Hello everyone! Are you ready to set sail? We recently took the plunge and returned from our very first cruise. I have to admit: beforehand, we were a bit overwhelmed. How should we prepare? What absolutely needs to go in the suitcase? And how do you make the most of your time on board?
We traveled on Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas, and what can I say—we were absolutely thrilled! To make sure your first (or next) journey on the ocean is just as relaxed as ours, I’ve summarized our most important “lessons learned” and personal highlights for you.
Our Tips for Every Cruise
- Magnets & Badge Holders: Cabin walls and doors are magnetic! Using magnetic hooks allows you to create extra storage space for bags or jackets. Your Seapass is your constant companion (it’s your room key and payment method in one)—a badge holder with a cute design is worth its weight in gold here.
- Check-in & Boarding: Secure your check-in time slot early so you can explore the ship ahead of the crowds. In our case, the earliest slot was 12:00 PM. The check-in area was quite peaceful at the start, and we were on board just half an hour later.
- Luggage Strategy: We traveled light with just two carry-on suitcases. Since we stayed in the same hotel before and after the cruise, we were able to store our remaining luggage there. This saves tons of space in the cabin and makes boarding extremely stress-free.
- Choosing a Cabin: If your budget allows, go for the balcony cabin. The small extra cost is worth it tenfold to wake up to the sound of the waves and a view of the vast ocean. For us, the private balcony was an essential retreat and the perfect spot to read a book in peace.
- Internet: Onboard Wi-Fi is very expensive. I recommend getting an eSIM for the respective countries beforehand so you can stay in touch with friends and family during port days.
- Going Ashore: Unless you’ve booked a specific shore excursion, take your time before heading off the ship. Enjoy a little extra time on board, as there are often long queues at customs and passport control immediately after docking. About an hour after arrival, most guests are off, and you can disembark relaxed and without the wait.
Specific Tips for Royal Caribbean
The Spectrum of the Seas offers endless possibilities. Here are our personal tips for this ship:
- Restaurants: While we enjoyed the unique Gala Dinner in the main dining room, we were a bit disappointed by the food on other evenings. Instead, we fell in love with the Windjammer Buffet Restaurant—the variety is fantastic and the atmosphere is wonderfully uncomplicated.
- Cocktails: We purchased the “10 Drinks Saving Card” in advance. For about $80, you get 10 cocktails—a great deal compared to individual prices! The card is also sold on board, but buying it in advance usually gets you a 10% discount.
- Oases of Calm: If the hustle and bustle at the main pool gets too much, head to the Solarium. This adults-only area became our absolute favorite spot to unwind.
- Showtime: We recommend arriving at the Royal Theater about 20 minutes before the start to get good seats. Extra Tip: 10 minutes before the show begins, the VIP areas on the second floor are often opened to everyone—perfect if you didn’t snag a good spot downstairs.
- Drinks: Basic drinks are free in the restaurants and cafés. If you like having extra drinks in your room: officially, you are allowed to bring 12 bottles (0.5l each) of non-alcoholic beverages on board per stateroom. You are also allowed to bring one bottle of wine/sparkling wine (0.75l) per person. You can even refill your supplies during port days! Having our own water in the room was incredibly helpful.
If you want to explore more about the Spectrum of the Seas by Royal Caribbean have a look to our honest review of our first cruise.
Our Cruise Packing List
- Casual everyday wear
- At least 1 formal outfit (Evening wear)
- Swimwear and bathrobe
- Gym/Activewear
- Windbreaker/jacket (it can get very breezy on deck!)
- Sunglasses
- Comfortable slippers for the cabin and pool area
- Travel adapter and charging cables
- Binoculars
- Magnets & Badge holders
- Sunscreen
- Toiletries (only shampoo is provided in the cabin)
- Personal medication
- Lens cleaning wipes (essential due to the salt in the air)
- 12x 0.5l Water / 2x bottles of wine
- Books, E-reader, and card games
Our Conclusion: A New Holiday Fever
I never would have thought the “cruise fever” would hit us this hard. It’s the perfect blend of comfort, entertainment, and that very special feeling of freedom you get when you see nothing but the sea on the horizon. This definitely won’t be our last cruise!
Those small preparations—from the magnets on the wall to the strategic luggage storage at the hotel—meant we could relax from the very first minute. I hope these tips help you as much as they helped us!
Have you ever been on a cruise, or are you currently planning your first trip? Let me know in the comments! I’m excited to hear about your plans and would love to answer any questions you have.
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