Nov 11, 2023
Written By: J.Couch
Our Royal Caribbean Cruise Adventure Unveiled
Embarking on our Royal Caribbean cruise adventure, we rose early on a picturesque Colorado Saturday morning, catching a breathtaking sunrise as we made our way to the airport. Our journey began with a flight from Denver to Orlando, strategically planned a day before our cruise departure from Port Canaveral.
Pro tip: Arriving a day early ensures a stress-free experience, avoiding the risks of same-day flights.
Anticipation filled the air as we geared up for a week-long celebration, marking a friend’s 50th birthday surrounded by a close-knit group. The centerpiece of our voyage was the magnificent “Wonder of the Seas” ship, an enormous vessel departing from Port Canaveral. Set to explore CocoCay, Saint Thomas, and Saint Martin, with blissful days at sea in between, the itinerary promised an unforgettable adventure.
Navigating our way through a bustling ship accommodating 7000 passengers, we were initially apprehensive about the crowd. However, the sheer size of the ship and its myriad offerings eased our concerns. The “Wonders of the Seas”, at the moment, is the world’s largest cruise ship, ensuring ample entertainment during the evenings and days at sea.
Our journey faced an early hiccup at the airport when, despite having Premium Economy, we were charged a $35 bag fee. Perplexed, we sought assistance at various service points, only to encounter indifferent responses, and no one really wanting to help. Call the customer service number! Not the best start to our trip, United! Update: We did submit a refund request along with a screen shot from their website that showed that we should get a free bag. I got an email back that said they were going to refund our bag fee.
After a 3.5-hour flight, we landed in Orlando, ready to soak in the Florida sun and vibes. Checking into a nearby hotel, we waited for friends arriving from Oregon and Texas. Fortunately, our minimal time change allowed us to adjust swiftly.
Plans for an evening stroll to a local restaurant were interrupted by a sudden Florida rainstorm, prompting us to embrace the cozy hotel ambiance. So much for that Florida sunshine. With rain pouring outside, we spent the evening watching TV, eagerly anticipating the arrival of our friends. Once the first couple joined, we went to say hi. When the second couple showed up, we all caught a ride to a local Mexican restaurant, Agave Azul Gateway to get a bite to eat. We shared the Roasted Cauliflower tacos with chips and salsa. We soon retired to the room to get a good night sleep for the adventures ahead.
Stay tuned for the next chapter as we head to Port Canaveral, exploring plant-based culinary delights and unveiling the wonders of our sea-bound voyage. Follow our Royal Caribbean cruise escapade for more tales of excitement and discovery.
Thanks for wandering with us,
The Wandering Couchs
