I'm really excited about this upcoming trip. I've always had a love for Royal Caribbean Cruises, as the majority of my cruising adventures with my husband and family were on RCCL.
As a widow who loves to travel, it's a unique journey I find myself on now. I'm learning to navigate this new chapter with a mix of excitement and nostalgia. I'll continue creating new memories as I travel solo. I hope I inspire other widows to travel, particularly on a cruise ship, it's so safe and welcoming.
I’m flying from Heathrow Airport to Barcelona. Doing something I would never usually do, and that is flying on the same day as the ship departs. Risky, in my opinion. There could be fog, ATC delays, strikes, and you are not allowing yourself time for any error. My travel industry spidey senses have kicked in, but I’m ignoring them. The reason was because the flight the night before was at least twice the price. Plus there would be the price of a hotel. I keep reminding myself I don't have a big bottomless travel money pit. Who cares! Life is for living. Travel makes you richer.
So the early morning British Airways flight from Heathrow was on time. The god of travel is looking after me. Hermes, also the God of gambling, maybe I should hit the casino!
Barcelona is a city I've visited many times, but this trip is different as I'm travelling on my own. Fortunately, it's an easy port to access. While public transport is available and convenient, I decided to opt for a taxi this time for the sake of ease with my suitcase.
For my baggage, I need something easy to handle. I like hand luggage that slips over the suitcase handle. I bought the one below from Amazon; you can look here. So far, I’ve been very pleased with it.
The taxi stand outside the arrivals area of the airport is always bustling with activity. I paid EUR 35 for the ride, plus a small tip for the driver. The journey took about twenty minutes. It's a straightforward and hassle-free way to reach the port and start my cruise adventure.
I had already attached my cruise baggage labels to my bag at Barcelona airport. I carry a mini stapler which you can get on Amazon, and it does the job. If you haven’t printed them, the porter will write one out.
I handed my bag over at the dockside and started to feel a little nervous.
Though I have done a cruise before as a solo since recently being widowed, I’d always been on my own territory, sailing from the UK. However, this ship is massive, with about 6000 passengers, with many nationalities and mainly couples. I'm not necessarily looking for companionship; I'm just making some inner peace for myself and, to be honest, taking a break from sorting out the loft at home. I know, I know, a lot of you know what it's like. It takes time and is emotionally draining and upsetting.
I had a designated check-in time of 12.00. Perfect, it was now 12.15. I knew my cabin wouldn’t be ready until about 2.00 p.m., but that meant plenty of time for lunch.
I was given a number. They were letting people onboard in groups, so I sat for a while in the check-in hall, waiting to be called forward to security.
It was a very pleasant area to wait, with photographs around the walls of some of the places the ship will be visiting.
WOW, WOW, WOW
First impressions. Just beautiful and huge. With a lot of attention to detail, the decor is magnificent. Even if I don’t go ashore much, there will be plenty here to occupy me and lovely places to chill.
I made my way to the Windjammer, which is a buffet restaurant known for its self-serve style and diverse cuisine offerings. It's a delightful place with various food stations offering a wide range of dishes. I treated myself to a “welcome on board” glass of wine to accompany my meal. Cheers to new adventures.
After check-in at the muster station, they ticked my name off and made me aware of the drill. I found my cabin. Cabin 10298 on the tenth deck. I know it's a lot more money, but I must have a balcony cabin, looking out to sea, near the centre of the ship.
Don’t be fooled by the prices for Royal Caribbean when you see a price for a balcony and think that's not too bad. Not all balconies face out to sea. You could be facing inward, maybe to the boardwalk.
Anyway, for me, there’s nothing better than waking up in the morning, pulling the curtains back, making yourself a cuppa (if you’ve got a kettle, of course, more about that another time) and going back to bed. If you’re lucky, you will be close to the port and sailing past beautiful islands or landscapes. If you’re unlucky, you’ll be docked already and facing an industrial port.
Either way, a balcony is lovely, especially if you are on your own and you like your own space. I know, I can hear the objections of some. Getting an inside cabin means you can afford more cruises, keeping costs down. It all depends on where you are going. Going to Zeebrugge, Rotterdam, Grey Seas, or anywhere you are not bothered about the view, I partially agree with you.
But when you're sailing through the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the Norwegian Fjords, or exploring the beauty of Alaska with its azure blue seas, I think it's an absolute must to get that balcony. It's about feeding the soul with those incredible vistas. Of course, it's just my opinion, but there's something truly magical about having your own private slice of the world outside your balcony patio door.
