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10 things you should know before cruising with Royal Caribbean

GUEST POST: Paul and Carole

10 things you should know before cruising with Royal Caribbean.

We have now cruised 7 times with Royal Caribbean and must say we have always had an incredible time. Here are 10 things you should know before taking your first cruise with Royal Caribbean.

1. Ice rink (on newer ships)

The ships have an ice rink and spectacular ice shows, they really are amazing. You are able to watch 2 shows normally on a week’s cruise, but you do need to get tickets. The process is really easy and you can choose the time and day you would like to go. The rink is also available for ice skating sessions if you want to get your skates on!

ice show royal caribbean ice skating rink

2. Food!

We have enjoyed exceptional service and fantastic food in the dining rooms, and the buffets are excellent too. Elasticated trousers are a must!

royal caribbean dining restaurant food
3. Promenade (on newer ships)

Royal Caribbean ships have a promenade that runs through the length of the ship on deck 5. Here they have parades and street parties that are great fun. Get your seat early as it does get very busy!

royal caribbean promonade
4. Sports

If you’re feeling sporty then the sports deck will keep you occupied. You can climb the rock wall, play football or golf and the flowrider, a surf simulator that is great fun. There is also an Adventureland for the kids which will keep them occupied.

royal caribbean rcl flowrider surf simulator cruising isnt just for old people

Thanks to @wt.skylife for this one! I am SO excited to try the flowrider. (This isn’t Paul/Carole.. ha ha)

5. Johnny Rockets! (On newer ships)

Enjoy a old school American diner experience at Johnny Rockets. It does come will a small charge but an excellent experience where the staff do dance routines in between serving your food. Be warned the portions are huge!

royal caribbean johnny rockets
6. Drinks Packages.

Drinks packages are available but are expensive so make sure you do your maths before you sign up for one, but it is a great way to sample all the cocktails and includes speciality coffees too!

royal caribbean drinks packages cocktail

7. Theatre shows.

The shows in the theatre are of very good standard including singers, comedians and west end style shows. Get in early for a front row seat with drinks served throughout the shows.

royal caribbean theatre shows

8. Deck 13.

For panoramic views, the bar on Deck 13 at the rear of the ship is the place to be, it is called a different name on each ship. Great space for chilling out and watching the world go by!

royal caribbean ship cruise sky sea ocean

9. Pub.

Grab a pint at the Pub on the Promenade, a traditional english pub that has a good selection of ales and has a singer every evening. We have enjoyed some good sing-a-longs here!

royal caribbean ship
10. Cafe Promenade.

If you’re still hungry after all the wonderful food head to the Cafe Promenade that has snacks 24 hours a day!

royal caribbean cafe promonade

Girl dress norwegian breakway balcony Emma says: Wow! I am heading off on my first Royal Caribbean cruise in October onboard the Independence of the seas. There are SO many things that I am looking forward too. I cannot wait to try the to flowrider, eat johnny rockets and watch an ice skating show.

Royal Caribbean definitely have some of the most exciting cruise ships in the world. I cannot wait to see what they will bring out next. Thanks again guys!

 

If the thrills of Royal Caribbean look tempting why not check out this post: 10 things you can do on a cruise that you didn’t think that you could 5 of which are onboard Royal Caribbean ships!

Sanna Vegancruiser

Thursday 15th of June 2017

Might add that some of the older ships don't have the promenade, Johnny Rockets or the ice rink. Two of those have now been sold to TUI/Thomson so they're on their way out... but be sure what ship you're booking so that won't be disappointed:)

Tony

Thursday 15th of June 2017

It is worth at least once trying out one of the fine dining options sich as Chops Grille on the Independence.

There are others as well, and whilst there is usually a cover charge of around $25 it is worth every penny.

You have personal waiter service, it is cooked to your personal taste, it is an experience not to be missed and the food is sublime.

Whilsy the food in all the other diners is fantastic, I don't think I have ever experienced a better dining experience, and it compares with Michelin starred meals, just much nicer surroundings.

There are a variety of fine diners. Italian, Indian on board and so you are spoilt for choice.

Not sure if it was included in her most recent refit, but the Independence also had a Ben and Jerry's and some of the ice cream I had on board was something to behold.

But trying the fine dining is a must.

We do it at least once on every cruise and enjoy the whole experience