Nicki on Deck

18/06/2026

Day 7 of my Free Cruise Roadmap

This is probably the question I answer more than any other:

“How much do you spend in the casino to get free cruises?”

The answer depends on a lot of factors, but for someone starting out, I generally recommend budgeting around $100 per day. It gives you a reasonable chance of earning enough points to start seeing casino offers without chasing unrealistic expectations.

In today’s video, I break down the numbers and what that budget can realistically get you.

How much do you typically budget for the casino on a cruise?
1) Less than $50/day
2) Around $100/day
3) More than $100/day
4) I don’t gamble at all

18/06/2026

How do you choose the right ship for your Royal Caribbean vacation? Big, bigger, biggest? Here are my recommendations for different types of vacations. A few more notes: Icon, Oasis and freedom class are all great for families. Quantum class for those who want something slightly different. And the smaller ships like Radiance and Rhapsody have their fan base too, those who love a classic cruise experience. What’s your favorite ship or ship class?

18/06/2026

Amazon Prime Day deals are coming soon so I’m sharing my absolute favorite cruise essentials that I take on every cruise. From my favorite magnetic wallet to my multi-usb charger, I use these items on every single trip. Next week all share any and all prime deals from my Amazon storefront.

Shop recommended products from Nicki on Deck on www.amazon.com. Learn more about Nicki on Deck's favorite products.

18/06/2026

1000 followers!! 🎉🥳🎊

Thank you for welcoming Nicki on Deck to this platform. I’ve been sharing cruise content across social media for a while now, and it’s been exciting to see this Facebook community growing too.

For those who are new here, I’m Nicki. I share Royal Caribbean tips, casino strategies to earn comped cruises, ship tours, cruise planning advice, and honest reviews from my cruises.

A few fun facts:

🚢 My next cruise will be my 28th
🎰 I’ve been cruising for free through Club Royale since 2019
🛳️ I recently completed my first solo cruise

In just 2½ weeks, I’ll be sailing on the inaugural voyage of Legend of the Seas! I’ll be sharing everything from embarkation day and cabin tours to dining, entertainment, and first impressions of Royal Caribbean’s newest ship.

Thank you again for following along. I’d love to know, what cruise do you have booked next?

17/06/2026

Free Cruise Roadmap, Day 6: the Annual Tier Cruise

If you earn Prime, Signature, or Masters status, Royal Caribbean issues an Annual Tier Cruise certificate each spring. The program saw some significant changes this year, so make sure you’re familiar with the updated rules before booking.

Have you used your Annual Tier Cruise yet? Where are you sailing?

17/06/2026

Big news for Royal Caribbean casino players. There’s a new way to book your offers. You can now book online without calling Club Royale, choose your stateroom, pay your deposit, the whole thing. But if you plan to upgrade, check out my cautionary tale. Have you tried to book your offer yet?

17/06/2026

If you’re cruising to Nassau, check out this hidden gem within walking distance of the cruise port. British Colonial can be booked through Resort for a Day or bought directly at the gate if available.

To get there, exit the port and just head toward Senor Frog’s and across the little bridge.

The pool isn’t heated so Dec/Jan may not be ideal but the rest of the year, it’s a very relaxing day.

17/06/2026

Ever wondered what it’s really like inside the most expensive cabana at Royal Beach Club?

My friends rented the Ultimate Family Cabana, and after getting a look inside, I can see why it’s the top-tier option.

✔️ Two levels of private space
✔️ Private hot tub with incredible beach views
✔️ Your own slide from the upper deck
✔️ Private bathroom and shower
✔️ Two dedicated cabana attendants taking care of everything
✔️ Stocked drinks waiting when you arrive
✔️ Full dining table for family meals
✔️ Tons of comfortable seating both inside and outside
✔️ Beach toys for the kids
✔️ A game closet for when everyone needs a break from the sun

It feels less like a cabana and more like having your own private beachfront villa for the day.

Would you book the Ultimate Family Cabana for a special vacation, or would you rather spend that money on something else?

Worth the splurge or no way? 👇

16/06/2026

Not all casino offers are created equal.

Today’s Free Cruise Roadmap episode is all about marketing offers, the free cruise offers that show up in your mailbox or inbox after your cruise.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that these offers are based on points or casino status. They’re actually based largely on your Average Daily Theoretical (ADT), your value to the casino, which is why two people with similar point totals can receive very different offers.

Have you booked a casino offer recently? What ship are you sailing on next?

16/06/2026

Less than 3 weeks until I’m back in the Mediterranean aboard Legend of the Seas, and I can’t wait.

The Mediterranean is one of those places that never gets old. The history, the views, the food, all of it. Every stop feels like an adventure.

Counting down the days until I trade my everyday routine for cobblestone streets, blue water, and unforgettable sunsets. Who else has the Mediterranean on their cruise bucket list?