I like to cruise on Royal Caribbean, and in 2024 I acquired to cruise probably the most I’ve ever performed in a single 12 months.
This 12 months, I have been on a ship for 70 nights (and have one other couple days left earlier than the 12 months ends).
As a result of I reside in Florida, it is logistically simpler to get on a cruise ship given how shut the key ports are to the place I reside. Nonetheless, I additionally flew to New York and Europe to go on cruises as a way to broaden my choices.
After so many cruises, you may suppose issues would get moderately repetitive, however I relish sure cruising traditions that I really feel obliged to do each time.
On practically each journey, I’ve some absolute must-dos that I merely cannot skip. Irrespective of how a lot I cruise, these are the six issues that by no means get outdated.
Go to the Windjammer for my first meal onboard
It simply would not really feel like a Royal Caribbean cruise to me except I begin issues off with lunch within the Windjammer buffet.
Whereas I do sometimes hit up a specialty restaurant first (corresponding to when I’ve a eating bundle), I nonetheless favor lunch on the ship’s buffet.
This can be a cruising custom going again to my very first Royal Caribbean cruise on Explorer of the Seas. I distinctly bear in mind going to the Windjammer with my household and being amazed how a lot selection there was.
In addition to nostalgia, I do not often eat breakfast, so by the point I get going and on the ship, I am fairly hungry and prepared for a meal.
Whereas the buffet can get busy on embarkation day, I attempt to go there earlier than midday to beat the worst of the crowds.
With a stomach filled with meals, I am prepared to begin any cruise.
Spend my evenings within the pub with nice music
When Royal Caribbean Weblog readers ask me the place to search out me on a ship, I at all times inform them there is a good probability I will be within the English Pub most nights.
You will discover a pub on practically all of the ships within the fleet, they usually play the type of bar music hits on a guitar that I actually take pleasure in.
Mainly, these are songs you possible know all of the phrases to and sure have heard in lots of bars earlier than.
Pub singers are available all types, however my favourite this 12 months needed to be Kevin Phillip whereas he carried out on Icon of the Seas. I would e-book a cruise if I knew he was acting on it, due to how proficient and interesting with the gang he’s.
The uncommon exception is once I’m on Utopia of the Seas and the Nation Trio is taking part in, after which I will skip the pub and head as much as the Mason Jar bar.
Search out my favourite meals
Royal Caribbean executives have stated the highest two causes most individuals go on a cruise is for the locations and the meals, and I can certify I like to cruise for the meals too.
Relying on the itinerary, ship, and who I am cruising with, I will dine at a wide range of eating places on Royal Caribbean which can be included and price additional.
My spouse will attest to the actual fact I’m going out of my technique to discover my all-time favourite Royal Caribbean meals.
In no explicit order, here is my cruise ship must-eats:
- French onion soup from the Essential Eating Room or Coastal Kitchen
- Popcorn
- Sushi from Izumi
- Indian curry from the Windjammer
- Asian stir fry from the cooking station within the Windjammer
These are deeply satisfying meals that I may most likely eat each single day. I am fairly certain on some cruises this 12 months I did eat one in all these on daily basis.
There are different meals I like too, however that is the record of what I can discover and hunt down on just about each ship.
Attempt to plan at the least one epic shore tour
I am unsure when this began, however a technique I like to boost any cruise I take is to plan a very enjoyable shore tour.
I feel this was born out of visiting a port of name many occasions over the course of my cruising profession, however I attempt to e-book a tour, cabana, non-public boat, or one thing else that really stands out.
It is simple to fall into the identical routine on cruises, particularly as you repeat itineraries. In order a technique to combine it up and likewise deal with my household, I search for methods to do one thing a bit totally different.
Royal Caribbean is fond of claiming their ships are all about making recollections for his or her friends, and I like to use that mantra to my very own plans. My youngsters could not bear in mind the umpteenth time we sailed on Mariner of the Seas, however they undoubtedly bear in mind after we do one thing extraordinary.
Some examples from this 12 months embody:
- Chartering a catamaran in Bermuda
- Snorkeling in St. John
- Staying in an Airbnb in London
In order for you a straightforward however actually enjoyable shore tour concept, look into chartering a ship. Whether or not it is a catamaran, fishing boat, or yacht, they’re plentiful and by no means disappoint.
Take a nap
Name me outdated, name me boring, however I do not care. I like to nap on a cruise.
I do not often sleep in, however proper after lunch on a sea day, I often really feel a knack to put down and take a break.
It is not solely stress-free, however napping permits me to (most likely) keep up later if I am properly rested.
Begin planning my subsequent cruise
Because the cruise begins to wind down and we method the final day or two of the crusing, I will start trying ahead to my subsequent crusing.
I feel this can be a coping mechanism for coping with the top of a enjoyable trip, so beginning to have a look at shore excursions or eating plans is an efficient distraction.
I will additionally take this chance to see which of our mates or household may doubtlessly be part of us. In any case, cruising is extra enjoyable with mates!
