Mediterranean vs Caribbean: my review of two Royal Caribbean cruises. Part 1

🤔 What about Seasickness and Fear of Cruising?

I know many people feel unsure about cruises, fearing they will feel stuck at sea or get seasick. So let me tell you honestly how it felt for me.

The first day? Yes, it was a bit strange. Especially when the ship was approaching a port, there's this odd sensation, like you're slightly tipsy and losing your balance for a few seconds.

Before my first cruise, people kept warning me: "Buy motion sickness pills, just in case!" So I did. and you know what? They stayed untouched in my suitcase the whole trip. And for the second cruise, I didn't even pack them.

Honestly, if you do feel unwell (which is rare), there's a medical center on board with real doctors ready to help.

As for the sea itself, surprisingly, I felt fewer waves in the Atlantic on Odyssey compared to Oasis sailing through the Western Mediterranean, especially when we entered the Tyrrhenian Sea. According to the crew, it's one of the windiest and most restless parts of the region. But still, nothing was falling off tables or flying around. Just a gentle reminder that you're at sea.

After a few days onboard, the fear of water begins to fade. When you're inside the ship, you might even forget you're in the middle of the ocean.

And for anyone nervous, know that before the cruise even begins, there's a mandatory safety check. Part of it occurs in the app, and the rest happens onboarding before you enter your room. It's a quick procedure, but it helps you feel more secure.

🚢 Ship room: Oasis vs. Odyssey

Both ships offer a full-scale floating resort experience, but they feel different in terms of layout, vibe, and design.

On both ships, my suite was on Deck 7 (the central area is usually level 5). I stayed in a Royal Suite both times, but they were slightly different: on Odyssey, the suite was Sea Class, and On Oasis - it was Sky Class.

Royal Caribbean has three suite tiers (Oasis & Quantum Class ships):

• Sea Class – elevated comfort, with larger suites and access to exclusive dining (like Coastal Kitchen)

• Sky Class – more perks, like a concierge, priority boarding, and reserved seating at shows

• Star Class – the top tier, with Royal Genie service (a personal butler), unlimited dining at specialty restaurants, andthe best suites onboard (think: penthouse at sea)

✨ Think of Star Class as the penthouse suite experience in a luxury hotel, only it floats.

While Sky Class came with more perks, I still preferred the design, service, and atmosphere of Odyssey overall. It’s new and modern. But both rooms were spacious and comfortable.

Before the suite categories, Royal Caribbean offers several types of standard staterooms, including interior (no window), ocean view, and balcony cabins. These rooms are smaller and cheaper, but perfect if you don’t need much space beyond sleeping and relaxing.

Standard staterooms are usually located on the lower and middle decks of the ship. The most affordable ones, especially interior cabins, are often placed closer to the bottom. Higher decks and better views usually come with a higher price tag, which is why suites are often located higher up for those panoramic sea views.

Room Service

On each ship, you’ll have a dedicated stateroom attendant who takes care of your room, keeping it clean and providing any items you need. You even get to choose your preferred cleaning time, so everything fits your daily rhythm.

And there’s one charming detail: after cleaning, you’ll come back to a little surprise on your bed — a towel animal, it makes you smile every time. Honestly, it’s adorable.

Since irons aren’t allowed in the rooms, you can ask your attendant to have your clothes pressed (super helpful before formal dinners or photo nights)

What Happens When You Arrive in Port?

One small detail I appreciated during the Caribbean cruise on the Odyssey of the Seas was the captain’s morning greeting.

Each time we arrived at a new port, he would come on the speaker to wish us good morning, give a quick weather update, and tell us exactly where we were, just like a pilot does on a plane.

At first, I wasn’t like it (especially that early in the morning!), but honestly, it helped me wake up, get organized, and not miss an excursion.

On Oasis of the Seas, this didn’t happen, and sometimes I found myself wondering: Wait, are we already docked? 😅 Little things like that can change the rhythm of the day on board, and once the ship docks, it’s good to know what your options are.

You usually have three (I wish I knew this before my first cruise!):

• Stay onboard

  Yes, really. You can skip the port entirely and enjoy the ship with fewer people around: go to the spa or gym, read by the pool, or have a quiet lunch without the crowds. Sometimes, it’s the most relaxing choice. Some of the restaurants are unavailable while the ship is in port.

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• Join a guided excursion

  Royal Caribbean offers a wide range of tours: cultural walks, beach days, food tastings, adventurous zip lines, etc.. Easy to book through the cruise app before your trip. It’s the most convenient and structured option. So, depending on your budget, you could choose what is great exactly for you.

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• Explore on your own

  Especially in Europe, this is a common practice. Many ports are close to town, and there's no hard passport control when stepping off the ship. (However, you always need your SeaPass ID, and passport with you) You're free to wander, grab a local coffee, or visit landmarks on your own.

  In the Caribbean, however, it's a bit more regulated and complicated. And not all areas are accessible on foot or have something to see around the port. But if it's possible, exploring solo can be done, just with a bit more planning.

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🛳 Ports & Places: what it's like when you arrive on land

Cruising through different countries gives you a mix of impressions, and the amount of time you get to explore each destination varies depending on the region. Both are beautiful, just in different ways.

