Karoline, Unfiltered

Wonder of the Seas edition 🚢✨

I just got back from a Royal Caribbean cruise on Wonder of the Seas, and let me tell you — it was amazing, relaxing, and also a crash course in “things I wish someone had told me beforehand.”

If you’re cruising anytime soon (especially to the Bahamas), here are the biggest lessons I learned so you can skip the stress and get straight to the fun.

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1. Be VERY prepared before boarding the ship

You don’t need a passport to cruise to the Bahamas — yay! However, this is where things get tricky. If you have a passport – BRING IT!

A “STARRED” ID alone is not enough to board the ship. You also need an additional form of identification, like a birth certificate. The good news? They do accept images of your birth certificate. Screenshot it. Save it. Back it up. Trust me.

Boarding goes way smoother when you have everything ready and easy to access.

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2. Always get the drink package (and plan your room strategy)

This one’s important:

If one person in your cabin wants the drink package, everyone in that cabin must purchase it. No exceptions.

Also — buy it before you get on the ship. It’s cheaper ahead of time and saves you money instantly. Even if you’re not a huge drinker, it’s usually worth it just for convenience and peace of mind.

Lesson learned: plan this with your cabin mates before booking.

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3. Book a later flight home — always

Even if your ship docks at 6am, that does not mean you’ll be off the ship right away. Disembarkation times can change, and customs takes time.

Give yourself a cushion. A big one. Rushing through customs while dragging luggage is not the vacation ending anyone wants.

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4. ResortPass is a hidden gem

I had extra time in Miami before my flight and used ResortPass — and wow, game changer.

For about $40, I got access to a hotel near the airport with:

• Pool

• Towels

• Internet

• Bathrooms

• A comfy place to exist like a human

If you have a long gap between cruise and flight, this is 100% worth it.

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5. Guard your SEA Pass card with your life

Your SEA Pass card is basically:

• Your room key

• Your payment method

• Your ID

• Your ticket on and off the ship

You will need it for everything. Including getting off the ship. Do not lose it. Do not leave it behind. This card runs your entire cruise life.

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6. Bring BOTH your passport and birth certificate if you have them

When disembarking, there are separate lines:

• Passport holders

• Birth certificate holders

The passport line was significantly faster for me. If you have both documents, bring both so you can choose the quickest option and save yourself time.

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7. Tip your cruise staff ❤️

The staff works incredibly long hours and somehow still shows up smiling every single day. A little extra tip goes a long way and is deeply appreciated.

Kindness travels fast on a ship — and honestly, it just feels good.

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Final thoughts

Cruising is amazing, but it’s way more enjoyable when you’re prepared. A little planning upfront saves a ton of stress later and lets you fully enjoy the experience.

Would I cruise again? Absolutely.

Would I do it differently next time? Also yes — and now you can too 😉 I hope you have a wonderful time. We sure did!