Matt brought his best “get off my lawn” energy for this one haha

“Old man yells at promenade, this and more on todays cruise morning show which is being cohosted by our magician!”

This is why I appreciate RCB. Matt is not afraid to talk about what he doesn't like!

Hi Matt, I completely agree with your list! There is, ofcourse, one exception. When my daughter was 10, I bought us matching "Gold by the inch" anklets. She is now 31 and married. We sailed together for Christmas last year. I suggested we do the anklet thing again, as she was so excited! It was a sweet Mommy/grown daughter moment. Sometimes, those shopping experiences are just part of the memories.

I like the t-shirt sales. I buy them to restock my closet or souvenirs for the kids.

Did you steal this list from me?! 😂 I agree with all these

Every magician juggler ive seen on board has been great😂😂

The 70's dance party is my favorite event on any RC cruise! Since I'm a music junkie, it's my main and only source of hearing the actual classic dance songs back to back - not a cruise singer. or band - during the entire cruise. Plus the vibe and energy is off the chart...IMHO.

I totally agree about the art auction. I was shocked at how much space is wasted on the art on my last cruise. You have to keep walking past the art as well. Drove me crazy.

I didn’t even know there was a “morning show”!😁😆

This is 💯🎯 ... I don't do any of these anymore. I do miss the delivered Cruise Compass. Even when you ask for a paper one from your cabin attendant, they encourage you to pick one up at guest services. Sure, you have the app, but when my wife and I cruise, we like to plan our day and seeing the whole days events on one page is easier to mark what you'd like to do!

The port "lectures". New cruisers, do NOT bother with these. They're basically a hard sales pitch for affiliated stores near piers like Diamonds International.

As a Diamond member of Royal, I was not aware that there WAS a balloon drop. Probably because I'm always in bed at midnight. Agree on most of your other points. As for shows, the worst was the "psychic magicians" that I have now seen TWICE.

You know Matt, this list tells me that you and I would get along real good on a cruise. 😂😂😂

We went on a weekend cruise (I won it). There was hardly anyone at the art auction. My husband furnished his new house with the art auction. The art shipped to him was framed as it was at the auction. It was shipped and arrived quickly. Because he bought so much art, they threw in two additional pieces for free.

Here'e one you did not mention: About 15 minutes before the show in the mani show room people file in and then they seat hop. That means they sit down, then for some reason they think they will get a better view or hear better if they move back or forward a row or two. So they scramble to the new location. Or, they move to different seats in the same row, maybe 4 or 5 seats from where they were. Many times they are trying to get in the exact center of the theater. They may do this 3 or 4 times before they settle on seats to stay in. I have been on MANY RC cruises and never seen or even heard of a balloon drop; maybe because I go to bed early.

My 15 year old daughter and I took a cruise on Explorer in March. Everything you said was cool to us and we enjoyed it......once! Omce was plenty. We will probably not do any of those things again.

This isn't necessarily exclusive to cruising but the thing I hate on a cruise that everyone else seems to love is the casino. Personally I just don't see the appeal of gambling but I've seen mad rushes to the casino as soon as they open on that first day & I just don't get it because it's more productive to just set your money on fire. On the rare occasion that I do gamble it's on a couple of bowl games & maybe the Super Bowl but even then it's only a couple of dollars & the odds are 50/50 which is a damn site better than a casino slot or card table.

We are not so lucky to cruise often so we appreciated the morning talks, kids loved the magician and we had a blast at the 90s party on Harmony. One thing I will not stand in line for are those charm bracelet things to collect!

Would like to see a video of suggestions RC should do to improve a cruise. While I understand these things you hate, many families don't cruise often so I don't mind the balloon drop and parties since many people don't experience those events often.

This is your best video! 🤣 All of those things sound nightmarish to me too. Appreciate the Public Service Announcement!

I agree with everything except for the dance parties…they’re HILARIOUS!

I thought I was the only one!!! Thank you

I agree but i think doing everything at least once will help you decide what not to do on future cruises

We love the Promenade parties. We're in our mid-60s and we're down there with our kids, enjoying the music, dancing away. I would love to see a balloon drop - haven't seen one yet. We go to every show, including The Quest. We also love the Silent Disco. It sounds to me like some people just don't like having fun!!

Thanks Matt, I wholeheartedly agree on all points.

Love the dance party. I've been to a few art auctions. I know exactly what I am buying and how it is shipped, and I only buy it because I genuinely like it- not as an investment.

Oh my gosh we listen to the music on the weather channel!!😂

Thank you for the info. Will be a first-time cruiser this February. You've added some valuable insight to my choice of activities. Appreciate your takes.

They do need to find something other than jugglers/ventriloquists... I've always enjoyed the singers, they are usually pretty entertaining. I understand that the dance party in the promenade interferes, but... it also creates a really fun vibe on the ship... even if I'm not actively participating in the dance party, to have it all around you, to feel the energy of so many people having fun, is fantastic! You need those types of events to create a fun lively environment. Otherwise just go to a regular hotel.

I agree with everything except the magician and juggling. Those acts I’ve always loved.