The staff are so pleasant. He asked if I was ok and if I needed anything. A benefit of being a diamond member, amongst other things, is that you get a bathrobe. I didn't have one in the wardrobe, and there weren’t many hangers. He very quickly returned with a bathrobe, hangers and my bag.
So, it's time to unpack. Plenty of hanging space, drawers, and bathroom shelving. Of course, I’m on my own, so there is more than enough space for me. The bathroom is modern, with no flappy shower curtain to cling to you. It has a glass sliding door. Arthur will replenish the towels every day if need be. Make the bed, clean the room, and make the occasional towel animal.
He will also visit in the evening for a turndown. You have a sign to put outside if you don’t want to be disturbed. “Sleeping off the adventure.” Or if it’s ok to enter your room, put up “Out catching the thrills.”
It’s a bit of a ritual. I always do the same. Up to the very top of the ship in the lift, then work my way down. Lift up, walk down, and I'll get my steps in. I’ll give you a brief view of this massive ship. There are 17 decks on Symphony of the Seas. So I started at level 16, level 17 is inaccessible to passengers. Here, you will find the FlowRider and the Abyss slide.
Flow rider and entrance to Abyss slide, zip line. Wipeout bar. Windjammer.
There are two FlowRiders and the Abyss slide (not for me). Oh, to be young again. I’m ok with the zipline - just hang on. Also, a quick mention about the stairway near the Windjammer. The steps up and down are like a piano, so musical steps are fascinating and fun.
Mini golf, video arcade, Splashaway bay. 4 Swimming pools, Whirlpools. Table tennis, sports Court.
Now, level 15, which is mainly a sports area. Mini golf, video arcade, to name a few. Also, Splashaway Bay which is great fun for the children. Lots of laughter here. So colourful and joyous. This is why I like RCCL, something for everyone.
I headed for the Solarium, still on deck 15. There’s a really nice adults-only area with its own bistro, bar and pool with fountains. Four jacuzzis. Plenty of sun loungers. All under a glass-domed roof, spanning two decks. I made a mental note that this would be my go-to place.
Many people were relaxing here, reading a book, getting a snack and placing it next to the sun lounger. The bar staff were going around for drink orders. Not too busy either. If you come here at night, they have a sensory art installation over the bar. Blues, greens, yellow, and pink lights called The Big Wonder. I’ll come back later to see it working.
Adventure Ocean, the nursery, the lower part of the solarium. King of the world. Card room and library.
Down to deck 14. For those travelling with children, this is where you find Adventure Ocean. A high-tech kids club and nursery, which is free. However, in the evenings and late night, there is a fee. I was checking it out for my granddaughter, who's 7; I’d love to bring her. There’s so much to do, and I’m sure she'd love it. Next time, maybe.
There’s the lower section of the Solarium here. There’s also a little-known place called King of the World. This is a small open-air deck space, which has a glass floor. It’s a great lookout place where, quite often, you can get it all to yourself.
The card room is well stocked, yes, with cards and board games, a very comfortable area, and the library.
As expected, there was no deck 13. Aren’t we funny, full of superstitions? It wouldn’t bother me, but maybe the cabins would be difficult to sell?
Anyway, deck 14 has mainly cabins here and one restaurant called Wonderland. It is a unique dining experience, where you have to paint the menus with water to reveal it. The decor and the food are unique and very arty. I would definitely thoroughly review this before booking, in case it’s not to your taste.
Deck 10 is only cabins, where mine was located. I went back to my cabin and changed for the evening before I continued my exploring.
After getting changed, I continued my journey. I’d done my 10,000 steps on my FitBit already and was only halfway through the ship. I do linger a bit on the stairs as this is where RCCL are very good. On every stairway, there is an art display. It could be 3D, a painting, or an iconic photograph. I think they do the best art on any cruise line.
As a side step on this, Royal Caribbean is very encouraging to artists, and they are holding a competition for Caribbean artists to submit their artwork for a commission on Icon of the Seas, launching in 2024. That's going to be life-changing for someone.
I also poked my head into Dazzles, a bar and nightclub on two levels, where they have live entertainment and a dance floor.
Once you get to deck 8, you can go into Central Park, where there are some restaurants and bars and high-end shops. Here you will find the gardens. This area is incredible, you can’t believe you are on a ship; there are trees and flowering vines. They are so beautiful, very tropical.
It’s a very refined place to sit in the evenings or stroll through. It makes me go “Oooo”. I’ll come here again. There are subtle noises in the background: birds, bubbling brooks, and piped sounds of nature. Really wonderful. There is a live performance, possibly a guitar player, on most evenings. Occasionally, there is a guided tour of this area, usually towards the end of the week.
