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13 Insider Tips From Royal Caribbean Travel Agents You Need to Know

Booking a Royal Caribbean cruise adventure opens the door to a world filled with unexpected delights and hidden opportunities designed to elevate your vacation from memorable to unforgettable.

Although you can book everything entirely online by yourself, there is a network of seasoned Royal Caribbean travel agents, experts in crafting the perfect cruise experience.

Through years of navigating the nuances of cruise planning, these agents have gathered a treasure trove of tips and tricks that can make all the difference in your voyage.

It’s a little-known fact among first-time cruisers that these travel agent services, rich with potential to transform your cruise into the trip of a lifetime, come at no extra cost to you.

Their fees are taken care of by Royal Caribbean, allowing you to benefit from their wealth of knowledge without dipping into your vacation fund.

This revelation often surprises new cruisers, who might not realize the full value a travel agent brings to their voyage planning.

With this in mind, we’ve tapped into the expertise of some of the most knowledgeable Royal Caribbean travel specialists to bring you a compilation of must-know secrets.

These insights are not just about making your trip easier; they’re about enhancing every moment aboard and ashore, ensuring that your cruise is as seamless, enjoyable, and rich with experiences as possible.

Table of Contents

Royal Caribbean Travel Agent Tips You Should Know

They Don’t Cost Extra

You may be surprised to know that using many travel agents won’t cost you a dime extra.

Royal Caribbean travel agents get compensated by a commission directly through the cruise line, making them a financially savvy choice, comparable to booking on your own.

That’s right, you get their expertise without any pesky agent-imposed cancellation or change fees.

But just to be on the safe side, always ask if there are any fees associated with their service when you first reach out.

It’s like getting insider access without opening your wallet!

Travel Agents Will Wait On Hold For You

That’s right. No more long wait times to fix any minor inconvenience.

Your travel agent has got your back. They take over the task of communicating directly with Royal Caribbean, sparing you from the long hold times.

Your agent tackles the necessary calls, manages any complications, and ensures your cruise plans are smooth sailing. This leaves you free to enjoy your time however you please.

They Have Access To Exclusive Deals And Amenities

What if I told you that booking through a Royal Caribbean travel agent could unlock exclusive deals and amenities not available to the general public? It’s true.

Travel agents often have access to special rates, onboard credits , and complimentary perks that can enhance your cruise experience significantly.

These can include anything from free Wi-Fi packages to beverage upgrades or even onboard credit to spend as you please.

These exclusive offers are the result of the strong relationships agents build with cruise lines, and their clients are the beneficiaries.

When you book with an agent, you’re not just getting a ticket aboard; you’re potentially unlocking a suite of extras that can make your cruise even more enjoyable and memorable.

They Specialize In Royal Caribbean Specifically

These agents aren’t booking a trip to Europe, a motorcycle trek across Vietnam, and your Royal Caribbean cruise.

No, no, no! There are many travel agents that solely specialize on cruises, and in particular Royal Caribbean.

This specialization comes with some serious perks.

They’re in your corner not only at the moment of booking but throughout the lead-up to your departure.

They vigilantly monitor pricing fluctuations and actively seek out opportunities to enhance your cruise experience—whether it’s by nabbing a discount or securing an upgraded stateroom, their tailored service aims to add value to your trip.

Remember, they want you as a repeat customer (or to recommend their services) so they tend to go above and beyond to keep you happy.

They Are Your Go-To Person

Having a single travel agent partner with you throughout your journey ensures a seamless experience.

It really makes a difference. If you book on your own, and have any inconvenience, you’ll have to use the call center and explain the situation to a different person everytime.

Having just one person handling the issue, and handling the wait-times, makes a huge difference.

They understand your preferences, remember the details of your selections, and are dedicated to making your cruise vacation as enjoyable as possible.

Large Group? They Are Life Savers!

Embarking on a Royal Caribbean cruise with your favorite people might seem like a logistical challenge at first. This is where the magic of a good travel agent comes into play.

They step in as your personal cruise coordinators, dealing with the various preferences and requirements of your group.

Imagine not having to juggle everyone’s cabin types, pricing, or individual payment schedules — your travel agent has it all under control.

Your role shifts to simply amplifying the anticipation for the upcoming voyage among your group, ensuring that the pre-cruise excitement is the only thing you need to manage.

They Can Book (and Help Pick the Best) Shore Excursions

Besides organizing your voyage and on-ship activities, your travel agent extends their expertise to land-based adventures.

They’ve often journeyed to many of the destinations you’re eager to explore and possess insider knowledge not just of Royal Caribbean’s arrangements but also those crafted by independents.

They get the honest feedback from past clients so they know which excursions are a must and which are a bust.

With their wealth of experience, they can sift through choices, helping you discover excursions that truly resonate with your interests.

They Have a Direct Line to Royal Caribbean

In the rare event that something goes awry or you have a very specific request, travel agents have a direct line to Royal Caribbean.

This means they can resolve issues, make special requests on your behalf, or even snag last-minute upgrades and changes that would be nearly impossible through regular channels.

Their direct contacts within the cruise line mean your requests are more likely to be heard and addressed quickly.

This insider access is invaluable, especially when you want to personalize your cruise experience or address any concerns directly with the cruise line.

Your Battles Are Their Battles

Imagine you’re gearing up for a long-awaited cruise and suddenly you hit a snag. It’s comforting to know that you have a champion in your corner—that’s your travel agent.

Like a knight in shining armor, they’ll be on call to tackle any hitches with your Royal Caribbean cruise. Whether it’s before you sail off into the sunset or amidst your voyaging, a hiccup could happen.

This can range from minor booking blips to more pressing concerns.

Your travel agent steps up to smooth out these wrinkles. They don’t just patch up the situation; they go the extra mile to ensure you’re smiling again.

And should the slip-up be the cruise line’s, your agent excels in securing compensation for your troubles. Remember, they’re not just bookers; they’re your personal advocates at sea and ashore.

They’re TRAINED By Royal Caribbean Themselves

In the ever-evolving world of Royal Caribbean cruises, you might marvel at the depth of knowledge your travel agent possesses.

They aren’t just cruise lovers; they’re trained professionals who continually update their expertise. Imagine them as students whose classroom is the very ships you dream of vacationing on—they regularly participate in ship tours to grasp the nuances of each vessel.

Not just confined to one brand, they even study the offerings of other cruise lines, giving them a rounded perspective on where Royal Caribbean fits within the sea of options.

