A brand new ship, big suites, and a visit again in time had been simply a number of the wonderful issues I acquired to attempt on Royal Caribbean cruise ships in 2025.
I used to be lucky to have the ability to go on 14 completely different cruises over the course of this yr, which introduced me to each coasts of the U.S. and an prolonged journey abroad in Europe.
I really like cruising due to how simple it’s to see the world, however there’s additionally a lot to expertise onboard. Typically I e book a cruise due to the place it can take me and different instances there’s one thing new and thrilling onboard to attempt.
I used to be impressed to share my prime cruise recollections of the yr and hope you will share yours within the feedback beneath!
Took my household for his or her first European cruise
As quickly as 2025 started, I had June circled on my calendar as the highest cruise I used to be wanting ahead to this yr.
I had taken two cruises to Europe already, however my household hadn’t come but. This time, I used to be bringing them and we had an epic month of cruising and exploring deliberate.
Combining a pre-cruise journey to London and Paris, I took my spouse and youngsters via a lot of northern Europe and it is the form of journey we nonetheless speak or reference often.
There is definitely nothing fallacious with a Caribbean cruise, however seeing the world by cruise ship is a next-level alternative.
We acquired to see fjords, see a West Finish present, eat at numerous cafes, and meet so many good individuals in all of the nations. Having lunch in a German beer backyard or snacking on contemporary strawberries in Norway set new requirements for meals.
I liked how a lot we acquired to see and check out collectively. It was by far the type of cruise we’ll measure all others in opposition to sooner or later.
Tried Silversea for the primary time
Talking of Europe, I acquired my toes moist with my first time on a luxurious cruise.
Whereas I had sailed with Movie star Cruises a number of instances, Silversea is in contrast to something I had skilled earlier than (full disclosure, Silversea invited me to sail with them as their visitor). The standard, strategy, and a spotlight to element of this fashion of cruising blew me away.
Silversea is a sister model to Royal Caribbean, however the similarities cease pretty rapidly. Silversea has invested in creating an onboard expertise the place you’re feeling just like the focus wherever you go.
Each room is a set, and each suite has a butler. It is not that I would like a butler, however darn if I did not get pleasure from having somebody unpack my garments and draw me a shower!
I liked the intimate venues and cautious consideration every crew member paid to company. I’ve by no means felt extra like Norm from “Cheers” than on Silver Daybreak.
Typically you attempt one thing completely different and recognize it, however do not essentially fall in love. Within the case of Silversea, I actually wish to get again on and take a look at one other quickly.
I acquired onboard Star of the Seas earlier than anybody else
Typically my job has nice perks and this got here after I was invited to fly to Puerto Rico and board Star of the Seas first.
Ever since Icon of the Seas first debuted final yr, I have been astounded by how spectacular Icon Class ships are. Definitely Star of the Seas is not any exception.
I went on two preview sailings to get a way of what makes Star of the Seas stand out, and there is nothing like exploring a model new cruise ship.
The variations between Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas aren’t substantial, however like a brand new cellphone, you possibly can simply pick small issues that make an enormous distinction.
There is not any query the meals corridor is best on Star, and I significantly most well-liked Again to the Future over the Wizard of Oz. Even the supper membership is best on Star.
Noticed Again to the Future: The Musical for the primary time
I discussed I liked seeing Again to the Future: The Musical whereas I sailed on Star of the Seas and it was the form of present I liked each minute of.
I used to be so comfortable to see there could be a Broadway musical on Star as a substitute of an in-house manufacturing present, and this one didn’t disappoint.
It most likely did not harm that I liked the Again to the Future trilogy as a child rising up. I can quote half the film (my spouse advised me not to do this through the present), and the musical is a trustworthy adaptation of the movie.
It is a bit condensed for run time and sure components from the film are both eliminated or reworked to be sensible for the stage. But it surely’s a implausible trip via a widely known story. The actual fact it is included along with your fare provides to the worth of this ship.
I began a brand new gymnasium routine
On a private observe, I am happy with myself for staying with a exercise regiment that I started whereas crusing on Enchantment of the Seas.
I took my first cruise ever on Enchantment again in January, and since I knew Enchantment would not have loads to supply in comparison with massive ships, I made a decision to hit the gymnasium.
The health heart is included at no cost on all Royal Caribbean ships and it is higher than most gyms I have been to on land.
What began out as one thing to do has turn into a part of my routine at residence and at sea. Not solely do I really feel higher about myself, but it surely’s helped decrease my ldl cholesterol.
I went a few years with out ever utilizing any cruise ship gymnasium, however I am glad I lastly gave it a attempt right here.
I cruised in Star Class as soon as, however had two genies
Typically doing “analysis” on a cruise is fairly darn enjoyable, and that got here after I acquired to attempt two situations of Royal Caribbean’s prime suite perks.
In March, I sailed on Icon of the Seas to see what the Star Class expertise is like on that ship and if going over Spring Break would make it extra useful.
The Icon Loft Suite has sufficient house for a household, and virtually consists of all the pieces on the ship.
By far the very best factor about Star Class is the Royal Genie, who takes care of your each want.
Royal Caribbean expanded the Royal Genie providers to a few of its smaller ships and I gave {that a} attempt whereas in a balcony cabin on Independence of the Seas in Europe.
I used to be skeptical how helpful a Genie could be on a ship missing all of the facilities of an enormous ship, however in truth I liked how significantly better our cruise was due to her attentiveness.
Being handled like a VIP is great, and I can safely say that Star Class does not disappoint in that regard.
Don’t fret, I made up for these experiences in a number of inside cabins too.
I attempted new eating choices
Consuming on a cruise ship is likely one of the prime causes I all the time cruise, and Royal Caribbean opened up new spots for me to attempt.
I acquired to dine on the Lincoln Park Supper Membership on Star of the Seas, which is a $200 per individual, six-course meal that mixes music, cocktails and repair.
I favored it even higher than the supper membership on Icon, and on a private observe, I used to be in a position to get pleasure from it with the corporate of a good friend who simply handed away earlier as we speak. I will miss you and all the time consider you after I cross by this restaurant, Ann Marie.
One other new providing is the whiskey tasting seminar held within the Royal Railway on Utopia of the Seas.
Ever since Royal Caribbean opened an immersive eating restaurant, I have been hooked on how a lot enjoyable it’s. With the whiskey tasting, you get a condensed model of the eating expertise together with a fantastic introduction to whiskey.
Source link
