[W]hen Royal Caribbean first approached me with the idea of a cruise I was, to be honest, a bit skeptical. I didn’t know what to expect. But this was something new…. this was something different… and I came to find out, this was something AMAZING.
Part of being a great traveler is opening your heart and mind to new experiences, embracing the experience, and making it fun. The only bad thing about this experience was it was way too short!
This past spring Royal Caribbean introduced a new luxury way of cruising with Royal Suite Class. Newly designed suites, bigger than my New York City apartment, with double floor views of the passing sea and very private terraces perfect for sipping champagne at sunset, sunbathing at leisure, reading a book in solitude, or having in-room dining with the best view of our blue planet. Not only was the suite incredible but it comes with a 24/7 “Royal Genie” or personal assistant who takes care of everything from luggage to restaurant reservations, private ship experiences, and ensures you never have to wait in line for any of the long list of activities on board the ship. The quotes dispersed throughout this post were actually hand written notes our genie would leave us everyday to keep us inspired on our journey. I’ve never in my life been so completely taken care of.
So what was it like?
At first, overwhelming. The ship is HUGE and there are so many things to see and do! You can surf, you can fly, you can be a bird in the sky! Bumper cars and table tennis, rock climbing, and multiple pools, a casino, tons of shows and live music venues just to name a few. Or, if you’re like me, you can just relax with a good book, do yoga and spin classes, have some quiet spa time and enjoy incredible specialty restaurants each night on the ship. Among my favorite dining experiences were: Wonderland, a gastronomic restaurant that re-imagines food. Jamie’s Italian, celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s take on fresh, seasonal Italian cuisine. Chops Grill, a high end and delicious steakhouse with farm-specific dry aged steak. Izumi, from sushi to sashimi! It was all so wonderful, and there were so many more options than we had time to try!
As we set sail with views of the Manhattan skyline slowly disappearing behind the vastness of sea I found myself feeling quite glamorous. It’s incredibly beautiful and completely luxurious to sail to a destination. To take the time. To enjoy the view. To drink and dine and relax all while maintaining a comfortable pace forward toward paradise. It made flying seem unbelievably inhuman. I have recently been saying to myself, the greatest luxury is time. Not in the sense of doing things more quickly, such as flying, but in the sense of taking time and having time. I took my time to Bermuda, it was so much richer an experience because of it.
Although cruising as part of the Star Class is the most VIP experience available on the seas, it wouldn’t have been nearly as amazing as it was if it weren’t for the incredible crew aboard the ship. With people from all around the world, there was always someone interesting to speak to, to learn about where they are from and what talents they possessed that brought them aboard this vessel. Everyone was happy. Everyone worked together in perfect unison, and you could feel their genuine care for each other. They set the energy and vibe on this ship and made it a wonderful place to spend five nights. So thank you Royal Caribbean for taking care of us all.
Since my return, it has been more than once I have whispered to Kevin… baby let’s cruise.
Above, coming on board with my Steamline Luggage, Ghurka traveler, and Cuyana tote.
Two deck high stateroom with panoramic views, walk in closet, two bathroom suites, vanity, dining room area, living room and bed facing the beautiful wall of windows looking out to the sea.
“Champagne is one of the elegant extras in life.”
-Charles Dickens
Champagne, sunset, repeat. Below, on our private terrance before dinner in Charles Youssef, a designer I recently shot for the CFDA Fashion Incubator.
Such a large vessel, I had a really fun time just exploring all the decks. Above in Reformation jumpsuit and Zara espadrilles. Below, light and healthy sushi at Izumi.
I found out something new about myself,… I really like watching people surf. Or rather try to surf and wipe out! It was so fun! Above, one of the guys who was actually really good hits the waves on the FlowRider. Below, the North Star that lifts high in the sky while cruising for incredible 360 degree views of the ship – you feel like a bird.
“For whatever we lose (like a you or a me), it’s always ourself we find in the sea.”
-E.E. Cummings
I was so happy with the fine dining aboard, especially at Chops, a classic American steakhouse that was one of my favorite meals!
All around the ship comes alive at night with entertainment to suit every traveler’s taste. For me, I prefer the intimate setting for the singer / songwriter types which I found the perfect place for an after dinner drink.
Enjoying in-suite dining one morning we didn’t feel like venturing out quite yet…
Below, the ship had an amazing gym with spin, yoga, weights and cardio areas so I could continue my practices. Below in Capezio activewear.
Below, one of the highlights of the trip was having a special tour of the bridge with its incredible sweeping views and a visit with Captain Erik from Norway.
Trying out James Beard award-winning chef Michael Schwartz’s Genuine Pub.
Above, having fun exploring the ship in MAJE mesh dress, Loeffler Randall espadrille wedge. Below, watching people experience iFLY!
My favorite times aboard the ship were sunset. Finding different decks to have a cocktail with an incredible view was always awe inspiring. Below, having champagne in our suite at sunset in St. John black satin top and skirt, Loeffler Randall star heels.
“Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than those you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from safe harbor. Catch thte wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
-Mark Twain
Below, keeping lookout for Bermuda, first to spot land.
2 Days in Bermuda
“You can go to heaven if you want. I’d rather stay in Bermuda.”
-Mark Twain
We asked our Royal Genie to recommend a beach that would not be over run with tourists on our first day in Bermuda which lead us to Cooper’s Island and the most perfect stretch of beach. Above in CUYANA summer dress, hat and tote.
Above in Ralph Lauren black swimsuit, below, Everlane slides, summer reading inspired by my recent trip to France, “A Year in Provence” by Peter Mayle.
Trying a more notable beach spot for Bermuda, Horseshoe Bay with Loeffler Randall sandals, MAJE high waisted shorts, Ralph Lauren swimsuit and aviators, and the perfect leather clutch for a beach vacay by Paige Gamble.
The Home Stretch
Above, enjoying a facial at the Vitality at sea Spa and Fitness Center. Below, in MAJE Letoile top and white lace Ianis shorts enjoying something wonderful with rum and fruit juices before having lunch at Jamie’s Italian.
Below, watching the sunset in Ralph Lauren skirt (from THIS night in Paris) and Calypso St. Barth sweater before dinner while Kevin finished up some work on his computer in the suite.
As part of the Royal Suite Class you have access to private areas on the ship reserved for Suite Class guests only which allows you many moments to feel as if the ship is all yours.
Thank you to Royal Caribbean for this opportunity. This post was sponsored by Royal Caribbean all views are my own.