No matter which Royal Caribbean cruise ship you sail on, there's going to be more things to do than you physically experience. But I think a handful slip under vacationer's radars.
I think the breadth of things you can do on a cruise is a major part of the appeal. It's your choice to do any or all of it, but having the opportunity to enjoy so much programming makes for anything but a boring vacation.
I've tried lots of the activities onboard, but I've discovered a few that truly stand out. They're not only special, but I think a lot of other cruisers overlook it for various reasons.
While the bellyflop competition and sexiest man contests will always be popular, here are five Royal Caribbean activities you shouldn't miss.
Captain's Corner
Probably the most interesting event held on a ship is an opportunity for cruise ship passengers to ask the ship's Captain a question.
On all but the shortest sailings, the Captain will hold an informal Q&A event where you raise your hand and can ask a question.
If you're like me, you develop a handful of questions about what it's like to live, work, and operate a cruise ship.
Questions usually cover many nuances of how a cruise ship works, from crew life, to careers, and more.
One question that was particularly interesting was when a passenger asked how late will a cruise ship wait for you if you're late.
Another one was how many people does it take to sail a cruise ship.
Sometimes the Captain is asked rather silly questions. My favorites include:
- Do crew members live on the ship?
- Is the toilet water salt water?
- Does the ship tow a power cable behind it?
It's a fun event and something you should attend to get a better sense of how these floating cities operate.
Walk for Wishes
Truly one of the best examples of Royal Caribbean's philanthropic partnerships is a special event for the Make-A-Wish foundation.
Every sailing there's an opportunity to donate money and get a join in a group walk around the ship to raise awareness and money for such a worthy cause.
Usually there are opportunities to buy a special shirt and then at a designated time on a sea day, crew members and guests join in for a casual walk around the ship.
Cruise vacations are an escape, and some families choose to sail on Royal Caribbean as their families' way to forget about the hardships and reality of a devastating health diagnosis.
I not only appreciate the cruise line's support of such a worthy charity, but it's also a great way to take a few minutes out of your day to show your support too.
Veteran tribute
Another way Royal Caribbean recognizes its guests is by holding a special event to honor those that served their country.
Military veterans choose to sail with Royal Caribbean and while they do not seek special thanks while on their vacation, the cruise line chooses to honor them.
During this event, the national anthem is sung and the ship's staff takes a moment to remember those that have fallen in defense of their country as well as to give thanks to those that are sailing that day.
It's a touching tribute to service members and their families. Considering the rest of the day is spent relaxing, indulging, and otherwise doing "cruise things", it's a lovely way to honor active and retired military with a moment of recognition.
Top Tier party
Customer loyalty is more than just lip service on Royal Caribbean. On any sailing longer than 4 nights, the ship hosts a special recognition event.
The Top Tier event is open to all guests who are at least Platinum status within the Crown and Anchor Society program.
I love this event because it's an open invitation for the cruise line to thank customers for their loyalty. It's not a card or email, but a full blown party. There are complimentary alcoholic beverages and officers there to welcome you and thank you.
Once it begins, the ship's Captain, Hotel Director, and Loyalty Ambassador all give quick speeches to say hello and thank you.
Plus, they recognize cruisers who have reached Pinnacle Club status as well as the top three cruisers onboard.
The Top Tier party isn't going to wow you or be something you'll tell your friends about. But as someone who cruises a lot with Royal Caribbean, it's nice to have an event where they recognize our loyalty.
Behind-the-scenes tour
If you've looked around any cruise ship and wondered how it all works, you really should try the All Access Tour.
For a modest fee, you can go on a guided tour of areas of a cruise ship passengers don't get access to otherwise. This includes the navigational bridge, kitchen, laundry room, and more.
Plus, you get to walk through crew member only areas and get a glimpse of what it's like living and working on a a cruise ship.
By far the bridge is the most interesting part of the tour. This is where the Captain and officers work as they safely maneuver the ship in and out of port.
I'd recommend this tour to anyone that ever thought about how cool it would be to see the inner workings of a cruise ship.