In Europe, the stops are much closer together, giving you more time to explore, dine, or even enjoy golden hour views before returning to the ship. Each port feels like a city, from the charming streets of Palma to the ancient towns of Italy. Every stop is postcard-worthy.

In the Caribbean, the vibe is entirely different. Time on land is shorter, and ports often close around 4–5 PM. But what you get instead is that warm island energy: turquoise waters, swaying palm trees, and gorgeous sunsets. It’s less about sightseeing from the port and more about feeling the tropics.

Ports in Europe: So many options in one stop

One of the best things about European cruise ports is their accessibility. Many of them are located right in the city or just an hour or two away by bus, taxi, or train. That gives you the freedom to join a guided tour or explore multiple places in one day, often with the chance to choose between different experiences.

Palma de Mallorca 
I visited the charming village of Valldemossa and the Cathedral de Mallorca. It's so beautiful; I want to return and stay there for at least a few more days. Other options included the city of Palma, hiking, or spending the day at a local water park. There's something for every mood.

Marseille (France)
Stay in Marseille to explore the port city's energy, or take a trip to Aix‑en‑Provence for a more romantic, old-town feel. There are also scenic coastal drives and trains along the Mediterranean. Aix‑en‑Provence was my choice.

La Spezia (Italy)
This port opens up the opportunity to visit Florence and Pisa or explore the famous Cinque Terre villages. I decided to go to Florence and had the best ravioli in my life. Check my Instagram post if you wish to get the name of the place)

Civitavecchia (Rome port)
From here, it's a straight ride into Rome. Ancient ruins, the Vatican, gelato by the fountain, and other city spots. You can explore the city on foot or join a bus tour with multiple stops.

Just keep in mind: it takes at least an hour each way to get from the port to the city, so plan your time carefully, it’s a long day, but worth it.

Naples
This stop typically offers a choice between Capri and Pompeii. I had pre-booked an Amalfi Coast boat tour, but unfortunately, weather conditions didn't allow it to happen. 

So, instead, I spent the day in Naples, and honestly, it was a great decision. Wandering through the city, discovering pizza, profiteroles, and all the interesting sightseeing spots.

There was even enough time to hike up to Castel Sant’Elmo, perched high above the city. From the top, you get one of the most breathtaking panoramic views over Naples, and the bay.

🏝 Caribbean Ports: water adventures & tropical vibes

The Caribbean cruise experience is all about sun, sea, and relaxation. Most excursions here are around the water. You'll find everything from snorkeling at coral reefs, swimming with dolphins, and riding jet skis to simply enjoying a long beach day or hiking to hidden waterfalls. But if you want something different, you'll also find options that go beyond the shoreline.

Perfect Day at CocoCay
This is Royal Caribbean's private island, where only two of their ships could dock at a time. You can walk around the island, try the zipline, ride a jet ski, enjoy the waterpark, or relax on the beach, eat and drink in the beach bar. If the ocean water feels chilly, there are heated pools too.

Falmouth, Jamaica
You can spend the day climbing Dunn's River Falls, exploring the Green Grotto Caves, or floating down the Martha Brae River on a bamboo raft. But since Jamaica is one of the birthplaces of rum, I chose to visit a historic rum plantation. Unfortunately, the drive took longer than expected, so I didn't take many photos.

The stop in Falmouth itself is very picturesque, featuring colorful colonial-style houses, numerous small shops, and a small park near the port. It’s also a great place to pick up a few gifts, either from duty-free stores or local craft vendors selling handmade souvenirs, spices, and coffee.

George Town, Grand Cayman
The ship doesn't dock directly in the port due to coral reefs, so the only transfer from the ship is a water ferry to the island. All excursions here are mostly underwater or beach-focused: starfish lagoons, snorkeling, and diving.

I chose to have lunch at a beach club located on Seven Mile Beach. The beach club itself is just okay, very crowded, and nothing special, but the location is fantastic! 

Seven Mile is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Crystal-clear and warm water, along with white sand, looks incredible.

But what if the ship leaves without me?

One of the most common cruise questions, and yes, I wondered the same thing before my first trip. Every time you get off or back onto the ship, you scan your SeaPass card, which includes your photo. It allows the crew to track who is on board and who is still out exploring.

🕒 If you're on an official excursion booked through the cruise, the ship knows exactly where you are. If your tour is delayed (due to traffic, weather, etc.), the cruise team will contact the local operators and wait for your return.

But if you're exploring on your own, well, that's a different story.

If you’re seriously late and not on a cruise-organized tour, the ship isn’t required to wait. In that case, you’re officially left behind, in the country where you disembarked, and you’ll need to make your way to the next port, which can be expensive, complicated, and very stressful.

So yes, the “don’t miss the ship” rule is very real. Set an alarm, triple-check the time, and don’t be the story people whisper about over dinner.

Summary

After two very different itineraries, one through sun-drenched islands and the other through cities, I can say one thing for sure: the experience depends on much more than just the route.

Yes, every stop had its charm, whether it was wandering ancient streets in Italy or swimming in crystal-clear Caribbean water. But some of the most memorable moments happened in between. On the ship itself, with a glass of wine in hand and the ocean all around.

In the next part, I’ll share what life on board was really like: the food, the shows, and everything that turned those sea days into something special.

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