Their education is ceaseless, and this turns them into encyclopedias of cruising, ready to sketch out a comprehensive picture of vacation choices tailored just for you.

Everything Is Personalized

When you choose to work with a specialized Royal Caribbean travel agent, you’re investing in a seamless vacation-planning partnership.

As you embark on more cruises, your travel agent becomes attuned to your cruising preferences.

Think of them as a friend who remembers whether you favor a bustling deck or a quiet balcony retreat, a specific dining setup, or particular onboard activities.

This intimate knowledge transcends into efficient and tailored booking experiences.

No more repeating your needs during every call—it’s all recognized and anticipated by your agent, allowing for a straightforward and quick reservation process.

This personal touch adds a layer of convenience to your cruise planning, turning it into an effortless endeavor that enriches your holiday from the very start.

They Provide Stress-Free Payment Plans

Planning a cruise vacation can be a significant financial commitment, but working with a travel agent can make it more manageable.

Many travel agents offer the convenience of stress-free payment plans, allowing you to break down the cost of your cruise into smaller, more manageable installments.

This service can make budgeting for your vacation easier, giving you more flexibility in managing your finances without sacrificing the quality of your cruise experience.

By offering personalized payment solutions, travel agents ensure that your dream cruise is within reach, letting you focus on the excitement of your upcoming adventure without the burden of financial strain.

Post-Cruise Support: Your Advocate Even After Disembarkation

Even after your cruise has concluded, the service and support from your Royal Caribbean travel agent don’t end.

Should you encounter any post-voyage concerns, such as discrepancies with billing, feedback you wish to share with the cruise line, or questions about loyalty program benefits you earned during your trip, your travel agent is there to assist.

They act as your advocate, liaising with Royal Caribbean to resolve any issues swiftly and satisfactorily. This level of post-cruise support ensures that your entire experience, from planning to reflection, is stress-free and enjoyable.

Having a professional in your corner who is dedicated to ensuring your satisfaction beyond the cruise itself adds an invaluable layer of service that booking platforms simply can’t match.

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Press Releases

Espresso travel agent reservation system takes booking customization to the next level – or four.

MIAMI, June 11, 2018 – Travel professionals asked and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) has answered. The global cruise company unveils “Stateroom Planner,” a major, new tool within Espresso, the award-winning travel agent reservation system for Royal Caribbean International , Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises . The much-anticipated feature enables agents to seamlessly customize up to four staterooms at once while booking individual and group reservations, taking into account occupancy, promotional preferences, stateroom categories, packages and more.

“We are so grateful for our valued travel partners; and Espresso is one big way that we say ‘thank you’ for their unwavering support,” said Dondra Ritzenthaler, senior vice president, Sales, Trade Support and Service, Celebrity Cruises. “Since the beginning, we set out to build a system that would provide the latest tools and resources that professionals want and deserve to sell more cruises, earn more commission and grow their business with us. The Stateroom Planner update is further testament to our dedication to the agent community.”

When accessing Espresso to make a reservation, travel professionals will now see a Stateroom Planner widget with customization options readily available from start to finish. The feature will also automatically cross reference guests’ details before finalizing the booking, creating a more seamless and automated process for the agent overall.

 “A travel agents’ time is precious, and Stateroom Planner is yet another significant feature we’ve added to help increase their productivity,” said Vicki Freed, senior vice president, Sales, Trade Support and Service, Royal Caribbean International. “We committed to consistently updating Espresso since its 2015 launch, and have delivered on that promise because the way we see it is: we are investing in the travel professionals who support us every day.”

The latest launch follows a recent lineup of features RCL introduced to Espresso, the most popular being the ability to transfer one or more individual client bookings into group reservations, book into headquarter groups (a cooperative of travel agencies) and make the side-by-side comparison of individual and groups pricing and availability. Travel partners can learn more about the benefits of Espresso’s features by visiting bookespresso.com/efficiency .

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL) is a global cruise vacation company that owns and operates three global brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises. We are a 50 percent joint venture owner of the German brand TUI Cruises, a 49 percent shareholder in the Spanish brand Pullmantur and a 36 percent shareholder in the Chinese brand SkySea Cruises. Together, these brands operate a combined total of 50 ships with an additional twelve on order as of March 31, 2018. They operate diverse itineraries around the world that call on approximately 540 destinations on all seven continents. Additional information can be found on www.rclcorporate.com.

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35 Royal Caribbean cruise tips and tricks that will make your voyage better

Want to impress your traveling companions the next time you cruise with Royal Caribbean ? Take a scroll through our ultimate list of Royal Caribbean cruise tips, tricks and hacks in the story below — 35 in all!

These are specific Royal Caribbean cruise tips that will save you money and time, and let you maximize the experience both on board the vessels and during port calls.

Got a great Royal Caribbean cruise tip of your own that's not included here? Email us at [email protected]. You might find your tip included in a future update of this guide!

Here, our 35 best tips and tricks for getting the most from your Royal Caribbean cruise.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Use a travel agent to book

We put this tip first for a reason. In our book, reaching out to a travel agent who knows the Royal Caribbean brand is the first thing you need to do when planning a cruise with the line.

Sure, you can book a Royal Caribbean cruise on your own, directly through the line's website. But given that you must make many decisions during the booking process, it can pay to use a seasoned travel agent who specializes in cruises to help you arrange things. A good travel agent will quiz you about your particular interests, travel style and preferences and steer you to the perfect Royal Caribbean ship, itinerary and cabin for you. The agent also can help you if something goes wrong before, during or after your voyage.

In addition, travel agents often can get you extra onboard credit and other perks on Royal Caribbean ships that you might not be able to get by booking directly with the line.

Related: Is it better to book a cruise through a travel agent? We say yes

Book as early as possible

Like many cruise lines these days, Royal Caribbean often offers its best pricing for any given cruise at the moment the sailing opens for booking. Then, as the cruise starts filling up, the line will slowly raise prices for the remaining inventory of cabins.

To get the best price on any particular sailing, you should book right when the voyage opens for sale. This means planning far in advance, as many Royal Caribbean sailings will open for reservations around two years before the trips are scheduled to take place.

Booking far in advance can pay off in more ways than one. One big advantage to booking ahead of time is that you're more likely to get the exact cabin type you want. On many Royal Caribbean ships, the least expensive cabins and most expensive suites often sell out quickly.

