10 Reasons You Should Take A Cruise

 

Picture Credit | Royal Caribbean

Why should you take a cruise you wonder? If you’re asking yourself that question, you haven’t seen what they have to offer! Where else can you find an all inclusive* resort that travels to several different locations during your stay?!

 

 1. It’s A Travelling Resort

Picture Credit | Royal Caribbean

If you’re a resort type person, a cruise brings only benefits. Resorts come in all styles, some are all inclusive, others you have to pay for everything extra after the purchase of your room. A cruise is nearly the same except most things such as food, beverages, and entertainment are always included with your stateroom purchase.

The bonus of cruising vs booking a resort? The cruise visits multiple different locations during your stay. So when you book a cruise you not only get a stateroom included with food, beverages, and entertainment, but you also get the chance to explore parts of the world you’ve never been to!

 

 2. Unlimited Food

 

Picture Credit | RCCL – Allure of the Seas, American Icon Grill Dining Room

On a cruise you can expect to indulge in exceptional culinary cuisines at every restaurant on-board that you visit! The food options on-board are limitless and cater to every persons wants and needs.

You can choose to eat at anytime of the day! Hungry? Head to one of the restaurants on-board. You can find everything from sit-down meals to grab and go snacks like sandwiches, pizza, salads e.t.c.

Wanting to get the most for your money? Be sure to dine at the main dining room every night and eat meals like pictured above. Or if you really want to experience extraordinary culinary make plans to eat at a specialty restaurant. It will cost you extra money but will be worth every penny!

 

3. Never A Dull Moment

Picture Credit | Royal Caribbean

There’s endless entertainment on-board that you can choose to participate in. If you’re looking to be entertained there’s always something happening. On-board you can watch musicals, live musicians, attend comedy shows, test out the wave riders, go rock climbing, participate in games such as pool volleyball, bingo, and even guest interactive shows!

 

4. It’s A Good Price

    Picture Credit | Royal Caribbean

Yes, a cruise can seem pricey but after you factor in all the complimentary services you get you will see how it can be much cheaper than a normal vacation.

Anywhere else in the world where you would vacation would cost you much more money if you were taking advantage of all the things that you could do on a cruise. You can find cruises as cheap as ~$120 a night. Most good hotels can go for more than that a night and don’t include any of the perks a cruise offers such as food, and entertainment!

 

5. You’re Never In The Same Location

Picture | RCCL – Haiti, Labadee port

If you book a 7-14 night stay at a resort or hotel the first few days will be stunning and exciting. After that things will slow down and you will become attuned to your surroundings and have trouble staying entertained.

On a cruise that’s never the case! Every few days you’ll be visiting a new port where you’ll be allowed to depart the ship and explore your destination. That means being given the opportunity to experience different cultures and activities!

 

6.  Your Stateroom Feels Like Home

Picture Credit | Royal Caribbean

Everybody enjoys the privacy of their own home and being able to relax at their own will. On a cruise ship it will feel just as comfortable as home! Your stateroom will have it’s own T.V. with limited* cable, and on-demand movies as well as a private bathroom, thermostat, and if you choose, a private balcony!

Meaning if you want, you can sit back and relax the whole cruise and not be bothered by anyone.

Order room service and have a meal out on your balcony while enjoying the view of the ocean!

 

7. World Class Spas

Picture Credit | Celebrity Cruises

You would be lucky to find the quality spa care that a cruise provides for the price at a normal spa facility.

On a cruise, you can find spa treatments for as low as $75 USD sometimes! Spa treatments vary. You can do a simple massage to a full on day of treatment. Depending on the ship, you may even enjoy your massage with a ocean view!

 

8. Activities For Children & Teens

 

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Picture Credit | 1 & 3 Royal Caribbean,  2 Norwegian

Going on a vacation with children or teens can be troublesome. You’ll worry about them being entertained, and being safe.

Most cruises offer kids and teen clubs! Each club will have a theme and be supervised. Some of the most extravagant clubs have children play areas, water parks, basketball courts, table tennis, arcades, and evening dance parties! Some of these clubs even have employees dressed as cartoon characters entertaining kids and teens!

 

9. Shore Excursions

 Picture Credit | Royal Caribbean

While visiting different ports during your cruise you can mark some things off of your bucket list. Perhaps visit one of the wonders of the world, go whale watching, experience the thrill of zip-lining or go parasailing!

The excursions vary upon cruise line and destination but there’s something for everyone willing to seek an adventure!

Take up the claim to some bragging rights as you visit Mexico by heading to the Mayan City of Chichen Itza! One of seven wonders of the world! Or seek the thrill of dog sledding in Alaska!

 

10. It’s A Luxurious Experience Of A Life Time

Picture Credit | Royal Caribbean

Most people enjoy being treated like royalty. Aboard a cruise ship you will be each employees number one priority. The employees on-board are there to serve you and be your friend. Treat them well and they will treat you better!

Enjoy having your picture taken by professional photographers and participating in formal dinners where men and women dress their best and show off their nicest pieces of clothing such as suits and dresses!

If you pick the right time, you may even be able to see fireworks over the ocean!

 

Interested in cruising now? Below is a list of suggested cruise lines and an article going in-depth on what to expect as a first time cruiser!

See you on-board!

 

First Time Cruisers Article:

First Time Cruisers – Click Here

Suggested Cruise Lines:

• Royal Caribbean
• Norwegian
• Carnival
• Celebrity

 

 

5 Things To Do On A Cruise

Whether you’re an experienced cruiser or new to the life of cruising we’ve got a list of some must do cruise tips to ensure you get the most out of your cruise and avoid any hassle!

