I went on my first cruise — here are 15 things that surprised me about this type of travel
I'd traveled by car, bus, train, and plane, but the only boat I'd ever been on was a ferry.
That changed three years ago, when I took my first cruise on one of the world's largest cruise ships, Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas.
During my seven-night Caribbean voyage, the ship sailed round-trip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Roatn, Honduras; Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico; and Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas.
While I'd seen cruise ships on TV and in movies, I couldn't understand how big these vessels were until I saw one myself. On board, I felt like I was in a small town in the middle of the ocean.
Since this was a new form of transportation, my voyage was full of surprises. I learned that cruising is a lifestyle in itself, and while it's not necessarily for me, I can see what draws people to this type of vacation time and again.
The ship has 2,867 staterooms, according to Royal Caribbean. I booked a midtier room — a step above interior staterooms with no windows, a step below staterooms with a balcony, and two steps below a suite.My 179-square-foot cabin had a private bathroom, a king-size bed, and an ocean view.I was surprised by how big the sale was with such a big discount. To me, $1,000 feels like a huge difference in price for the same vacation.
After leaving to start my day each morning, a stateroom attendant cleaned my room. And after I left for dinner each night, they came back to clean up again. Every evening, they brought me fresh towels — sometimes creatively folded — and a flyer featuring the next day's schedule on the ship with the weather, dress code, and any other important information, such as a time change. This surprised me because I am used to having my room serviced once daily, if at all, during my hotel stays, and never in Airbnbs.
I didn't realize booking a room at the front of the ship would result in a bumpier ride. I booked a stateroom at the very front of deck eight, and I felt constant motion in my room.Some nights were rockier than others. On the roughest nights, I heard and felt a similar sensation to thunder beneath me every few minutes. Loud thumps and heavy vibrations in my room sounded like large pieces of furniture falling down. The first night this happened, I feared the worst, but over time, I realized that this was a normal aspect of cruising — but one I would likely never get used to. After talking to seasoned cruisers on the ship, several told me that the front of the ship is one of the worst places to be for feeling motion. Higher decks in the middle of the ship feel calmer and more stable, they said. Next time, I'd choose a room in the middle of the ship.
All I had to do for safety training was watch a couple of videos — either on my room TV or on the Royal Caribbean app — and then check into my assembly station: the area that I was assigned to go to in case of an emergency. At the assembly station, an attendant checked via the Royal Caribbean app that I had completed the mandatory training.I was expecting to attend a large safety training session once I got on the ship, so this alternative was a breeze.
The ship has 24 elevators, but taking the stairs was often faster. Since there were so many elevators on the ship, I expected them to be a pretty efficient way to get around. But they were often so crowded and slow that I ended up taking the stairs instead. By the middle of my trip, unless I was going all the way up to the pool decks, I always opted for the stairs to save time.
The ship was harder to navigate than expected, and I often got lost on my way to specific venues. The ship has 16 guest decks; each deck is divided into three sections — forward, middle, and aft. It took me a few days to get used to the sections, and I often found myself heading to the right deck but the wrong section of the ship. Luckily, there were maps on every floor, which I used until the morning I left.
In the communal indoor spaces, I was surprised that I didn't even feel like I was on a ship. If I woke up on deck five of Wonder of the Seas with no memory of my cruise, I'd think I was in a shopping mall. Aside from the slight movement of the ship, the indoor decks were so big that, as a cruise newbie, it was hard to believe that I was on a gigantic boat in the middle of the ocean. Everywhere I looked, I saw shops, stands, restaurants, large sculptures, and a unique ceiling structure that reminded me of the malls I've visited.
Throughout the trip, I heard more live music than I thought I would, often in the background of the ship's activities. Aside from music festivals, I've never heard more live music on a trip than I did on this cruise. On the communal decks, musicians played for hours while people relaxed and played around them. I was also surprised by the eclectic mix of genres I heard, from rock to jazz to classical. In addition to the music hall, where concerts were regularly held, live bands performed on indoor and outdoor communal decks, while some people watched and others listened while swimming, relaxing, or walking around.
