While I go on lots of Royal Caribbean ships often, I find I tend to skip some parts of the ship almost every time.
Everyone has a style they cruise to, even if they’ve only taken a couple of cruises. What I mean is people gravitate towards certain areas, but not others.
As an example, someone on a budget or with young kids might not spend much time at all in the casino. Or someone that looks for a party on a cruise will spend more time at the pool deck.
In thinking about how I like to cruise, I came up with a list of areas on Royal Caribbean ships that I tend to avoid for one reason or another.
Surf simulator
Other than occasionally going to watch people wipe out, you’ll never find me at the Flowrider surf simulator.
I have a lot of respect for those that have the balance, grace, and tightly bound bathing suits to enjoy and do well with the Flowrider, but I am not one of them.
I not only lack the right balance to attempt to stand-up surf, but I also am too concerned with the impact my body would have when it inevitably hits the (padded) floor after wiping out.
There’s no doubt you can learn to surf on a cruise ship, but it’s just not my thing.
If you’re like me, there are seats to watch others give it a try. It’s about as close I get when I venture in that area.
Card room
While I have set foot in card rooms, I don’t think I’ve ever sat down and spent any time in one.
The card room is essentially a multi-purpose room for playing board games, card games, or quietly socializing. It certainly serves this purpose, but it’s never something I’ve ever thought to go do.
On the rare occasions that I play a game of Exploding Kittens on a cruise ship, I’ve always ended up in the Crown Lounge or a bar that doesn’t have any entertainment at the time.
Some people have very intricate board games they bring that look like Risk-level complexity. I wish I had the dedication for such games.
If I was ever going to play a board game on a cruise ship, I’d love to try Axis and Allies, but I cannot fathom bringing the giant box and then taking the time to set it all up.
Maybe someday I’ll bring my Royal Caribbean Monopoly edition with me on a ship.
DJ parties
Even in the prime of my college days, I was never really that into a DJ party. Sure, I hung out at Webster Hall in New York City around 2002-2003, but I can’t say that was my preferred party spot.
Royal Caribbean has some high energy DJ events now, especially on new ships, like Utopia of the Seas.
I can appreciate these are the sort of events anyone that wants a DJ party will enjoy, but it’s not my jam.
Royal Promenade dance parties
Just to prove I’m not just against dance parties involving DJs, I avoid the Royal Promenade events too.
They’re loud, and I am not the type of person to ever want to join in for a group rendition of YMCA.
I also think Promenade parties are passé at this point, because they’ve been doing them for as long as I’ve been cruising.
Because the Royal Promenade parties shut everything down on the Promenade, it almost feels like the muster drill of entertainment.
Art auctions
I’ve changed my tune about a few things on Royal Caribbean cruises over the years, but not art auctions.
First and foremost, I’m not an art collector and I don’t see value in owning prints of art. On the rare occasions we’ve ever bought art, it’s usually the mass produced stuff in a store.
The other issue is art auctions have a reputation for being a bit “creative” with how they present the valuations and how long it takes to actually get the pieces (no, you don’t take home the art you see in the auction).
I’ve spoken with some folks that enjoy it for what it is, especially the free champagne. It’s definitely an event to go in with both eyes wide open and not with the idea the art you’ll buy is going to make you rich some day.
Sports court
Royal Caribbean holds all sorts of activities on its sports court, but you won’t find me there.
Basketball, pickleball, soccer, or volleyball are all played there, but I get sweaty just thinking about going out there. There’s no shade and it seems like it’s easily the hottest spot on the ship at any given time.
Before you assume I’m an out of shape coach potato, I do enjoy the fitness center and have been going to the gym for over a year. But that kind of exercise is sweaty, but far more manageable.
Jugglers or magician shows
In the previous six areas of a cruise ship I avoid, I pointed out why I understand why others might enjoy them. However, I fail to see the appeal at all of jugglers, ventriloquists, or magic shows on cruise ships.
I feel it’s one of those, “if you’ve seen it once, you’ve seen them all” experiences. And even if you’ve never seen them, the jokes are corny and get old quickly.
I love comedy shows on Royal Caribbean ships, but I’d rather go to a DJ dance party than sit through a juggling act.
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