As travel advisors, we enjoy researching the ports of call on our Royal Caribbean itinerary. We look for must-see attractions, local culture, and unique experiences at each destination. Ben and I know that engaging in adventurous activities together, like snorkeling, zip-lining, or hiking, can help us bond, which is a priority for us while on vacation. Based on our knowledge and interests, we make a list of the excursions that we want to experience.

Now, if you are too busy or don’t enjoy spending your free time researching, Ben and I (or your preferred travel planner) can make suggestions for you to choose from based on your interests. Additionally, Royal Caribbean offers a variety of shore excursions that can be booked in advance on their website. We prefer to pre-book to secure a spot in popular excursions and avoid last-minute stress or hassle.

Royal Caribbean is known for its top-notch entertainment. Ben and I read reviews for shows, live music, and other performances, so we can prioritize what we want to do in the evening. We explore the fitness and wellness options onboard, including gyms, yoga classes, and spa services. (That’s one of our favorites.)

Sometimes Ben and I sign up for workshops and classes that interest us, such as cooking demonstrations, art classes, or wine tastings. This time we are thinking of doing the Sip.Tour.Brunch. activity that will show us the kitchens.

Thinking about the activities, specialty dining, and excursions, we realize it is valuable to outline our expected expenses so we do not overspend. Having a clear budget helps us manage spending and avoids financial stress.

Ben and I prioritize our budget to focus on experiences that matter most to us. We also allocate funds for romantic dinners, special excursions, and other memorable activities, like spa visits.

Asking our regular pet sitter early if they are available to watch our dogs is super important to us; Ben and I want to ensure our loved ones will be well cared for during our trip.

We also take steps to secure our home while we’re away by arranging for our mail to be held, setting timers for outside lights, and informing a trusted neighbor of our travel plans.

While Ben and I cannot check-in at the 90-day mark, look into your cruise line information for when you can register, as some lines have an earlier time. I put a reminder on my calendar at the 45-day mark so that we can check-in and get the earliest embarkation time. 

Our transportation to the port is another item to check off our list. We plan on driving to the port but still need to decide if we will park at the port or do a park-and-cruise lot to save money. This is where you park off-site and a shuttle takes you to the port. Whether you drive, take a shuttle, or use a ride-share service, plan to arrive with plenty of time before departure. If you plan on staying overnight in the embarkation city, you should already have your hotel booked. We can help with that if needed.

In the months leading up to our cruise, Ben and I plan a few pre-cruise date nights to build excitement. We enjoy watching travel documentaries, cooking a themed dinner, and starting a countdown together.

On top of that, Ben and I take time out of our busy schedules to mentally prepare for our trip by reflecting on our goals for the cruise and discussing how we can make the most of this romantic getaway.