I've heard all the New Year's resolutions for losing weight, saving money, and being a better person, but what about ways to be a better cruiser?
I can't help but always think about my next cruise vacation, and this is the perfect time of year to gather inspiration for what to do in the year to come.
I started thinking about different ways I could give myself a gentle nudge in a different direction to push me a little out of my comfort zone. While I won't be trying the FlowRider, there are other ways to mix things up without feeling intimidated.
Here are the 10 ideas I have for New Year cruise resolutions that might spark a new joy for you as you cruise in the new year.
Cruise like a first-timer for a day
The first thing I thought of was how I could cruise differently, and embracing a first time cruiser's attitude is just the ticket.
Because I cruise a lot, I probably have a distinct pattern to how I cruise, especially on the first day.
Instead, it might be fun to use the first day as an excuse to pretend it's your first cruise. Wander the ship, take the spa tour, ask questions, and generally be curious.
Veteran cruisers sometimes forget how magical cruising felt the first time, and this might be a way to get that spark back.
Sneak in a cruise for a long weekend
When you're at your desk day dreaming of a cruise, I'll often try to use the calendar to my advantage.
Royal Caribbean offers more weekend cruises than ever, so see if you can find a long weekend that would allow you to book another cruise.
For example, perhaps Labor Day weekend or Memorial Day weekend, which each have built-in days off. You could then make a weekend cruise work with less paid time off required.
Alternatively, pick a weekend where you know one of the days off you would need is not going to be very busy. A lot of schools when they reach the end of the semester tend to wrap things up and have an easy go of it those last couple days.
Pick a night to really dress up
While formal night is not very popular anymore, dressing up for themed nights has never been more fun.
Every Royal Caribbean sailing will have themed nights, and this is the year you should finally give it a try.
I don't mean buy a shirt off Amazon that says "This is my party shirt". I mean, pick one theme and get a total outfit that goes all-in.
Whether you pick decades night, white night, or red night, start scouring stores for matching outfits that really stand out.
Cruising is about having fun and I think the families that have distinct outfits not only get noticed, but they're great conversation starters.
Book the cruise you've been "saving for later"
This is the year you should finally book that one cruise you have wanted to take but always said "someday".
Whether it’s Alaska, Europe, or a longer itinerary, I think now is the time for it.
I took my family on their first European cruise this past summer and it was so much fun and rewarding that I only regret we didn't try it a couple of years earlier.
You never know what the future may hold, so take advantage of the opportunities now.
Talk a crew member beyond "where are you from"
One of the best parts of cruising is meeting crew members because some of them are amazing people who make the experience that much better.
When you can tell a crew member isn't very busy, try striking up a conversation with them to get to know them a little bit better.
Try asking them questions such as how long they’ve worked at sea, or what guests always miss.
Not only do crew members pick up on trends you might overlook, but they've got really fun stories too.
Skip the show and go to the pool
I love a good night swim, or even a hot tub at night, so try it out too.
There's usually one pool or hot tub left open in the evening. Instead of seeing a show, grab a towel and hop in and enjoy some time when the pool deck is the least crowded.
Royal Caribbean will usually show movies or a sporting event on the big screen at night, so you could combine the pool with something to watch.
Go to the beach you've never been to at CocoCay
My comfort zone extends to Royal Caribbean's private island too, because I tend to do a lot of the same thing.
There are a number of beaches you can go to at Perfect Day at CocoCay, so this might be the year to try a new one.
Harbor Beach is vastly underrated as a great spot. Not only is it a very short walk from the pier, but it's right next to Skipper's Grill. You can grab snacks (ice cream anyone?) quite easily.
Another idea is to walk all the way down South Beach until you reach Cove Beach. It's about as remote a beach as you can find on the island.
If you want a different bar to hang out at, try the Wacky Seagull Bar on Chill Beach. They have chairs that look out to the ocean and lots of shade too!
Eat at the restaurant I always skip
My personal cruise resolution is to go back to restaurants I usually skip.
Johnny Rockets, Wonderland, Hooked are the restaurants I not only skip but don't even think about going to. Instead, I'm going to give them all another chance this year.
I don't have to love it, but I'm sure I can find something to enjoy there. Plus, it will get me out of the same specialty restaurants I always eat at.
Come back to the ship early on one day
I was originally going to write "stay onboard while everyone else gets off the ship", but I think the happy medium is to come back early one day instead.
When you have a port that you're not sure what to do, get off the ship early and explore the shopping and dining. Or head to a beach for the morning.
But instead of spending all day ashore, return to the ship early so you can enjoy short lines and quiet pools. This works even better if you went to the beach because you're already in your bathing suit!
Say yes to one spontaneous decision
A friend had this idea to go into a cruise with if something comes up to try, you almost have to say "yes".
- A last-minute specialty dinner
- An unexpected sailaway drink
- A random activity you overheard someone talking about in the elevator
This resolution might be the thing that helps create memories you never planned on in the first place.
