Royal Caribbean Review Blog - Last Day Of The Cruise
You've made it to the final day of our Royal Caribbean Cruise review!
In This Post:Brunch In the Main Dining RoomAfter sleeping in, we decided to take advantage of our last chance to eat brunch in the main dining room on Symphony of the Seas. Royal Caribbean Brunch MenuThe main dining room Brunch Menu had a nice variety of breakfast-y choices and lunch-y choices, besides desserts - this is a cruise after all! Here's what we went for: Baked Potato SoupRich and creamy, served with cheddar cheese, bacon, sour cream and fresh chives. Fried Chicken & WafflesTender chicken fried golden brown, warm homemade waffles and a side of Tabasco®. infused honey. Gotta love hot honey! :D Eggs Your WayTwo (or one if you only want one!) farm fresh eggs served any style with (very!) crispy bacon, sausage links (skipped), hash browns and white or wheat toast. NY Bagel and LoxA plate of smoked Atlantic salmon, sliced cucumber, pickled onions, arugula and cream cheese served with your choice of plain or everything bagel.
This one was a miss for me. I was excited for it, but in the end I didn't get the everything bagel I hoped for and the bagel itself was cold and tough. I felt really bad that I did not finish this. You can't win them all!
Key Lime PieTangy key lime custard in a brown butter graham cracker crust. Not even a huge key lime pie fan in general, but this made up for the bagel miss. :) Royal Chocolate cakeLayers of dark chocolate cake and decadent chocolate. After Brunch we strolled around the ship some more to see what details we could learn for you to help you on your next Royal Caribbean cruise! Macallan TastingOn the Royal Caribbean app there was a Macallan Tasting at 1pm in Vintages. This is a paid activity and you can see the set up at this special table.
While the app indicates that there is a fee for the activity, it does not indicate how much the tasting costs.
Hot Sauce at El Loco FreshWe carried on to El Loco Fresh to capture a shot of some of the hot sauces they have as mentioned here. Then we proceeded to the pool deck for some final runs down the water slides and on the flow rider. Cruise Ship Laundry
The last bit of laundry needed done before we disembark the cruise ship, and in order to help things dry more quickly we implemented a few tips:
We propped the shower door open with the trash can and left the bathroom door open. This allowed more airflow to the clothes as they dried on the line. Next thing we knew it was time for our final dinner of this Southern Caribbean Cruise Review! Royal Caribbean Bon Voyage MenuHere's what we ordered! Seafood CakePanko breaded and deep-fried until golden brown, served with mango-carrot slaw and a spicy garlic. Mediterranean Tapas MedleyA spread of hummus, chilled tzatziki, classic Greek salad and soft pita bread. Vegetable Greek MoussakaLayers of grilled eggplant, Roma tomatoes and tender potatoes and onions, topped with panko breadcrumbs and served with oregano-tomato salsa. Grilled Steak with ChimichurriMarinated strip steak prepared to order with chimichurri, garlic potato wedges and tender roasted vegetables. Black Forest TartVanilla tart shell wth rich dark chocolate ganache and cherry filling, topped with raspberry whipped cream, lemon zest and a maraschino cherry. Crema CatalanaSmooth and rich Spanish-style custard finished with a crackly caramelized sugar topping. Huge shoutout to our incredible dining team - Wiryawan and Bayu - who took care of our group all 8 nights of this Southern Caribbean Cruise! On Air KaraokeKaraoke was buzzing on the last day of the cruise in On Air in the Royal Promenade. I've never done karaoke on a cruise ship myself, but it's great fun to watch others have a blast with it. The Night Before DisembarkationThe sad moment has arrived when we start to see all the suitcases lining up in the hallways. If you would like luggage assistance you need to pack your bags the night before and place them in the hallway. You can then pick them up after you disembark. In our case, we prefer to keep our luggage with us so we don't have to rush off the ship in the morning. We only have carry-on bags anyways, so it's not too burdensome. After packing up our bags we ran up to Sorrento's Pizza one last time. Royal Caribbean Sorrento's Pizza MenuRoyal Caribbean Disembarkation Tips:
The cruise line provides some helpful tips for an easy departure and explains what to do the night before and the morning of departure. These are very helpful tips for first time cruisers and veterans alike.
