A Cruise Vacation on Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas

Simply the Two of Us: A Couple’s Final Cruise Trip on Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas

Since turning into a mum or dad virtually 17 years in the past, my husband and I’ve gone away collectively a complete of zero occasions. Not a weekend, not an in a single day, nada. We had so many excuses, extra like 4 of them- our kids. And whereas I understand how necessary it’s for {couples} to spend time collectively, let’s face it, that is simpler stated than achieved. However generally, a possibility presents itself, and also you simply must go for it. Royal Caribbean, recognized for his or her world-class cruises that includes 29 completely different ships and greater than 300 locations, reached out to ask me on a seven-night cruise to the Bahamas, with a cease in Florida, on their Symphony of the Seas ship crusing for the primary time ever from the New York space. And, after all, I accepted. Really, it was extra like as quickly as I checked my schedule, my husband’s schedule, and my kids’s schedules, then I accepted.

Schedules have been cleared; now, on to youngster care. I’m lucky sufficient to have my dad and mom close by, and I introduced them with a possibility to spend high quality time with their treasured grandsons for seven nights. Who would cross up the chance to ferry 4 cute kids to and from faculty, extracurricular actions, buddies’ homes, and, after all, feed them for an entire week? Apparently, not my dad and mom. Bless them. With childcare sorted out, I used to be capable of begin planning for our trip for 2.

What to Put on

I began to consider what to pack, which was going to be a breeze, contemplating I normally pack for 5. In fact, I packed the swimwear, informal garments for daytime, sunscreen, and hats, however I additionally wanted to seek the advice of the Royal Caribbean app to seek out out what sort of theme nights there could be in order that I might pack accordingly. We had white night time, 70’s night time, Caribbean night time, and formal night time. I used to be a little bit nervous for formal night time, however I used to be assured that there’s a vary of what’s thought of “formal,” so I didn’t must convey a ball gown- however I completely might have if I wished to. I caught with a basic black gown, however there have been households in all the things from shirts, ties, and sundresses to full formal with tuxedos and robes. Everybody regarded lovely, and it was enjoyable when the entire ship participated. I additionally packed a ebook, which appears like a primary merchandise to convey with you on a visit, however usually, after I trip with my household (and I take advantage of the phrase “trip” loosely), I’m so busy planning actions, packing snacks, and breaking apart fights, that I by no means have time to crack open a ebook. However not this time, as a result of I used to be occurring an actual trip, and I might learn something that I wished, however it actually wasn’t going to contain an underpants-wearing caped crusader (no offense, Dav Pilkey.)

Children are in Secure Palms

Because the countdown continued to our first trip ever because the youngsters have been born, I created a doc for my dad and mom with day by day itineraries for every youngster: what time they wanted to be at school, what time they wanted to be picked up, and which days they must be at after faculty applications. I additionally went purchasing to inventory my dad and mom’ house with snacks for college, rooster nuggets, fish sticks, and scorching canines to ensure that there have been loads of backup choices for when the youngsters refuse my mother’s dinners, identical to after they refuse mine (spoiler alert: they ate all the things she served.) I used to be actually nervous for them, however I informed them to be courageous and reminded them that I used to be solely a cellphone name away. Then I stated goodbye to my youngsters.

Issues to Do Earlier than You Cruise Off

Obtain the Royal Caribbean App, and do that manner earlier than your journey. The app gives a wealth of data and consists of your day by day itinerary with actions, exhibits, video games, theme nights, a map of the ship, eating choices, schedules, and extra. The quantity of actions on the ship could be overwhelming, so it’s a good suggestion to go over what chances are you’ll need to do earlier than you board. You can too use the app to make reservations for exhibits, ebook excursions, buy web, and drink packages, order pictures taken onboard, check-in to your journey, fill out mandatory paperwork, and extra. For those who favor to see the day by day itinerary on paper, you may go to visitor providers, which give out the “Cruise Compass” e-newsletter with an inventory of the day’s occasions, video games, actions, climate, and “drink of the day.”