Worried you might miss out on a deal by booking a cruise far in advance? Here's the good news: If the cost of your cruise drops at a later date, you can usually get your fare reduced to match the lower price. You can renegotiate the price until you've paid in full for the cruise; that final payment is typically due a few months prior to the sail date.

Related: When is the best time to book a cruise?

Book off-season for the best deal

As is the case for resorts on land, the floating resorts that are Royal Caribbean ships can be significantly less expensive during the "offseason" travel months of September, October and November.

These are months when kids are typically back in school and family travel — a huge market for Royal Caribbean — drops off significantly, resulting in diminished demand for the line's ships. In the Bahamas and the Caribbean, it's also hurricane season , which keeps some people away from both land resorts and cruise ships in the region.

In addition to the fall months, the offseason period for Royal Caribbean cruises generally includes parts of January and February, but it varies by region. Traditionally, the summer months of June, July and August are considered to be the high season in many cruise destinations like the Caribbean, Europe and Alaska. The periods around major holidays — such as Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day — also are considered the busy season for cruising and bring higher prices.

Related: 6 secrets to getting a deal on a cruise

Don't miss your shareholder's benefits

Do you own stock in Royal Caribbean's parent company, the Royal Caribbean Group? If so, you may qualify for an enticing perk — free onboard credit!

Any shareholder with a minimum of 100 shares at the time of sailing is eligible for an onboard credit of $250 per stateroom for sailings of 14 or more nights, $100 on sailings of six to 13 nights and $50 on sailings of five or fewer nights.

The only major caveat: Sailings on chartered cruises on Royal Caribbean ships, such as full-ship theme cruises, are excluded.

You may request the nontransferable credit each time you cruise. The credit applies only to the stateroom where the shareholder is staying and is based on double occupancy. If shares are held jointly, and you are booking more than one stateroom, 100 shares are required for each stateroom (based on one credit per shareholder per sailing and double occupancy). Single guests would have to pay 200% of the fare to receive the offer.

Note that the credit can't be used for the daily service charges levied on Royal Caribbean ships. It also can't be used for activities you pay for prior to sailing, as it won't be applied to your account until you board.

Related: TPG's guide to cruise shareholder benefits

Pre-book dining, drinks and internet packages

You'll get the best price on dining and beverage packages if you book them in advance of your cruise. This is because Royal Caribbean often runs online sales on these packages in the months leading up to a voyage.

Once you're on board a Royal Caribbean ship, you'll find that packages for dining, drinks and internet will be higher than what you could have paid in advance.

Related: How to get free or cheap drinks on a cruise

And book your entertainment in advance, too

When sailing on Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class and Quantum-class ships, you also can use the line's online portal or app to pre-book shows in advance. We're talking about the Broadway musicals and ice shows found on these vessels.

This is important to do if you want to be sure to get a seat for a specific show on a specific night. Given the many thousands of people on these ships on any given sailing, it's not uncommon to find that some shows book up in advance.

Note that Royal Caribbean shows don't come with a charge, nor is there a fee to reserve a spot in the audience. It won't cost you anything to snag a seat to one of the shows in advance when you can. If you change your mind once on board, you can give up your seat without penalty.

If you don't sign up for shows in advance, a backup strategy is to do so just after you board a vessel. Alternatively, you can wait in a standby line at onboard theaters on show nights. If some people with reservations don't show up (something that happens often), the gatekeepers will let people without reservations in on a first-come, first-served basis.

Make reservations for My Time Dining

Here is yet one more tip about making reservations in advance: If you're signing up for My Time Dining on a Royal Caribbean ship — the type of dining where you can eat in the main dining room whenever you want — you'll have an easier time getting seated at the time you want if you make a reservation in advance.

In other words, don't just show up at the main dining room without a reservation assuming that there will be a table ready for you and your traveling companions. Either make reservations for My Time Dining dinner times before you sail (again, through Royal Caribbean's online portal) or after you board but before you plan to head to the dining room. The earlier you can make reservations for the time slot you want, the better.

Reservations for dinner in the main dining room on Royal Caribbean ships are particularly important if you want to dine during the busiest times, which typically are between 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on the line's ships.

Related: The ultimate guide to cruise ship food and dining

Sign those waivers in advance

While you're booking restaurant reservations in advance at Royal Caribbean's online portal, it's a good idea to also sign a waiver for any onboard activities that you'd like to try that require one, such as the zip lines found on Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class ships. If you do this in advance of sailing, you can jump right into onboard activities as soon as you board the ship.

Consider travel insurance

It's not always smooth seas when it comes to cruising — or any sort of travel. We hate to even bring it up, but you might need to cancel your Royal Caribbean cruise in advance due to the sudden onset of an illness. Or, maybe you'll fall ill during the trip and need emergency medical attention. Maybe your flight to your ship gets canceled and you miss the vessel's departure.

These sorts of things happen all the time to cruisers, and they're all the sort of situations where you might benefit from having travel insurance. Here's a comparison of the top travel insurance providers and information about Cancel for Any Reason add-ons .

Related: The TPG guide to travel insurance for cruises

Fly to your cruise port a day or two early

This may be the most important piece of cruise advice you'll read in this entire story. Seriously. Take it to heart, or you may end up missing your ship — something that happens to cruisers more often than you might think.

Many Royal Caribbean cruises depart in the afternoon, so it might seem fine to fly to a port on the morning of departure. But all it takes is a moderate flight delay to upset those plans. If you're delayed in your arrival at the port, the ship will not wait for you.

Book your flights to arrive the day before your cruise to build wiggle room into your travel schedule should something go wrong. Make the most of your overnight by exploring a little in the departure port city before you board the ship.

If you're traveling overseas for a cruise, we recommend traveling to the port two or even three days in advance. Not only will you ensure that you don't miss the ship, but you'll also have time to recover from jet lag. European cruises, in particular, can be port-intensive, with lots of touring, so you want to be refreshed and ready to hit the ground running right after the cruise begins.

Related: What happens if you miss your cruise ship

Check in as early as possible

Check-in for Royal Caribbean sailings can open as far as 45 days in advance, and it pays to go through the check-in process as early as you can. That's because early birds in the check-in process have their pick of arrival times at the ship.

That's right, you now have to pick an arrival time when heading to a Royal Caribbean ship, and passengers who check in early get the widest array of arrival slots from which to choose. If you check in far in advance, you'll probably find the earliest arrival slots still open. If you wait, you might only find late afternoon arrival slots still available.

Getting an early arrival slot means that you can board the ship earlier than other cruisers and have more time to enjoy its attractions before sailaway.

