Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a Guarantee Room and an Available Room?

Guarantee Room (GTY)

You book a room type (Interior, Ocean View, Balcony, or Suite) rather than a specific cabin.
The cruise line guarantees you will receive at least that category—or possibly a complimentary upgrade to a higher one.
Your exact stateroom number and location are assigned by the cruise line, often closer to sailing.
This option is usually more affordable, but you give up control of where your room is located on the ship.

Available Room (Assigned Room)

You select the exact cabin number and location at the time of booking (for example, Deck 8 Midship Balcony).
You know where your room will be well before your sailing date.
This option offers more control and peace of mind, but may cost slightly more than a Guarantee Room.

In short:

Guarantee Room = lower price + possible upgrade, but no control over location.
Available Room = more control over exact placement, but usually higher cost.

What documents are required for a closed-loop cruise?

A closed-loop cruise is one that begins and ends at the same U.S. port (for example, Miami → Caribbean → Miami).

For U.S. citizens, you have two main options:

Preferred: A valid U.S. passport book or card – strongly recommended, since it makes travel smoother and helps if you need to fly home unexpectedly from a foreign port.
Alternative (allowed): A government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license) plus a certified copy of your birth certificate (original, photocopy is not accepted).

Important notes:

Children under 16 may travel with just an original or certified copy of their birth certificate.
Naturalized citizens should carry their original Certificate of Naturalization if not using a passport.
Non-U.S. citizens must have a valid passport from their country of citizenship, and in many cases, a visa.

Tip: Even though a passport isn’t required for U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises, most travel experts (and cruise lines) recommend having one in case of emergencies.

I’m worried about getting seasick. What can I do?

You’re not alone—this is a common concern, especially for first-time cruisers. The good news is that modern cruise ships are built with stabilizers that greatly reduce motion, and most guests never feel more than a gentle sway.

Here are some tips to help prevent or ease seasickness:

Choose your cabin wisely: Midship and lower decks feel the least motion.
Step outside: Fresh air and looking at the horizon can help your body adjust.
Over-the-counter remedies: Many guests bring Dramamine, Bonine, or similar motion-sickness tablets.
Non-medical options: Motion sickness wristbands or ginger supplements can be effective for some people.
Ship’s medical team: If needed, the medical center can provide stronger remedies.

Reassurance: Seasickness is usually mild and temporary if it happens at all, and many guests forget they were ever worried once the ship sets sail.

What’s the difference between a Balcony, Ocean View, and Interior stateroom?

Interior Stateroom

Located inside the ship with no window or balcony.
Most budget-friendly option.
Great for travelers who spend most of their time enjoying the ship and ports.

Ocean View Stateroom

Comes with a window or porthole that lets in natural light and ocean views.
The window does not open.
A nice middle option for guests who want daylight and a view without paying for a balcony.

Balcony Stateroom (Ocean-facing)

Includes a private veranda with fresh air and your own outdoor seating.
Perfect for sunrises, sail-away views, or relaxing with privacy.
Costs more than interior and ocean view, but offers the most open and spacious feel.

On Oasis-class ships, Royal Caribbean offers two unique balcony options you won’t find on most cruise lines:

Boardwalk Balcony Stateroom

Overlooks the Boardwalk neighborhood with its carousel, AquaTheater, and lively entertainment.
Ideal for families or guests who love being in the middle of the action.
Some Boardwalk balconies even offer a peek of the ocean in the distance.

Central Park Balcony Stateroom

Faces the open-air Central Park neighborhood, filled with lush greenery, walking paths, and specialty dining.
Feels like a peaceful garden retreat rather than a traditional ocean view.
Perfect for guests who prefer a calm, scenic atmosphere.

In short:

Interior = budget-friendly & cozy
Ocean View = natural light & sea views
Balcony = private outdoor ocean views
Boardwalk Balcony = lively neighborhood vibe
Central Park Balcony = tranquil garden setting

If you have other questions, please check out the FAQ pages of the cruise lines below: