Royal Caribbean Cruises: Innovative Ships for Multi-Generational Family Fun

Cruise Specialists staff member, Matt Reich recently returned from a family cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas with his wife and two children and provided a wonderful recap of their experiences. If you are considering a family cruise, this post provides some valuable insight. Travel Date: 12/23/23 | Ship: Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas | Duration: 7 Days Destinations: Cape Canaveral, Perfect Day at CocoCay, Cozumel, Roatan, Costa Maya Embarking on the Wonder of the Seas, the world’s 2nd largest cruise ship, behind the new Icon of the Seas, promised an unparalleled family vacation filled with excitement and relaxation. Our itinerary included stunning ports and an array of onboard activities, catering to both adults and children. Onboard Experience Stepping onto the ship for the first time was a jaw-dropping moment, setting the tone for an incredible journey filled with countless cherished memories. As first-time Royal Caribbean cruisers, we were immediately struck by the Wonder of the Seas‘ sheer size — an architectural marvel spanning 1,188 feet in length (more than 3 football fields) and accommodating up to 6,988 passengers across 18 decks. This colossal vessel offered a grandeur beyond expectations. The staff’s warm service, excellent food options, and kid-friendly activities truly stood out. Even with the number of passengers on this mega-ship, the staff remained friendly, knowledgeable, and committed to ensuring a pleasant experience. We were impressed with the level of service provided. Opting for an ocean-view balcony for our family of four, we appreciated the stunning views and quiet moments of tranquility on our balcony. We were also glad our stateroom was at the aft of the ship, offering easy access to dining, entertainment, and recreational areas. This convenience made our stay even more enjoyable. Sea days were a delightful mix of relaxation and adventures. The variety of onboard activities ensured there was always something fun to do. From waterslides to acrobatic performances, the ship brimmed with activities for all ages. The thrilling shows and a diverse range of entertainment options meant there was never a dull moment. However, our family also cherished the time spent on our private balcony, reading and soaking in the serenity of the ocean. Endless Culinary Delights With over 20 dining venues, the Wonder of the Seas offers a diverse culinary journey, from traditional southern dishes at The Mason Jar to Mexican flavors at El Loco Fresh. The variety of restaurants made dining an exciting adventure. One of our favorite places to go was Izumi, offering delicious sushi rolls and fresh sashimi for lunch and dinner. The pizza at Sorrentos was another family favorite. And of course, a morning stroll to Starbucks on deck 5 was a perfect start to the day. Additional Wonders about Wonder of the Seas Advanced Technology: Wonder of the Seas offers very reliable high-speed Wi-Fi. Even for a family of four, we were able to take advantage of using our devices on the ship without an issue. The Royal Caribbean app was also very useful for scheduling shows, viewing the daily agenda, making dinner reservations, booking shore excursions and keeping track of our expenses. You can even chat with family and friends while on board using the app. We found the technology helpful and easy to use. Aquatic Extravaganza: Adventure seekers can revel in the ship’s 10-story Ultimate Abyss slide, the tallest at sea, two FlowRider® surf simulators and dare to conquer the twisting, turning, adrenaline-pumping waterslide trio, The Perfect Storm. There is also a two-story poolside bar and plenty of loungers for those opting for a more relaxed pool day. Port Impressions: Efficient embarkation and disembarkation processes marked each port. No lines, no stress—just beautiful destinations waiting to be explored. Each port brought its unique charm and excitement, but we really loved Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island. There are plenty of things to do on the island that are complimentary. We had the buffet for lunch (one of the five included dining venues) and thought the variety of dishes was a wonderful treat. We also enjoyed a dip in the ocean and soaking up some sunrays on the beach. If you have a drink or Wi-Fi package, your access is included on the island too. Beach time while in port at Roatán   Enjoying our time in Costa Maya and Roatán Overall, we had a terrific time and highly recommend family cruises on Wonder of the Seas. It is not always easy to plan a family vacation that checks all the boxes for kids and adults alike, but we found a delightful way to create unforgettable memories and spend quality time together while on this impressive ship. Embark on your own Caribbean cruise and let the Wonder of the Seas redefine your vacation expectations. It’s a journey that promises both relaxation and excitement for the entire family.   See Royal Caribbean cruises to the Caribbean >> ... Read more