Join a Facebook group

A great place to get ideas for what to do on Royal Caribbean ships and in the ports they visit — and what to bring on a cruise, for that matter — are the many private Facebook groups dedicated to Royal Caribbean in particular or to cruising in general.

Our cruise team at TPG belongs to a number of them, including the Royal Caribbean Cruises group and the COPs (Cruisers Opinion Page) group, for instance, and we love talking tips with their members. You'll find thousands of cruise fans on these pages who often are more than willing to answer questions about their favorite Royal Caribbean ships, the line's itineraries and activities in the ports of call.

Pack your bathing suit in your carry-on

When you first arrive at a Royal Caribbean ship, you'll be greeted by porters who will whisk away your luggage. It will be delivered to your room later in the day. This is a great convenience, as there's no need to haul your bags through the entire check-in progress. But it also means you might not have access to your luggage for many hours on your first day on board.

Be sure to pack anything you might need for the first hours of your cruise in your carry-on bag. This means things like medication, for sure, and a phone charger, but also a bathing suit, hat, sunscreen and other items that will let you head straight to the pool deck to start the fun.

Related: 13 items you should always pack in your cruise carry-on bag

Don't overpack

Throw all the clothes you think you'll need for a Royal Caribbean cruise in a pile, and then take away half of them. You won't need them. Trust us.

Royal Caribbean cruises these days are relatively casual, save for occasional dress-up nights, and you really only need a few outfits to rotate through a voyage. For starters, people won't notice if you wear the same thing two days in a row. And, even if they do, you'll probably never see any of them again, so it doesn't matter what they think.

Meanwhile, if things get too dirty to wear, it's no problem. Royal Caribbean ships offer laundry and dry cleaning services that will get your clothes cleaned quickly for a nominal fee. (Unlike some lines, Royal Caribbean doesn't build self-service launderettes onto its ships, which we find a bit annoying.)

Specifically, you'll currently pay $3.49 to send out a T-shirt for washing and folding on a Royal Caribbean ship, or $4.99 for a long-sleeve shirt. Getting shorts washed and folded will set you back $4.49. The line's ships also will wash an entire load of your laundry (whatever you can fit into a bag) for a flat fee of $34.99, sometimes less when they run onboard specials.

Bottom line: To us, at least, the extra cost of sending out a few shirts or even a full load of laundry for cleaning on a Royal Caribbean ship is a small price to pay for the freedom of not having to lug a giant suitcase around as you travel to and from your ship. Plus, you'll want to save room in your suitcase for all the souvenirs you'll want to bring home from your travels.

Related: Everything you need to know about cruise ship laundry service

Bring your own drinks on board

Many cruisers assume they can't bring their own drinks on board a ship. And at some lines that is, indeed, the rule. But Royal Caribbean is one line that allows passengers to bring their own drinks on ships — albeit in small amounts. It's one way to save money when cruising on a Royal Caribbean ship, as drink prices on the line's vessels can be high.

The bring-your-own beverages allowance on Royal Caribbean ships currently is two bottles of wine or Champagne per cabin at boarding, plus up to a dozen standard cans, bottles or cartons of nonalcoholic drinks.

Related: Are drinks packages on cruise ships worth it? A line-by-line guide

Bring extra toiletries

Yes, you'll be able to find sunscreen, painkillers and Band-Aids on Royal Caribbean ships. But it'll cost you. The line knows you're a captive audience and prices its shipboard stores accordingly.

We recommend always cruising with a small "go bag" of over-the-counter medicines in your suitcase that contains cold medicine, seasickness pills and the like. You'll probably never use it. But you also won't get hit with crazy charges should you develop a headache and desperately need ibuprofen.

While we're on the topic of sundries, don't forget extra batteries or memory cards for your camera if you are bringing one.

Related: Cruise packing list: The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Bring these six other things, too

In addition to extra toiletries, Royal Caribbean regulars often bring Clorox wipes or something similar to wipe down surfaces in their cabin upon arrival (and to bring along on shore excursions). Many Royal Caribbean cruisers also won't head to a ship without room freshener, a foldable shoe rack (which they hang in the cabin bathroom to store toiletries), a highlighter (to highlight activities on the daily planner) and a lanyard (to hold their cabin keycard).

Some Royal Caribbean cruisers also swear by bringing magnets to ships to affix dinner invitations, excursion tickets and other important papers to their cabin walls. Walls on Royal Caribbean ships are made with metal (even if they don't look like they're made of metal, thanks to faux coverings) and will hold a magnet. Some cruisers even bring magnets with hooks so they can hang up clothes and other items on their walls.

Related: The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean cruises and itineraries

Skip the buffet on your first day on board

There's nothing more jammed than a Royal Caribbean ship buffet on embarkation day. Everybody heads straight to it after they board.

Our Royal Caribbean cruise hack: To avoid the first-day buffet crowds, make a beeline to one of the secondary dining options that typically aren't nearly as crowded. Depending on which type of Royal Caribbean ship you are on, this could be the Sorrentos pizza outlets found in ship promenades, Park Cafe (found in the Central Park area of Oasis-class ships) or Cafe @ Two70 (found on Quantum-class ships).

Related: Cruise ship buffet taboos: 10 things you should never do at mealtime

Try the marquee attractions on departure day

If Royal Caribbean ships are known for anything, it is their marquee deck-top attractions — giant waterslides, surfing simulators, climbing walls and skydiving tubes, to name a few. Some Royal Caribbean ships even have bumper car pavilions.

To make the most of these activities, head straight to them on the first day of your sailing. You'll often find that they are less crowded on embarkation day, when many cruisers still are getting oriented, than later in the sailing, when the attractions have been widely discovered.

With so much to do on board, you'll have a better shot at sampling all the top Royal Caribbean cruise ship attractions if you get started early.

Related: 27 cruise ship embarkation day do's and don'ts

Watch sailaway from this secret spot

On roughly half of Royal Caribbean's ships, you should be able to watch the ship sail away from port from an amazing location that normally isn't open to passengers: the helipad on the bow.

Many passengers don't know about this secret spot for watching sailaways, found on Radiance-class, Voyager-class and Freedom-class vessels. It offers a truly wonderful vantage point. Royal Caribbean usually allows passengers to walk out onto these helipads around the time that a ship is departing. It's not always open the rest of the cruise.

To reach the helipad on these ships, head to the promenade deck (the deck where there is an outside walking area) and walk toward the front of the ship until you reach the helipad area.