 

1. Reserve Your Dinner Plans

Picture Credit CruiseCritic  – Allure of the Seas, American Icon Grill Dining Room

If you’re on a cruise and you have opted in for the “my-time” or “anytime” dinning option, you’ll want to call ahead every day that you plan on eating in the main dining room and reserve your seats!

The dining room on every cruise ship is always slam packed with guest for dinner. Although the main dining room is sometimes open during select hours for breakfast and lunch, dinner is the main attraction. Meaning there will be a long wait if you do not reserve a seating time prior to dinner!

Reserving your dining time for each night is as simple as calling guest services on your stateroom telephone to using your T.V. and booking through the ships informational menu.

Dinner is usually served between 6:00pm and 9:00pm so be sure to be on-time for your reservation or your seats may be given to the next person that reserved! But don’t worry, there are always other options on-board in the case that you miss your reservation or want to avoid crowds and possibly longer waits for food.

 

2. Give The Elevator Some Space

Picture Credit Wikimedia – Allure of the Seas, Glass Elevators

This may sound a little odd but once you’ve cruised you will understand this completely!

As fast as you may need to get somewhere on-board, show some respect. Let others off of the elevator before trying to go in it yourself! Take a few steps back or off to the side and don’t block other guest trying to walk off the elevator! And if a group of others were waiting before you showed up, allow them to walk on first! Courtesy goes a long way!

 

3. Reserve And Arrive At Entertainment Early

Picture Credit CruiseCritic – Allure of the Seas, Amber Theater

On-board you will find endless entertainment from comedy shows, musicals, live musicians, and even informational seminars. You may not think that these shows would fill up but they do! As mentioned above, be sure to reserve your seats ahead of time to make sure you have a spot.

Be aware that specific seats are not reserved for your reservation! So you cannot call and request the first row to be held for you! If you want to be right up front to see the action arrive 15-20 minutes before the show is set to start to make sure you get the seats of your choice.

 

4. Remove Your Gratuities

Picture Credit RetailMeNot

Some cruise lines add your gratuity charge for each night right into your original booking price. Others will charge you nightly while on-board. Gratuities are essentially “tips” that are divided up between the crew. Some people are okay with their gratuities being automatic while others would rather remove the nightly charge and tip employees at their own will.

Don’t be caught by surprise! If you do not remove your gratuities charge you can expect your stateroom to automatically be charged somewhere around $10-14 USD per night per guest in your stateroom. This can raise your cruise fare by another $100-300 USD per person depending on the cruise!

To remove your automatic gratuity charge simply take a walk to the guest services desk and ask that they’d be removed and state that you’d rather tip at your own will. Just remember to tip employees when you receive good service whether it be at a restaurant, buffet, or bar! And don’t leave the money on the table, hand your tip to your employee of choice and tell them thank you for the good service! A good tip for a dinner reservation in the dining room should be considered $10 USD or more, but that is for you to decide!

 

5. Book Excursions

Picture Credit Carnival Cruise Line

You’re on a cruise going to multiple places in the world with an itinerary that you picked. Take the time and book a few excursions!

Excursions can be costly but some are a must do at least once! If you have the extra cash try one out. Whether the excursion is something as exciting as zip lining, snorkeling, jet skiing or a simple boat ride to a private island where you get to relax on the beach. Most are worth it. Even if you only decide to do one excursion, pick your favorite island and research the excursion you’re interested in. Be sure to check how costly it is, how long it will take, what you need to bring with you, and if any extras are provided such as complimentary food, gift bags, e.t.c.!

You can save money by booking before you’re on-board via your cruise reservation on the cruise line’s website! But if you want to wing it and pick a last minute excursion you can always do so on-board at your ships’ shore excursion center. Just be sure to book your excursion as early as possible for the best rate and to reserve your spot so you don’t miss it!

 

 

 

 

 

Easter on the Symphony of the Seas!

Ever wonder how holidays are spent on cruise ships? Royal Caribbean goes all out for every holiday! If you’re on a Royal ship during a holiday you’ll be sure to notice. And better yet, we’ve got some pictures of their newest cruise ship “Symphony of the Seas” celebrating Easter!

Picture Credit CruiseCritic

Take a walk on any of Royal Caribbean‘s promenades and you’ll find everything from holiday decorations, complimentary foods and desserts and crew provided entertainment!

Picture Credit CruiseCritic

If you think that’s a treat, head on up to the buffet where you will find handmade food decorations made specifically for the holiday!

Picture Credit CruiseCritic

Experience this all for yourself at no extra cost by booking any holiday cruise!

Click here to view Royal Caribbean cruises!

 

Royal Caribbean’s Updated Crown & Anchor Website

Following Royal Caribbean‘s announcement that they’d be merging Crown & Anchor accounts with their subsidiary company Celebrity Cruise Lines they quickly released a new design to their Crown & Anchor website.

Here’s what the Crown & Anchor website looked like before and after the update.

First Picture – Credit StichersEscapes

As you can see the new look is more simplistic and the information is more spread out. Although past cruisers that were used to the old design may find it a little less appealing and “difficult” to use. Mostly everyone should get used to it in time.

All new and previous guest will need to login on RoyalCaribbean.com and setup or re-setup an email and password. Once the guest is done their account will be ready for use and previous cruisers will have their Crown & Anchor accounts automatically linked.

Soon, you will use one account login for both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity cruises!

 

Royal Caribbean Springtime Sale

Royal Caribbean is offering 50% off a second guest when booking a cruise during their “Springtime” sale. When booking, the discount will be applied at checkout.

*To receive offer both guest must be in the same stateroom