Royal Caribbean simply completed updating Attract of the Seas with so many new modifications, and I needed to be the primary to see all of it.
Following a $100M amplification, the vessel was modernized to incorporate new actions, eating venues, and up to date leisure.
With all of the enhancements, whether or not the tropical Pesky Parrot bar or Playmakers Sports activities Bar and Arcade, I couldn’t wait to get onboard and take a look at all the things new on the amplified ship.
I paid $1,260 for an inside cabin
I booked my Attract of the Seas cruise 9 months previous to departure. I used to be set to sail on the primary cruise following her amplification, a 4-night Mediterranean itinerary from Barcelona.
Anticipating excessive airfare prices, I hoped to save cash on the value of my cabin, choosing an inside assure room over a balcony or suite. The assure charge meant my small, windowless stateroom wouldn’t be assigned till nearer to the sail date.
There’s some danger concerned with assure cabins, comparable to being assigned a room in an unfavorable location, however nonetheless, it helped me lower your expenses.
In whole, I paid $1,260 for my cruise fare. This included the value of the cabin for 2 adults together with taxes, charges, and pay as you go gratuities.
My room wasn’t something particular, however selecting the most affordable cabin possibility allowed me to spend more cash elsewhere.
At $1,360, my financial system flight to Europe was costlier than my cruise fare
As a result of Attract of the Seas’ first cruise following her amplification left from Spain, I knew my flight could be costly. I paid $1,360 for a spherical journey flight to Barcelona. Whereas considerably anticipated, this was, admittedly, greater than I hoped to pay.
I fly to Europe each summer time for each cruises and land-based journey. Coming from the west coast of the US, I often discover savvy methods to save cash on airfare.
Learn extra: 6 issues to contemplate earlier than reserving a flight to your cruise
Generally I fly to the most affordable vacation spot, comparable to London, and purchase a price range hopper flight to my cruise embarkation metropolis. I additionally usually seek for offers within the months main as much as my cruise, holding journey dates considerably versatile with a purpose to discover the best choice.
For this cruise, I didn’t have as a lot flexibility on account of schedule constraints. Consequently, I spent extra for my flight than on earlier journeys to Europe.
A pre-cruise resort in Barcelona was $252
It’s all the time really helpful to reach to your embarkation metropolis the day earlier than your cruise begins.
That is very true in Europe. Arriving a day early not solely provides you additional time to make it to the port in case of delays, however it additionally helps you recuperate from jet lag earlier than your cruise begins.
Earlier than embarking Attract of the Seas, I booked a one night time keep at Lodge Rec, an adults-only resort close to Barcelona’s Arc de Triomf. At $252, I assumed the value was honest for the town middle, and I used to be impressed by the situation and amenities.
A rooftop bar offered glorious views of the town. As one other plus, I used to be simply steps away from a few of Barcelona’s most iconic points of interest.
It was the right place to atone for relaxation earlier than heading to the cruise port the next day.
My in-country transportation was solely $30
One thing I like about cruising in Europe are the well-connected ports and metropolis facilities. A method I saved cash on my Attract of the Seas cruise was by using public transportation to and from the airport, my resort, and the cruise port.
As a substitute of taking a $40 taxi from the airport to my resort, for instance, I took the airport bus and subway, setting me again simply $11. In whole, I spent round $30 for all in-country transportation earlier than and after my cruise.
Taking public transportation might be an effective way to save cash, however solely beneath the appropriate circumstances. I traveled with only a carry-on suitcase and backpack, so it was straightforward to navigate the transit techniques.
If I had been with a bigger group or had heavy baggage, sharing a taxi is perhaps cheaper and fewer nerve-racking.
Whereas onboard, I spent nothing additional apart from suggestions
It wasn’t essentially intentional, however my invoice on the finish of my Attract of the Seas cruise was $0.
Royal Caribbean cruises embrace loads within the cruise fare, however most passengers nonetheless spend additional onboard. Whether or not a spa remedy, specialty eating meal, or drink at a bar, it’s straightforward to search out methods to spend cash across the ship.
For my brief 4-night cruise, I discovered sufficient selection in eating choices and actions that I didn’t really feel the necessity to spend something additional. Whereas I might have loved a meal at Izumi Sushi or Giovanni’s Desk, there have been greater than sufficient complimentary eating venues to maintain me happy.
Likewise, my 5 every day drink vouchers by way of Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society meant I by no means wanted to spend additional on drinks. I cherished utilizing these vouchers to attempt cocktails across the ship, together with these from Attract’s new Lime and Coconut bar and the Trellis Bar in Central Park.
Other than tipping a number of crew members on the finish of the cruise, I didn’t spend something additional onboard.
I spent $53 on a shore tour in France and $120 whereas exploring port
My 4-night Attract of the Seas cruise included two ports of name: Marseille, France and Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
I hardly ever e book organized shore excursions after I cruise, however I knew I needed to plan a tour in Marseille. After visiting the port final yr, I felt as if I had already seen most of Marseille’s highlights.
This time, I needed to go to a small city close to the town, however I used to be nervous to journey far distances by myself. With simply eight hours in Marseille, I didn’t need to danger lacking the ship.
As a substitute, I spent $53 on a tour to Aix-en-Provence. This small metropolis is understood for its charming structure and energetic markets, and it’s only a half hour drive from the cruise port. The tour, Aix On Your Personal, included transport to the town, 4 hours of free time upon arrival, and transport again to the cruise port.
I initially booked the tour for $71, however later observed a worth drop. Consequently, I canceled the tour and rebooked by way of Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner web site, saving me $18 within the course of.
Along with the tour price, I additionally encountered extra bills exploring ports of name. From a $3 latte to $10 crêpe, I spent round $120 whole in Spain and France.
Spending $3,075 was pricey for a 4-night cruise. Subsequent time, I’d e book an extended itinerary.
After spending $3,075 for my brief journey to Europe, I don’t suppose I might ever do it once more. Flying to Europe takes important cash and energy. Reserving an extended cruise would have made the bills extra justified.
Some journey purchases, like a pre-cruise resort and airfare, are set in stone no matter whether or not I e book a 4-night or 12-night European cruise.
So though the cruise fare could also be costlier on an extended itinerary, the value per day (when taking into consideration airfare and lodges) is usually a lot decrease.
Learn extra: Classes realized after making an attempt a Mediterranean cruise
On the finish of the day, I’m glad I obtained to sail on the amplified Attract of the Seas. It was a wonderful ship and I like all the brand new options Royal Caribbean added to the vessel.
On future journeys to Europe, although, I’ll undoubtedly e book an extended itinerary and even back-to-back cruises. There are such a lot of distinctive itineraries on the continent and I want I had extra time to find all of them.
