We just spent nine amazing nights cruising on Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas to the South Pacific and we absolutely loved it. Cruising with tweens is so much fun – you can do a LOT together, and then when they make friends they’ll just run off and you can hand in the hot tub with a pina colada.
We visited Port Villa and Noumea and honestly I think Emmie’s favourite days were when we were at sea because she could do so many fun activities with her new friends.
Here are the 10 things we loved the most about cruising:
There are so many things to do on “sea days”
As novice cruisers we were focused on the destination and not the ship. Well, that didn’t last for long as we soon realised the ship is the reason why many people cruise and those days at sea when you’re in between ports are many peoples favourites. There is so, so much to do that you are never wondering how to spend your time. From incredible musicals and theatre shows to quizzes, rock climbing walls and dodgem cars, there is always something to be a part of. Or you can just lay by the pool or sit in the hot tubs. There’s live music on deck too which is so crazy! It’s just such a fun vibe wherever you are onboard.
Unlimited pizza and ice cream
Honestly, the best pizza of our lives. Sorrentos Pizza is open from mid morning and through the night which is pretty dangerous because you can always stop by for a slice or two. And the free flow ice cream cones on the pool deck were pretty amazing too.
The silent disco and other random events
The silent disco was so much fun – it was our first time and we loved it. And the biggest belly flop competition on the pool deck was a hoot too. The thing is, on these cruises people really let their hair down and relax and the fun is so much greater that way, because no one cares. Everyone is extra silly and joins in random contests… like the World’s Sexiest man competition. Lol.
The adults only hot tub area
Yassssss the Solarium is for 18+ and it is a serious heaven. With hot tubs, cold pools, soft loungers and floor to ceiling windows for the best view, it’s the place to be. There’s also a small restaurant and my favourite part – you can drink your cocktails in the hot tubs and the wait staff do hot tub service!
What is not to love!
The Teen Club
I knew there was Kids Club on board but Teen Club was something new for us. It’s a teen only space for kids from 12 – 17 (don’t worry there are chaperones) where they can hang out and make friends. You can see our reel here with more info and a sneak peak of the space. It’s fabulous for tweens and teens, and Royal Caribbean runs a Meet & Greet on the first night so they can make friends.
How easy it is to make friends
Everyone is in such a fabulous holiday mood that it’s super easy to make friends, or just have a casual chat with other guests on board. Some avid cruisers have things that they do – like hiding little rubber ducks for people to find and either keep or hide again, and there are solo cruiser events like drinks and dinners. It’s all about creating a vibe and making sure everyone has the best trip possible. Em made some gorgeous friends and they spent so much time together – a lot of it on the FlowRider!
The attentive, funny staff on board
The staff are the best! They’re mostly from the Philippines and Indonesia, and there are staff members from all over the world, they are just lovely and of course super funny. Shout out to our favourite Main Dining team Iputu-Jack and Ester who we just loved.
The ship forms a little community
Unexpectedly I really liked this. When we were on our port days we would see people from the cruise out and about and say hello, and it was extra fun at the Blue Lagoon to have people cheering on all the kids when they went off the rope swings.
Only unpacking once
All in all we had four days at sea at three days in port and we didn’t;t have to move or pack and unpack because we were on the ship. It’s so easy and it’s super fun to wake up and sit on the balcony watching the ship come into port.
Our fabulous stateroom
With a balcony, heaps of storage and a huge comfy bed and pull out sofa, we loved our room – not that we spent much time there. The bathroom was big enough too, with a large shower and all the hot water we needed.
