From "No Way" to "All Aboard": How One Land-Lover Fell for Royal Caribbean Cruising
📅 Published by Here for the Badge | Cruise Culture Blog
Let’s be clear: I was not a cruise person.
I was a feet-on-solid-ground, keep-the-ocean-at-a-distance kind of traveler. Airports? Sure. Road trips? Absolutely. But voluntarily boarding a floating hotel and sailing into the middle of the sea? That sounded like the premise of a disaster movie.
For years, I’d roll my eyes at cruise ads. "Why would anyone want to be stuck on a boat with a bunch of strangers? Isn’t that just a floating buffet with a pool? What if I get seasick? What if I get bored?" I had a lot of questions—and even more hesitation.
But then came Royal Caribbean. And my entire perspective changed.
🌊 Facing My Cruise Fears
Let’s run through the list of my pre-cruise anxieties:
Fear #1: Seasickness. I was convinced I’d spend the whole trip hugging a trash can.
Fear #2: Feeling Trapped. I imagined feeling claustrophobic with nowhere to go.
Fear #3: Boredom. One pool and a few games of bingo? Pass.
Fear #4: Rough Seas & Safety. Let’s just say I googled “cruise ship lifeboats” more than once.
But something shifted. Our family was planning a group vacation, and cruising was the most affordable and logistically simple option. Royal Caribbean had a great deal, and with 3 generations on board, we needed something that worked for everyone. So, I did it. I said yes. (With a backup plan to fly home from the first port if I hated it.)
Spoiler alert: I didn’t fly home. I booked my next cruise before we even disembarked.
Travel Hassle, Unload and Relax
✨ What Changed My Mind (and Might Change Yours Too)
1. Royal Caribbean Feels Like a Floating City
I was stunned by the size and layout of the ship. With neighborhoods, promenades, gardens, and theaters, it felt more like a small town than a boat. No claustrophobia in sight.
2. There’s SO Much to Do
Zip lining, rock climbing, Broadway-caliber shows, comedy clubs, fitness classes, pools, spas, trivia contests, movie nights, arcades... and that’s just Day One.
3. The Food Was Better Than I Imagined
From Windjammer’s endless buffet to specialty restaurants like Chops Grille and Izumi, every meal felt like a new adventure. Sorrento’s pizza at midnight? Yes. Espresso martinis on the deck? Double yes.
4. Smooth Sailing
I barely noticed we were moving. Modern cruise ships are incredibly stable, and with a little Dramamine in my pocket (just in case), I felt completely fine. I even loved sea days the most.
5. Every Day is a New Destination
One of the biggest cruise perks? Waking up somewhere new each day without ever unpacking. We explored multiple islands in one trip—and still made it back in time for the hot tub. Imagine sipping coffee as you arrive in St. Maarten, then enjoying lunch in Barbados the next day. No flights, no hassle.
6. Curated Shore Excursions = Stress-Free Adventure
Whether it’s zip-lining in St. Lucia, snorkeling in the Bahamas, hiking waterfalls in Jamaica, or riding ATVs in Cozumel, Royal Caribbean offers vetted, safe, and exciting excursions for every type of traveler. The best part? You can book everything in advance or directly through the ship. No planning stress needed.
7. Built-In Flexibility for Groups
As a big family, coordinating travel usually means spreadsheets and headaches. But cruising gave everyone freedom to explore on their own while always having a central place to reconnect. Some of us hit the spa, others took dance lessons, and we all met up for dinner. It was like vacationing together without being tied at the hip.
8. It’s Surprisingly Affordable
When you break down the cost of food, lodging, entertainment, and transportation—cruising is one of the best vacation values out there. And with frequent deals and loyalty perks, Royal Caribbean makes it easy to sail again and again without breaking the bank.
🧭 Tips for First-Time Skeptics
We know what it’s like to second-guess a cruise. Here’s how to ease the transition and turn hesitation into anticipation:
Start with a 3- to 5-night cruise to ease into it without feeling overwhelmed. It’s the perfect sampler.
Pack motion sickness bands or meds just in case. Most guests don’t need them, but having a plan = peace of mind.
Pick a ship with variety like Oasis or Wonder of the Seas for maximum entertainment, dining, and space.
Get a balcony room if you're nervous—it helps with fresh air, ocean views, and that extra bit of comfort.
Use the Royal Caribbean App for daily schedules, deck maps, chat features, and booking activities with ease.
Embrace sea days as your reset. They're not boring—they're blissful. Think spa days, lounging, trivia, and zero obligations.
Attend the ship’s Welcome Aboard Show—it’s a great way to understand what’s ahead and shake off any nerves.
Join a Cruise Facebook Group or Roll Call ahead of time. You’ll meet others on your sailing and feel less like a newbie.
Eat your way through your anxiety—seriously, food is comforting, varied, and fun to explore.
Remember: You’re not trapped—you’re being transported from island to island in the most relaxing way possible.
🏖️ Land vs. Sea: Why We Chose the Ocean
Let’s compare the two, side-by-side:
🏨 On Land:
Unpack, repack, and drag luggage from hotel to hotel
Drive or fly between destinations (exhausting and expensive)
Separate bookings for activities, food, entertainment
Constant planning and coordinating
Hidden costs that add up fast
🛳️ At Sea (with Royal Caribbean):
Unpack once and your room travels with you
New destinations every day, zero transit stress
All-in-one vacation: food, fun, lodging, entertainment
A floating resort with 24/7 options
Easy to budget, often more affordable than land-based vacations
We used to think staying on land was easier. Now? We think it's harder.
With Royal Caribbean, the journey is just as fun as the destinations. We went from skeptics to sailors—and we’ve never looked back.
💙 Final Thoughts From a Converted Cruiser
I get it. I really do. The idea of cruising used to make my palms sweat. But now? I’m the one convincing my skeptical friends to book their first trip. Cruising—especially with Royal Caribbean—isn’t just about being on a boat. It’s about adventure, relaxation, connection, and discovering how much joy there is in saying yes to something new.
So if you’re on the fence, let me be the one to say: take the leap. You just might find your sea legs—and a new favorite way to travel.
Tag us in your first cruise pics @HereForTheBadge and let us know if you're a convert too. #CruiseConvert #BadgeFam #RoyalCaribbeanLove
Visit RoyalCaribbean.com to see how great they are!
