Going on different cruise lines has been enjoyable in my work as a travel advisor and content creator. While it’s not my favorite way to explore, I enjoy the slower pace of being on a ship. Most of the time, the food is worth raving about, and the activities and entertainment are enough to keep me occupied. One thing I wish would be different is the time spent in ports, often six to nine hours.

However, I am on this cruise with Royal Caribbean, a western Caribbean seven-night itinerary on Harmony of the Seas, which has been a test of patience and pivoting. It’s been about ten years since we last went on a cruise with them, when the girls were in their early teens, and it was appropriate for us to go with a family-oriented line. Now that it’s just RAS and me, and after we’ve been on other ships that are more suited, I think this is no longer a good fit for us, unlike Virgin Voyages or Celebrity.

As I told him, there’s plenty to do onboard Harmony, but it’s geared to those eighteen and younger. Many activities here shouldn’t be on a ship: two surf pools, a ten-story slide, a rock climbing wall, a zipline, an ice skating rink and waterslides. Throughout the day, other events are primarily geared toward selling jewelry or spa treatments, trivia or sports contests. All of this is fine, but when it’s the same thing that’s offered every day, it becomes a little tiresome.

That whole experience is magnified when there are sea days on a cruise when you’re on the ship and not in port. We had three scheduled for this itinerary, but our port stop in Costa Maya was canceled because of rough seas. I’m writing this on that day, and it’s just something we must make the best of an unexpected situation.

So, this cruise has made me think—is cruising on a mega-ship like this a worthwhile experience? Rather than list a litany of complaints, I will relate ways you could enjoy being on a Royal ship (or a Carnival, NCL or Disney one), should you ever go on one.

The adult-only Solarium area of the Harmony of the Seas

Spend time in the Solarium or adults-only area

This has probably been our most sanity-saving suggestion on this cruise. The Solarium is Royal’s section for guests 18 years and older.  Some ships have pools, but all have hot tubs and chaise lounges. What makes this a great place is the peace and quiet, something you don’t find in the main pool areas of the ship with the blaring music and unruly screaming kids.

The interior of 150 Central Park, one of Harmony of the Seas' specialty dining venues

Invest in the drink and/or dining package

One of the main issues I have with Royal is the lack of an all-inclusive package. My business rep told me they don’t offer it because the family-oriented model doesn’t fit that arrangement. Also, I don’t like to be nickel-and-dimed on a cruise, for which I think Royal and Carnival are notorious. Buying specialty dining and/or deluxe drink packages is worth the cost, especially if you like good food and drink.

You can do things like mini-golf with fewer people when in port

Stay on the ship when in port

This is especially true when you’re on a cruise itinerary with a stop you’ve been to multiple times. As I write this, our ship is docked in Cozumel, a place I’m no longer interested in seeing as I’ve been here nearly a dozen times. While RAS and I disembarked to have lunch, I probably would not have gone otherwise. Instead, it would be a great time to enjoy the ship with about half to three-quarters of the guests gone.

A balcony or suite provides your quiet place away from the hectic places on the ship

Book a balcony or suite

Quite a few cruise clients I’ve worked with will say they want an interior stateroom because they will not spend much time there.  While I’m not deliberately trying to upsell them to something better, I also tell them they’ll spend more time in their cabins than they think. A room or suite with a balcony is a great sea view escape from the hectic craziness that the rest of the ship can be.

This kayaking and snorkeling tour in Roatan, Honduras, had few kids

Reserve an adult-oriented shore excursion

Another way to make a mega-ship cruise more enjoyable is to go on an onshore activity geared to grownups. That’s a bit tricky to do, as nearly every shore excursion doesn’t have age restrictions. So, I often look for adult limits, like wine or liquor offerings. Even if you don’t drink, they will nearly always have non-alcoholic beverages instead. The same goes for anything onboard.