I thought formal nights would be enforced more. I hate dressing formally, but I knew cruises had required formal nights and therefore brought one nice dress with me. I learned after the first formal night, however, that the dress code wasn't strictly enforced. I noticed people wore a variety of outfits, from evening gowns to T-shirts.I relaxed my look on the other two formal nights, but the dress felt like a waste of the limited space in my suitcase. If I had known it wasn't necessary to wear, I would've left it at home.Read more: 8 things I learned when I sailed solo on my first cruise, from how to meet people to having to pay a 'single supplement'
Some of the best meals I had were included in the rate. One of the unique things about cruising is that most meals, snacks, and drinks are all-inclusive as part of the cruise rate.However, on large ships like Wonder of the Seas, more than a dozen restaurants with specialty offerings like sushi are not included, and incur additional charges, either as a one-time fee or by the dish.However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that some of the most delicious and satisfying meals I had were in the restaurants that were included for guests. There were a handful of buffets with all different types of food, and the main dining room served a three-course meal with varying menu items each night. These complimentary options satisfied every single one of my cravings. One of the best meals I had was in the main dining room, where I was seated alone.
The cruise ship was full of activities and restaurants that I could go to, but some restaurants, like the specialty ones, as well as all the shows on board, required reservations that I made through the Royal Caribbean app.I found that it was often hard to get day-of reservations for many shows I wanted to attend. Waiting until the last minute to plan for these events was a mistake. For example, the circus-like acrobatic water show in the AquaTheater seemed to be the most popular and hardest reservation to get. I tried to get one on the day of the event but couldn't find any availability until a show two nights later.Next time, I'll make all my show reservations as soon as possible.
But even with extensive preparations, planning anything on a cruise ship was subject to change. The excursion I was most thrilled about — a hot air balloon ride over the Bahamas — was canceled the day of because the winds were too high.It was on the last day of my trip, and with only one day in port, it could not be rescheduled. It was the experience I was looking forward to most, so I was disappointed and didn't realize this was a possibility going into the trip. On a cruise ship, I learned that all plans are subject to change based on things outside the crew's control, like the weather.
I thought the port stops would be longer. Since we traveled such a long way to each port, I wrongfully assumed we'd spend more time in them. The ship usually docked in the morning, around 8 a.m., and left in the early afternoon. I thought I'd have time to explore the port for a while after each excursion, but some of my excursions took the entire day, getting me back to the boat just in time for departure. I was also hoping to see what these places looked like at night, but we never departed after sundown. Although I got a taste of the Caribbean, I felt like I didn't have enough time to get a sense of each place, which made me realize that I would probably prefer to vacation in just one place and have time to truly explore it.
I'm so glad I finally know what it's like to cruise on a giant ship, but I'll probably take a plane next time. Cruise novice here! Before stepping onboard my first Caribbean cruise in April of last year, I had never even seen this type of ship in real life. I embarked on a seven-night voyage on the largest cruise ship of its kind, Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas. I joined the cruise for a reporting trip with multiple stops in the Caribbean Sea that included Roatn, Honduras; Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico; and Royal Caribbean's private Bahamian island. It felt surreal to be on such a large vessel in the middle of the ocean, and a week of sun and cool breezes was just what I needed after a winter at home in New York City.