Cruising has begun its comeback in the Caribbean! On June 5, 2021, Celebrity Millennium departed St. Maarten for a 7-day roundtrip cruise. There have been a limited number of cruises in  Europe and Asia over the past year, but this is the first opportunity for close-to-home ocean cruises for North American travelers since cruising paused in March 2020. And this is just the beginning. Cruise Specialists is closely following developments at every cruise line.   The Bahamas, courtesy Peter Hansen on Unsplash Here are the latest updates from those who have announced a Caribbean comeback for summer 2021, with voyages departing from various Caribbean destinations: Cruise Line Cruise Ship Planned Start Date From/To Guest Requirements Celebrity Cruises Celebrity Millennium June 5, 2021 Roundtrip St. Maarten Vaccines required for adults Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas June 12, 2021 Roundtrip Nassau, the Bahamas Vaccines required for adults Crystal Cruises Crystal Serenity July 3, 2021 Roundtrip Bimini or Nassau, the Bahamas Vaccines required for adults Seabourn Seabourn Odyssey July 18, 2021 Roundtrip Bridgetown, Barbados Vaccines required for all ages Crystal Cruises Crystal Symphony August 2, 2021 Roundtrip Philipsburg, St. Maarten Vaccines required for adults Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Gem August 15, 2021 Roundtrip Punta Cana (La Romana), Dominican Republic Vaccines required for all ages All of the above cruise lines plan to sail at reduced capacity during their start-up phase with these ships. Vacationers will meet the travel requirements set by the destination from where their cruise departs. Depending on the destination, that may include but is not limited to: Negative PCR test* result before arrival (timeframes may vary depending on country) Testing upon arrival into the country Filling out appropriate forms Guidelines for children under the age of 18 who are not required to be vaccinated to cruise may be different and in most cases for children, a negative COVID-19 test result within a specified time frame is required. (Virgin Voyages is an adults-only cruise line.) Check with your cruise line for the most up to date information. Many cruise lines are waiting to make announcements regarding mask requirements. Crew will also be fully vaccinated on the following lines: Celebrity Cruises Seabourn Norwegian Cruise Line Royal Caribbean Crystal Cruises – the expectation is all crew will be vaccinated with some initial exceptions combined with rigorous testing; they will be a requirement of employment once vaccine is widely available The Stunning Destinations With each announcement comes a feeling of exhilaration as travelers learn about the glorious islands and beach destinations each cruise ship will visit. Here are more specifics on the special itineraries: Celebrity Cruises 7-Night Roundtrips from St. Maarten Choice of two itineraries: Phillipsburg, St. Maarten · at sea · Willemstad, Curacao · Oranjestad, Aruba · at sea · Bridgetown, Barbados · at sea · Phillipsburg, St. Maarten OR Phillipsburg, St. Maarten · at sea · Tortola, British Virgin Islands · at sea · Castries, St. Lucia · Bridgetown, Barbados · at sea · Phillipsburg, St. Maarten Bathsheba Beach, Barbados, courtesy Celebrity Cruises Royal Caribbean 7-Night Roundtrips from Nassau, the Bahamas Sample Itinerary for 7-Night Bahamas & Cozumel Cruise with 2 Days at Perfect Day: Nassau, Bahamas · Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas (private island) · at sea · Cozumel, Mexico · Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas · Nassau, Bahamas Perfect Day at CocoCay, courtesy Royal Caribbean Crystal Cruises Crystal Serenity: 7-Night Roundtrips from Nassau, the Bahamas Itinerary: Nassau, Bimini, Harbour Island, Great Exuma, San Salvador Island, Long Island (all in the Bahamas) · at sea · Nassau Crystal Serenity pool area   Crystal Symphony: 7-Night Roundtrips from Philipsburg, St. Maarten Itinerary: Philipsburg, St. Maarten ·  Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands · St. John’s, Antigua · Bridgetown, Barbados · Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago · Castries, St. Lucia · Phlipsburg, St. Maarten Crystal Cruises noted that as more islands in the Caribbean begin to reopen, Crystal may add additional ports to their itineraries and will inform guests and travel partners of any changes.   Seabourn 7-Day Roundtrips from Bridgetown Choice of two itineraries: Caribbean Yacht Odyssey: Bridgetown, Barbados · Rodney Bay, Saint Lucia · St. Johns, Antigua and Barbuda · Road Town (Tortola), British Virgin Islands · Carambola Beach, Saint Kitts and Nevis · Saint Georges, Grenada · at sea · Bridgetown, Barbados OR Caribbean Yacht Gems: Bridgetown, Barbados · Castries, Saint Lucia · Roseau, Dominica · Philipsburg, Sint Maarten · Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands · Carambola Beach, Saint Kitts and Nevis · at sea · Bridgetown, Barbados The above two itineraries may be combined for a 14-day cruise with only one repeated port. Caribbean cruising, image courtesy of Seabourn Norwegian Cruise Line Choice of two itineraries—a 7-day roundtrip Montego Bay, Jamaica or a 7-day roundtrip Punta Cana (La Romana) Dominican Republic Montego Bay itinerary: Montego Bay, Jamaica · at sea · Harvest Caye, Belize (NCL’s private destination) · Roatán, Honduras · Cozumel, Mexico · at sea · Ocho Rios, Jamaica · Montego Bay, Jamaica Punta Cana itinerary: Punta Cana (La Romana), Dominican Republic · at sea · Bridgetown, Barbados · Castries, St. Lucia · Philipsburg, St. Maarten · St. John’s Antigua · at sea · Punta Cana, Dominican Republic Sea turtle in Roatan, Honduras, photo courtesy Erin Simmons on Unsplash   What about the CDC? The cruise industry has been working closely with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to restart cruising from U.S. homeports. The first major U.S.