Vacation is a wonderful adventure when you’re taking a Caribbean cruise! Today, I’ll be sharing what to do on a Caribbean cruise so that you can have the very best vacation.
I’m excited to be a partner with Princess Cruises to bring you these ideas!
I’ve already shared what to pack for a Caribbean cruise and now I’m going to tell you all about being on the ship and what to do.
Our recent trip was a dream come true. It was our very first cruise and there was a lot to take in. I hope these tips will help you feel prepared and ready to enjoy all the magic you’re about to embark on.
In the weeks leading to our cruise, we did lots of research and packing to get ready. We love to travel and have new experiences, so I was confident we would enjoy this incredible vacation.
Cruising is unlike any other form of travel. It’s amazing that you’re on the middle of this huge ship on the water, that’s essentially its own city. There is so much to do, there is never a dull moment. However, there are plenty of chances to unwind and relax. I found it to be the perfect balance with something offered for everyone.
Let’s talk about what you’ll find aboard!
World Class Technology
The Caribbean Princess is a MedallionClass™ ship meaning the entire ship is equipped with amazing technology to make your experience one of a kind.
Before embarking, you’ll receive an OceanMedallion™ shipped to your house. It will arrive on a lanyard and is engraved with your name. You’ll download their app to your phone and upload all the info you need right into the app, which communicates with your personal OceanMedallion™.
You’ll use your OceanMedallion™ to embark on the ship, to pay for items on board, to enter your stateroom, play games, locate shipmates, use location services, and more!
One of my favorite ways to use our OceanMedallion™ was to order drinks to our room or order food while we were sitting beside the pool. Because of its location technology, once you place your order, the server will know exactly where you are and will bring your items directly to you. It’s convenient!
Once onboard, you can also shop for additional accessories for your OceanMedallion™. You can customize your lanyard, or grab a clip, necklace, bracelet, or sportsband. There are lots of comfortable options to fit every style.
I truly had a hard time adjusting to real life when we got home, I was so used to using the OceanMedallion™ for everything we needed. It was so strange to carry a wallet and keys again!
Not only does make life easier, OceanMedallion™ we loved having MedallionNet™, which is the very best WiFi available at sea. I was able to work on the blog anywhere on the ship and stay in contact with our family. I was blown away by how amazing and quick it was!
Even if you don’t utilize MedallionNet™ while on board, all the apps work seamlessly.
What We Loved with OceanMedallion™
Food + Drinks : We were able to order food and drinks in a variety of areas without ever moving a muscle. Just use the app to request the items you want (pizza and Coke, anyone?) and then a friendly server will deliver right to you.
Games: Around the ship, there are large flat screens that you can play interactive games on. Just walk up to any screen while wearing your OceanMedallion™ and your avatar will be pulled up on the screen and you can select a variety of games to play. Guests over 18 can also enjoy casino games on designated screens, in the casino, or on their phone anywhere on the ship.
Location : Being first time cruisers, I cannot say enough good things about the location technology that OceanMedallion™ provides. Flatscreens around the ship helped us navigate where we needed to go. We were also able to use the apps on our phones to navigate around the ship. You’re able to connect with shipmates as well and once you’ve approved each other within the app, you can see where your friends are. You can also get step-by-step directions to them, making it easy to meet up for an event, dinner, or drinks.
Stateroom : One of the OceanMedallion™ features I loved most was the keyless room entry. While wearing our OceanMedallion™, we could walk up to our room and the screen by our room greeted us by name and automatically unlocked the door. I loved how easy it was! It was especially perfect at the end of a long day when our hands were full after a big adventure.
Fun On Board
There is truly something for everyone on a Princess Cruise. The first day onboard, we spent a lot of time just exploring and trying to get our bearings. I will admit, the first day felt a little overwhelming and confusing. After talking to some other couples, everyone said this was totally normal for a first-time cruise. Once we felt like we had our bearings, the entire experience felt more relaxed and enjoyable.
Stargazing : We were so fortunate to enjoy a special stargazing tour one night. We felt like the only people in the world while on the top deck, looking up at the stars. Our guide was so pleasant and obviously passionate about his hobby. It made it even more enjoyable hearing the stories behind the different constellations as we viewed.
Food : Let me tell you… we love some good eats. And there were so many options to choose from onboard! There were burgers, hot dogs, and pizza by the pool. There was the World Fresh Marketplace, Steamers Seafood, and Planks BBQ. For specialty dining, we loved Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria and Crown Grill. I could have eaten Crown Grill every single meal of the trip! The steak was perfection with their seasoned salt and I couldn’t get enough of their yummy desserts! We also snagged coffee regularly from the International Cafe and ice cream cones at Coffee & Cones.
Lotus Spa + The Sanctuary : If relaxation is your thing, there is a full-service spa available on board. You can enjoy a massage, a pedicure, or get your hair done, plus many more services. The Sanctuary is an adults-only paradise. Our house is always loud. There is never a shortage of noise with three active boys. The chance to sit peacefully in The Sanctuary while sipping a cold drink, and reading a good book felt like heaven to me.
Movies Under the Stars : At home, we regularly watch movies together to unwind. Enjoying a great film while curled up on a comfy seat with a pillow and blanket, holding hands with my honey was the perfect ending to a busy day.
Sports Deck : On the afternoon of our arrival, we saw on our location app there was a basketball court on the top deck. Naturally, we had to check it out. We had so much fun goofing off and shooting hoops together under the bright sunshine.
In addition to all this, there is a full casino available. You’ll also find pools, a wedding chapel, library, internet cafe, and shopping! There truly was an endless amount of fun to take advantage of while on the ship — and that’s not even including all the amazing adventures we had during the onshore excursions!
What We Loved
There is something to be said for simple pleasures. Some of my favorite moments of the trip were tiny moments that could easily be overlooked.
One of my absolute favorite things was room service. As a busy mom with one honey, three boys, two cats, and a dog in the house, one of the best parts of this trip for me was always coming back to a clean stateroom.
Don, our steward, swooped into our room to leave it sparkling every time we stepped out. Because of our OceanMedallion™ pendants, he knew when we were out of our room, so he never disturbed us.
I didn’t have to clean the bathroom, make my bed, or do laundry for an entire week. That alone was priceless.
I also loved the ability to travel to so many locations in such a short amount of time. We never would have flown to four different islands in a week! It was great to be able to see so many locations and cultures in a short amount of time without any jet lag!
Another huge perk of the trip for us was how incredibly friendly everyone was. The entire staff was gracious and courteous. It was fascinating how many different cultures were represented on board.
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There is so much to love about a Caribbean cruise, especially with MedallionClass™!
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