Josh & I's first cruise was for our honeymoon back in February. We took a 5 day cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line (pictured on left). This time around, we were spoiled and treated for a 4 day cruise on Royal Caribbean to celebrate Josh's grandparents 50th wedding anniversary (pictured on right). I will talk about both cruise lines & what we liked best on both.
First off, aren't my grandparents so precious?! 50 years of marriage?! Josh & I aspire to be like them one day. Second, yes, we are all in matching shirts. Go ahead and get a good chuckle in. They were awesome though and we loved bragging to everyone about Meme and Poppy. So the overall ship atmosphere was way more welcoming on the Norwegian cruise. I am not going to speak for all cruise ships because I have only been on two, but the Majesty of the Seas seemed to be WAY understaffed. When we needed help, there was never anyone around, where as the Norwegian Sky was almost overwhelming the amount of people offering to assist you at any time.
Next (and really most important) is food and beverage services. The food on both ships was fantastic. Overall, we thought that the buffet food was better on Royal Caribbean, but the dinner options were more plentiful (and tasted better) on Norwegian. Another thing we loved about Royal Caribbean was that you chose your dining time, and showed up at the same time each night. Although my my time dining was nice on Norwegian because we ate at different times each night depending on our schedule, there is just something special about having the same wait staff serve you each evening (we even got our waitress to take a selfie with us).
Family time is the best time, and that is what we lived by on this cruise. My recommendations for Nassau are book an excursion, or head to one of two places on the island: the beach about a half-mile walk down the coast, or the straw market. The straw market is fun for about an hour, then it can be overwhelming if you are not into people trying desperately to sell you the product they have (think people at those little kiosks at the mall chasing you down to sample their latest fragrance or lotion). We only lasted about 30 minutes in the straw market, got a souvenir each, and headed back to the boat. The advantage of not having an excursion booked -- pretty much having the ship to yourself. If I was to go again, I wouldn't even get off of the ship.
Private island day is THE BEST DAY. Book an excursion OR take my recommendation and bring your snorkel gear, and enjoy some of the clearest water you have ever seen. Grab your lover and follow each other through reefs and the trenches of the ocean, all while seeing tons of beautiful creatures. Watch out for stingrays, though, they're pretty prevalent in these waters.
The way I feel about excursions is this -- if you can afford one, pick one or two and head out for an adventure of a lifetime. If you are just lucky to make your way onto a cruise ship, there is plenty of fun to be had by just taking part in everything that is included. Don't spread yourself too thin, and don't feel like you won't have a GREAT time if you don't do any of them. Josh and I have spent 9 days on a cruise ship and have yet to take part in any excursions, and let me tell you -- we have had the time of our lives. Hopefully you catch the fever and are looking to book your next cruise before you're even off the one you are currently on.
No matter which ship or cruise you take on or whatever length you stay, the one thing you must do is get up early one morning and watch the sunrise. There is nothing more beautiful than watching the sun come up while watching the vastness of the ocean. Trust me, it's breathtaking.
Must have cruise items:
Lots of sunscreen
A good camera (or your phone handy at all times)
Selfie Stick (to capture all the amazing views, and you too)
Something for nausea (sea bands, patches, ginger gum, etc.) -- just in case
*Make sure to pack a separate bag with clothes & toiletries for the first day as sometimes you cannot get into your room until the late afternoon and you don't get your bags delivered until after dinner
Last thing I will note about the two cruises, there is nothing better than spending uninterrupted time in the middle of nowhere with close friends or family. I would highly encourage all cruises to be taken with those you love. There will be memories made in the middle of the ocean that you will NEVER forget. So until next time, I leave you with a picture of my family and those I spent 4 days on the high seas with.
XO, Hil