Matt, you must have seen my list of things I don't do or like to do on a cruise. A good book, a cocktail and watching the waves beats a juggler any day. Bill

I love the morning show! Kinda gets me pumped up for the day lol.

Last year on the 2nd sailing of the Wonder, (March 4th) they brought in a Ukrainian juggler. It was 2 weeks after the invasion. He brought the house down. I was very impressed with the response from the passengers.

Matt... "Things I won't be doing again..ever" LOL

Nope, nope, nope and to each their own. I love the Promenade events! Bringing 70’s clothes & watching/participating in Royal’s YMCA dance is always entertaining IMO. I can hit Cafè Promenade at another time. I’ve been on quite a few cruises, but always try to see things from another’s viewpoint. Especially newbies. For them, everything is fresh. I think sometimes we become jaded and take things for granted… not good traits. But , like I sad, to each their own. There’s a little something for everyone on a cruise and you certainly are entitled to your opinions. I’m just happy, grateful, thankful and blessed to be sailing at all… even with the stuff I don’t necessarily enjoy and participate in.

Loved the video! This explains why I love Holland America so much.

THANK YOU Matt!

Agree 100% with you (which is very common) Every one of these things is something I will NEVER do again. And Agree the Dance Parties in the Promenade are BEYOND annoying.

I love the silent disco because it means I can choose to take my headphones off and talk at a normal volume as needed. But I like it when it's in a particular location like the space that's normally the comedy club. I don't like the big parties clogging up the promenade. And if there's a big party in the promenade, we try to go somewhere we can people watch, but not be IN it. Like the Schooner bar or something.

I didn't even know most of these things existed. I have shopped, but didn't plan it, just stopped at the tables while walking through. There was a juggler/comedian on one of our cruises and he was awesome and so funny.

This was funny and helpful. Thanks, Matt! Just watching those balloons was stressful, and I always walk past the art display. On my last RC cruise, one night, the 30-40 minute ice show in the smallest venue was the only real entertainment that evening. It was so frustrating. I'll be on Liberty on the 16th. Your videos help me before every cruise.

OMG Matt tell them what you really feel😂🤣 love it and agree with you on most of them.

Right there with you on finding the Promenade parties annoying - because inevitably whenever I need a refill from the Freestyle machines, there's a party going on. Every. Single. Time.

Carnival and Princess have their own morning shows. I like Carnival's because they're lively, often performed live in the main theater, and sometimes they give away prizes for trivia answers. The Princess ones aren't bad, but some overstay their welcome.

First cruise super bowl weekend aboard navigator of the seas from LA to Ensenada. We’re stoked 💯

Agree with you 100% on these. I was in a Promenade view cabin on Indy, and on 70's night the music was blasting till after 11pm. And we had an early shore excursion the next morning. Was not thrilled.

I agree with you on each one of these events.

OMG! I sooooooo enjoy your channel but ALL THE THINGS YOU HATE listed in this VIDEO I LOVE 😍 How can we be sooooooo different, but yet I very much enjoy your vids!!!! Especially the DANCE PARTIES, BALLOON RELEASES, and (gulp) Art Auctions 🥳

I love the sales on the promenade. It is like a treasure hunt 😊

The Elemis Sales Room (sometimes, I believe, known as "the spa") is something I CERTAINLY will never do again!

I didn't know about the balloon drop. But I totally agree with everything else. Lol

After a long work week, this video and Matt’s “get off my lawn” take was just the thing I needed to decompress lol

funny thing about the art auction we were on anthem and when the automatic doors opened on deck 5 a big piece of art smashed into the ground due to the wind

Definitely agree with your Number 2!!

The balloon drop is dope🎉!

Tropicaltom here, 52 years with Royal and I absolutely positively agree with everything you just said

I love the art auction! Super fun Also...park west includes the frame...😅

I'm with ya Matt! 👍

i agreed with you on everything except the last one. I do sometimes enjoy the jugglers

Love your videos!!! Always fun to listen to, informative and to the point! So my takeaway - NEVER get a room facing the promenade!!! And have to side with you on the art auctions!!! My first cruise that I saw that on, am thinking "what gives here????". The balloon thing is up there with the champagne tower; did that once, and haven't seen it again since. And true - the "sidewalk" sales - yup, same prices, no big discounts. The dance parties though are a hoot to watch, especially the silent ones (dance of the zombies I called them).

OMG Matt!!! I absolutely LOVE the Silent Party it’s my Fav but the first night they do it in the attic is the Best! I like the balloon drop it kicks off the vacation celebration. Lol Well I know where I won’t find you

I agree with most of the list. And I may agree with the magician comment as well. However, I saw Drew Thomas on Freedom OTS back in 2013 and was blown away.

Agree ~ We have sailed on RC 20+ times. The 70's &/or 80's nights are old! New ideas & activities should be explored for the repeat, dedicated cruisers!!!!

Great video ❤❤❤❤

I agree with all 5 things you mentioned. I'm surprised that the Casino didn't make it on your list (I do love roulette, myself).

hate dancing, hate clubs but for some reason I love the 70s dance parties. I already have the track memorized, they havent changed it in the 15 years I have been cruising. I guess I just like the songs.

