royal Caribbean ships are loaded with culinary choices, many of which cost nothing extra. The main dining room offers a full sit-down dinner each night (and lunch on sea days) with rotating menus – it’s a great way to enjoy a three-course meal and attentive service. There’s also usually Casual Eateries like Café Promenade (24/7 snacks), Sorrento’s Pizza, and room service (continental breakfast is free; other orders have a small fee). By all means, enjoy the Windjammer buffet – it’s fantastic for variety – but don’t limit yourself to just the buffet every day. Try a mix: maybe breakfast in the main dining room one day for some Eggs Benedict, buffet the next; casual pizza for lunch one day, a deli sandwich the next. Variety is half the fun!
Specialty Dining – Worth It? Royal Caribbean’s specialty restaurants (like Chops Grille steakhouse, Izumi sushi, Giovanni’s Italian, or the whimsical Wonderland) do cost extra, but they can be well worth the splurge for a special night. The food and experience often rival what you’d find at nice land-based restaurants. If you’re a foodie, consider reserving at least one specialty dinner to elevate your cruise dining experience. Tip: on the first day or first couple nights, specialty restaurants often run discounts or specials to attract guests (e.g. 20% off or a complimentary wine bottle) – keep an eye out for that if you haven’t pre-booked. Also, dining packages are offered – an unlimited dining package can significantly save you money if you plan to eat at many specialties, but even the 3-night dining package can be a good value. Just don’t make the mistake of skipping the included venues entirely; the main dining room and other complimentary spots are great too, and you don’t want to pay extra for every meal. A balanced approach (some included, some specialty) tends to be perfect.
Drinks: What’s Free and What’s Not: On Royal Caribbean, basic beverages like water, regular coffee, tea, juice at breakfast, and lemonade are included. But sodas, specialty coffees, smoothies, bottled water, and of course alcohol cost extra – and those bar bills can add up fast. If you enjoy sodas or fancy lattes, or plan to have a few cocktails by the pool each day, you might look into a drink package. The Deluxe Beverage Package (includes alcohol) is pricey – often $60–$100 per person per day – so you’d need to drink enough to make it worthwhile. Don’t feel pressured to buy a package if you’re not a big drinker; you can always pay à la carte for what you consume. In fact, one strategy for first-timers is to go without a package for a couple days to see your drinking patterns. If by day 3 you realize you’re racking up bills, you can often buy or upgrade to a package mid-cruise (pro-rated) as long as at least 4 days remain. Also note, drink packages have to be purchased for all days of the cruise (you can’t just pick certain days) and if one adult in a cabin buys the alcohol package, any other adults in the same cabin are required to purchase at least the Refreshment (non-alcoholic) package, to prevent sharing. So it’s a bit of math and honesty with yourself about your habits. Many people find value in the Refreshment Package (unlimited mocktails, specialty coffee, fresh juices, soda) even if they skip alcohol. Keep an eye out for Royal Caribbean’s pre-cruise promotions – sometimes you’ll catch a sale like 30% off drink packages, which sweetens the deal.
BYO Beverage Allowance: A neat Royal Caribbean policy is that you’re allowed to bring a limited amount of your own drinks onboard. Per their rules, each stateroom may bring up to two 750ml bottles of wine or Champagne (per cabin, not per person in this case) and up to 12 cans of soda or sparkling water (up to 17 oz each). If you enjoy a glass of wine on your balcony, this can be a big money-saver – just pack the bottles in your carry-on, not checked luggage (they’ll X-ray bags and confiscate any extra beyond the limit, and definitely no hard liquor). Note that if you bring your own wine to a dining room or bar to drink, the staff will charge a corkage fee (about $15), but there’s no charge if you consume it in your cabin. Bringing a case of your favorite soda is also great for kids or anyone who doesn’t want to pay bar prices for a Coke. And don’t try to smuggle liquor on – they will find it and hold it till the end of the cruise, so it’s not worth the hassle.
Water is Life: A quick note on water – the tap water on board is safe to drink (it’s desalinated and treated on the ship). Feel free to refill a reusable bottle at drink stations. If you’re particular about taste, you can get the bartenders to fill it with water from their guns (which is filtered). The ship also sells bottled water and it’s included in drink packages. On hot Caribbean days, keep hydrating between those pina coladas!
Tailoring the Cruise for Families, Couples, and Solo Travelers
Families: Royal Caribbean is a family-friendly cruise line to its core. Take advantage of that! If you have kids, make the most of the free Adventure Ocean programs. There are science labs, ball pits, video games – you name it – divided by ages 3-5, 6-8, 9-11, and dedicated teen spaces for 12-17. There’s even a nursery on most ships for babies and toddlers (for a small hourly fee). Parents, don’t feel guilty about using these services – your kids might end up having more fun with peers and trained staff while you catch a break. Many ships also feature family activities like cupcake decorating, pool games, outdoor movie nights, and even a balloon drop party. Plan family bonding as well as grown-up time: for example, enjoy breakfast together, then maybe parents hit the spa or solarium while the kids do a morning Adventure Ocean session, meet up again for a family excursion in port, etc. Also, consider booking family-friendly accommodations – some ships offer family cabins or connecting rooms. And if you have little ones, bring a lightweight stroller for those long pier walks and a few familiar snacks (the buffet can be overwhelming with choices for picky eaters).