Our Final Cruise

The large day arrived, and we loaded the automobile and made our solution to Bayonne. Over time, folks have informed us how fantastic cruising is, however I by no means gave it a lot thought as a result of I might by no means justify paying to fly and keep at a lodge to get to a port that’s far-off. With the Symphony of the Seas ship departing from New Jersey, it’s solely a fast drive away from my house on Lengthy Island, slicing out the necessity for additional journey bills. We arrived at Cape Liberty and checked in throughout the timeframe that we have been assigned via our Royal Caribbean app. A buddy gave me a heads up that we wouldn’t obtain our baggage instantly and to take a carry-on with us with the issues we would wish immediately- sunscreen, change of garments, toiletries, and so on. We additionally made certain to have our passports with us. Don’t depart that at house! I will need to have checked my bag ten occasions to guarantee that we had them with us. We entered the terminal, which was similar to an airport terminal, went via safety, the place I introduced my passport, which I knew for a undeniable fact that I had not left at house, and made our manner onto the ship.

On our solution to our room, we have been greeted by Ida, who launched himself as our Stateroom Attendant for our Ocean View Balcony room and tell us that he was accessible if we would have liked something. And he was. Similar to the opposite members of the employees that we might quickly be assembly, Ida was heat, pleasant, and educated and made certain to name us by identify each time we noticed him. I knew proper then and there that I might by no means work on a cruise ship as a result of my potential to recollect anybody’s names, not even my kids, would instantly disqualify me from working for Royal Caribbean. Once we entered the room, we have been immediately grabbed by the gorgeous view from our balcony. Regardless that we have been nonetheless docked in Jersey, we had the Manhattan skyline to admire. The room was spacious, with a snug king-size mattress, a sofa that pulled out for extra company, a closet with loads of area to hold garments, and a wall-mounted tv. I by no means wanted to make use of the magnetic hooks for this sized room, but when I used to be touring with my kids, then I might need.

It was virtually time to depart, so we went to the sixteenth flooring to wave goodbye to these on shore. You might really feel the joy of everybody on board, prepared to begin their holidays. Our fellow passengers included households (small and huge), retirees, honeymooners, {couples}, and even a marriage party- sure, you will get married on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship! The sixteenth flooring and fifteenth flooring of Symphony of the Seas are house to the swimming pools, jacuzzis, waterslides, ziplining, FlowRider browsing simulator, basketball courts, ping pong tables, miniature golf course, pickle ball court docket, The Good Storm water slides, The Final Abyss which is a high-speed dry slide that takes you from the sixteenth flooring to the sixth flooring in a darkish tunnel with flashing lights- it’s a lot enjoyable!

Talking of the sixth flooring, aka The Boardwalk, just isn’t solely the touchdown pad for The Final Abyss, however house to a carnival-like environment that includes a fantastic carousel, carnival video games, netted climbing wall, the Auqatheater, and the doorway to the mountain climbing wall. For those who’re feeling hungry and nostalgic for honest meals, cease by the Canine Home for a basic scorching canine with the entire fixings or select from a wide range of sausages. Want a sugar rush? Try the specialty store Sugar Seashore for an limitless array of candy treats, ice cream, and children’ workshops. Sugar Seashore and choose eating places, like Johnny Rockets and Playmakers Sports activities Bar & Arcade, are usually not included along with your cruise however supply passengers the chance to dine on a wide range of specialty fares.

On the opposite aspect of the sixth flooring is the Vitality Spa & Health and the Vitality Cafe. Right here, you may pamper your self with facials, physique wraps, massages- alone or along with your somebody particular, and a lot extra. The state-of-the-art health club options machines, weights, lessons, and well being seminars. A few of the lessons are included along with your journey, whereas others require an extra payment. The Vitality Cafe is situated on the entrance of the world and options an array of smoothies, protein shakes, and juices. Don’t see what you need on the menu? You possibly can create your personal and luxuriate in a personalised beverage (I preferred ordering my juice with beets, oranges, and apples!) There’s a payment for the gadgets on the Cafe’s menu, however they’re included within the Deluxe and Refreshment Beverage Packages.