More cruise tips: 21 things you should do to make your first cruise go smoothly

Research ports in advance

There are some types of vacations — a beach trip, for instance — where you don't have to do much advance research. You just show up and have fun. Cruises aren't this way — at least if you want to get the most out of them.

Even if you think the biggest allure of your Royal Caribbean cruise will be the amenities you'll find on your ship, you'll still be facing several days of port calls on many sailings. You'll want to have a plan for what to do in these ports in advance or you'll miss out on a big part of the cruising experience.

In general cruise calls are short — often just six to eight hours. So, you'll probably want to pick one or two things that you want to do during your time at the destination.

To make the most of your time, book an organized tour and let someone else get you to the destination's top attractions and back in a timely manner. But you also might find it works perfectly fine to go it alone. The trick is to do the research in advance, so you have a plan for the best way to spend your day.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Royal Caribbean ship

Use your onboard package perks at CocoCay

Good news if you've bought one of those drinks or Wi-Fi packages we mentioned above. They don't just apply when you're on your Royal Caribbean ship. They also work when you're on land at Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

If you've purchased a drinks package, you won't need to pay extra for sodas, beer or frozen cocktails when you're thirsty on the beach. The island is outfitted for Wi-Fi access, so you can use your shipboard internet package to stay in touch or post photos of your day on social media without extra fees.

This isn't always the case when visiting cruise line private islands. And it's no small thing, given that CocoCay is a marquee stop on a significant number of Royal Caribbean voyages to the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

Related: How to visit Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay on zero dollars

Get free breakfast at Johnny Rockets

Many Royal Caribbean ships feature Johnny Rockets eateries serving the chain's signature burgers and shakes. Meals there are not free; they come with an extra charge. But there's an exception: The Johnny Rockets venues on Royal Caribbean's five Oasis-class ships offer breakfast for free.

Even better, Johnny Rockets outlets on Oasis-class ships (located in the Boardwalk amusement area) typically aren't crowded at breakfast time, in part because many people don't realize they're open.

Related: The 6 types of Royal Caribbean ships, explained

Eat at the extra-charge restaurants at lunchtime

Royal Caribbean ships have some wonderful extra-charge restaurants that you might want to try, such as the signature Chops Grille steakhouses found on many vessels. But they can come with a hefty extra charge.

One way to save: Book these venues for lunch instead of dinner. The flat-fee extra charge is typically half as much as the cost of going at dinnertime.

The Chops Grille eateries, for instance, recently were priced at a fee of $55 per person for dinner, while visiting at lunchtime only would set you back $25 per person.

Know your loyalty benefits

Royal Caribbean offers some enticing onboard perks to its most loyal customers, including free drinks, free internet time, access to an exclusive Diamond Club on select ships, a complimentary entertainment tour and, at the highest level, daily breakfast at a specialty restaurant. But it's easy to miss out on these perks if you're not aware of what you can get.

Be sure to read through TPG's ultimate guide to maximizing your status in Royal Caribbean's loyalty program to know all of the many perks you'll be able to get depending on how many points you've accumulated.

Sign up for private tours

Booking a shore excursion directly through Royal Caribbean is easy. You check a box on an online form before sailing or while on board, and — poof! — your tour is all arranged.

But booking tours through the line isn't your only option, and it's not always the best option. In many cases, you can save a lot of money — and get a better touring experience — by booking shore excursions through independent tour operators in ports or a tour booking service such as Viator or ToursByLocals .

Often, independent tours will be much more intimate than the tours offered directly through Royal Caribbean. They might go to the same sites but in a small van instead of a big motorcoach. You might have just six or eight other people on a tour with you instead of nearly 40. If your group is big enough, you might even be able to book a private tour with an independent tour operator.

Independent tours also can take you to places that Royal Caribbean-organized tours don't. Plus, they often come with excellent service. ToursByLocals has staff on hand around-the-clock to respond to questions, and — for those worried about missing your ship — they offer a return-to-ship guarantee with every tour.

Related: Ship-sponsored vs. independent shore excursions on cruises: Which should you book?

Always carry Royal Caribbean's contact information with you

When going ashore, always bring your Royal Caribbean ship's contact information with you. Those details are usually printed in the Cruise Compass newsletter that's delivered to your cabin each night. If something goes wrong when you're away from the ship, you'll want to get in contact with the cruise line right away.

The newsletter should also list contact information for the port agent in every destination you visit. Should you have a problem in port and not make it back to the ship before it sails, the agent can help you figure out next steps.

Keep your phone in airplane mode

Some of the biggest cruise ship horror stories you'll find on the internet are tales of cruising newbies who racked up thousands of dollars in cellphone charges while on ships. This can happen when you leave your phone turned on and, say, watch videos on the internet. Many phone plans — even international plans — do not include talking, texting and data on cruise ships, and you'll pay exorbitant roaming rates for such services that will show up weeks later on your phone bill.

There is a way to make calls and access the internet from Royal Caribbean ships without spending a boatload of money. You can buy a Wi-Fi package, which will let you make FaceTime calls and stream videos over Wi-Fi without using phone data.

Download Royal Caribbean's app

If you're planning a Royal Caribbean cruise and you haven't already downloaded Royal Caribbean's app to your smartphone, do it now. Really, right now. We'll wait.

Okay, got it downloaded? This is no small thing. Royal Caribbean is increasingly putting everything you need to know about your cruise on its app, and it's also the place where you can check in for your cruise in advance — and have your boarding pass accessible at all times.

The Royal Caribbean app allows you to make all sorts of reservations for onboard venues including restaurants and shows, and you can book shore excursions through it, too. You'll also find a comprehensive daily schedule of activities on the app as well as menus for restaurants. The best part: The app will work on board even if you don't pay for a Wi-Fi package.

Related: The best cruise apps to streamline your vacation at sea

Don't book a cabin near an elevator

Not every cabin on a Royal Caribbean ship is created equal. When choosing a room, we recommend staying away from those near elevators and just above nightclubs and other late-night venues. They can be noisy. Cabins just below the pool deck and near the anchor also can be problematic, as well as cabins near casinos.

Related: 8 cabin locations on cruise ships that you definitely should avoid

Use a points card for onboard spending

You saw this one coming, no? Given TPG's origins as a points and miles website , we'd be remiss if we didn't remind you to maximize your credit card points while making purchases on Royal Caribbean ships. The way to do this is to tie a credit card that offers extra points for travel purchases to your onboard account. This could be the Chase Sapphire Reserve , which offers 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on travel and dining (excluding the annual $300 travel credit). There's also the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card , which brings 2 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on travel and 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on dining.