Needless-to-say, I appreciate the bottom right corner outlining the locations and hours food will be available on disembarkation day. :p Royal Caribbean Disembarkation Times
You may be wondering, "When can I get off the ship? How early can I disembark?"
On this particular cruise the scheduled departure times were between 7:15am and 9:45am. They often call all luggage tag numbers before the listed time of 9:45. If you are "Self-assist" meaning you have your own luggage, you can depart at any time. You do not have to depart at 7:15am. As we usually don't have a flight scheduled until later in the day we take our time, try to enjoy some breakfast, and make our way off the ship toward the end. :) Windjammer on Disembarkation DayIf you can't make it to the main dining room on the day of departure, you can always head to the Windjammer, Park Cafe, or Solarium Bistro for "regular" guests (meaning non-suites).
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Day 4 of our Southern Caribbean Cruise was a port day in lovely Aruba. We did not plan an excursion in advance and decided to DIY a low key day on the island and revisited a yummy foodie spot. |
Free Shuttle from Aruba Cruise Port
Conveniently, after exiting the ship's gangway there were shuttle buses waiting to take cruise ship passengers to the main gate.
They were clearly marked with the name of our ship, Symphony of the Seas.
Aruba Cruise Port
For those with limited mobility, there is plenty of shopping to do in the main port area.
If you're able to walk a bit more you can check out the "local market".
At the main intersection walk left, and you'll see the sign for the local market right across from the I ❤︎ Aruba sign.
Souvenirs in Aruba Cruise Port
The colorful boho sandals were calling my name, but I restrained because I was afraid they were too flat for my feet. :(
Knock Off Ray Ban Sunglasses in Aruba Cruise Port
But hey if you want some D&G, Chanel, or Ray Bans ....
Cute paintings and decorative signs for your home.
Cost of Souvenir Hats in Aruba
Loads of souvenir hats and visors were available. As seen below the prices at this shop ranged from $5-8.
The Paddock
A popular spot due to it's convenient location and vibe, a bucket of 5 local beers would set you back just $20 and a meal consisting of French bread, chicken salad, and fries ran $10.
I do believe this was also a spot where you could catch wifi in Aruba cruise port.
Walking Around Oranjestad
This was just at the edge of the Renaissance Marketplace in the Aruba cruise port where we found a really cool store.
Mopa Mopa Aruba
This store was filled with unique and intricately decorated home decor.
Have you heard of the Mopa Mopa Tree?
Much to my surprise, these items are not painted. Rather they are decorated using a centuries old technique of extracting resin from the Mopa Mopa Tree.
I think this is a very cool store to walk around and learn about this unique craft even if you're not in the market for a piece.
Murals by Armando Goedgedrag
Absolutely incredible art murals can be seen on the sides of buildings in the Renaissance Marketplace which have been painted by the very talented Armando Goedgedrag.
It's very cool to see support for local artists like this and it really adds to the vibrance of Oranjestad, don't you agree?!
Wilhelmina Park, Oranjestad
Wilhelmina Park in Oranjestad is a well-manicured park with a nice walkway stroll through.
Here in this park you will see a statue of Anne Frank.
As well as Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands whom the park is named after. She reigned from 1890 until her abdication in 1948.
Queen Wilhelmina was the longest raining monarch in Dutch history. Apparently she was also the world's first female billionaire.
Her park is also full of iguanas!! It's hard to tell from the photo, but they are quite large!
Mangroves and Beaches
These cool trees have aerial roots that grow into accessory trunks. Over time a Banyan tree can cover several acres - isn't that insane?!
It was hard to pass up an opportunity to walk down through this banyan tree and onto a beach via this sort of secret path.
The beach area here was quite narrow, but felt private. There was no one in sight although it was not that far from the main Governor's Beach area.
When traveling, very often you are rewarded when you're willing to take just a few extra steps.
Continuing on toward Surfside Beach, we passed some more incredible trees like this Acacia tree.
And I found it fascinating how this tree looked like it was currently caught in a violent windstorm although the weather was calm. :)
There were just a few families there. With plenty of trees to catch some shade from or sit on, I really enjoyed this beach!
By the way, all beaches in Aruba are free. :)
The Pastechi House
There was one last stop we wanted to make before heading back to our cruise ship after this day in Oranjestad.
That stop was The Pastechi House.
We visited The Pastechi House on an ABC islands cruise back in 2017 or around there and were thrilled to see it survived through the pandemic, though it was a struggle the owner shared.