Whereas we’re on the subject of drink packages, let’s break it down. There are three drink packages to select from: the Basic Soda Package deal, the Refreshment Package deal, and the Deluxe Beverage Package deal. The Basic Soda Package deal is precisely what it appears like and consists of fountain sodas and refills, entry to the Coca-Cola Freestyle beverage machine, giving passengers the choice to combine and create soda blends, and features a memento Coca-Cola Cup. The Refreshment Package deal consists of all the things within the Basic Soda Package deal, plus premium espresso and teas, freshly squeezed juices, bottled water, non-alcoholic cocktails, and milkshakes at Johnny Rockets. The Deluxe Beverage Package deal consists of all the things that the Refreshment Package deal consists of, plus cocktails, spirits, liqueurs, beers, and wine by the glass, all as much as $14. Not one of the packages embrace drinks bought inside licensed Starbucks, however the Starbucks drinks served on the Cafe Promenade (open 24 hours a day) are included. Beverage packages are optionally available, however when one particular person in your room buys it, you all have to purchase it for your complete length of the journey. You should purchase your drink bundle on the ship, however there may be usually a reduction if you are going to buy it previous to your journey on the Royal Caribbean app.

One other buy you’ll need to think about is an web bundle. Relying on the size of your cruise, chances are you’ll not really feel it’s essential to have the web and may welcome being disconnected for some time. However as a mum or dad leaving youngsters on land, I feel it’s a necessity. In contrast to the drink packages, you may share the web as a result of it’s primarily based on what number of gadgets are used. We had an web bundle that allowed for 2 gadgets, so if I wanted to make use of my laptop computer, I might disconnect the web from my cellphone after which join it to my laptop computer. Since my husband nonetheless had his web connection to his cellphone, we have been nonetheless reachable. You should purchase this on the ship or buy prematurely at a reduced charge. There are mixture drinks and web packages as properly. You don’t want to buy an web bundle to make use of the Royal Caribbean app.

And whilst you’re pre-purchasing your drinks and web, flick thru the Royal Caribbean app to discover the various excursions provided in your cruise. Excursions are optionally available and are an extra payment. For those who determine to remain onboard, you may proceed to get pleasure from the entire facilities that the ship has to supply, or you may depart to do your personal thing- simply just be sure you are again earlier than departure time. We had the choice to go on excursions once we made stops in Orlando, Florida, and Nassau, Bahamas. In Orlando, we visited the Daytona Worldwide Speedway, the place we bought an unique, behind-the-scenes tour of this historic sports activities complicated, took footage within the winners’ circle, and traveled via racing historical past on the Motorsports Corridor of Fame of America. Within the Bahamas, we toured Nassau, realized about historic buildings, and made stops at a rum cake store for scrumptious souvenirs and the John Watling’s Distillery, the place we have been greeted with refreshing pina colada samples. A few of us had a couple of, however I’m not going to call names.

Throughout our second day within the Bahamas, everybody was invited to disembark for a Good Day at CocoaCay. CocoaCay, an island unique to Royal Caribbean, is included along with your cruise to the Bahamas, and presents passengers a full day of enjoyable in paradise, it doesn’t matter what which means to you. From lounging by the pool or the seaside to sports activities to water play areas, it’s all there. Whereas most actions are free, there’s a payment for extras like snorkeling, zip lining, the Thrill Water Park, and the Up, Up, and Away helium balloon trip. CocoaCay covers about 125 acres and has a tram service to take you across the island, with stops alongside the best way so that you can hop on and hop off. We made our solution to the all-new Hideaway Seashore, the place, for an extra payment, guests have entry to an adults-only retreat with a celebration vibe, swim-up bar, and gorgeous views. For those who actually need to amp up your island expertise, ebook one of many Caribbean’s first-ever Overwater Cabanas, full with overwater hammocks and personal slides proper into the water. For those who’re in search of extra kid-friendly enjoyable, head over to Splashaway Bay, the place, for no further value, kids can climb, slide, and get soaked on this splash play space. Getting hungry? There are 5 eating places on the island so that you can take pleasure in which might be included along with your go to. Getting thirsty? There are a variety of bars prepared to combine a tropical cocktail for you and when you bought the deluxe drink bundle, it’s good for drinks on CocoaCay as properly. The identical goes to your web bundle.

Again on the ship, it was time to prepare for dinner. After a bathe and a fast change, we headed to the eating room. The eating choices are limitless on Symphony of the Seas. You possibly can persist with the eating places and cafes which might be included along with your cruise, or you may see what else there may be to strive at eateries like Jamie’s Italian, from the thoughts of superstar chef Jamie Oliver and  Izumi, providing an unique Asian-inspired expertise. For breakfast, we preferred the expansive buffett on the Windjammer, an included restaurant, providing all the things from yogurt and recent fruit to pancakes and eggs together with gorgeous ocean views. Professional tip: get to the Windjammer early to keep away from the breakfast rush, or take what you want again to your room and dine there. For dinners, we ate within the Principal Eating Room, the place we have been warmly greeted at each meal, particularly by Jackie the Maître d’ and by our Head Waiter, Karietha, who made us really feel like household. For those who do plan to dine outdoors of the included venues, take a look at the eating packages the place you may get pleasure from a number of or limitless restaurant choices at a reduced charge with particular pricing for kids.

