My first cruise ever was amazing! I love Royal Caribbean - Quantum of the Seas!!
The trio took the reality of the chat to the open ocean when we decided to take that girls trip we've been wanting to go on!
It's been years that my best friends Melodi and Jen have talked about cruises and how fun they are. We travel together often and cover events monthy, so we spend a lot of quality time together. And I love it.
These ladies know me well and they have known for a while how I've wanted to try a cruise so very much. But... I've been nervous and my husband has been extra nervous so it just never happened.
A few months ago the girls said the trio is going on a Royal Caribbean cruise and it's not an option because it is happening.
To say I am grateful they made the decision for us all including myself to go is an understatement. I am blessed and lucky to have these two in my life. We had the best time from the moment we boarded to the moment we docked back.
What is a really quick 2 night cruise felt like a wrek because of the company I was surrounded by and the impressive Quantum of the Seas in its entirety!
The staff and crew are beyond wonderful. All my nerves were called instantly and stayed at ease gaining relaxation with each minute I was on the ship!
Our cabin was ready, with our luggage we checked and the timing was surprisingly earlier than expected. Our cabin attendant was magical, no really, we somehow had fresh ice every time we got back to our cabin!
The trip was filled with memories of a lifetime, we even celebrated a birthday l, but I have a lot of tips to share to help other first time cruisers too!
* parking at the port is crowded so go early if you need to park. It's $22 a day I believe.
* the stewards to take your check in luggage are right across from parking as you enter the check in area of the ship. So easy and they are so helpful.
(We tipped cash often even if it was a few dollars because of how kind and accommodating everyone is to make you feel at ease.)
* pack magnetic hooks, decorations for your walls etc to help with space and make it fun
* over the door organizer comes in handy for space too as well as using the space under the beds!!
* keep anything you may need in your carry-on like a bathing suit or any medicine needed. I used a tote style duffle that was approved size. You also have to take any alcohol/water/soda on your person during boarding... not in your check in!
* download the app prior to your cruise aboard few weeks ahead of time
* if you plan on paying for any extras do so beforehand for best pricing like the drink package or excursions, the price goes up a day or two before the cruise
* watch the app and load daily activities you are interested in.
Examples from our cruise - roller skating and north star 15 min experience but they filled up fast
* reserve dining slot at 6ish so that you can sit down or if you miss you can do the buffet or other free dining.
* it's a short 2 nights with a lot offered that you want to try to get to... remembersleep is for the weak.. im just kidding... kind of.. so if ulyou are doing same cruise, Long Beach to Ensenada and Back, look for little samples in the app. Remember roller skating is reservation only and 30min sessions but fills fast and reserves in app. Also the north star experience above ship is sign up & goes fast too for the 15 min free sessions also in app.
* casino is fun - use your room card for everything including if you play in the adult arcade for points!
* kids clubs looked cool with a lot to do in each age appropriate area but we didnt have kids w us this time. (Yes mine are jealous and want to go on a cruise!)
* get up early for the gym or walk around track on the ship for a magnificent sunrise and get breakfast early to make most of day and time off in Ensenada or on ship while others are off doing their thing and it's less crowded in all the popular areas
* you can have continental breakfast sent to room for free just order with door hanger hung night before.
* indoor pool the Solarium is adults only and lovely for evening wind down jacuzzi time but can get busy, but everyone is so nice, others made room for us.
* waterplay outsude is heated but still cool in winter months. I did see kiddos having rhe nest time splashing around!
* this ship primarily cruises Alaska so most activities are indoor like IFly indoor skydiving, bumper cars, while rock climbing is outdoors with partial coverage.
* also there are a variety of cool shows.. sign up if needed in the app, if there's no sign up, arrive a little early for seating because they do fill up and are super entertaining!
* check themes of your cruise ahead of time in the app so you know if you need to bring... outfits etc like we did for decades night, so fun you guys
* instant coffee and tea ate in room as well as a hot water pot so don't bring things you don't need or aren't allowed
* fill out email that will come pre cruise to ask for anything needed in room in advance etc like turn king beds into two beds etc
Also theres basic toiletries in the cabins but bring full size as needed of whatever if you don't need to go through TSA!! Local bonus for us in socal and within traveling distance to the port!
Basic coffee is free as well as lemonade, ice tea and hot tea. You can get it all over the ship at the included places to snack and or eat at.
Tips for traveling at sea with a funny tummy... if needed bring some tums, dramamine, and amything else that may help that is allowed.
Not a big drinker but still want go celebrate? You can bring one bottle of wine per adult over 21yo. Allowed per cabin are 12 waters or soda total so bring a mix to have on hand like water bottles and ginger ale or sprite.
Check app for jewlery freebies.. we lined up one night for a free charm bracelet then bought some charms we liked and it's a cute souvineer!!
Here is a fun vlog recap of our cruise. Let me know if you have questions I can try to answer as I convince my very nervous husband to go on a cruise since the kids are now begging to try one!
Happy sailing!
No comments:
Post a Comment