Thereโs something magical about stepping onto a massive cruise ship for the first timeโthe excitement, the possibilities, and the pure thrill of knowing youโre about to set sail on an unforgettable journey. Back in May 2016, I embarked on my very first Royal Caribbean cruise from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and it was truly a dream come true! Over seven days, I explored breathtaking destinations, tried adrenaline-pumping activities, and soaked in all the luxury that comes with cruising.
Setting Sail from Ft. Lauderdale, FL
As soon as I boarded the ship, I was in awe of its sheer size and elegance. The grand atrium, the endless dining options, the entertainment, and of course, the stunning ocean views from the deckโit was everything I had imagined and more. I could already tell this was going to be an epic experience!
Labadee, Haiti โ Jet Skis & Ziplining Over the Ocean
Our first stop was Labadee, Haiti, a private paradise owned by Royal Caribbean. Here, I pushed myself outside my comfort zone and tried two exhilarating activities for the first time:
Jet Skiing: Thereโs nothing like the rush of speeding across the turquoise waters with the wind in your face! It was a thrilling experience, and Labadeeโs scenic coastline made it even more memorable.
Zip Lining Over the Ocean: Labadee is home to the Dragonโs Breath Flight Line, the worldโs longest over-water zip line. Suspended 500 feet above the ocean, I soared through the sky, taking in the most breathtaking aerial views of the island. It was a true bucket list moment!
After all the excitement, I spent some time relaxing on the pristine beaches, sipping on a refreshing drink, and taking in the beauty of Labadee before heading back to the ship.
Falmouth, Jamaica โ Climbing Dunnโs River Falls & Reggae Hill
Our next destination was Falmouth, Jamaica, where my sister and I traveled to Ocho Rios and took on one of the countryโs most iconic adventures:
Dunnโs River Falls: This natural wonder is a 600-foot cascading waterfall, and yesโwe climbed it! Holding hands with other travelers, we made our way up the rocky terrain, feeling the rush of the cool water against our skin. It was both challenging and exhilarating, but the views from the top made it all worth it.
Reggae Hill: After the adventure, we headed to Reggae Hill, a lush tropical retreat where we unwound, enjoyed delicious Jamaican cuisine, and soaked in the laid-back island vibes. There was live music, amazing food, and the perfect atmosphere to just relax and enjoy the moment.
Cozumel, Mexico โ Isla de Pasion by Speedboat
Our final stop was Cozumel, Mexico, where we discovered a hidden gemโIsla de Pasion, a private island only accessible by boat. But not just any boatโฆ
Speedboat Ride to Isla de Pasion: The journey itself was an adventure! The speedboat ride was thrilling, with the ocean spray and the excitement of arriving at a secluded paradise.
A Private Island Escape: Isla de Pasion was exactly what its name suggestsโpure passion and paradise. Crystal-clear waters, soft white sand, and a peaceful ambiance made this the perfect way to wrap up our cruise adventure. We lounged under palm trees, swam in the warm Caribbean waters, and just soaked up the beauty of Mexico.
Dining on the Cruise โ A Food Loverโs Paradise
One thing I quickly learned about cruising is that the food is next level! Whether it was a casual meal by the pool, a fine dining experience, or indulging in the buffet, every meal was a treat.
Breakfast: Mornings started with a variety of optionsโfrom fresh fruit and omelets to waffles and pastries. The best part? Enjoying breakfast with an ocean view.
Lunch: Whether it was grabbing a quick burger and fries by the pool or indulging in an international buffet, there was no shortage of options. I especially loved the fresh seafood and island-inspired dishes on port days!
Dinner & Formal Nights: The highlight of the dining experience was the two formal nights, where we got all dressed up and enjoyed elegant multi-course meals. From lobster tails to filet mignon, the menus were packed with gourmet options. The presentation was just as impressive as the flavors!
Desserts & Snacks: Letโs not forget about the endless dessertsโcheesecake, chocolate soufflรฉ, and warm cookies were just a few of my favorites. Plus, late-night snacks were always available, making it easy to satisfy any craving at any time.
Royal Caribbean definitely knows how to keep guests well-fed, and I made sure to take full advantage of that!
Formal Nights on the Cruise
In between these amazing excursions, life on the ship was just as incredible. One of my favorite parts of the cruise was our two formal nights, where we got all dressed up for an elegant evening. From gourmet dinners to live entertainment, it felt like being in a luxury resort floating on the ocean. The atmosphere was electric, and it was the perfect excuse to go full glam mode!
Final Thoughts: My First Cruise, But Definitely Not My Last!
Looking back, this trip was the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and luxury. From jet skiing and zip lining in Haiti to climbing waterfalls in Jamaica and lounging on a private island in Mexico, every moment was unforgettable. My first Royal Caribbean cruise set the bar high for future travels, and it definitely ignited my love for cruising so much, I began my journey of filming and video editing. If you’re interested in trying out a cruise, I highly recommend Royal Caribbean and would encourage to book an adventure yourself here. See how my first cruise went down below:
Have you ever been on a cruise? Whatโs been your favorite destination so far? Let me know in the comments! ๐๐ข