Cruising to Bermuda with Royal Caribbean was the most fun I have had in a while— even more special because it was to celebrate our Grandma’s 80th birthday! As a first-time cruiser, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but from the moment we stepped on board, the excitement and energy of the adventure took over. This trip wasn’t just about vacationing on a boat; it was about making unforgettable memories with family and honoring a truly remarkable woman!
In this blog post, I am going to tell you all about my first time cruise experience—the ship we stayed on, our itinerary, life onboard, dining options, what we did in Bermuda, and, don’t you forget it, the outfits I packed!
🛳️ Thinking of booking your first cruise?
I’ve put together my ultimate first-timer’s cruise guide over on my Patreon—packed with even more tips, packing checklists, budgeting advice, and the little details no one tells you before you board. If you want to feel fully prepared (and avoid the mistakes I made), come check it out.
About the Cruise Ship & Itinerary
We sailed on Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas, a smaller, more intimate ship that’s ideal for family travel. It had all the essentials—multiple dining options, entertainment (for every age), pools, a spa, and nightlife—without the overwhelming size of the mega ships.
Our cruise departed from Baltimore, Maryland, and spanned five nights, with two days at sea, one night docked in Heritage Wharf, Bermuda, and then two sea days on the way home. We tried to fit as much in as we could together and still able to relax and enjoy our time relaxing. There were 15 of us total on this trip, so there was always someone doing something, I 10/10 recommend going with a large group, because it made it all the more fun! We specifically chose this cruise because it was close to home, family-friendly, and budget friendly.
Getting There & Departure Experience
We left for the ship bright and early (9am to be exact). Since we were within driving distance, we drove about an hour to the Baltimore port, also known as Maryland Cruise Terminal, which made things super convenient. It’s about 2 miles from the Inner Harbor downtown area. There’s on-site parking right next to the terminal (you literally walk from the garage into the check-in building) and the check-in process was surprisingly smooth and pretty causal for a first-timer.
Once onboard, we were greeted with our SeaPass – your literal lifeline on the ship. Your SeaPass is your ID, your package description, your credit card, and your room key. Guard it with your life! You can purchase these on Amazon for your group beforehand (highly recommend, as I nearly ruined mine with SPF). Shortly after that, the immediate vacation energy struck and we all headed up to grab lunch at the Windjammer buffet, one my favorite places to dine on the ship (because unlimited food & so many options). We sipped poolside drinks (of course hit up the unlimited ice cream), and explored the ship before heading to the upper deck for the sail away party, which officially kicked off the cruise! Your bags don’t get dropped to your room until about 2:00pm that same day, so it was definitely KEY that we packed our swimsuits in our carryons.
Life Onboard: What We Did
Cruises are always buzzing with something to do! We started most mornings with a stretch class, workouts at the gym, or by doing a couple laps around the track on the top deck (yes, you read that right). Throughout the day, we lounged by the pool, explored the shops, and joined in on game shows like Can You Guess That Lyric, the sexiest man alive competition, and the belly flop contest. We also tried out dance classes, browsed the art gallery, and stopped by the casino here and there just for fun.
Evenings were packed with entertainment: comedy shows, live music in the lounges, Broadway-style performances in the theater, and karaoke (which was surprisingly competitive). There were themed dance parties every night—shoutout to the silent disco, 70s night, and 80s party—and plenty of late-night snacks to keep the energy going.
We also celebrated our Grandma’s 80th in the best way—family dinners, sunset views from the top deck, shopping for cute little gifts, and taking her to the club. Watching her live it up on her big milestone was honestly the best part of the entire trip.
Food & Dining Experiences
The Windjammer buffet was our go-to for breakfast and lunch—unlimited food with so many different options, it had something for everyone. Obviously I hated the dessert bar, and absolutely did not get a sweat treat after every single meal 👀. At night, we dressed up for dinner in the main dining hall, Aquarius Dining Room, and took advantage of all the professional photo ops before eating. The food was solid, like resort style food, with a couple different options and some really REALLY good dessert. I love the fact that it’s included so if I didn’t like what I ordered or wanted to get more food, I COULD.
After dinner, there were plenty of late-night bites to keep us going. The Windjammer stayed open for a while if you wanted a quick snack, and there was also a 24-hour station with pizza, sandwiches, and little desserts to grab on the go. If you’re feeling extra cozy (or just too full to move), room service is always an option. You can order anything from breakfast pastries to burgers and cheesecake right to your cabin—perfect for those nights when you just want to watch a movie in bed.
The ship also has a bunch of lounge areas if you want to grab a drink or just relax with live music. Even though I don’t drink, I still loved hanging out in the different bars—like the Schooner Bar with the piano music and the Viking Crown Lounge with those crazy panoramic views. I can’t say much about the drink package since I didn’t use it, but the mocktails were delicious. Highly recommend the virgin piña colada or any of the fruity frozen drinks—they felt just as fun and vacation-y without the hangover.
