15 Insider Tricks Royal Caribbean Won’t Tell You (But Every Cruiser Should Know)

If you’ve booked a Royal Caribbean cruise, or are even just dreaming about it, you’ll want to keep these insider tips in your back pocket. While the cruise line does a great job of sharing the basics, some of the best perks and clever hacks aren’t exactly shouted from the rooftops.

These are the kinds of secrets you usually only find out after your third or fourth cruise… or if you happen to know a very chatty cruise nerd (hi 👋). Whether it’s getting extra loyalty points or finding the quietest spot on the ship, here’s what savvy cruisers do differently, so you can too.

Royal promenade of the royal caribbean cruise line — Royal Promenade

1. Book a Solo Cruise, Earn Double Points

Travelling solo? Royal Caribbean’s loyalty programme, Crown & Anchor, actually rewards you with double points when you cruise alone in a stateroom. That means instead of earning one point per night, you’ll get two, and if you book a suite, it jumps to three points per night.

Some cruisers even book two cabins, one for themselves, one empty, just to maximise points. It’s a sneaky way to climb the loyalty ladder faster and unlock perks like free internet and priority boarding sooner than you’d expect.

2. Want a Private Table in the Dining Room? Just Ask

The grand Main Dining Room on Spectrum of the Seas cruise ship, displaying a sophisticated decor with circular tiered seating, white linen-covered tables, and a striking copper-toned sculpture under a soft blue light. — Main Dining Room on Spectrum of the Seas

Royal Caribbean’s Main Dining Room often follows the traditional cruise setup, meaning you could be seated with strangers. While that can be fun for the extroverts among us, not everyone wants to make small talk over soup.

If you’d prefer a table just for your party, email rcldining@rccl.com around 2–3 weeks before your cruise and politely request a private table. It’s not guaranteed, but they’ll do their best, and it beats awkward introductions over escargot.

3. Find the Secret Sailaway Spot: The Helipad

A guest enjoys a glass of sparkling wine on the helipad of Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas, with the ship's white exterior and open deck providing a bright, sunny backdrop. The casual elegance of the moment is captured with the guest's relaxed attire and cheerful demeanor. — Me on the helipad

On Radiance, Voyager, and Freedom Class ships, there’s a secret spot for sailaway that most cruisers miss—the helipad right at the front of the ship. It’s open to guests, but you won’t find it shouted about in your cruise planner.

To get there, head out to the promenade deck, walk forward, and look for a set of stairs leading up to the bow. The views are completely unobstructed, making it the perfect place to feel like you’re starring in your own cruise commercial.

4. Connecting Balconies Can Be Opened Up

Booked two balcony cabins next to each other? You might be able to turn them into one mega-balcony. Most Royal Caribbean ships have removable balcony dividers, and all it takes is a quick word with your stateroom attendant.

They’ll unlock the partition between the balconies so you can enjoy a shared outdoor space—perfect for families, friends, or anyone who just wants a bit more room to stretch out with a sea view.

5. Don’t Forget Socks and Trousers for Ice Skating

Two kids wearing helmets ice skate hand-in-hand on an indoor rink aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, laughing and having fun under vibrant neon lighting. A man skates nearby, with empty stadium seating in the background, capturing a playful moment at sea.

Yes, you can go ice skating at sea—but only if you come prepared. On ships with an ice rink (like the Oasis or Voyager Class), Royal Caribbean offers free skating sessions, but there’s a catch: you must wear long trousers and socks.

It’s easy to forget this when you’re packing for the Caribbean, but without them, you won’t be allowed on the ice. Pack a pair just in case—you’ll thank yourself when you’re gliding across the rink in the middle of the ocean.

6. Use Your TV as a Sunrise Alarm

If you’ve booked an inside cabin, you’ll quickly realise it’s pitch black at all hours—great for sleeping, not so great for knowing what time it is. One simple trick? Use the TV as a nightlight.

Tune it to the bridge cam channel, mute the sound, and let the rising sun on screen gently wake you up. It’s a low-effort way to fake a window and avoid that groggy “what time is it?” panic at 10am.

7. You Can Order as Much Food as You Want

A young child with wide eyes excitedly peers over the counter at a colorful plate of food on a Royal Caribbean cruise, featuring shredded cheese, cucumbers, lettuce, and tomatoes. The buffet setting and joyful expression capture the fun of family-friendly dining at sea.

At Royal Caribbean’s Main Dining Room, the menu might look like a one-of-each situation—but it’s not. You’re actually welcome to order multiple starters, mains, and desserts, all at no extra charge.

Want both the steak and the pasta? Go for it. Torn between two desserts? Get them both. Portions tend to be smaller than land-based restaurants anyway, so doubling up isn’t over-the-top—it’s just smart cruising.