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Los Angeles Times
a day ago
- Los Angeles Times
Pre- and Post-Cruise Destinations: Go ‘Land Cruising' in Incredible European Cities
Ship cruising is a wonderful way to see a lot of places in a relatively short time, especially when you've journeyed 'across the pond' (aka the Atlantic Ocean) for a European vacation. Think large ships (Celebrity, Royal Caribbean), smaller ships (Oceania, Viking, AmaWaterways, Windstar) and even tiny barges (European Waterways); they all have their charms. Life on board the ship offers a range of amenities and activities, from fine dining and entertainment to cultural programs and relaxation, making the journey itself a memorable part of your adventure. But a drawback to most ship cruises is simply not having enough time to explore some of the world's great cities, which is why we suggest 'land cruising' around your port of call, either before your sea cruise sets sail or after it docks at your last port (or both). With the variety of ports scattered along Europe's scenic coast, you have access to a wealth of destinations and iconic landmarks. You've already done the hard work of long-haul flying and jet-lag management (hopefully), so why not stay awhile and really get to know your city of choice? These are a few of our favorite places to stop and smell the roses across the European continent; from Europe's diverse regions and picturesque coasts to its famous islands, the continent offers an incredible range of unique attractions and experiences. We think you'll agree they are wonderful and offer wildly different experiences. There's no place like the Emerald Isle to find windswept cliffsides, green valleys and convivial pubs complete with singing (and dancing, too). Dublin is always lively, rain or shine, fueled by Guinness, Irish whiskey and a boxty or two (those delicious stuffed potato pancakes). Plan your own trip or let Inntravel create a walking, biking or train travel itinerary for you, complete with hotels, routes, bikes and lots of historical information. Stay around Dublin or see more of the island's cities (we went to Cork and Galway via train, both filled with ancient buildings and vibrant modern scenes), or venture north to Northern Ireland and visit Belfast, the capital, known for its historical significance, cultural attractions, and notable landmarks. Or go wild to see Connemara and Killarney, both breathtaking national parks. Don't miss: While in Dublin, grab a Go City Pass and get discounted access to the main attractions, like the Guinness Storehouse, Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin Castle, Trinity College as well as an assortment of distillery and walking food tours. And after sightseeing, find a pub and settle in for a uniquely Irish experience. Dining delights: The Temple Bar Pub is Dublin's famous old watering hole where everyone has to go at least once for pints, live Irish music all day every day and oysters galore. To get a more local feel nearby in the city center, check out The Snug Bar or our favorite, The Hairy Lemon, where 'The Commitments' was filmed back in 1990. Go for Irish stew or bangers and mash if you're feeling traditional or delve into their red thai curry for a tasty surprise. Best beds: For a luxury stay, The Leinster is the newest hotspot in the heart of the city, while The Brooks Hotel is a cozy, recently refurbished spot with wonderful service and a perfect location for walking to every part of town. If you've never roamed around 'The Big Smoke,' then staying in London for a while truly is a must-do. The history, royal pageantry, fantastic museums, incredible parks and fine dining treats are all integral to this ancient city's current scene. London also serves as a gateway to exploring the wider British Isles, offering access to the region's rich history, culture, and scenic attractions. Plus, there's funky fashion, cool music, theater and art to enjoy, and macabre spots like the Tower of London, where you can see the actual ax and chopping block used to behead nobles who had angered the king. You can easily spend a week in London, meandering its beautiful byways and discovering neighborhoods you love from pop culture, from Notting Hill to Savile Row to Vauxhall's MI6, and even make a stop at 221B Baker Street in Marylebone. So plan to stay awhile – and do bring an umbrella. Don't miss: See the top sights: Big Ben and Parliament, the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, the British Museum and Buckingham Palace. Knock those off using a Go City Pass and the Hop-on, Hop-off Bus included. Then check out some lesser-known stops, like the Royal Mews, Kensington Palace and Lady Diana's Children's Park there, then take in a West End theater experience, 'feed the birds' at St. Paul's Cathedral and ride the London Eye Ferris wheel. Dining delights: With nearly 100 Michelin-starred restaurants dotting London, there's never a problem spending plenty of pounds on fine dining at restaurants helmed by top chefs Gordon Ramsay or Clare Smyth. We're partial to abc kitchens by Jean-Georges, where sweet pea guacamole, black truffle pizza and pretzel-crusted calamari make for a wonderful comfort food stop in a casual setting in Belgravia. Nearby, Canton Blue elevates Cantonese delicacies to an art, serving