Our First Cruise Experience
If you have read our site, you know we absolutely love All-Inclusive Resorts. We have had friends encourage us to go on cruises before and have always declined saying we know we wouldn’t like it as much as an all-inclusive land resort. For the sake of research, we decided to go ahead and book a cruise this year so we could truly speak from experience about the difference.
The criteria we looked for when booking the cruise was that we wanted one that would not be swarming with kids. While both of us absolutely love kids, we find it harder to relax on vacation with them jumping in the pool around you or doing what kids do best, running around and playing. We also wanted one that had a good reputation as clean and safe and was going to give us some hours in sunshine since we were cruising in January.
We decided to cruise on the Regal Princess Cruise ship from Galveston. We took extensive notes and videos for you in case you are like we were and had no idea of truly what to expect! Be Sure to check-out the Preparing for the Cruise blog so you have everything ready before you arrive!
The Port
We chose to embark from Galveston because it was just a few hours drive away. We decided at the last minute to spend the night before in town so we could get to the ship at the beginning of the check-in window and we were very glad we did. We first drove through the port terminal lot and dropped our bags off with the porter. Because we had printed and attached with this luggage pouch on each bag, dropping off the bags was 100% hassle free. We literally handed them to the porter at the curb and they took care of everything from there. (No tip was necessary or expected.)
We then went to park in the parking lot we were assigned (and had prepaid for before coming) and took the free shuttle back to the port terminal. Because we arrived about 30 minutes before the beginning of the window, we lined up against the building outside under an awning in que for entering when the time was right. Arriving early like this got us to be within the first 25 people in line which made our process very streamlined once inside. Once we were allowed to enter, we went directly to customs, and took our carry-ons (just with items we would need before we got access to our luggage later in the day) through metal detectors.
We had booked our trip within two weeks of departure date so we didn’t have time to receive our medallion via mail so we went to the “blue line” which meant we needed to stop by and pick up our medallion. This process went very quickly as they had our medallion ready for us and simply handed it to us along with a lanyard and a clip to attach it to our clothes if we wanted to use it. We had brought with this wrist band for my medallions to fit into and this one for my husband’s so we used these instead and found them hassle free.
We then proceeded to the waiting room upstairs in the terminal for about 15 minutes until it was time to board the ship. Preferred members (repeat cruisers who have earned a loyalty status) were allowed to load first and then we were able to load in the order in which we had arrived to the waiting room. Picture opportunities are everywhere. Our first photo op was set up as we were leaving the waiting area and getting ready to board the ship.
Impressions of the Ship/Floating Resort
We purchased a package which meant we could download all photos taken of us so we took advantage of most of the photo opportunities available. Once it was time to load the ship, the crew scanned our medallion with a scanner and we were onboard. Another advantage of arriving early is getting to explore the ship while there were very few passengers onboard. Photos of the ship that appear to be empty were taken at this time.
I have always heard those ships are huge. My first impression is that it reminded me of a floating hotel or mall with rooms. There was a Michael Buble concert playing on the large screen on the sun deck (on top of the ship) and a Sail Away Show following. We first decided to have lunch but because of port taxes, the ship could not serve drinks while in the port without charging additional fees to passengers. Note to self – bring a can or bottle of water in a carry-on to get through the first couple of hours until the ship gets out of port.
Another advantage of getting to the ship early, our luggage was among the first delivered to our room so while some passengers had to wait until after we sailed to get their luggage, ours was at our door as soon as we found our room.
We had opted for a balcony room and it was worth every penny. We spent so much time on the balcony truly experiencing the fact that we were on the sea and enjoyed a front-seat view of each time we entered a port or left a port. Watching waves becomes mesmerizing.
Cruising/Destinations
Some realizations that came with first hand experience:
Cruising on a ship is more about the cruise than the destination. While most of the people disembarked upon arrival at ports, many frequent cruisers stayed on the ship and enjoyed the amenities without the crowds. We went onto land each port but 2 times out of 3 we came back to the ship early so we could enjoy lunch and drinks that we didn’t have to pay additional for (like on land) and enjoy the sundeck and our choice of loungers.
The destination ports are designed to be an excursion of sorts for the passengers of the cruise lines. The first port we went to had two large pools with bars among a small shopping village for cruise passengers only. The pool was free to use as long as you purchased drinks or food from the bar.
At this port, we had arranged to rent e-bikes and ride along the coastline to explore the local village. This would have been delightful if the e-bikes were safe and maintained. Unfortunately I found out too late that my brakes did not work and wiped out resulting in some nasty scrapes. Mark’s “fully charged” bike ran out of power before we were half way done with our exploring.
The second port, Roatan Honduras, had the shopping village, a chair lift that you could take to get to the island where there was a large beach with many lounge chairs, rafts to rent and places to relax. Whereas you can walk to the beach, the chair lift gives you a great view and gets you there much faster!
All-Inclusive Resorts – To Cruise or Not to Cruise
First I want to say that Mark and I were both pleasantly surprised about our cruise experience. We really enjoyed our 7 day cruise and the opportunity to vacation a different way. We will undoubtedly cruise again in the future. Deciding when to cruise or when to visit an all-inclusive resort will depend on what experience we are looking for.
Entertainment or Relaxation
The all-inclusive resort experience for us is about relaxation. We spend most of the time laying out in the pool or beside the pool reading. The entertainment crew at the resorts has scheduled activities throughout the resort you can participate in and there is almost always a spa and gym on site. Entertainment crew members engage with vacationers in the main pool throughout each day including things like games, classes, contests, and even foam parties. Lively music is often the scene at the main pool.
The cruise experience is designed to have activities going throughout the day. Game shows, production shows (great quality), comedians, live music and contests. With about 3,000 passengers and 2,000 crew members aboard, the only place where you can not be near people is in your stateroom. On the down side, when we wanted a drink, we more often than not had to approach the bar to request it as opposed to being waited on at an AI resort. Accessibility around the cruise ship is convenient for people of all ages and disabilities with all venues in fairly close proximity and elevators to take you to each level. When you want constant entertainment, it is hard to beat a cruise.
When you pick the right resort, no matter whether you vacation on an all-inclusive resort on land or water, you will have the time of your life and create forever memories.
Would you like some help in planning your vacation? Let Young At Heart Destinations find you the best resort that meets your unique needs!