Back in 2019, cruising wasn't even on my radar.
I'd never thought of a cruise as a holiday option. In my mind, cruising felt like something for older travellers - not really me, and definitely not something I'd imagined doing with two young children. But travel has a funny way of surprising you.
It all started when I popped into my local travel agent (I'm pretty sure it was Thomas Cook at the time) and asked for a few cruise brochures. I didn't really know what I was looking for - just curious, open-minded, and trying to find a holiday that my whole family would genuinely enjoy.
My husband has always dreamed of owning a yacht and sailing the world on a luxurious boat. He also wasn't much of a "holiday person" back then (funny how that's changed now). I, on the other hand, have always loved travelling. So I started thinking - maybe a cruise could be the middle ground.
Falling for Royal Caribbean - Why It Was Perfect for a First Cruise
Armed with a stack of brochures, I went home and properly studied them all. That's when Royal Caribbean stood out.
This didn't look anything like what I had imagined cruising to be. Rock climbing. Ice skating. A surf simulator. Pools, slides, bumper cars. Kids' clubs. Entertainment. Choice.
It felt modern, energetic, and designed for families - not just something to fill time, but something to genuinely experience.
Then came the itinerary.
Two weeks sailing from Southampton (no flying - a huge win with two young kids) visiting Nice, Barcelona, Lisbon, Malaga, Valencia and Vigo. Looking back, booking a two-week cruise as a first-time cruiser was brave - but honestly? Two weeks still didn't feel like enough.
Logistically, it made perfect sense. No airports. No hauling suitcases through terminals. Just drive to the port, check in, and start your holiday.
Embarkation Day: Why Cruising from Southampton Just Works
I was excited from the moment we booked, but nothing prepared me for seeing Independence of the Seas in real life.
She was huge - and instead of feeling overwhelmed, I felt even more excited.
Embarkation was smooth, calm, and surprisingly stress-free. Compared to airports, it felt effortless. From the moment we checked in, the holiday had already begun. No long flights. No waiting to "arrive" before you could relax.
That convenience alone changed everything for me.
My First "Wow" Moment Onboard Independence of the Seas
Actually - it wasn't just one moment.
It was everything.
The warm crew greeting. Walking onto the Royal Promenade. The feeling of freedom knowing our luggage was taken care of. Heading to our cabin and meeting our cabin attendant. Everyone was genuinely friendly, welcoming, and happy to help.
I remember thinking almost instantly: "Okay - cruising is definitely not what I thought."
The ship felt like a destination in itself. Exploring deck by deck, finding the daily programme in our cabin, learning where everything was - kids' club registration, activities, shows. It was busy, but never overwhelming. Everyone was smiling, relaxed, and ready to enjoy their holiday.
That first evening, we registered the kids, booked ice skating, and sat down for dinner - and it already felt like we'd been away for days.
Life Onboard Independence of the Seas - Service, Food and Family-Friendly Design
What surprised me most about Royal Caribbean?
Honestly - all of it.
The food wasn't Michelin-star, but it was plentiful, varied, and more than good enough. The service was exceptional. The crew didn't just do their jobs - they genuinely cared.
One moment still stays with me.
We were dining at Windjammer, and one of my children wanted a cookie. They didn't have any out at the time, so we casually asked. Five minutes later, a crew member returned to our table with a full plate of cookies - having walked all the way from Cafe Promenade on Deck 5 back up to Windjammer on Deck 11.
That small act meant everything.
The kids felt special. I felt incredibly touched. And it perfectly summed up the level of care onboard.
Ports were easy too. Most were walkable. Barcelona had a shuttle. Valencia - we jumped into a taxi so we could make the most of the day. Everything felt simple, efficient, and well thought-out.
At every moment, I found myself thinking: I could do this again - and again.
The Emotional Shift - Why Cruising Changes the Way You Holiday
That cruise made me feel completely relaxed, inspired, looked-after, and genuinely happy.
It quickly became one of our favourite family holidays - so much so that as soon as we got home, I booked another cruise straight away.
Cruising is addictive.
The ease. The choice. The flexibility. You can do as much or as little as you want. Unpack once, yet wake up in a new destination. Enjoy vibrant ports and slow sea days where the ship itself becomes the highlight.
It didn't just change how I holidayed - it changed me.
I found myself talking about cruising constantly. To friends. Family. Other travellers onboard. Seasoned cruisers all told me the same thing: once you cruise, you keep cruising. With an 82% return-to-cruise rate, it's easy to see why.
(And yes - I'm fully on a mission to get my kids to Diamond status one day. I know I'm not alone.)
The Birth of Holidays by Vivian - From First Cruise to Travel Specialist
At some point, it stopped being "just a holiday".
I couldn't stop talking about it. And everyone kept saying the same thing:
"Why aren't you in the travel industry?"
That question stayed with me.
Why wasn't I?
I realised I loved not just cruising - but helping people understand it, choose the right ship, the right itinerary, the right experience for them.
Because cruising isn't one-size-fits-all.
Each ship has its own vibe. Each cruise line has its own personality. And choosing the wrong one can completely change how someone feels about cruising as a whole.
That first Royal Caribbean cruise taught me how important knowledge, experience, and care really are. And that's exactly how Holidays by Vivian was born - from passion, personal experience, and a genuine desire to help others experience cruising the right way.
Who Royal Caribbean Is Perfect For - And Why It Works So Well
One of the biggest misconceptions about cruising is that it's "all the same." It really isn't.
Royal Caribbean has a fleet of over 30 ships sailing to destinations across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, Alaska, Asia and beyond. That scale means choice - and choice means you can match the right ship and itinerary to the right traveller.
From my experience, Royal Caribbean is especially perfect for:
Families with children (of all ages)
Award-winning kids' clubs, teen spaces, high-energy activities like surf simulators and climbing walls, plus flexible dining make it incredibly easy for parents to relax while children have the time of their lives.
Active couples who don't want to be bored
If you love variety - entertainment, shows, speciality dining, wellness areas, sports, sea days filled with options - this cruise line keeps the energy high while still offering spaces to unwind.
First-time cruisers
The ships are modern, well-signposted, and designed to make everything feel intuitive. Embarkation is smooth, daily programmes are clear, and there's always something familiar alongside something new.
Multi-generational families
Grandparents, parents and children can all find their own rhythm onboard - together when they want to be, independently when they don't.
With over 30 ships in the fleet, there's a big difference between choosing the right class of ship and simply picking a date that looks good. Newer ships offer high-thrill innovation, while slightly smaller ships often provide a more relaxed pace and intimate feel.
That's where experience matters.
Looking Back - Why Royal Caribbean Is Still One of My Top Recommendations
If I had to sum up Royal Caribbean in three words?
Fun. Comfortable. Effortless.
To anyone considering their first cruise: do it. Try it at least once. And if it's not for you, that's okay - but chances are, you'll be planning your next one before you're even home.
That first cruise in 2019 didn't just take me on a holiday - it changed my life.
Today, I feel incredibly grateful to not only cruise, but to be part of an industry filled with passionate people, innovative ships, and unforgettable experiences. I'm still learning every day - and I love it.
And it all started with one ship - Independence of the Seas.
(And yes - I've since sailed on Anthem of the Seas too - it will be an Icon Class next, but that's a story for another day.)
Thinking About Your First Cruise?
If you've been curious about cruising but don't know where to start, that's exactly where I come in.
Choosing the right cruise line, ship and itinerary makes all the difference - especially for first-time cruisers and families. With personal experience across different ships, destinations and cruise styles, I'll help you find a cruise that truly fits you.