🚢 So You’re Going on a Royal Caribbean Cruise with Your Family… Now What?

If you’re reading this, you either: A) Just found out you’re going on a cruise and don’t know what to expect
B) Are currently on the cruise googling “how to survive a cruise with my family”
C) Are debating if you should pack 10 bikinis for a 7-day trip (you should)

Whatever your sitch—we got you. This is the actual guide to surviving (and maybe thriving?) on a Royal Caribbean cruise as a Gen Z’er. Zero fluff. All vibes.

🎒 1. You Only Need One Good Day Bag

You don’t need five purses. You need one slay-all-day bag you can throw over your shoulder and forget about. Big enough for a water bottle, SPF, book you won’t read, and snacks you’ll smuggle from breakfast.

Bonus points if it matches your sailaway fit.

📲 2. The App = Your Cruise Lifeline

Download the Royal Caribbean app before you board (Wi-Fi during embarkation? Not happening). The app tells you what’s happening, when it’s happening, and where to meet your cousin for karaoke night.

No app = lost, confused, and missing the silent disco. Don’t be that person.

☀️ 3. Golden Hour Is a Whole Event

Top decks at sunset? Elite.
Grab your people, your cute outfit, and make content.
Yes, people will stare. They’re just mad they didn’t think of it first.

🍕 4. The Free Food Goes Harder Than You’d Think

You can order three appetizers, two entrées, and five desserts at dinner—and no one will blink. The buffet hits different when you’re post-snorkel and half sunburned. Room service? Free for breakfast. (Pro tip: Get the bacon and run.)

🎤 5. Theme Nights Are Not a Drill

Royal LOVES a theme. White night. 70s night. Pajama karaoke.
You think you won’t participate. And then suddenly you're in a toga with Grandma doing the YMCA.

Pack at least one “I didn’t know we were dressing up but I still look incredible” outfit.

🧼 6. Things You’ll Definitely Forget:

Portable charger
Hoodie (it’s giving Arctic tundra in the theater)
One nice pair of shoes
Sunscreen that doesn’t feel like glue
Something to wear to breakfast when you can’t even look at a swimsuit yet

🛜 7. Wi-Fi? Mid. Adjust Accordingly.

Unless you’ve got the fancy plan, don’t expect to stream. Download your playlists and shows before you board. Or, go full digital detox and ghost everyone for a week. Bonus: return with glowing skin and 100 unread messages.

🫶 8. Be Weird. Be Extra. Be That Girl (or That Guy)

Cruising is peak ✨unserious✨ energy. Wear the fit. Dance at poolside trivia. Sing badly at karaoke. Be loud at silent disco. You’re literally never going to see these people again. Except your family. But they already know you’re weird.

Final Word: Cruises Are Low-Key Fire for Gen Z

You get to nap whenever you want, eat like six times a day, wake up in a new place, and watch the ocean like it’s your personal mood board. You don’t even have to talk to your family the whole time.

And if you do? That’s just part of the story.

Want more chaotic cruise energy? Check out our crew at hereforthebadge.com. We’re all about real stories, good vibes, and helping you not look like a total cruise noob.

Cruising for Gen Z

So You’re Going on a Royal Caribbean Cruise with Your Family… Now What?