Top Tips for Cruising
First of all, I would say that preparation is key, and Royal Caribbean have a fantastic facility called "Pre-Cruise Planner" where you can save time (and sometimes money!) by booking your spa reservations, on-board activities, shore excursions, drinks packages and dining choices in advance. It is definitely worth it for the smug feeling you will get as you board the ship knowing you have everything in place already - and your holiday can start straight away!
If you have never been on a cruise before, it can be hard to work out which category of cabin (or stateroom) you should choose. On this particular cruise, I was in an inside cabin, which was perfectly adequate for 4 nights, but obviously the big drawback is that you can’t see what’s going on outside! However, Royal Caribbean being a hugely innovative company have equipped their Quantum Class ships (“Quantum of the Seas” & “Anthem of the Seas”, which sails from Southampton in 2015) with fantastic “virtual balconies” so you can have a real time view of what’s going on outside!
For more than a couple of nights, I would really recommend the balcony cabins, which truly make you feel like you are on a cruise! With more and more balcony cabins available on each new ship, what was once seen as only for the very wealthy, is now very accessible. Having room service breakfast served on your balcony while arriving into a new port is a very special experience and chilling out on your balcony on a “sea day” is a great way to relax.
Cruising is a fantastic option for families – there are more inter-connecting staterooms than ever before on Royal Caribbean, meaning plenty of space for mum and dad as well as the kids. Getting the whole family learning to surf on the “Flowrider”; ice-skating (yes, really!); racing up the rock-climbing wall or enjoying the dodgems creates such fantastic memories – and the best bit is that all of these activities are included in the price of the cruise. Add up how much you would spend doing these activities just a couple of times on a land-based holiday and you begin to realise what great value a family cruise is!
There are fantastic “Adventure Ocean” club facilities for children of all ages, which are incredibly well managed, with children from 6 months to 17 years all having their own dedicated staff and areas. The “Optix” teen-only zone is perfect for those difficult to please teenagers, and they will be making friends in a safe environment in no time. Top tip – children can stay on board the ship in a supervised club while parents take advantage of a shore excursion. Babysitting in your stateroom is also available at an extra cost.
As for the entertainment, I was blown away by the “Ice Show”. With ex-Olympic skaters in the cast, the show was brilliant. The two evening shows we saw were also great, and perhaps the best bit is that you can get waiter service at your seat! There really is something for everyone and with each cruise line competing to bring you the very latest in dazzling entertainment, the options include West-End style theatre productions, stand-up comedians, live bands, outdoor movie screens and more. With some of the ships featuring “Aqua-theatres” with spectacular high-diving acrobatics in an open-air theatre, these are all experiences you will never forget!
There is a huge choice of ships available now, and it’s important to make sure you choose a ship and an itinerary that suits you – I would be delighted to guide you in the right direction!