After dinner the get together continues with an array of dwell leisure. Catch Broadway-worthy productions of Hairspray and Flight…Dare to Dream on the Royal Theater, high-flying acrobatics that mixes water and theatrics in HiRo at AquaTheater, and see skaters glide alongside the ice within the time-traveling 1977. Different leisure consists of the Grownup Comedy Present and numerous recreation exhibits. The theatrical productions, comedy exhibits and recreation exhibits all require reservations and replenish quick, so ebook tickets as quickly as they turn out to be accessible in your Royal Caribbean app. For those who missed out on tickets, you may present up quarter-hour earlier than begin time in case seats turn out to be accessible. Not all exhibits are carried out nightly, so maintain that in thoughts when planning your night. Different nighttime leisure that doesn’t require reservations consists of On line casino Royal, which options your favourite Vegas video games, karaoke, trivia video games, the night time membership, and a lot extra.

When touring as a household, it’s to be anticipated that sooner or later you gained’t all agree on what you need to do collectively, and with a lot to select from, it makes the choice even tougher. That’s the place Symphony of the Seas’ complimentary Journey Ocean youth program is available in. Mother and father can drop off their youngsters, ages 3-12, for a full day of supervised actions only for them, in a devoted space of the ship. The kids are separated into teams by age, and programming is particularly tailor-made to their pursuits, together with science experiments, artwork workshops, black gentle puppet exhibits, video games, and a lot extra. The tweens and youths program offers older youngsters ages 12-17 an area of their very own to play video games, sports activities, and their very own events. There’s additionally a drop-off program for the littlest cruisers ages 6-36 months, however that does include an extra payment. With the youngsters dropped off at Journey Ocean, the grownups can get pleasure from a while on their very own, figuring out that their youngsters are secure and having enjoyable.

Our time on Symphony of the Seas was coming to an finish, and it was time to begin packing up. We would have liked to be off the ship within the morning in order that the crew might have it prepared for the subsequent set of company that may be departing later that day. We got the choice to have our baggage taken off the ship for us, which additionally meant we needed to have our luggage packed the night time earlier than, or we might decide to take our baggage with us once we departed. We selected to take our personal baggage, which is why I made certain to have wheels on my duffle, making it simpler to get to the parking zone the place we left our automobile 8 days earlier.

We did it! We vacationed! I by no means thought it could occur, however it did! I even learn that ebook! I might have used at the least one other week to get to the entire actions on Symphony of the Seas (I by no means did get an opportunity to strive the zip line), however I positively loved my time and now see why everybody loves cruising. And now that I do know my dad and mom can survive every week with my youngsters, we gained’t wait one other 16 years to take a trip.

Some Suggestions for a Profitable Journey

ID Lanyard: You’ll get a Sea Go that works as a room key, bank card, and drink bundle cross, and having an ID lanyard makes it straightforward to hold around- particularly whenever you don’t have pockets.

Magnetic Hooks: The rooms’ partitions and doorways are magnetic, so put up some hooks to create extra cupboard space the place you may dangle issues for straightforward entry.

Towel Clips: It will probably get windy by the pool space, so use clips to safe your towel to your lounge chair and let others know that this seat is taken.

Delicate Baggage: A buddy who lately went on a cruise along with her household steered I take baggage that would collapse and be saved below the mattress when not in use. I believed this was an important concept, however I’m fairly certain that we have been the one ones with rolling duffle luggage whereas everybody else was utilizing common structured rolling suitcases. However do guarantee that nonetheless you transport your baggage, it does have wheels. I’ll speak extra about why later.

Cruising Geese: We met this beautiful couple at dinner one night time on the cruise, and so they informed us all about Cruising Geese. That is actually a factor. You pack little rubber duckies to cover across the ship for different passengers to seek out. You can too buy tags to connect to them to make it extra private. For those who discover a duck, take a photograph and put up it to social media with #cruisingducks. You possibly can then maintain the duck or disguise it once more for another person to seek out.

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