up the most amazing dim sum bites you've ever tasted. And don't miss a pub stop for the quintessential British pairing of a pint and some delightfully greasy fish and chips. Best beds: Two hotels stand out in the crowded London bedroom scene: The Peninsula London Hotel brings perfection to Hyde Park Corner, with that perfect posh location for sightseeing. With exemplary rooms and suites with views of the park and five-star service, it's the place to splurge and enjoy. Just across the Thames looking back at Parliament, the London Marriott Hotel County Hall is a modern homebase in a venerable building, with incredible views, extremely comfortable beds, a daily High Tea with all the goodies and even an impressive indoor swimming pool. Portugal's currently the coolest place on the planet, with tourists flocking into its welcoming arms to enjoy the culture, history, beaches, culinary delights and the myriad choices of fine Portuguese wines. Portugal is popular for good reason, especially for anyone from SoCal, as there's a new LAX-Lisbon nonstop TAP Portugal flight (see sidebar) that makes the trip almost painless. Lisbon is the capital of this very, very old country that began around 1200 BCE. That's why there are 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in this Atlantic Ocean-facing nation the size of Indiana. It's a hilly port city on the Tagus River with narrow cobblestone streets, seafood restaurants galore, expansive views, quaint trams and a predilection for pastel-painted and tiled buildings. It's a place to easily get lost on purpose, wandering from sight to sight and then eating way too much of the fantastic foods found on every block as you find your way home. Don't miss: Take a tram just for the fun of it and begin in the Belém section of town. See the massive Gothic Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower, wander in the lush Botanical Gardens and be sure to line up at the famed Pastéis de Belém pastry shop to try their iconic warm custard tart. That's been the national sweet treat since 1837, and it is well worth the mouthwatering wait. Check out the sail-shaped Monument to the Discoveries on the water nearby, an impossible-to-miss massive sculptural tribute to the Portuguese navigators who circumnavigated the globe and played a pivotal role in the exploration of the New World. Make time for the Royal Treasure Museum in the Ajuda neighborhood for a history lesson of the Portuguese monarchs told via their incredible jewels. Check out MACAM, the compelling new contemporary art museum found in an old palace in Belém. Roam the Baixa and Chiado neighborhoods, both are filled with galleries, sleek shops, wine bars and more. Dining delights: Lisbon's favorite chef is Jose Avillez, whose Bairro do Avillez is a collection of four restaurants with outstanding taste sensations. His Mini Bar speakeasy there is an extra-special delight. For truly local fare, Portugalia Cervejaria Belém has been serving up beer, steaks and fresh seafood for nearly 100 years and it's still doing everything just right. And while you ramble, stop into any random tapas bar along the way, for a bite and a sip of a crisp Portuguese Vinho Verde wine. Best beds: Lisbon's Martinhal Resorts are first-rate, with their Chiado Luxury Apartments right in the city center and their Oriente Luxury Apartments over in the chic waterfront district. They are both extra-special five-star hotels because of their room sizes, with kitchens and laundry machines inside the apartments and space for kids, too, with bunk beds and more. Plus, Oriente has amazing city-river views, both indoor and outdoor pools and a spa with treatments for the whole family. Stay a night or a week – these welcoming places feel like you're actually at home. Porto is the cruising gateway to the Douro River Wine Valley, a wondrous region filled with incredible vistas and gorgeous wineries along Portugal's scenic coast. As one of Europe's key ports, Porto offers travelers access to the heart of the Douro region. But before you go (or once you return), you've just got to spend time here. With its UNESCO World Heritage Ribeira historic center, pretty riverfront and sister city Gaia just across the famed Dom Luis Bridge where lots of Port wine is being aged and stored, there are plenty of things to see – and sip and chew! Port wine begins its life as grapes growing in the Douro Valley, the only place it can legally be made, and is renowned as one of the world's most celebrated wines. The crushed and fermented grapes are blended with aguardente, a neutral grape spirit with high alcohol content and thus it becomes Port, which is usually aged in barrels for years before it is bottled. And that's where Porto comes in, as the barrels move down river to rest and age for years in the cooler, more humid climate in the city near the ocean. That's why you'll find riverfront warehouses like Graham's Port Wine on the Vila Nova de Gaia side of Porto, where they still have barrels with Port from over 100 years ago under lock and key. Visit and you may just get to try some of that beautiful liquid. Taylor's, Cockburn's, Sandeman and other Port houses are here, too. Don't miss: You may have been to the Douro on your cruise, but the Vinho Verde is closer to Porto and a day trip to the incredible Quinta da Aveleda