5 Amazing Cruise Experiences Many Travelers Overlook.
This year, I had the joy of celebrating my 18th wedding anniversary on a cruise—a trip filled with sunsets, soft ocean breezes, and quiet moments of gratitude. But as I moved through the ship, one thing became clear: most guests were missing out on some of the most incredible experiences cruising has to offer. After years of travel—first as a flight attendant and now as a full-time traveler without industry benefits—I’ve learned how to elevate a cruise from “nice” to “unforgettable.” And these hidden gems? Most people walk right past them. If you’ve ever wanted to create a cruise experience that feels luxurious, intentional, and uniquely yours, here are my top five insider tips that made our anniversary voyage exceptional.
1. Go Beyond Specialty Dining: Discover Curated Culinary Experiences
Most cruisers know about specialty dining—steakhouses, sushi bars, trattorias. But what many don’t realize is that some cruise lines offer curated dining events that far exceed the typical specialty restaurant. I’m talking about:
Chef’s Table dinners with multi-course pairings
Exclusive culinary journeys highlighting regional flavors
Wine-paired or sommelier-led experiences
Intimate pop-up menus that are not listed anywhere in your daily program
These events are smaller, more refined, and often feature dishes you won’t find anywhere else on the ship. On our anniversary cruise, these curated dining moments felt like private celebrations—intimate, elevated, and unforgettable. If food is part of how you celebrate life (and on EbonyTravelers, we know it is!), don’t skip these hidden gems.
2. Invest in a Thermal Spa Pass — A Sanctuary Away from the Crowds
Yes, spa amenities can be pricey. But here’s the truth: during a cruise, the thermal spa pass is one of the best investments you can make. Why? Because it lasts the entire duration of your cruise. This means:
Heated loungers overlooking the ocean
Aromatherapy steam rooms
Hydrotherapy pools
Quiet sanctuaries away from crowded decks
A guaranteed place to unwind daily
While thousands of guests rush to the pool or the hectic buffet, the spa becomes your peaceful retreat. And on a celebratory trip like an anniversary? That daily dose of serenity is priceless.
3. Leave a Small Gift for Your Room Steward — It Changes Everything
Small gifts are one hidden gem that money cannot buy: personalized service. Whether your gratuities are included or not, leaving a small, thoughtful gift for your room steward on Day 1 sets a tone of respect and connection. Room stewards stay with you the entire cruise—they see you daily, handle your comfort, and keep your space feeling like home. A gesture as simple as:
A thank-you card
A small cash tip
A piece of candy from your hometown
A travel-size care item
can completely shift the dynamic. It creates a relationship instead of a transaction. And trust me, your steward will go above and beyond—not because you asked, but because kindness begets kindness. On our anniversary cruise, this simple practice turned our cabin service into a personalized, thoughtful part of our trip.
4. Skip the Buffet — Embrace the True Art of Cruise Dining
Cruise ships are known for buffets—but let’s be honest: they’re crowded, loud, and far from the dining experience many travelers truly want. The real magic happens in the main dining rooms and smaller venues where meals are:
Freshly prepared
Beautifully plated
Served with intention
Infused with cultural and regional flavors
Accompanied by professional service
For EbonyTravelers who appreciate quality and comfort, skipping the buffet gives you a far more refined, relaxing dining experience. Your cruise fare includes these meals—so let the chefs and the service teams do what they do best. Treat yourself.
5. Say Yes to Packages That Make Your Trip More Memorable
Many travelers resist add-on packages because they want to save money. But sometimes, these packages actually enhance your entire experience. My top picks:
Internet packages (stay connected without stress)
Photo packages (professional photographers capture angles you’ll never get alone)
Beverage packages (not just alcohol—specialty coffees, teas, waters, and smoothies)
Photo packages, especially, are underrated. On an anniversary cruise, these captured memories were priceless. We ended up with images that looked like we stepped out of a magazine—no tripod, no awkward selfies, no strangers cropping off our heads.
Final Thoughts: Celebrate Your Cruise the Right Way
After 18 years of marriage and a lifetime of travel, I’ve learned that the difference between a good cruise and a great one lies in the choices you make. Most cruisers stick to the obvious. EbonyTravelers know how to elevate the experience. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, a milestone, or the simple joy of escaping reality for a little while, try one or two of these hidden gems on your next voyage. You might discover that the best experiences at sea are the ones hiding in plain sight.
Dr. Donna