-based cruise is scheduled to be on board Celebrity Edge, departing Fort Lauderdale on June 26, 2021. Regardless of departure location or date, the cruise lines will be utilizing dozens of safety measures cruise lines have collaborated on and developed in the past year. As we receive more information on the path toward cruising, we will continue to update this blog post. Our cruise experts can coordinate a worry-free cruise vacation for you and our services are complimentary. Meet our Cruise Consultants here.   *Editor’s Note: What is a PCR test or a COVID-19 PCR test? As defined by the Mayo Clinic:  Also called a molecular test, this COVID-19 test detects genetic material of the virus using a lab technique called polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A fluid sample is collected by inserting a long nasal swab (nasopharyngeal swab) into your nostril and taking fluid from the back of your nose or by using a shorter nasal swab (mid-turbinate swab) to get a sample. In some cases, a long swab is inserted into the back of your throat (oropharyngeal swab), or you may spit into a tube to produce a saliva sample. Results may be available in minutes if analyzed onsite or a few days — or longer in locations with test processing delays — if sent to an outside lab. PCR tests are very accurate when properly performed by a health care professional, but the rapid test can miss some cases. Source, Mayo Clinic: //www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/covid-19-diagnostic-test/about/pac-20488900   ... Read more

Symphony of the Seas. Image courtesy of Royal Caribbean In case you missed it, Royal Caribbean has been beating their own record for the biggest ship in the world over and over again. With each new ship blowing us away with the array of thrilling attractions and new-to-cruise-ship offerings. Despite the unique differences between these new mega ships, we wanted to take the time to remind those considering a cruise of all of the benefits to cruising on one of the world’s largest ships. Royal Caribbean CEO Michael Bayley disclosed in a Business Insider interview that the designers and architects of these ships didn’t necessarily set out to create the biggest ships. Rather, they focused on the overall experience of the guests. “When we set out to design ships originally in the concept phase… we really get caught up in concept and what we’re trying to deliver,” Bayley explained during the interview. Are you excited to see what makes these ships stand out? Here are five reasons to sail on these thrilling mega ship. Image courtesy of Royal Caribbean Big Ship Energy The best part of a cruise with Royal Caribbean is the shared excitement for the journey. From the smiling faces of guests and the crew to eager help from the service team members, everyone aboard will be energized by the positive atmosphere. With a variety of new people to meet, you’ll have the chance to make lifelong friends on your voyage. Itineraries Close to Home Another benefit is that it’s easy to book a voyage on one of these vessels, as well as to fit it into your schedule. For a refreshing alternative to longer cruises in distant lands, Royal Caribbean offers an abundance of itineraries to the beautiful islands of the Caribbean. Fun weekend escapes or weeklong vacations to the tropics will have you packing your bag in no time. Image courtesy of Royal Caribbean Endless Entertainment It’s well-known that Royal Caribbean is the master of entertainment, and the bigger the ship, the more options for fun. There truly is something for everyone in your group, especially for multi-generational vacations. After seeing the success of the world’s first shipboard waterslides aboard the Harmony of the Seas, Royal Caribbean delivered time and time again. Adrenaline-seekers will have a blast on the assortment of waterslides—some as high as three stories tall—as well as catching a wave on the FlowRider surf simulator. Image courtesy of Royal Caribbean Other entertainment includes the world’s first cruise glow-in-the-dark laser tag, as well as arcade games, dance classes, cooking classes and more. There are Broadway-style shows, live orchestra performances, invigorating spa services and even beautiful ice skating spectacles and breathtaking Aquatheater shows. Access to Private Destinations Travelers ready for a truly unique vacation will be happy with itineraries that stop in Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. This private island is the ideal day of adventure featuring Thrill Waterpark, Splashaway Bay aqua park, the Oasis freshwater pool, the Zip Line and more. Plus, almost all of the things to do on Perfect Day at CocoCay are complimentary, meant to be enjoyed by all. This is a truly one-of-a-kind island. Image courtesy of Royal Caribbean Amenities that Amaze Oasis class ships from Royal Caribbean are known for being the best of the best. That’s why other ships, including the Harmony of the Seas, the Allure of the Seas and the Oasis of the Seas have each won awards for being the “Best Cruise Ship” by a variety of publications. By rolling out the familiar Oasis class amenities combined with fresh new amenities on the Icon class —with the same dependable service you’ve come to expect from the Royal Caribbean team—these mega ships create an experience you truly have to live to believe. Take a look at the variety of sailing opportunities with Cruise Specialists to begin planning your next escape. See Royal Caribbean Cruises >> ... Read more