Royal Caribbean Guarantee Cabin: Was It a Huge Mistake?

I booked a Royal Caribbean guarantee cabin on Explorer of the Seas — and had zero control over what I'd get. Here's exactly what happened, what cabin I ended up with, and whether the gamble paid off. 📺 More Explorer of the Seas content:    • Royal Caribbean's Older Ships: Is Explorer...   🚢Is NCL's Solo Studio Cabin Worth Booking? I Spent 4 Days in This Tiny Cabin:    • Is NCL's Solo Studio Cabin Worth Booking? ...   Royal Caribbean's guarantee cabin program lets you book at a lower price in exchange for letting the cruise line assign your stateroom. It's a risk. You could end up in a terrible location or you might score an upgrade. On this sailing on Explorer of the Seas, I was assigned cabin 8528: a Spacious Ocean View Balcony on Deck 8, forward position, 200 square feet, 40 sq ft larger than a standard balcony. I walk you through the full cabin, the pros and cons of the guarantee booking process, and whether I'd do it again. If you're thinking about booking a guarantee cabin on Royal Caribbean, especially on an older ship like Explorer of the Seas, watch this before you book. 👇 MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO: 🔌 My cruise power favorites: USB-C and USB-A Charger Cube: https://amzn.to/3JSjLtg International Plug Adapter (Anker): https://amzn.to/4oTQfCk ⚓ WHAT'S IN THIS VIDEO (Timestamps) 0:00 Intro 0:51 The Guarantee Cabin Gamble 2:19 Where I Ended Up (Cabin 8528) 3:25 Cabin Tour Interior (Spacious Oceanview Balcony) 5:45 The Sad Dated Bathroom 6:09 The Balcony, Size and Function 7:00 Why Location Matters 7:57 Would I Book a Guarantee Cabin Again? ------------------------------------------------------------- 🧳 Must-Have Cruise Essentials (most under $25): Casemate Waterproof Phone Pouch: https://amzn.to/3XjfoKU USB-C and USB-A Charger Cube: https://amzn.to/3JSjLtg International Plug Adapter (Anker): https://amzn.to/4oTQfCk Electronics Organizer Travel Case: https://amzn.to/4nIHMkg Magnetic Hooks for Cabin Walls (Heavy Duty): https://amzn.to/4oXwsSm Portable Lock box (Masterlock): https://amzn.to/4415b9E Rechargeable Fan: https://amzn.to/4849rYn Clothes Hamper: https://amzn.to/43n09Ed Downy Wrinkle Releaser: https://amzn.to/4qQ1cXi Shoulder Bag: https://amzn.to/4846VkU Magnetic Wallet: https://amzn.to/47O06CS Chacos Sandals: https://amzn.to/3LR69Pu Cruise Luggage Tags: *Celebrity: https://amzn.to/49DZlyI *Carnival and Seaborn: https://amzn.to/3JSuQdV *NCL: https://amzn.to/49HV6lI *Royal Caribbean: https://amzn.to/4osVf0O *Princess: https://amzn.to/3Lw2oPu *Holland America: https://amzn.to/3WLgr69 ---------------------------------------------------------------- 👉 My Current YouTube Gear List: Sony Alpha ZV-E10 Camera: https://amzn.to/4ouLrUf DJI Osmo Nano Camera: https://amzn.to/4qMIP5C Logitech for Creators Blue Yeti Nano USB Microphone: https://amzn.to/43YSEU6 Torjim Softbox Photography Lighting Kit: https://amzn.to/43GAhDF Hollyland LARK A1 Wireless Microphone: https://amzn.to/3JJ1VJg NEEWER 9" LED Video Light Panel: https://amzn.to/4hRxLjx Aokeo AK-55 Desk Low Profile Adjustable Mic Boom: https://amzn.to/43SF04Z ---------------------------------------------------------------- ⚠️ This video is not sponsored, but the links above are affiliate links, which means anything you purchase may result in a small commission that goes towards supporting this channel.