Tips for the 1st Cruise on Royal Carribbean

 

We go in May! I'm so excited and trying to be prepared as possible. So I've been watching YouTube videos from all those cruise experts. What to bring, what to wear and what packages are worth it. 

What To Bring

There's a lot of buzz about this stuff but some of the things I'm definitely going to need? Here's my short list so far; 

• 
  
  Lanyards. Used to hold your Sea Pass for purchasing things onboard. I've been looking at these

• 

  Towel Bands

  Towel Bands. Ships can be breezy so having something to secure the towel to the chair is a good idea. These will fit easily into the suitcase. 
  

• Inside the cabin they said get these Magnetic Hooks. Then
  you can hang stuff right on the walls. 

One thing you have to check your cruise company about is the plugs for your phones/kindle/whatever. Every cruise company has rules regarding these things like no surge protectors or multiplug outlets. The best thing is to go to your Cruise company's website and look up their specks on these things. 

Going on a Cruise? Yes!

 Sadly I'm one of those people who have never been on a cruise. At 67 years old I'm getting excited to go in May. 

Now the complicated stuff. 

1. I never had a passport. Back in the day (what an old people phrase?) to go to Canada or Mexico you didn't need one. I think I crossed the border with a driver's license. Had to get a passport so I wouldn't have to deal with all those extra papers. 

2. Which cruise? Where to go? How many stops? 

    I really wanted something not too long because... what if I don't like it? Not that I ever met anyone who didn't love the cruise and there were tons of reviews and Youtube videos on this stuff. So we're doing 4 days on the Royal Caribbean and one stop in the Dominican Republic. Reviews were great and now we have other stuff to choose. 

3. Once you book a cruise you have to decide on drink packages, meal packages, and stuff like that. I don't drink much. Maybe a glass of wine on the holiday? Mostly it just puts me to sleep. Hubby is getting the drink package. I'm going for the beverage package. Give me coffee, water and maybe a soda and I'm happy. I might bring a bottle of wine (allowed) and some water bottles. 

Meal packages? I'm Celiac which means I eat gluten free. Medical necessity. Royal Caribbean is supposed to be good with gluten free choices. (More info I got online/reviews) 

Fancy dinners? eh. I'm okay as long as the food is safe. 

4. What to pack? Still researching this stuff. Some are like a couple pairs of shorts, tanks, and 2 or 3 bathing suits. Others give long lists of dresses, shorts, long pants, sweaters etc. I think I'm going to have to figure this out... 

So, if you're a cruise pro, what's your recommendation? All advice welcome. 

😎