In this photo, you can see the balconies, an example of my earlier explanation that not all balconies face out to sea. I'm sure it's very pleasant sitting outside on your balcony in the evening. It was very peaceful here, so different from the rest of the ship.
Within this picturesque park area, on either side, you will find specialty restaurants and some high-end shops. The pathway winds its way through the foliage. It’s lit so beautifully, enhancing the flora. There are some seating areas to just chill. Very calming.
Restaurants and bars in this oasis are:
On this level is also the Rising Tides bar. Yes, it does rise from level 5 to 8, or vice versa. Jump in, get yourself a cocktail, and you will slowly rise or drop to a completely different atmosphere. More of that later.
I’ve been on the helipad, not on this ship, but on another RCCL ship. They sometimes use it to get together for Diamond and Diamond Plus passengers. Also, for yoga sessions. Again, another getaway from it all space. The rock climbing wall is free of charge, but children from age 6 need to be supervised by an adult.
Heading down to deck six, you'll encounter a new neighbourhood filled with excitement and entertainment. As you step into this area, you'll immediately notice a carousel featuring beautifully handcrafted wooden animals with models showing the different stages of creativity.
Here are some of the main things you'll find in this lively district:
The highlight of this neighbourhood is undoubtedly the Aquatheater. Here, you can witness the breathtaking Aqua show, featuring high-dive aerial performances that will leave you in awe.
Just a friendly tip: if you prefer to stay dry, avoid the front three rows, as you might get splashed during the performance. It's a fabulous experience that combines artistry, athleticism, and aquatic wonder in one stunning show. Enjoy!
On either side are two large LED cinema screens, and Luckey Climber is on the starboard side. This is a children’s play area with a large climbing structure, there is also an escape room.
I had a very pleasant afternoon here watching the King's coronation on the LED screens. They screen special events if there is enough interest.
The pool cover is on in my photo, but when this show is on, there are LED lights, trampolines, and acrobatics over your head. It’s wonderful, I certainly have not been on another cruise line that can equal RCCL for entertainment quality and extravaganza. Fabulous.
On this level, you will also find the gymnasium, Vitality at Sea Spa and wellness centre. It spans two levels.
Still on this level, but you’ll cross over to a different theme, to the Schooner bar. It is a very sociable nautical-themed area, usually with a piano player in the evening, and often used for quizzes.
Focus is the photo gallery. RCCL are quite enthusiastic about taking your picture. It can get a little annoying sometimes, but just smile away, it might give you a laugh when you log in with your SeaPass to see your photos. They also do professionally staged ones. Very good. I get one free photo being a diamond member, though I don't think I'll have one taken on my own.
There’s also the cruise loyalty desk. Here, you can enrol in the Crown and Anchor Club, or if you are already a member, they will help you with any queries that Guest Services cannot help with.
Main Dining room, Running track, Bionic Bar, Guest services, the lower end of The Rising Tide Bar.
Next cruise booking desk. An English Pub, Sorrentos, Cafe Promenade. Con Air Club, Boleros. Then, down the opposite end to the main Dining room is the Theatre, upper level. The lower level of Vitality at Sea Spa. The main area for shopping is here. Shore excursion desk. Starbucks. Bionic bar. Just to give you a brief outline.
This is a busy, busy area. The Royal Promenade is like a high street. They have parties here, captains welcome back, get-togethers, parades. A balloon drop. It’s such a fun place. If there is something on here, you will find the bars and coffee shops fill up very quickly, so people get their prime viewing spot. The Bionic bar is interesting, it's where your drink is made by a robotic arm.
During the week, I was on level 8, chilling in Central Park. The Rising Tide bar arrived, and a lot of people got off. I got on, bought myself a cocktail, and off we went down to level 5.
The white night was in full swing. You can see that a lot of people have participated. Great night. I stayed at the bar and went back up.
The Theatre, mid-level. Studio B, the ice rink, Diamond Club, The Attic, Jazz on 4, Casino Royale, Izumi, Japanese cuisine, and the Aqua Theatre. Art gallery.
The Attic is a comedy club. Stand-up comedians, sometimes British or American. Jazz on 4 Jazz Club has a small stage and comfortable seating area.
The Casino. RCCL has great casinos with all the latest machines and tables. You get a lot of high-stakes players here. I'm in awe as I see the amount of money lost on these tables and machines. I just have a little fun and allow myself $10 a night. Quite often, I still have my money by the end of the week, maintained with little wins.
Then, there is the art gallery, where I spend a lot of time. I'm not going to buy, but as an artist myself, I’m always inspired by the wonderful paintings here. My favourite place is Studio B, the ice skating rink. Who would think of an ice skating rink at sea?