Winery should be at the top of your plan. Book a private driver like Valter Madureira of Top Travel & Tours and he'll whisk you into the Vinho Verde, just 30 minutes from Porto. First see the Aveleda family's incredible gardens and then try all their crisp white wines and deep reds with lunch on the verandah for an unforgettable afternoon. Dining delights: Porto's culinary scene is incredibly sophisticated, ranging from Euskalduna Studio, the tiny-yet-mighty Michelin-starred restaurant with 16 seats and 10 courses of bliss, helmed by the talented Chef Vasco Coelho Santos, to Vinum at Graham's, where aged port is part of the elevated yet traditional fare served here. Best beds: Porto has some really special hotels on both sides of the river. Torel Avantgarde Hotel is a modern-art lover's dream high on a hill in Porto with bedrooms named for artistic souls and furnished accordingly, epic river views paired with fine dining at Digby's. The Vinha Boutique Hotel on the river in Gaia honors fashion icons and envelopes you with an incredibly opulent, otherworldly feel, while the Vincci Ponte de Ferro Hotel has an up-close view of the iconic Luis I Bridge spanning the Douro and is the best sunset spot in town. There is truly no other city like Barcelona, where the architecture at every turn makes you sit up and take notice. The city dates back over 2,000 years, so expect to see Roman ruins tucked into the Gothic Quarter, where the oldest structures stand, most from medieval times. The 1800s and later brought the city its truly distinctive style, as Antoni Gaudi's unique vision led the Catalonian Modernisme movement that has given Barcelona its incredible style and famous landmark cathedral. Barcelona is one of the busiest cruise ports in Europe, serving as a major gateway to the Balearic Islands and other Mediterranean islands. Cruises from Barcelona often include stops in France, such as Marseille or Le Havre, making it an ideal starting point for exploring diverse European destinations. Barcelona is also all about food, fun, futbol, fashion and beaches, making it a city where there's always something happening to feed your soul. Don't miss: There's nothing quite like the first time you see a Gaudi creation, so plan to visit all seven of his architectural masterpieces that define this city. All are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and all can be reached via the Hop On Hop Off Barcelona bus tours. Be sure to enter Casa Batlló and marvel at his masterpiece. See his La Pedrera just a block away, too. And buy tickets ahead for entrance to La Sagrada Familia Cathedral. Go for the guided tour with tower access for the full, sublime experience. Park Güell is also incredible, with vast panoramic views of the city and a kid's paradise of fun. Dining delights: Barcelona's food scene is so wonderful that just about any little tapas bar will amaze your taste buds, so just pick one and pull up a chair at the bar. The ExperienceFirst Barcelona Markets Tour is a truly fantastic way to taste lots of local food in a few hours. Check out La Dolce Vita, the rooftop bar at the Majestic Hotel, for a nosh with panoramic views of the whole city. Best beds: The Majestic Hotel & Spa is undoubtedly the best hotel in town, with its long history on the chicest avenue in the city, Paseo de Gracia, arriving on the block in 1918 just steps from Gaudi's recently built Casa Batlló and La Pedrera. With a grand elegance and charm, the hotel has everything, including powerful air conditioning, a delight during the city's very hot summer months. Get ready for hustle and bustle as you encounter The Eternal City, for Rome could possibly be one of the noisiest cities on the planet. That's part of its raucous charm as Vespas roar by and people chatter at full voice, even in church. It really is a magical place, as Roman ruins are juxtaposed near modern buildings and strikingly beautiful places appear at every turn. Walk as much as you can to discover unexpected gems tucked away down a narrow street and don't forget to just sit in a sidewalk café with an espresso or a bicchiere di vino and watch the whole world go by. Don't miss: While Rome dazzles with world-famous landmarks, remember that Italy's other iconic cities – like Venice – offer their own unforgettable experiences. Florence, in the Tuscany region, is renowned for its artistic treasures, including Michelangelo's David and its rich Renaissance history. You surely know to visit the newly renovated Trevi Fountain, to throw a coin over your shoulder and make a wish. Seeing St. Peter's Cathedral at the Vatican and the Colosseum are both must-see stops, too. But nearby that ancient stadium is something special that tourists often miss, so be sure to seek out Michelangelo's massive Moses sculpture in the small Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli for a real treat. He's almost as astonishing as the David. From Rome, many cruises also visit other popular destinations such as Athens with its Acropolis, Istanbul in Turkey, and the beautiful Canary Islands, each offering unique cultural and historical experiences within the Mediterranean region. Dubrovnik, the famous walled city, is a highlight of many Mediterranean cruises, celebrated for its historic fortifications and stunning views. If you're looking for a