Couples: Whether it’s your honeymoon or just a much-needed getaway, a cruise can be incredibly romantic. To avoid feeling like you’re surrounded by children at all times, utilize the adults-only areas. Every Royal Caribbean ship has a Solarium – a peaceful, glass-enclosed pool deck for ages 16+ with comfy loungers and often a bar or café nearby. By day, it’s great for sunbathing or a quiet dip; by night, it’s often nearly empty and perfect for stargazing together in a hot tub. Consider special experiences: a candlelit dinner at a specialty restaurant like 150 Central Park or Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen can be a lovely date night (you can even request a two-person table by the window). The spa is another couples’ favorite – many have couples’ massage packages or thermal suite passes for relaxing together. And don’t miss the chance to dress up on formal night and get a cute photo taken – it might feel cheesy, but you’ll appreciate the memory. One more tip: a balcony cabin can be worth the extra cost for couples. Having a private outdoor space to share a sunrise with coffee or a sunset with a glass of wine is hard to beat for romance (plus, if either of you get a bit seasick, the fresh air and view help a lot).
Solo Travelers: Cruising solo is an empowering experience, and Royal Caribbean makes it enjoyable. Some of the newer ships (Quantum class like Odyssey of the Seas, for example) even have studio cabins priced for one, which avoids the typical “single supplement” fee. If you are solo, connect online before the cruise – many sailings have a Facebook group or Roll Call where people chat and plan meetups. This can lead to having friendly faces to recognize on board. Once on the ship, dive into activities – it’s one of the best ways to meet others. Trivia teams, group tours, dance lessons, and pub games are naturally social. If you’re extroverted, say hi and join conversations – cruise folks are generally welcoming. If you’re introverted, know that alone time is easy to find too. Mealtimes can be social or solo as you prefer. The Main Dining Room will seat solos with other guests unless you request otherwise; if you’d rather dine alone or quickly, opt for My Time Dining and go at off-peak times (like right when they open) to snag a table for one. Conversely, if you want company, ask the hostess to seat you at a large table – you might end up making new friends over dinner. Royal Caribbean also offers a private messaging feature in their app (for a small fee) that can help you coordinate with new acquaintances without needing the internet. Lastly, enjoy the freedom that solo cruising gives you – no debates on what to do, you can follow your own schedule completely. It’s your cruise, so relish it on your terms.
Avoiding Common First-Timer Mistakes
Even with all the tips above, it’s easy to slip into some classic newbie blunders. Here are a few common mistakes first-time cruisers make – and how to avoid them:
Overpacking and Lugging Too Much: Bringing three giant suitcases for a 7-night cruise (guilty as charged!) is more hassle than help. Solution: Pack versatile outfits and do a mid-cruise laundry load if needed. You’ll appreciate the extra space in your cozy cabin.
Not Budgeting for Extras: Many first-timers assume once they’ve paid the cruise fare, everything on board is free. Then the bill for drinks, specialty coffees, photos, and souvenirs hits like a tidal wave. Solution: Know what’s included (meals in main venues, basic drinks, most activities) and what’s not (alcohol, sodas, specialty dining, spa treatments, etc.). Set a rough budget for extras like drinks and excursions. You can even check your running tab anytime on the app or stateroom TV to avoid surprises.
Skipping Reservations and Planning: If you wing it completely, you might miss out on popular shows or dining times. Solution: Reserve what you can before the cruise (shows, specialty dining) and on Day 1 for things like spa or any restaurants you didn’t pre-book. At the same time, don’t over-plan every minute – leave room for spontaneity!
Only Eating at the Buffet: The buffet is great, but Royal Caribbean’s dining scene is much broader. Solution: Try the main dining room and other complimentary spots – you’ll get more variety and often higher food quality. And if you’re a foodie, invest in a specialty restaurant or two for a memorable meal.
Ignoring the Daily Planner: Each day you’ll get a schedule of events (via paper or the app). If you never look at it, you might miss out on activities you’d love – from Broadway-style shows to belly-flop contests. Solution: Glance over the planner each morning with your coffee. Circle or bookmark anything interesting. It helps you discover fun events and plan your day.
Racking Up Roaming Charges: Your phone will be at sea too – if you leave it on cellular, you could incur huge roaming fees. Solution: Keep your phone on airplane mode once the ship leaves port, unless you have an international plan. Stick to the ship’s Wi-Fi (or wait for port) for connectivity.
Forgetting to Relax: Some first-timers go full Energizer Bunny and forget it’s okay to just chill out. Solution: Schedule downtime. A cruise is one of the best times to unwind – take a nap on your balcony, watch the ocean, or enjoy a long, unhurried dinner. You’ll actually return home feeling like you had a vacation.
By keeping these pointers in mind, you’ll avoid the typical rookie errors and travel smarter.
Your first Royal Caribbean cruise is a ticket to adventure, relaxation, and countless new experiences. With a bit of preparation and the insider tips shared above, you’ll navigate your maiden voyage like a seasoned cruiser – sidestepping common mistakes and embracing all the fun. Remember to savor each moment, whether you’re zip-lining ten decks above the Boardwalk or simply watching the sunset over the open sea. Bon voyage, and enjoy every minute of your Royal Caribbean adventure!