The how, when, where, who and what of my first time cruise. Embarkation day

        Me and my husband were finally able to get some time off from our work  and we made plans to spend the short amount of time experiencing something we have never done before. Looking for some short weekend getaways, I stumbled upon the Utopia Of the Seas from Royal Caribbean. An oasis class ship that is set to do it's inaugural sail on July 19. It is the second largest cruise ship in the world next to it's sister, the Icon of the seas.

     

      

         What better way to experience and be introduced to the cruise life than being able to sail on a new ship. So in June 2024, we booked a reservation on what will be known as the World's biggest weekend, the Utopia of the Seas. The booking process was a breeze, choose your available dates, pick a room and pay. Can't be anymore straightforward than that. We chose our sail dates of August 9 to August 12, booked a balcony room with ocean view. For the two of us, it came to a total of a little less that $1500usd. Our goal was to enjoy the trip without spending too much which for me, was important. We got a balcony room in the aft of the ship, on the 7th floor. I have never been on a cruise ship before so I can't compare our room to others but given that it is a new ship with a few trips under it's belt, the rooms were practically new. We were probably on it's 5th or 6th voyage. 

   

        Since we are first time cruisers, right after booking we googled anything and everything we need to know about our trip. Joining social media pages to learn more on the do's and don'ts before, during and after. Literally jotting down each location that offers complimentary food, show times for performances and etc. About a month prior to our trip, we started doing some requirements. We checked in on the app, which had us choose our times to embark, uploaded our bank card information and passports, leaving us with just two more things to do prior to embarkment. Health screening the day prior and then going to our muster station once onboard. 

    

    We live about 8 hours from Port Canaveral so on the day of, we just woke up early for the drive to get there on our set embarkment time we chose on the Royal Caribbean app. 12:30 is the time we chose just in case we don't get there in time. We arrived around 10:30am to the port and headed towards Terminal 1's parking garage. Parking was a smooth process, you will expect a lot of vehicles arriving at the same time  you arrive but parking is plenty. The fee we paid for parking for the 4 days was $72usd, parking garage is right next to the terminal. We checked in our suitcase with the porters at the entrance and walked in with our hand carries. Before I forget, you are allowed to bring up to 12 standard cans or bottles (17 oz) on board, so either soda or water, per stateroom. You are also allowed one bottle of wine or champagne. You NEED to carry on, it cannot be in your checked in luggage. Check in was a breeze, it took us around 10 minutes from start to finish. We had express check in so line was empty. If I am not mistakem, you get express when you check in on the app early with all the requirements.  You'll need to have your set sail pass ready and also your passport or a birth certificate and ID for those without.

        On board, priorities first, before exploring the ship we went directly to our muster station, this is a requirement, the ship will not leave without everyone going through the muster drill. It was about 5 minutes, just showing us how to use the life jacket.  We still had plenty of time to kill before the rooms open, they usually open the hallways around 1pm so we went straight to the windjammer for lunch. You will be greeted by the washy-washy person prior to going in. If you do not know what the washy washy person is, on Royal Caribbean it's the person who sings or performs reminding you to wash your hands before eating, you'll notice the hand washing area as well. 

    

    

         There's a bar right near the entrance of the buffet where you can pick up your cups if you purchased the unlimited soda package, Just tell them your room number for verification. Soda package was $60usd for the both of us and we made it worth it with our constant trips to the soda machine. Drink and internet package price may vary, there are times when you can get a certain percent of the full price, just keep an eye out on the app, if you already purchased and the price drops, you can cancel it for a refund then purchase the discounted price. If there's no soda machine nearby, you can go to any bar or restaurant and ask for soda, even in ports. You do not need a beverage package if you don't see the need for it, they offer free drinks as well on board like water, juice, tea and coffee. 

         After eating, we walked around the ship until it was time to head to our room. A little before 1pm the hallways opened and we headed straight to our floor. Your checked in luggage will be waiting for you in the hallway where your room is,  your sea pass card will be on your room door. Your sea pass card is important during your cruise, it's what you will be using to get in your room, also whenever you exit and enter ports, they scan it as well and whenever you order drinks either at a bar or show. I suggest buying a lanyard to keep it easily accessible. an advise or tip,  right inside the door, there should be a card slot that keeps all the electricity in the room on. Our stateroom attendant kept a calling card in it and told us to just leave it there so it's always cool in the room even when we leave. Expect your room attendant to introduce themselves within the day. Even though you pay daily gratuities, which is $18usd per person/per day, I do suggest tipping your attendant separately. We tipped when we met him and left a tip as well on our last day. 

    Staying connected to the world advise. Prior to getting on board, we made sure that our phones where in airplane mode with wi-fi on. I heard roaming can be fairly expensive on cruise ships. We purchased the wi-fi package on the app so we can stay connected to our kids back home. There's different options to choose from, I highly suggest just purchasing the 1 person, 2 devices package. It was way cheaper than the 2 person with one device each package. It came up to $116usd for the whole trip. 

         I'll cut this short for now, this is mostly about the check-in process. Coming up next will be the adventures. 

Until then, 

Lovely