There is SO much do to on a cruise ship the size of Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas, it’s like trying to pack Disney World into 4 days and see every show, ride every ride, and eat in every restaurant. It’s an impossible feat. I had no idea going in how much there would be to do and I was quite clueless as to what to expect. Even after getting on the ship and being there for 24 hours, I was still majorly clueless about the ship’s amenities. I just strolled around like a sheep with my head in the clouds and floated from group to group, never straying far from my comfort zone or our itinerary.
This all just means that I need to take another cruise very soon, but it also means that you get to learn from my mistakes. Check your Cruise Compass daily, from the comfort of your balcony, or the swaying toilet, wherever you do your morning or evening reading. But make sure you check it to know what’s going on. In addition to that, here are five things that I didn’t take advantage of on my cruise, that I wish I had.
Don’t make these mistakes on your next cruise.
1. Not Ordering Room Service
Did you know that room service is covered in the cost of your cruise? RIGHT?! I had no idea. I didn’t take advantage of room service not one time on my 4 night cruise. What the HECK was I thinking? I don’t even know. Where else can you get room service and not have to pay for it? Nowhere. It also makes you take advantage of your gorgeous balcony if you have one. Breakfast on the balcony in your skivvies while cruising through the ocean? It’s everybody’s dream come true!
2. Not Going to the Casino
My roommate, Lori from A Cowboy’s Wife won over $300 in the casino during our 4 day Royal Caribbean cruise. That’s no joke. Do you realize that means that she covered the cost of an interior stateroom? Or a four day boozy alcohol package? Or some serious shopping at the duty-free shops on board? Kyle told me to at least go throw some quarters in the slots and I never did. Sure, I might have lost a few bucks, but I could have very well come out on top. I’ll never know because all I did was run through the casino a million times on my way to shows or bars or a meal somewhere. Don’t make the same mistake. You could come out completely on top and finance your vacation!
3. Not Seeing a Comedic Act
My friend Kenda from
Remaking June Cleaver
‘s
husband is a comedian. Sometimes he performs on cruise ships. Comedians are funny. I like to laugh. Laughing’s my favorite. So WHY in the name of all things funny did I not go see a comedian on my cruise? I can’t even tell you! I knew there was one to watch. I know I love stand up comedy. WHY didn’t I take advantage of it? Have you any idea how much money it costs to go see a stand up comedian while at home? I mean, once you factor the cost of tickets, a babysitter, and drinks, it’s through the roof. Yet right there on the ship is a comedian whose cost is covered by the price of your ticket. If you’re fortunate enough to be traveling without children, there is no babysitter to worry about. If you DO have children, there is childcare provided on the ship, free childcare might I add. Unless you have a wee tot and it’s after 10pm, then you might have to pay a minimal fee. Regardless, this will not be a mistake I make, ever again.
4. Not Having Breakfast & Lunch in the Formal Dining Room at Least Once
I really am a dope. My friend Cyndy from Daily Cynema spent most mornings tucked away in a corner in the formal dining room being served breakfast. I knew she was doing this, yet it didn’t click that I could also do the same thing. For no extra charge. I instead spent mornings waiting on myself at The Windjammer, which was perfectly fine. But seriously, people. I’m on a cruise. Why in the name of all things bacon did I not go lounge at a posh table while some handsome server from some exotic land kept my coffee cup full with every sip? Instead I had to balance my plate on my head like a woman in desolate India while teetering around with an over-full cup of joe. One of the first things I noticed about being on a cruise was how opulent, how indulgent, how completely pretentious it was. I mean that in the best way possible. So why didn’t I spend more of my time doing pretentious things like being waited on for at least one breakfast in the formal dining room? I slay myself. Next time for sure.
5. Not Hanging out at a Fancy Bar
I didn’t want to spend my first cruise wasted, maybe next time. But I do wish that I had spent at least one evening at Olive or Twist sipping champagne or some other boozy cocktail reminiscent of another era or another way of life. Instead I drank wine with dinner and water at The Catacombs dance club where it was too loud to talk. Next time I cruise with Royal Caribbean, I will for certain enjoy some lusty conversation in a swanky bar with Kyle, assuming he’s my next cruise partner.
Let this be a lesson to you. Don’t make these mistakes. Plan for each of these things, after you check out my post on 5 Need-to-know-things for your first cruise .
Phi @ The Sweetphi Blog says
Awe, love this list! Never been on a cruise but these tips are definitely helpful (and room service is covered? Yes please!)
Summer says
You must go on one whenever you get the chance! The larger the ship, the better.
Jamie H says
We need to go back. I missed out on a few things.
Summer says
I missed out on SO much! We have a lot to catch up on. 🙂