I think I like the art auction for one purpose: to see the art. To appreciate the art. To enjoy it. Not going to spend a cent, but I'll enjoy looking at it.

Hey Matt, get out of my head. I 100% agree with you, I thought I was the only one that doesn't care for all those things. I showed my wife your blog to finally prove I am not the only one. Great article and thanks for making my day.

I agree pretty much with everything on the list. Although last year I did go see a magician on Harmony solely for the reason he was on Saved by the Bell and that is my all time favorite show.

Hahaha loved this! What was in your coffee today? You are the best!!!❤

Art auctions sound like events I would avoid, never mind the free champagne. I've heard similar comments about the real value of the art available but never that frames are not included and that delivery can take a considerable number of weeks. Thank you for the information, Matt, as the saying goes "forewarned is forearmed".

HI MATT......I AGREE WITH YOU!!!😊

I agree to them all as well. Maybe because we cruise so much we are tired of those things but I think my main reason is I don't like being around a packed to the gills crowd

Except for art auctions Ill try it all. Maybe not every time but sure will hit the party

I like the morning show depending on the cruise director.

i love those things

Balloons drop and 80s parties are great Matt the rest I agree, Matt don't get too grumpy 😂😂😂😂😂

LOL, fabulous video! I dislike balloons...so there's that! Partying on the promenade is not a great idea - I try to remember not to go there on those nights and forget every time and then get stuck in the crowd. I'm with you on magicians/jugglers (along with clowns!!!!).

We try to do pools and hot tubs early, once the masses get going it’s over. Towels everywhere on all the chairs and too crowded. We then seek out other things to do.

We don't go to the dance parties, but not for the reason that we don't like to dance but because on one of our cruises there was a dance party. We were sitting a few decks above the party just watching. People were crowded into the Royal Promenade and all of the sudden the fire alarm sounded. Everything just froze. Could you imagine had that been an actual fire and everyone started to panic? It isn't safe to have that many people crowded into that small space. From a health and safety standpoint we won't go. Thankfully, it was a faulty sensor and the captain came on to tell everyone that it was ok.

You mentioned a drink that might be featured during the morning show, what ever happened to the Drink of the Day?! I miss that!

I have to say the one thing I don't agree with you on is the 70s/80s dance party. We sailed on Liberty this past August. My husband, m-i-l, and myself sat at Vintages prior to the dance party. It was enjoyable hearing some nostalgic music and watching my m-i-l groovin on her scooter was awesome.

Art auctions=free champagne.

I’m with you on the balloon thing.

Chucked throughout this video as I nodded in agreement 100%.

Interesting video, Matt. As someone looking at RCCL for my next cruise and only sailed with one other line known for "fun," I'm with you on these cruise dislikes. And like you, I'm glad they are an option for people who enjoy those things, but they just aren't my bag. One exception for me was during a transatlantic cruise, where we had a ventriloquist on board. Some people cringe at the thought, but I'm open to giving just about any performer a chance. And while he wasn't on Jeff Dunham's or Terry Fator's level (who is?), he was pretty good and I enjoyed his personality and he strongly resembled the actor Bryan Cranston, randomly. The next day, I ran into him on the Lido Deck and we got to chatting. Turns out he lived in Hot Springs Village, AR (I live 3 hours north), where he and his wife owned some vacation rentals. She ran that while he toured. Can't remember his name because it's been 15 years, but super nice guy.

If I ever sail on the Oasis again I’ll never go see the musical CATS!!

I been to my first balloon drop in March. And I agree with you. I don't like it. It's cool at first. Until you realize all the mess and waste those balloons cause after it's over. Plus being out at sea. You know some idiot is going to throw them off the ship.

I agree completely

The explorer of the seas blasted YMCA from time i got on to the ship . I was so sick if the song. They need more updated music

Depends if the ship is the destination or the ports of call.

I was invited to go on a Royal Caribbean cruise with a few of my siblings and their spouses. I was reluctant to accept as I'm a Holland America guy. This video helped me make of my mind not to go. Thanks for saving me from a big headache!

Great video matt! I can see so much of myself in you haha, im glad we share the same dislikes and opinions 😂 We go to the art auction to pass the time and for the champagne 😂

The beauty is there are always other things to do, and we tend to do them. Somehow, I have never been a part of any of them, I've walked through them, but that is about all. I have bought some shawls for myself or as gifts, but most things are terribly overpriced. I do have a lovely print that I was given before an auction that I actually brought home and framed, but that was just one cruise and there hasn't been any I have like since.

😮😮😮we went to "the quest" once....will NEVER do it again. But EVERYONE else seems to love it and always tell newbs they HAVE to do it.

The only time i stopped and watched a game on a cruise was at thanksgiving football and playoffs,

I agree with you, I will not bother to go or do anything you said in a cruise

I would have LOVED to do the Balloon drop with my kids on the Wonder, but we had Coco Kay the next day. I WAY preferred waking up early for CoCo Kay! Maybe next cruise….

I don’t disagree with some of your things you bring up. I just think your an exception to all this as you by the nature of the work you do , have this available to you and than almost anyone else ever.