different itinerary or experience, consider another cruise line for a broader selection of destinations. Northern European cruises often include Denmark, with Copenhagen's iconic Little Mermaid statue, the Netherlands with vibrant Amsterdam, and the historic Baltic ports, each region offering its own blend of culture and scenery. After exploring these areas, you may want to head west to discover even more of Europe's diverse attractions. Dining delights: Le Pergola is Rome's only three-star Michelin eatery, with reservations being worth their weight in gold. But the thing about Rome is that the most charming, delicious restaurants are little places you discover as you explore, so watch for locals eating at outdoor tables or peek into any little place that catches your fancy. Then ask the proprietors to feed you their favorite dishes, and you'll be golden. Best beds: Every so often, there is a hotel that you just cannot forget. In Rome that's the Hotel de Russie by Rocco Forte, a dazzling five-star hotel in the Tridente neighborhood, where all the posh shops are found. Discreetly tucked away in a quiet corner near Piazza del Popolo, with a fantastic private garden in the back, it makes you feel like you've come home to your Italian villa, especially if you are staying in the Picasso Suite with its terrace overlooking the greenery. It's incredible.
Skift
10-07-2025
- Skift
MSC Cruises Targets U.S. Market With New Ships and Port
MSC is big outside the U.S. but remains small in North America's lucrative waters. To fix that, it has debuted a ship for American tastes, a new Texas terminal, new Alaska cruises, and has another ship coming in 2027. MSC Cruises launched its biggest push yet into the American cruise market this year, betting a new flagship and expanded U.S. operations can help the world's largest privately held cruise company gain ground against its publicly held rivals. "It's time that we make a bigger mark in the U.S.," said Lynn Torrent, who was appointed president of MSC Cruises North America in May. The family-owned Italian cruise line deployed MSC World America in April, a 1,090-foot vessel that carries 6,764 passengers and ranks as the eighth-largest cruise ship globally. The ship features the usual bells and whistles: sports bars, comedy clubs, and a ride that dangles passengers 160 feet above the ocean. It's about three football fields long, but, alas, there's no football field. MSC operates 23 ships but remains a minor player in the lucrative North American market, where Royal Caribbean Group and Carnival Corp. dominate. Appealing to Americans MSC Cruises invested in a 60-second Super Bowl TV ad featuring actors Drew Barrymore and Orlando Bloom to raise its profile among American consumers earlier this year. The company plans to expand its U.S. footprint further. Construction is underway on a new terminal in Galveston, Texas, where MSC Seascape will begin Western Caribbean sailings in November. That will give MSC four U.S. homeports, making it easier for travelers from central and western states to board its ships. MSC also announced its first Alaska cruises for summer 2026, using the mid-sized MSC Poesia, sailing from Seattle. The company said early sales for the seven-night Alaska itineraries have been strong, though it didn't provide specific booking numbers. A fourth World-class ship, MSC World Atlantic, will begin operations from Port Canaveral, Florida, in 2027. That will let it expand coverage of itineraries and weeks of the year. Lynn Torrent, president of MSC Cruises North America, since May. Source: MSC Cruises. New Ship This Year MSC World America, which debuted this year, sails seven-night itineraries from Miami to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, with passengers split roughly 50% to 60% North American and the remainder international. Torrent said the company differentiates itself by blending "European style and American comfort," appealing to travelers who want cultural diversity aboard their ships. The MSC World America includes seven distinct themed districts and a so-called yacht club, or ship-within-a-ship area for selected guests. "Notwithstanding the size of the ship, our guests and travel advisors don't feel like they are on a big ship that's crowded because of all the different spaces," Torrent said. Bahamas, Ocean Cay, a new private destination. Source: MSC Cruises MSC's Private Destination MSC has created Ocean Cay, a private island in the Bahamas, following the growing trend among cruise lines of inventing destinations they fully control. MSC has also tried to distinguish itself through environmental initiatives, too. The MSC Foundation Marine Conservation Center opened at Ocean Cay in April, focusing on coral restoration and climate change research. Passengers can attend lectures and join guided excursions with marine experts. "We see from research that more and more travelers are looking for deep and meaningful travel experiences that resonate with them," Torrent said. "We see Ocean Cay as a key point of distinction for our brand." The executive said that early feedback on MSC World America has been positive, and that MSC will continue to emphasize what she calls its unique positioning. "This European style and American comfort, we feel it's distinct, it's ownable and it's relevant," she said.