Pastechi House Menu with Prices
Pastechi is an ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao) version of an empanada and they are tasty!!
We also nabbed ourselves a fresh orange juice which was a tad bit more expensive than in Portugal.
Just outside The Pastechi House was this spectacular rooster ...
Even more exciting was the exotic black, white, and orange bird in this palm tree! It appears to be a Venezuelan Troupial!
Downtown Oranjestad
It was time to make our way back through downtown Oranjestad and to the cruise ship terminal, past the blue horse ...
Beyond all the cute buildings ...
Probably should have gotten a Where's my Pastechi at!? mug.
It was a cool honor system sort of set up where when the artist wasn't there in person (like the day we were there), you could snap a picture of what you wanted to by, message her on whatsapp and then send the payment to her!
I Heart Aruba Sign
Don't forget, you can't leave the island without snapping a pic of the I ❤︎ Aruba sign, can you?
We returned to a cute little towel animal welcoming us back and I put on the closest thing to a "Caribbean" themed outfit as I had for dinner in the main dining room.
A Taste of the Caribbean Menu
Utopia of the Seas "The World's Biggest Weekend" Review in Photos
Please enjoy the photos she has graciously shared!
From elaborate displays as seen above and monkey scavenger hunts to unique art displays throughout the ship, Utopia of the Seas is a fun-filled short cruise vacation for anyone who wants to get away but doesn't have loads of time off.
Boardwalk Neighborhood on Utopia of the Seas
If you spend some time in the Boardwalk neighborhood, you may find one of the jewel eyed monkeys!
Central Park NEIGHBORHOOD ON UTOPIA OF THE SEAS
You are welcomed to the neighborhood with a map to orient yourself.
Nestled between over 20,000 tropical plants (on a cruise ship!!) you will find unique art pieces like this elephant ...
or this glorious metallic bonsai tree statue!
All the plants you see, including this multi-story green wall, are live plants which is pretty neat when you think about the fact that you're in the middle of the ocean surrounded by a mini botanical garden!
In Central Park you can visit some specialty dining restaurants, do some shopping, enjoy live music with a cocktail, or take a romantic stroll through the park!
Royal Promenade ON UTOPIA OF THE SEAS
The Royal Promenade is a lively hub on Utopia of the Seas. Live music, parades, balloon drops, and late night pizza slices await you!
Large and unique art installations like these giant seashells are placed all around the ship for you to discover, admire, or shrug at.
Utopia of the Seas Art
There is no one singular style, but something different for every taste - surprise waiting around every corner!
Utopia of the Seas Pool Deck
If you want a quieter pool experience, try the adults-only solarium.
Ultimate Abyss Dry Slide
The Ultimate Abyss on Utopia of the Seas is 259 feet long, 43 feet longer than previous versions, making this the biggest thrill yet!
Manta Rays on Utopia of the Seas
Crown & Anchor Society
Can you find the wine window?
Pesky Parrot Bar Utopia of the Seas
The Pesky Parrot actually replaced the Bionic Bar found on other Oasis Class ships.
Perfect Day at Coco Cay, Bahamas
Utopia of the Seas sailings are visiting the awesome Perfect Day at Coco Cay private island on Bahamas.
There's a lot to discover on this private island for Royal Caribbean (and Celebrity) guests, so plan to come back on a future cruise.
Liberty of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas side by side at Perfect Day at Coco Cay cruise port in Bahamas.
Utopia of the Seas Review
Enough said.. :) The AquaTheater is pretty cool!
Until Next Time, Utopia!
Utopia of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean's newest ships and is geared toward awesome short getaways out of Port Canaveral, Florida aka Orlando cruise port.
Legend of the Seas Itinerary
Detailed itineraries are coming soon!
Legend of the Seas Deck Plan
Icon Class Ships
The Icon Class consists of:
- Icon of the Seas - 2024
- Star of the Seas - 2025
- Legend of the Seas - 2026
- Icon 4 - To Be Announced - 2027
Legend of the Seas Reviews
Let us know what questions you have about Legend of the Seas.
