We've paired up with our pals at American Holidays to give you the low down on the things you should try on every Royal Caribbean cruise. Now... can we come with you?!
Certainly there's a number of fun things to do, but the first few hours onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise is the best time to get a few things done that can make your cruise better.
1. Board Early and Have lunch
Royal Caribbean begins the avalanche of complimentary food when you board your cruise so why pay for lunch near the pier when you can get it for the price included in your cruise. Head up to the Windjammer and enjoy a round or three at the buffet to start the process of getting your moneys worth from your cruise.
2. Go to the main dining room to speak to head waiter
If you're eating at all in the main dining room, head there anytime and inspect where your table is along with how big your table is. If you need to make a change for whatever reason, such as asking for a different table, seating or location, then you will need to speak to the head waiter. If you have any dietary restrictions, speaking to the head waiter is also what you need to do. The main dining room will be open all day during embarkation day to inspect on your own. If you need to speak to the head waiter, there will be set times he/she will be available.
3. Book in-room babysitting
If you have kids and would prefer they remain in your stateroom on certain nights while you get a break, in-room babysitting is available. Go to Guest Relations and ask about availability. Since in-room babysitting is reliant on crew members availability, what you will need to do is give them evenings and times that you're interested in and they will get back to you on what works. In-room babysitting is available on a first-come, first-served basis so geting your requests in early is important.
4. Book beverage packages
If you didn't purchase the unlimited alcohol packages and/or soda/water/juice packages online, then now is the time to book the packages. You can order the packages outside the Windjammer, which you'll be near anyway if you followed step one in this list.
5. Sign up your kids for Adventure Ocean
Royal Caribbean makes it easy to sign up your kids for Adventure Ocean and even if you or your kids are on the fence about going, sign up since it's complimentary and you'll be set. There's usually a crew member near the place you come onboard the ship with documentation on the Adventure Ocean program and everything you need to sign your kids up. Get it done and let your kids have fun and you get a break!
6. Tour the ship
If it's your first time on a particular Royal Caribbean ship, take some time and walk around each deck and explore what's around. Getting acclimated with where everything will make your cruise easier since you will spend less time trying to locate everything. Plus you may discover something onboard you didn't know existed!
7. Take a spa tour
The spa offers complimentary tours of the spa and fitness centers and while it is a sales pitch, it's fun to see the facilities available and something fun for the whole family to do. If you want to book a treatment for a particular day and time, you will want to make an appointment early before things start to book up. There's also a raffle that you can sign up for and perhaps win a free treatment.
8. Go to the pool
By far the least crowded time at the pool will be embarkation day because most guests have their swimsuits in their luggage, which is in the process of being delivered to their staterooms. If you bring your swim suits with you (or wear them before you get onboard), then head to the pool and enjoy uncrowded pool time. Don't worry, there will be pool towels on the pool deck available to borrow there too.
9. Book specialty dining restaurants
Thinking about having dinner at a specialty restaurant one or more evenings of your cruise? Go to any of them and there the crew member can help you book that restaurant as well as any other specialty restaurant onboard. Just like the spa, spots book quickly so get your reservations in sooner than later.
10. Make calls or text messages before it's too late
Odds are you are sailing to a foreign port of call and more than likely using your cell phone in those countries will cost you a lot (unless you have a special cruise ship cell phone plan). Instead, call friends and family before your ship leaves port so that you don't run up your cell phone bill and let them know you made it onboard safely and are ready to have a great time!
Call to book your Royal Caribbean Cruise with American Holidays on 01 673 3840 or
http://www.americanholidays.com/cruise-offers
Orlando & Bahamas Fr €1075pp 3 Nights 3* Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando & 7 Night Cruise onboard Freedom of The Seas Stateroom Upgrades: Ocean View Upgrade €25 pp Balcony Upgrade €310pp