Business Insider
10-07-2025
- Business Insider
I went on my first cruise — here are 15 things that surprised me about this type of travel
Prior to becoming a travel reporter, most of my trips were limited to visiting family in faraway places and budget road trips across the US, where I stayed in campsites, parking lots, and cheap Airbnbs. I'd traveled by car, bus, train, and plane, but the only boat I'd ever been on was a ferry. That changed three years ago, when I took my first cruise on one of the world's largest cruise ships, Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas. During my seven-night Caribbean voyage, the ship sailed round-trip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Roatn, Honduras; Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico; and Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas. While I'd seen cruise ships on TV and in movies, I couldn't understand how big these vessels were until I saw one myself. On board, I felt like I was in a small town in the middle of the ocean. Since this was a new form of transportation, my voyage was full of surprises. I learned that cruising is a lifestyle in itself, and while it's not necessarily for me, I can see what draws people to this type of vacation time and again. The ship has 2,867 staterooms, according to Royal Caribbean. I booked a midtier room — a step above interior staterooms with no windows, a step below staterooms with a balcony, and two steps below a 179-square-foot cabin had a private bathroom, a king-size bed, and an ocean view.I was surprised by how big the sale was with such a big discount. To me, $1,000 feels like a huge difference in price for the same vacation. After leaving to start my day each morning, a stateroom attendant cleaned my room. And after I left for dinner each night, they came back to clean up again. Every evening, they brought me fresh towels — sometimes creatively folded — and a flyer featuring the next day's schedule on the ship with the weather, dress code, and any other important information, such as a time change. This surprised me because I am used to having my room serviced once daily, if at all, during my hotel stays, and never in Airbnbs. I didn't realize booking a room at the front of the ship would result in a bumpier ride. I booked a stateroom at the very front of deck eight, and I felt constant motion in my nights were rockier than others. On the roughest nights, I heard and felt a similar sensation to thunder beneath me every few minutes. Loud thumps and heavy vibrations in my room sounded like large pieces of furniture falling down. The first night this happened, I feared the worst, but over time, I realized that this was a normal aspect of cruising — but one I would likely never get used to. After talking to seasoned cruisers on the ship, several told me that the front of the ship is one of the worst places to be for feeling motion. Higher decks in the middle of the ship feel calmer and more stable, they said. Next time, I'd choose a room in the middle of the ship. All I had to do for safety training was watch a couple of videos — either on my room TV or on the Royal Caribbean app — and then check into my assembly station: the area that I was assigned to go to in case of an emergency. At the assembly station, an attendant checked via the Royal Caribbean app that I had completed the mandatory training.I was expecting to attend a large safety training session once I got on the ship, so this alternative was a breeze. The ship has 24 elevators, but taking the stairs was often faster. Since there were so many elevators on the ship, I expected them to be a pretty efficient way to get around. But they were often so crowded and slow that I ended up taking the stairs instead. By the middle of my trip, unless I was going all the way up to the pool decks, I always opted for the stairs to save time. The ship was harder to navigate than expected, and I often got lost on my way to specific venues. The ship has 16 guest decks; each deck is divided into three sections — forward, middle, and aft. It took me a few days to get used to the sections, and I often found myself heading to the right deck but the wrong section of the ship. Luckily, there were maps on every floor, which I used until the morning I left. In the communal indoor spaces, I was surprised that I didn't even feel like I was on a ship. If I woke up on deck five of Wonder of the Seas with no memory of my cruise, I'd think I was in a shopping mall. Aside from the slight movement of the ship, the indoor decks were so big that, as a cruise newbie, it was hard to believe that I was on a gigantic boat in the middle of the ocean. Everywhere I looked, I saw shops, stands, restaurants, large sculptures, and a unique ceiling structure that reminded me of the malls I've visited. Throughout the