More Royal Caribbean Cruise News
- 2025
- Launch of Star of the Seas, Icon Class 2
- Royal Beach Club in Nassau opens
- Celebrity Xcel Launches
- 2026
- Launch of Legend of the Seas, Icon Class 3
- Royal Beach Club Cozumel Opens
- 2027
- Launch of Icon Class 4
- Celebrity River Cruises launch from sister brand
- 2028
- Launch of Oasis Class Ship VII - The 7th Oasis Class Ship!
Wonder of the Seas 7 Night Caribbean Cruise June 1, 2025
7 Night Western Caribbean Cruise on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas Sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida on June 1, 2025
Rates are total PER CABIN of two passengers! 🥳
- Inside: $2614.40
- Oceanview: $2993.40
- Balcony: $3014.40
- Suite: $5961.40
Email @marissa.books.travel for a 24 hour courtesy hold and the most up-to-date pricing and deals available for this sailing!
Rates subject to change until fully deposited.
Exclusive Onboard Credit OFfer!
7 Night Western Caribbean Cruise Itinerary
- Perfect Day at CocoCay Private Island in Bahamas
- Costa Maya, Mexico
- Roatan, Honduras
- Cozumel, Mexico
Follow for more Royal Caribbean cruise deals
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Last Minute Royal Caribbean Cruise Deals From Baltimore
- 8 night Bahamas cruise on Vision of the Seas departing February 21, 2025
Ports of call Charleston, Port Canaveral, Grand Bahama, and Nassau
Oceanview Stateroom - from $1144.65 per person
Last minute ROYAL CARIBBEAN cruise deals from florida
Last minute cruise deals from port everglades fort lauderdale
- 4 night Bahamas cruise on Liberty of the Seas departing February 24, 2025
Ports of call: Nassau + Perfect Day at CocoCay
Inside from $444
Oceanview from $781
Balcony from $727
Yes, balcony is cheaper than oceanview! ;)
- 6 night Western Caribbean cruise on Freedom of the Seas departing February 23, 2025
Ports of call: Nassau, Falmouth Jamaica, Labadee Haiti
Inside from $952
- 9 night Southern Caribbean cruise on Grandeur of the Seas departing February 21, 2025
Ports of call: St. Maarten, Dominica, St. Kitts, San Juan Puerto Rico, Puerto Plata Dominican Republic
Inside from $1076
Fort Lauderdale Travel Tips
LAST MINUTE CRUISE DEALS FROM Port of Miami
- 3 night Bahamas cruise on Independence of the Seas departing February 21, 2025
Ports of call: Nassau + Perfect Day at CocoCay
Inside from $393
Oceanview from $533
Balcony from $635
- 7 night Eastern Caribbean cruise on Symphony of the Seas departing February 16, 2025
Ports of call: St. Maarten, San Juan Puerto Rico, Perfect Day at CocoCay
Inside from $1157
- 10 night Southern Caribbean cruise on Explorer of the Seas departing February 6, 2025
Ports of call: Puerto Plata Dominican Republic, San Juan Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, Dominica, Antigua, St. Kitts
Inside from $1359
LAST MINUTE CRUISE DEALS FROM PORT Canaveral Orlando
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Symphony of the Seas reviews:
LAST MINUTE CRUISE DEALS FROM Tampa
- 5 night Western Caribbean cruise on Enchantment of the Seas departing February 15, 2025
Ports of call: Costa Maya, Cozumel Mexico
Inside from $562
Oceanview from $662
More Last Minute Cruise + Travel Deals:
Utopia of the Seas Cruise Deal
Sailing Royal Caribbean's newest ships can come with a heft price tag these days thanks to such high demand. But don't worry :)
This 4 night Utopia of the Seas Cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida is a great deal! Ports of Call:
December 1-5, 2025 |
If you're looking for a short cruise on an exciting new ship that allows you to get away to some beautiful beaches for a few days - this is the sailing for you!
Prices valid through November 7, 2024. Missed the deal but love the itinerary?
Message your Royal Caribbean Travel Agent for prices on current inventory! :)
4 NIGHT Utopia of the Seas Bahamas CRUISE ITINERARY INTERACTIVE MAP:
SUGGESTED EXCURSIONS FOR THIS CRUISE:
More cruise deals ;)
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Oh, Hey!
We're Justin and Marissa
We love to travel and eat!
Traveling Through Food is a place to share some of our adventures in travel and food so you can find inspiration for your next big trip whether it's around the world or down the freezer aisle at the grocery store. :p
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