Let’s start with discounts
The first thing you need to think about when getting tickets for a cruise is that you don’t necessarily have to buy directly from the cruise line. Kudos to you if you can, but personally those prices are steep unless you’re 55+ a discount doesn’t apply. We got our tickets from cruise.com!
If you know around what time you plan on cruising the best way to utilize cruise.com Is to start searching for your cruise 3 months in advance. Thats when the cruise dates for around the time you plan on going actually pop up. The cruise lines are basically trying to fill up the rooms that haven’t been purchased yet so this is when the deals kick in. As long as you’re not picky this is a great way to get great deals. We got a BOGO deal + $50 credits for each of us! It helped A LOT.
To drink or not to drink
If you’re trying to look your best on a Royal Caribbean cruise & are concerned about the food…well I would be too, but the drinks you don’t have to worry! Unless you plan on giving an arm or a leg it’s a no go. This goes for any drink that isn’t water or lemonade. So don’t worry about drinking coke and living your best life on the cruise. The real dilemma is the alcohol. Most people are excited to drink cocktails and margs on the boat, but the package on our boat for the week came out to a whopping $875. They would honestly make more money if they let you buy a drink plan for a day or two, but if you don’t buy for the full trip you’re on a water diet!
The truth about small living
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My sister and I stayed in an interior suite, which was pretty decent. Personally we didn’t stay in the room much, but for the few hours that we did a window would have been ideal. You almost get a bunker like feeling in the interior room, which is awesome when you’re ready to sleep, but if you just want to chill in your room on a cruise day it can get kind of claustrophobic.
On our next cruise, I’m definitely going to invest in either a window or balcony room, because just being able to see life outside of the room makes you feel more connected.
Nassau, Bahamas
Bahamas was a MOOD. It’s just extremely touristy and less of a true island vibe, which you can tell bothers the people that live there. I almost felt like I was at Disney world. Everything is centered around the visitor when we should be centering ourselves around the culture. Nonetheless, the people were amazing.
There was this awesome bohemian restaurant called Bearded Claw…AMAZING! The food was SO good, and FRESH! Sorry to be screaming, but I definitely dream about the conch fritters frequently.
We also went to Atlantis Paradise island where the beach is located. There are so many people offering chairs and alcohol so get ready to chat for a deal. It’s a mood and the waters a beautiful.
Labadee, Haiti
If all of my Haitians in the room could PLEASE stand up!!! #proudhaitian The TRUTH about Labadee, in short, is that it is GORGEOUS, but if you’re looking for an authentic Haitian experience this is not it. Besides the dancers strategically placed around the resort type location, and Haitian employees helping run the island there is nothing Haitian about Labadee.
A lot of passengers (including myself) were ready for authentic Haitian cuisine, music, and just overall being immersed in the culture. Royal Caribbean catered cruise food for the day and had their Caribbean musical talent from the boat perform. It was a let down for the Haitian cruisers, but even more disappointing to passengers who wanted an authentic experience to know the true beauty of the Haitian culture.
I would STRONGLY encourage you to bring cash if you’re going to Labadee, Haiti. If you walk to the back of the island there is a beautiful outdoor store, and behind that local artist are selling their AMAZING art. There were so many amazingly talented people trying to make a way for themselves but only accepted cash. Luckily my sister and I knew how smaller islands work and were prepared. I got two pieces of art, a hand-carved shot glass, and handmade bracelets all for under $50 #astealhonestly. I was so glad to be able to support such beautiful souls.
Which cruise line should you choose?
Royal Caribbean is a beautiful cruise line, but let’s be real it’s a family boat. From the theatre shows to the arcade center a lot of the events are family oriented. This makes a lot of sense since families are on vacation together. They tried to add some adult activities such as a club, but there weren’t many single people so it wasn’t much fun. My sister and I are in our 20’s and wanted to have the best time possible, and luckily stumbled upon a seasoned cruiser who had been on every cruise line you could think of. According to her carnival cruise line is where the party is at! So if that’s what you’re looking for perhaps do some research on it. Thankfully, adult, only cruise lines are beginning to be a thing so that will be my next stop! #choochoo
If you’re all for the family vibes then go the Royal way! The theatre shows are SUPERB, Food = amazing, and family activities were inclusive of all ages. Overall I had a good time, but it would have been great if they catered to the young adult crowd a tad bit more.
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