trip, I heard more live music than I thought I would, often in the background of the ship's activities. Aside from music festivals, I've never heard more live music on a trip than I did on this cruise. On the communal decks, musicians played for hours while people relaxed and played around them. I was also surprised by the eclectic mix of genres I heard, from rock to jazz to classical. In addition to the music hall, where concerts were regularly held, live bands performed on indoor and outdoor communal decks, while some people watched and others listened while swimming, relaxing, or walking around. I thought formal nights would be enforced more. I hate dressing formally, but I knew cruises had required formal nights and therefore brought one nice dress with me. I learned after the first formal night, however, that the dress code wasn't strictly enforced. I noticed people wore a variety of outfits, from evening gowns to T-shirts.I relaxed my look on the other two formal nights, but the dress felt like a waste of the limited space in my suitcase. If I had known it wasn't necessary to wear, I would've left it at more: 8 things I learned when I sailed solo on my first cruise, from how to meet people to having to pay a 'single supplement' Some of the best meals I had were included in the rate. One of the unique things about cruising is that most meals, snacks, and drinks are all-inclusive as part of the cruise on large ships like Wonder of the Seas, more than a dozen restaurants with specialty offerings like sushi are not included, and incur additional charges, either as a one-time fee or by the I was pleasantly surprised to find that some of the most delicious and satisfying meals I had were in the restaurants that were included for guests. There were a handful of buffets with all different types of food, and the main dining room served a three-course meal with varying menu items each night. These complimentary options satisfied every single one of my cravings. One of the best meals I had was in the main dining room, where I was seated alone. The cruise ship was full of activities and restaurants that I could go to, but some restaurants, like the specialty ones, as well as all the shows on board, required reservations that I made through the Royal Caribbean app.I found that it was often hard to get day-of reservations for many shows I wanted to attend. Waiting until the last minute to plan for these events was a mistake. For example, the circus-like acrobatic water show in the AquaTheater seemed to be the most popular and hardest reservation to get. I tried to get one on the day of the event but couldn't find any availability until a show two nights time, I'll make all my show reservations as soon as possible. But even with extensive preparations, planning anything on a cruise ship was subject to change. The excursion I was most thrilled about — a hot air balloon ride over the Bahamas — was canceled the day of because the winds were too was on the last day of my trip, and with only one day in port, it could not be rescheduled. It was the experience I was looking forward to most, so I was disappointed and didn't realize this was a possibility going into the trip. On a cruise ship, I learned that all plans are subject to change based on things outside the crew's control, like the weather. I thought the port stops would be longer. Since we traveled such a long way to each port, I wrongfully assumed we'd spend more time in them. The ship usually docked in the morning, around 8 a.m., and left in the early afternoon. I thought I'd have time to explore the port for a while after each excursion, but some of my excursions took the entire day, getting me back to the boat just in time for departure. I was also hoping to see what these places looked like at night, but we never departed after sundown. Although I got a taste of the Caribbean, I felt like I didn't have enough time to get a sense of each place, which made me realize that I would probably prefer to vacation in just one place and have time to truly explore it. I'm so glad I finally know what it's like to cruise on a giant ship, but I'll probably take a plane next time. Cruise novice here! Before stepping onboard my first Caribbean cruise in April of last year, I had never even seen this type of ship in real life. I embarked on a seven-night voyage on the largest cruise ship of its kind, Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas. I joined the cruise for a reporting trip with multiple stops in the Caribbean Sea that included Roatn, Honduras; Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico; and Royal Caribbean's private Bahamian island. It felt surreal to be on such a large vessel in the middle of the ocean, and a week of sun and cool breezes was just what I needed after a winter at home in New York City.