Related: How to book a cruise with points and miles

Don't tip twice for drinks and spa treatments

Royal Caribbean automatically adds an 18% gratuity to bar bills and minibar items, as well as spa and salon purchases. Many first-time cruisers don't know this and write in a hefty tip at the "additional tip" line on bills at cruise ship bars and spas. If you're unsure, ask if a gratuity has already been included before adding another 15% or 20% to the total. Otherwise, you may end up tipping twice.

Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on a cruise ship

Don't feel like you have to do it all

Royal Caribbean ships are known for having some of the biggest arrays of activities and entertainment at sea — so many options that it's sometimes hard to do it all in a single voyage. Our advice: Don't even try to do it all. In fact, you should force yourself to try not to do it all. Remember, you're on vacation. Relax. Take some downtime. Sit on your balcony, if you have one, and just stare out at the ocean for a couple of hours. You won't regret it.

Related: 26 cruise secrets from an expert that will blow your mind

Use points to get to your cruise

There are ways to use points and miles to book a Royal Caribbean cruise, but it doesn't always make sense , as it often requires a huge number of points to secure a cabin. That said, that doesn't mean you can't save big time by booking your flights to and from a ship using points and miles .

You'll find plenty of stories here at The Points Guy about how to, say, pay the equivalent of $1,330 in points for a flight that cost $16,000 , or book a $27,000 around-the-world trip for just $168 in out-of-pocket costs . Scroll around a little, and you may never pay cash for a flight to a cruise ship again.

Book your next cruise while still on board your current cruise

Like many cruise lines, Royal Caribbean will offer you a bonus if you book a cruise while on a ship. At Royal Caribbean, it's called the NextCruise program, and the bonus could include up to $600 in onboard credits for the next cruise that you book and up to 10% off shore excursions on the sailing. You also might only have to put down a reduced deposit of as little as $100 per person to hold the sailing.

The good news is these bonuses are in addition to whatever perks you already would be getting for booking another trip as a result of your Crown & Anchor Society status. If you normally use a travel agent to book your cruises, don't worry about not being able to work with them. Your travel agent will get full credit when you book another sailing while on board a Royal Caribbean ship and can take over the booking later.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

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• Royal Caribbean International

How can I take a booking back from my travel agent?

By Grandma Petania , October 1, 2021 in Royal Caribbean International

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Grandma Petania

Is it possible to regain control over a booking made with a travel agent?     I have used the same TA for several years, but I have done all the research about price drops, lift & shift, etc. etc. etc., and they have     contacted RCCL only after I sent them the information.     I often know more about Royal's changing "rules" than the TA does.     Sometimes I have even needed to send a screen grab of what I found on the RCCL website in order to get them to manage what I have requested.

This TA is currently holding the bookings for two cabins later this year, (one of which is for another family), and I am inclined to leave those alone, even though it has been frustrating (to say the least).     However, I would really like to gain control over a booking for next year that was made with this agent.     I feel that I can stay on top of any future changes better by dealing with Royal directly.

I already discovered that Royal will not discuss my bookings with me as they currently stand.     Is there a way that I can remove this agent from a reservation they are currently holding?     I won't go into all the reasons I have been dissatisfied over the years, but I've really reached the breaking point.     Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

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Can you just ASK the agent for the transfer?  That would be the simplest way.

greatestvalue

I recently moved a reservation from a Travel Agent who just wasnt a good fit.  However, I had to cancel and rebook with the next agent.  For me, the pricing was lower and the OBC was higher with the next agent so worked out well. May not be your best choice.

I always send the info to my Travel Agent about price drops etc, so like you I havent found anyone who is proactive.

Ask them to see if they will transfer it back. You might need to go up the chain if they refuse and see if that helps. If not then if prices haven’t gone up and it’s a refundable deposit you could cancel and rebook with Royal. One problem doing it this way is you would lose out on the double points promotion. Not sure if that makes a difference to you or not.

1 hour ago, Grandma Petania said: Is it possible to regain control over a booking made with a travel agent?     I have used the same TA for several years, but I have done all the research about price drops, lift & shift, etc. etc. etc., and they have     contacted RCCL only after I sent them the information.     I often know more about Royal's changing "rules" than the TA does.     Sometimes I have even needed to send a screen grab of what I found on the RCCL website in order to get them to manage what I have requested.   This TA is currently holding the bookings for two cabins later this year, (one of which is for another family), and I am inclined to leave those alone, even though it has been frustrating (to say the least).     However, I would really like to gain control over a booking for next year that was made with this agent.     I feel that I can stay on top of any future changes better by dealing with Royal directly.   I already discovered that Royal will not discuss my bookings with me as they currently stand.     Is there a way that I can remove this agent from a reservation they are currently holding?     I won't go into all the reasons I have been dissatisfied over the years, but I've really reached the breaking point.     Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

RCL will definitely take a booking away from a travel agent. We've done this twice with different TA's.

All you need to do is give RCL a reason like your TA isn't communicating with you. In our case the TA wasn't answering emails and was very difficult to get on the phone.  Not following your requests should be reason enough.

I find a cruise i like and a cabin that i want and call RC directly to place the order.

I have always had good service from RC with price drops . 

I had an unresponsive TA and that was it for me. Cost me several hundred dollars of price drops.

When I chose my TA I did not chose based on lowest price or more perks, I chose on best SERVICE.

My TA checks pricing daily and get any applied to my booking.  

Back about 8 or so years ago I was very unhappy with my TA.  I called RCCL and asked about their taking the cruise reservations back.  I had to send a request to RCCL to move the reservation back from the TA which they did do.  The TA did not find out until RCCL informed him that they were taking the reservations (3) back.  To say the least he was not happy and sent me a snarky email which to me confirmed that I no longer wish to do business with him.  Call RCCL and ask what you need to do to move the reservation back to RCCL.  

kayjaypea42

Yeah, I think a problem is that "experienced" Travel Agents still work in a world without internet as the primary form of communication.  My cousin is 76, has been a TA for more than 30 years and still struggles with internet-related communications.  She knows the industry as it has been quite well, but yeah, I'm often the lead on any communications on my own travel.  I tell her what's what.  Whatever.  Family, ya know?  But when she retires, I doubt I'd bother with a TA otherwise.  