8. Free Room Service? Yep, But Only for Breakfast

Room service on Royal Caribbean usually comes with a fee, unless you’re ordering a continental breakfast. This often-overlooked option includes pastries, fruit, juice, and coffee, and it’s completely free if you stick to the basic selection.

It’s perfect for slow mornings on the balcony or fuelling up before an early shore excursion. Just hang the order card on your door the night before and wake up to breakfast at your doorstep.

9. Ask for the ‘Secret Sandwich’ at CocoCay

Over at the Snack Shack on Perfect Day at CocoCay, there’s a delicious off-menu item that only seasoned cruisers know to ask for: the secret sandwich.

It’s a crispy chicken sandwich levelled up with mozzarella sticks and marinara sauce—basically, a chicken parm in a bun. It’s not advertised, so just walk up and ask for it by name. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you.

10. Windjammer’s Cooking Stations Are Always Worth a Stop

The Windjammer buffet on a Royal Caribbean cruise, featuring an array of freshly baked bread and pastries at the forefront, with a variety of buffet stations in the background. The area is warmly lit with comfortable seating available, and a "Good Morning!" sign adding a welcoming touch to the dining ambiance. — The Windjammer buffet on Anthem of the Seas

The Windjammer buffet gets a lot of attention for variety, but what many guests miss are the live cooking stations. These are where the magic happens—omelettes made to order at breakfast, or fresh stir-fry, pasta, or noodle dishes at lunch and dinner.

It’s a small queue for a big upgrade. You get food cooked on the spot, exactly how you like it, instead of settling for whatever’s been under the heat lamp the longest.

11. Johnny Rockets Serves a Free Breakfast

A classic Johnny Rockets meal—complete with a cheeseburger, fries, and a milkshake—sits on a wooden table beside a Royal Caribbean pool deck. The sunny cruise atmosphere features lounge chairs, colorful umbrellas, and modern ship architecture in the background.

On Oasis Class ships, Johnny Rockets transforms from a paid diner into a free breakfast spot each morning—no cover charge required.

You’ll find everything from pancakes and omelettes to breakfast sandwiches and French toast, all included in your cruise fare. It’s usually quieter than the buffet, and coffee, juice, and even hot chocolate are part of the deal.

12. Skip Bottled Water—The Tap Water Is Safe (and Super Clean)

There’s no need to splurge on bottled water onboard—Royal Caribbean’s tap water is safe, clean, and heavily filtered. In fact, it often goes through more rigorous testing than what comes out of your tap at home.

If the temperature’s a bit lukewarm for your liking, just ask your stateroom attendant for a bucket of ice to keep in your room. Pair it with a reusable water bottle and you’ll stay hydrated without spending a penny.

A close-up of a hand holding a clear glass of water, with the focus on the fingers gripping the glass, set against a softly blurred background, highlighting the refreshing simplicity of staying hydrated.

13. Embarkation Day = Zero Lines at the Water Slides

Most guests board the ship and head straight to the buffet or explore their staterooms—but if you’re after thrills, hit the water slides right away.

The pools and slides are open on embarkation day, and the lines are practically non-existent. Wear your swimsuit onboard or pack it in your hand luggage so you can change in a pool deck restroom and head straight for splashy fun before the crowds catch on.

14. Want to Go Faster on the Water Slides? Wear Less, Arch More

A person speeds through a transparent tube section of a colorful waterslide on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, with dramatic clouds and blue sky glowing in the background. The twisting yellow and blue slide structure stands tall, creating an adventurous vibe against the scenic ocean sky.

Royal Caribbean’s water slides are fun as-is, but there’s a trick to making them even better: go faster. Cross your arms and legs, arch your back slightly, and let gravity do its thing.

Wearing minimal swimwear helps too—rash vests and baggy clothing create drag and slow you down. The more streamlined you are, the more you’ll fly through those twists and turns.

15. Use the Slot Machines to Get Cash – Without the ATM Fee

Royal Caribbean charges a fee if you withdraw cash at the casino cashier… but here’s a little-known workaround: use a slot machine instead.

Insert your cruise card, use the “cash advance” option, and pull the funds as if you were placing a bet. Then cash out the voucher and take it to the cashier—no fee applied. It’s the sneakiest way to get your hands on cash without giving the cruise line a cut.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about discovering those little cruise secrets that make the whole experience smoother, smarter, and a bit more fun. Whether it’s earning extra points, skipping queues, or ordering off-menu, these Royal Caribbean tips can seriously level up your next sailing.

Got a tip of your own? Share it with us in the comments—or let us know which one you’re most excited to try. And if you found this helpful, don’t forget to follow Mad About Cruises for more insider tricks and cruise inspiration.