If you’re into nightlife, there’s definitely plenty to do after dark. The ship has a little club where you can dance (we ended up there more than once), plus themed parties like the 70s night and the white party that everyone gets really into. There’s also a casino on board with slot machines and table games if you’re feeling lucky. Even if you don’t gamble, it’s fun to walk through and watch for a bit. Between the shows, dancing, and late-night snacks, there was always something happening, and it honestly made the nights just as fun as the days.
Bermuda Excursions & Highlights
When we arrived in Bermuda, it truly felt like paradise—bright turquoise water, lush greenery, and pastel-colored buildings lining the streets. Over the course of our two days there, we packed in as much as we could and still barely scratched the surface.
We kicked things off with a relaxing beach day at Horseshoe Bay Beach, one of the island’s most iconic spots. With soft pink sand and gentle waves, it was the perfect way to start soaking up Bermuda’s beauty. We brought our own snorkel, but couldn’t find much in this area.
Some people in our group booked an excursion to the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo, which is a popular tour offered by the cruise line. They said it was such a sweet surprise! The space is on the smaller side but beautifully curated, and it’s a great family-friendly stop if you’re looking for something different than a beach day. You can see everything from sea turtles to tropical fish and learn a bit about Bermuda’s history along the way.
Another major highlight for some people in our group was an excursion to the Crystal Caves, which is definitely a must-do if you ever visit Bermuda. The underground caves are filled with stunning crystal formations and clear pools that look straight out of a fantasy movie. Everyone who went said walking through the caverns and hearing about their history was such a unique experience.
We also spent time shopping and wandering the local streets, popping into gift shops, markets, and cute cafés. Bermuda has a really charming, colorful aesthetic—and exploring it on foot was one of my favorite parts. There’s something about discovering places with no real plan that makes a trip feel extra special.
And yes… we did make a stop at the legendary Swizzle Inn, known for its famous Rum Swizzles and lively atmosphere. Let’s just say, the drinks were flowing and the laughs were endless (until we got totally lost trying to get back to the ship, but that’s a story for another day).
One of the most relaxing and memorable parts of our Bermuda stop was the snorkeling excursion we booked through the cruise, which partnered with a local company called Restless Native Catamaran—and it was a solid 10/10 experience, even though we didn’t see a ton underwater.
We sailed out on the most beautiful pink and black catamaran, where we had the option to snorkel, paddleboard, float in the water, or explore small caves nearby. The real highlight though? The crew. A huge shoutout to Huey and Ava, who were beyond amazing—so friendly, fun, and incredibly attentive.
At one point, I cut my foot open on some coral, and they immediately jumped into action. They cleaned the wound, bandaged it carefully, and even filled out a full report that was followed up on by the cruise medical staff afterward. Their level of professionalism and care was above and beyond, and I felt completely taken care of.
After the swim, they brought around fresh-baked cookies and their signature unlimited Swizzle Punch. Between the music, the snacks, and the sunshine, it was such a feel-good excursion that struck the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation.
If you’re cruising to Bermuda and want a low-key, high-vibe experience on the water—this is the one to book.
Outfits & Packing Tips
When it comes to cruise packing, less really is more. I brought way too many clothes and ended up living in swimsuits, coverups, and a few comfy dresses. My advice? Plan your outfits in advance, pack versatile pieces you can mix and match, and always bring a light sweater for chilly evenings. And don’t forget wrinkle release spray—trust me on this one!
Packing for a trip is probably my favorite part, here’s what I brought on the cruise:
- Casual outfits for lounging in the morning and daytime activities
- Mix matched workout sets and lounge clothes
- Dresses for each night at dinner
- Swimwear and coverups for beach/pool/island days
- Accessories for themed nights
- Two sunnies (just in case) and one hat
- Two bags: one formal one for dinner, and one beach/pool bag
- Only one pair of sneaker (to dress down and also workout in), two heels (black and nude), and two sandals (one dressy, and one for the beach/pool)
Cruise Cost & Overall Value
Shoutout to my amazing cousin and grandma who booked our entire trip, and did such an excellent job. We booked during a seasonal sale and opted for standard staterooms. While cruises can add up depending on what extras you choose (like drink packages or excursions), I’d say this trip was 100% worth it. It combined travel, lodging, food, and entertainment all in one place—and we got to visit Bermuda without the stress of flights or planning each day. For a big family celebration, it was the perfect fit.
If you’re considering a cruise—especially for a family celebration like a birthday or anniversary—do it. There’s something for everyone, and the memories you’ll make are priceless.
Don’t forget to follow along for more travel guides, outfit inspo, and recaps from all my adventures. The next one’s already in the works! Bookmark this, share it with your travel group, or DM me if you’re planning your own Bermuda or Royal Caribbean Cruise adventure, I’d love to help!
If you try any of these spots or tours, tag me on Instagram, I love seeing your adventures! Be sure to follow me on Instagram for daily updates, deals, fashion inspo, influencer tips, travel posts, food spots, and MORE!
UNTIL THE NEXT ONE,
TAYLOR
TAYLOR ONZE 
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