That Unicorn TA who follows up on price drops and automatically applies them is either a relative, the TA themselves who booked or someone who does this for a hobby just to get cruise discounts and doesn't have a big clientele.  Why on earth would a professional  TA who is making a living from booking cruises want to go out of their way to reduce their commission and how would they even have the time to monitor every booking for every client?  The only reasons to use a TA is if you are a new cruiser and need advice and actual service and not just a discount or OBC. I have booked 98% of my cruises directly with the cruise lines and have been able to get every price drop when I find them.  The only time I have had issues with a cruise booking is when I booked with a TA for some OBC.  Unless the OBC is substantial it's just not worth the aggravation. I don't book long itineraries or expensive suites so there really isn't much a TA can do in terms of a price reduction or OBC for me. As far as a TA going to bat for you if something goes wrong, Nobody advocates better for me than me.

2 hours ago, Iamcruzin said: That Unicorn TA who follows up on price drops and automatically applies them is either a relative, the TA themselves who booked or someone who does this for a hobby just to get cruise discounts and doesn't have a big clientele.  Why on earth would a professional  TA who is making a living from booking cruises want to go out of their way to reduce their commission and how would they even have the time to monitor every booking for every client?  The only reasons to use a TA is if you are a new cruiser and need advice and actual service and not just a discount or OBC. I have booked 98% of my cruises directly with the cruise lines and have been able to get every price drop when I find them.  The only time I have had issues with a cruise booking is when I booked with a TA for some OBC.  Unless the OBC is substantial it's just not worth the aggravation. I don't book long itineraries or expensive suites so there really isn't much a TA can do in terms of a price reduction or OBC for me. As far as a TA going to bat for you if something goes wrong, Nobody advocates better for me than me.

same experience as me with a TA.  If you are adept at navigating cruise critic, you are more than capable of taking care of your booking. 

FWIW, I'm not advocating anyone use a TA.  They have their drawbacks.  OTOH, for us, since we primarily book suites, the TA works out well.  We typically get a chuck of OBC from the TA, and prepaid grats.  That's a pretty decent perk.  Price drops for suites are not as common as they are often sold out.  I do think that in the age of covid, booking direct may have advantages, we'll have to see how that shakes out.

7 hours ago, SRF said: When I chose my TA I did not chose based on lowest price or more perks, I chose on best SERVICE.   My TA checks pricing daily and get any applied to my booking.  

What does this have to do with the OP's question?  

I didnt use a TA even for my first cruise. I use to not believe in using a TA at all but dealing with the headaches from Harmony and the hurricane Dorian debacle resulting in a FCC, applying that to an 2020 Alaskan sailing which was cancelled and had to be lifted and shifted to a 2021 Alaskan sailing, and all the hours on hold spent doing so during trying times, I was very glad to have a TA for this past cruise.  She gave me a really good group rate, a little OBC and also was able to get me an extra 250.00 in OBC because of a price reduction.   I met her several years ago in a RC cruise group and come to find out we are from the same town in Central FL and went to the same HS.   I gained a friend and a really good TA in all of this, if nothing else.    I DO see where a non responsive one could be a hassle to deal with.  Best of luck in getting back the reservation! 

Im currently on hold with RC and have been for over 30 minutes. 

You can send your request to this RCCL email address with your reason and they will take care of it.

I moved from a Big Box back to Royal two weeks ago as the Big Box phone lines were having 2 hour wait times and multiple time I received a recording that they could not take my call right now.

[email protected]

6 hours ago, Iamcruzin said: That Unicorn TA who follows up on price drops and automatically applies them is either a relative, the TA themselves who booked or someone who does this for a hobby just to get cruise discounts and doesn't have a big clientele.  Why on earth would a professional  TA who is making a living from booking cruises want to go out of their way to reduce their commission and how would they even have the time to monitor every booking for every client?  The only reasons to use a TA is if you are a new cruiser and need advice and actual service and not just a discount or OBC. I have booked 98% of my cruises directly with the cruise lines and have been able to get every price drop when I find them.  The only time I have had issues with a cruise booking is when I booked with a TA for some OBC.  Unless the OBC is substantial it's just not worth the aggravation. I don't book long itineraries or expensive suites so there really isn't much a TA can do in terms of a price reduction or OBC for me. As far as a TA going to bat for you if something goes wrong, Nobody advocates better for me than me.

In general, I agree with this. I have yet to find a TA who actively monitors all lines for all their bookings for price drops. They truly are unicorns. But on a side note, I do see benefits of a professional TA who is good with communication and can do your grunt work for you, while you do your own monitoring. I personally do not like to sit on the phone on hold waiting for a reprice. When I find the price drops, I simply send an email to my TA, they say, "On it" and I wait for my follow up "mission accomplished" email. Also, as stated before, you usually can get better rates, through your TA, and OBC + Gratuities taken cared of, if you are booking a higher cost cabin. For example, I just went to my TA's website, for the same sailing for the same category, The Royal Caribbean website has a Central Park Balcony for 2 passengers priced at $1110.26, while my TA's site will book the same exact cabin for the same sailing for $973.26 with 30.00 OBC. That's more than 12% off the price, plus some nominal OBC. That 170.00 savings can be moved to some packages, etc to make your trip nicer.  So there are benefits with a TA. You just have to find one who is responsive, helpful and willing to make the calls to the cruise line for you. But you can not expect them to be that unicorn who will continually monitor pricing for you.

16 hours ago, Iamcruzin said: The only reasons to use a TA is if you are a new cruiser and need advice and actual service and not just a discount or OBC. I have booked 98% of my cruises directly with the cruise lines and have been able to get every price drop when I find them.  The only time I have had issues with a cruise booking is when I booked with a TA for some OBC.  Unless the OBC is substantial it's just not worth the aggravation. I don't book long itineraries or expensive suites so there really isn't much a TA can do in terms of a price reduction or OBC for me. As far as a TA going to bat for you if something goes wrong, Nobody advocates better for me than me.

I disagree with your premise.  I'm definitely not a noob -- my first cruise was in 1982!   My TA is a person (not just a website or big box 1-800 number) who is affiliated with a larger travel agency.  Because of this affiliation, my TA has access to the larger agency's Group Rates.  When I find a cruise I'm interested in, I email my TA, and probably 80% of the time they are able to save me a little money by booking me into their Group Rate for that cruise.  Occasionally the Group Rate also comes with some OBC, but not always.   I receive the benefit of the TA doing all the typing and/or phone calls to get the room booked, plus I get the benefit of the Group Rate discount (even if it's only $25, that's $25 that I wouldn't have gotten if I'd booked it myself). 

