I went on my first cruise — here are 15 things that surprised me the most about this type of travel

Joey HaddenApr 25, 2024, 23:07 IST

The reporter's first cruise was on board Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I took my first cruise on one of the largest ships, Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas.
My seven-night trip was full of surprises, from the size of my room to the quality of the food.

Before April 2022, I had never seen a cruise ship in real life.

Prior to becoming a travel reporter, my trips had been mostly about visiting family in faraway places and budget road trips across the US, where I stayed in campsites, parking lots, and cheap Airbnbs.

I'd traveled by car, bus, train, and plane, but boats of any kind were completely new to me.

That changed two years ago, when I took my first cruise on one of the world's largest cruise ships, Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas.

During my seven-night Caribbean voyage, the ship sailed round-trip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Roatán, Honduras; Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico; and Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas.

While I'd seen cruise ships on TV and in movies, I couldn't understand how big these vessels were until I saw one myself. On board, I felt like I was in a small town in the middle of the ocean.

Since this was a new form of transportation for me, I experienced a lot of surprises. I learned that cruising is a lifestyle in itself, and while it's not necessarily for me, I can see what draws people to this type of vacation time and again.

For $2,000, I spent seven nights in an ocean-view stateroom on deck 8. The cruise was on sale, as it was originally priced at $3,000.

The author in her stateroom.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Since the room was only 179 square feet, I thought I'd feel cramped. But when I stepped inside, I was surprised at how big it felt.

The author's stateroom.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

An attendant serviced my room twice a day — more than I've experienced at hotels or in Airbnbs.

Surprises from my stateroom attendant.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I assumed I'd have a small porthole window like I've seen on ships in TV shows and movies. But my rectangular window was much bigger than I expected.

The window in the author's stateroom.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

My room was located at the front of the ship, and I didn't expect to feel as much movement in my cabin as I did. Later, I learned that the location of your stateroom can impact this greatly.

The author had a bumpy ride in her stateroom.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

My room was located at the front of the ship, and I didn't expect to feel as much movement in my cabin as I did. Later, I learned that the location of your stateroom can impact this greatly.

All cruises mandate a training session for guests on what to do in an emergency. But I was surprised that mine was available to watch on-demand in my cabin.

A safety training video on the TV in the author's stateroom (L) and emergency instructions on the door (R).Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The ship has 24 elevators, but taking the stairs was often faster.

The elevators (L) and the stairs (R).Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The ship was harder to navigate than I expected, and I often got lost on my way to specific venues.

A long hallway on the ship (L) a map of the ship next to the elevators.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

In the communal indoor spaces, I didn't even feel like I was on a ship, which was unexpected.

Deck five on the largest cruise ship in the world.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Throughout the trip, I heard more live music than I thought I would, often in the background of the ship's activities.

Bands play on outdoor decks 15 (L) and eight (R) onboard the Wonder of the Seas.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I thought formal nights would be enforced more.

The dining room at Wonderland on a formal night (L). The author's formal outfit (R).Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Some of the best meals I had were included in the rate.

A three-course meal in the main dining room, a restaurant that's free for guests.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I found that reservations for restaurants and shows on the ship fill up fast, so it's important to plan ahead to do exactly what you want.

The author's reservation over the show in the Aquatheater.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

But even with extensive preparations, planning anything on a cruise ship was subject to change.

A view of the hot air balloon on the ground.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I thought the port stops would be longer.

The Wonder of the Seas docked in Roatan Honduras.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I'm so glad that I finally know what it's like to cruise on a giant ship, but next time, I'll probably take a plane.

The author on deck 16 of Wonder of the Seas.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

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I went on my first cruise &mdash; here are 15 things that surprised me the most about this type of travel

For $2,000, I spent seven nights in an ocean-view stateroom on deck 8. The cruise was on sale, as it was originally priced at $3,000.

Since the room was only 179 square feet, I thought I'd feel cramped. But when I stepped inside, I was surprised at how big it felt.

An attendant serviced my room twice a day — more than I've experienced at hotels or in Airbnbs.

I assumed I'd have a small porthole window like I've seen on ships in TV shows and movies. But my rectangular window was much bigger than I expected.

My room was located at the front of the ship, and I didn't expect to feel as much movement in my cabin as I did. Later, I learned that the location of your stateroom can impact this greatly.

All cruises mandate a training session for guests on what to do in an emergency. But I was surprised that mine was available to watch on-demand in my cabin.

The ship has 24 elevators, but taking the stairs was often faster.

The ship was harder to navigate than I expected, and I often got lost on my way to specific venues.

In the communal indoor spaces, I didn't even feel like I was on a ship, which was unexpected.

Throughout the trip, I heard more live music than I thought I would, often in the background of the ship's activities.

I thought formal nights would be enforced more.

Some of the best meals I had were included in the rate.

I found that reservations for restaurants and shows on the ship fill up fast, so it's important to plan ahead to do exactly what you want.

But even with extensive preparations, planning anything on a cruise ship was subject to change.

I thought the port stops would be longer.

I'm so glad that I finally know what it's like to cruise on a giant ship, but next time, I'll probably take a plane.

I went on my first cruise — here are 15 things that surprised me the most about this type of travel