The shows are very professional, talented skaters and very colourful. The costumes are beautiful, and it was a wonderful evening. There is so much to do on this level too.
As a side note, I made my way to the Diamond Club on Deck 4 later that day. Between 5.00 and 8.30 p.m., they serve complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Between 8.00 and 10.00 a.m., they serve a continental breakfast.
As you go on more cruises, the more points you earn and the benefits you get. Click here to see how many points you need to become a qualifying member and what benefits you get.
The lounge has internet, business services and a concierge service. From here, you can arrange your tours and any reservations you require. You need to swipe your sea pass for access. I had a pre-dinner drink using one of my four voucher allowances. There were couples in here generally, but that was ok. I used my time to send messages to friends and family to say I had arrived ok.
The main dining room spans decks 3 and 4, connected by the sweeping internal staircases. It’s very lush. Velvet, chandeliers, white linen. I was on Anytime Dining, so I could just turn up whenever I wanted. I was always placed on a table with others. It was very pleasant. I met different people every night. Usually couples. The dinner was wonderful, very delicious, and the waiters were very attentive.
At this point, I would normally go to the theatre after dinner, but it had been a long day, so I headed back to my cabin.
This is where you will find the port gangways. The medical centre, which I hope you don't ever need.
Well, that's just a brief outline of the ship, which I thoroughly enjoyed exploring. I think I know where I’m going now, but for the time being, I'm back to the Diamond Club.
That night, I slept well and headed off to the Windjammer for breakfast. Taking a jacket with me. Not that I needed the jacket, but it’s hard to protect your table when you are on your own. So, leaving my jacket on the back of the chair, I grab a knife and fork and a glass of orange, place them on my table, and then head off to get my food. Success! My table was still there waiting for me when I came back. In the Windjammer, the choices are extensive. It can take a while to choose.
I've had many comments over the years, “Oh, I wouldn’t go on that ship. It's huge, and I can't stand the crowds.” Royal Caribbean has designed its ships to optimise passenger flow.
There is so much to do that the spread of passengers through the ship doesn’t make it feel busy. Personally, it feels less crowded on the larger ships, providing the space is allocated to venues rather than extra cabins. You will get times when it feels busy, maybe exiting the theatre or Studio B and on disembarkation day.
There are always quiet spots to be found. Central Park, The Solarium, an adults-only area. The Vitality Spa. Your balcony. The King of the World, near the Solarium. The library and the card room. The running track, deck 5. The art gallery. The helipad is open to guests.
Though I love Royal Caribbean for its inventiveness, and they cater for a diverse range of passengers. I wasn’t impressed with the opportunities they offered for solo get-togethers. There was only one solo event during my week, whereas there were almost daily LGBT get-togethers.
A solo get together gives widows and widowers or single travellers the opportunity to arrange to eat together to go ashore together. These meetings can be essential if you would like company. P&O, for example, are very friendly, and there are more opportunities for solo get togethers.
There can be exceptions, though, for any cruise company. If you see an RCCL cruise or any other cruise advertised with Passion for Cruises who specialise in solo travel, there will be other solos on board. If the cruise is hosted, it will be very busy with solos.
Your cruising experience is a personal preference. You may need to do your own research to find the perfect cruise line and itinerary that meets your interests, especially if you're travelling solo. I find joining groups on social media very helpful. Passion for cruises is very friendly and will advise you if other solos are booked on your preferred cruise and if they have it on offer.
By doing a search on Facebook, i.e. enter your cruise code G341 as an example, will bring up information about any groups formed and any events taking place prior to your cruise.
I have been to several meetups down south, meeting in coffee shops. It’s a good way to get to know people who are like-minded and travelling solo. You may not have the need for this and prefer your own company, but the opportunity is there.
I was OK. I really enjoyed my time on this ship. It’s really down to personality and how you interact with other passengers. If you are happy as a woman sitting up at the bar on your own, that's good. There’s usually someone to talk to.
I used this week more to chill, lounge around, read, go to wonderful shows, and eat good food. I felt very relaxed. I used my four drink vouchers per day, either at the bar or the Diamond Club.
I had a massage and used the running track for fast walking, it was a great way to balance out all that indulgence. Overall, as a woman on my own, recently bereaved, maybe I felt a bit vulnerable sometimes.
As I say, I had the odd Widow Wobble, but I felt very, very safe on the ship. This writing is done for therapy for myself. If anyone reads it and finds it helpful, then thank you, that’s a bonus; hopefully, it's helped you too. Email me or add something in the comments below.
Also, read my next blog post if you’re interested in the ports that I visited on Symphony of the Seas.
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