I *also* get the benefit of an automatic Fully-Refundable-Until-Final-Payment for the cruises that have a Group Rate... without having to pay the higher refundable rate that Royal would charge.  (I'm not likely to cancel a cruise, but it's nice to always have the option, because doo-doo happens in life.)  

There are pros and cons of using a TA.  In my case, saving money and not having to sit on hold dealing with Lift & Shift and FCC issues are the pros.  I haven't found a con with my TA.  

19 hours ago, Iamcruzin said: That Unicorn TA who follows up on price drops and automatically applies them is either a relative, the TA themselves who booked or someone who does this for a hobby just to get cruise discounts and doesn't have a big clientele.  Why on earth would a professional  TA who is making a living from booking cruises want to go out of their way to reduce their commission and how would they even have the time to monitor every booking for every client?  The only reasons to use a TA is if you are a new cruiser and need advice and actual service and not just a discount or OBC. I have booked 98% of my cruises directly with the cruise lines and have been able to get every price drop when I find them.  The only time I have had issues with a cruise booking is when I booked with a TA for some OBC.  Unless the OBC is substantial it's just not worth the aggravation. I don't book long itineraries or expensive suites so there really isn't much a TA can do in terms of a price reduction or OBC for me. As far as a TA going to bat for you if something goes wrong, Nobody advocates better for me than me.

6 hours ago, brillohead said:   I disagree with your premise.  I'm definitely not a noob -- my first cruise was in 1982!   My TA is a person (not just a website or big box 1-800 number) who is affiliated with a larger travel agency.  Because of this affiliation, my TA has access to the larger agency's Group Rates.  When I find a cruise I'm interested in, I email my TA, and probably 80% of the time they are able to save me a little money by booking me into their Group Rate for that cruise.  Occasionally the Group Rate also comes with some OBC, but not always.   I receive the benefit of the TA doing all the typing and/or phone calls to get the room booked, plus I get the benefit of the Group Rate discount (even if it's only $25, that's $25 that I wouldn't have gotten if I'd booked it myself).    I *also* get the benefit of an automatic Fully-Refundable-Until-Final-Payment for the cruises that have a Group Rate... without having to pay the higher refundable rate that Royal would charge.  (I'm not likely to cancel a cruise, but it's nice to always have the option, because doo-doo happens in life.)   There are pros and cons of using a TA.  In my case, saving money and not having to sit on hold dealing with Lift & Shift and FCC issues are the pros.  I haven't found a con with my TA.  

I have been cruising since 1986 and I have never found a TA who has a group rate. Long before I knew about CC I booked a group with a TA and only got bottles of wine in each room but no group rate. I have tried Big Box and Mom and Pop agents.  I have also waited on hold longer for the big box TAs than for any of the three cruise lines that I travel with.   I agree that during the past two years it would have been better to book with a knowledgeable TA. Keeping up with the changing FCC and refund rules was a full time job. 

9 minutes ago, Iamcruzin said: I have been cruising since 1986 and I have never found a TA who has a group rate.

You are not looking hard enough.

Ourusualbeach

8 minutes ago, Iamcruzin said: I have been cruising since 1986 and I have never found a TA who has a group rate. Long before I knew about CC I booked a group with a TA and only got bottles of wine in each room but no group rate. I have tried Big Box and Mom and Pop agents.  I have also waited on hold longer for the big box TAs than for any of the three cruise lines that I travel with.   I agree that during the past two years it would have been better to book with a knowledgeable TA. Keeping up with the changing FCC and refund rules was a full time job. 

If you are booking JS or above you won't find a TA with group rates.  Balconies and below are available in group space for pretty much every sailing.  The larger the TA the more group space they are likely to hold.  While most times it may save up to a couple hundred per person plus give you the advantage of a refundable deposits there are unicorns out there.  Saved a client nearly $1500pp on a repositioning cruise a couple weeks ago.

4 minutes ago, Ourusualbeach said: If you are booking JS or above you won't find a TA with group rates.  Balconies and below are available in group space for pretty much every sailing.  The larger the TA the more group space they are likely to hold.  While most times it may save up to a couple hundred per person plus give you the advantage of a refundable deposits there are unicorns out there.  Saved a client nearly $1500pp on a repositioning cruise a couple weeks ago.

What happens if you are in a group booking and there is a price drop. I honestly don't expect a TA to follow price drops especially a big box TA. I am fine with doing that myself. The other thing I hated about big box TA's is that I can never speak to the person who actually booked the cruise and the communication even through email is from another person. 

On 10/1/2021 at 12:37 AM, Grandma Petania said: Is it possible to regain control over a booking made with a travel agent?     I have used the same TA for several years, but I have done all the research about price drops, lift & shift, etc. etc. etc., and they have     contacted RCCL only after I sent them the information.     I often know more about Royal's changing "rules" than the TA does.     Sometimes I have even needed to send a screen grab of what I found on the RCCL website in order to get them to manage what I have requested.   This TA is currently holding the bookings for two cabins later this year, (one of which is for another family), and I am inclined to leave those alone, even though it has been frustrating (to say the least).     However, I would really like to gain control over a booking for next year that was made with this agent.     I feel that I can stay on top of any future changes better by dealing with Royal directly.   I already discovered that Royal will not discuss my bookings with me as they currently stand.     Is there a way that I can remove this agent from a reservation they are currently holding?     I won't go into all the reasons I have been dissatisfied over the years, but I've really reached the breaking point.     Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

@Grandma Petania

Are you out there?

12 minutes ago, Biker19 said: You are not looking hard enough.

Maybe my approach is wrong. I call I tell them what the cruise line is offering and ask if they have a better rate. They usually offer $50 OBC or specialty restaurant.  I have used the bidding site and there is a site that offers paid gratuity from time to time but now on Princess and Celebrity I just book the all included fare. I wonder if there are group rates for those lines that offer all included. The best deal I ever received was $200 OBC (not store gift card) from a warehouse big box TA. That was a special offer during wave season and I never saw that again.

Just now, Iamcruzin said: I call I tell them what the cruise line is offering and ask if they have a better rate.

You need to simply ask if they have group rates for that sailing. As mentioned above, it's not just the potentially better rate but the deposit is refundable - this may be quite valuable, especially in the COVID and 30 day final payment era.

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