The Boujee Black Girl’s Royal Caribbean Cruise Experience is here! OK, let me explain. My extended family of 45 people recently took a 4-day cruise on Royal Caribbean. Yes, 45! We’d been talking about this for more than a decade – probably closer to two decades. But we decided that we would FINALLY make it happen and somehow, I got roped into being the travel agent. For 45 people. Cruising typically has not been my first choice of vacation (my last one was in 1998) and I can’t say that I was thrilled at the idea. But in the name of family, I soldiered on. And yes, in case you’re wondering, I had a great time! But the key to my enjoyment was finding things that spoke to me and the type of travel that I prefer. Hence the “Boujee Black Girl’s Royal Caribbean Cruise Experience.” LOL…

When the idea first came up, I instantly saw myself cruising on the Regent Seven Seas or Silversea cruise lines with a cold glass of champagne in hand while enjoying the deep blue of the sea and the wind blowing through my hair. I mean, they send the best brochures to the house! But I snapped back to reality quickly as I knew we had to find something that the entire family could afford. The only line I drew in the sand was that I would not go on the cruise line that started with “Carn” and ended with “mart.” OK, it doesn’t really end in “mart” but you get my point. So we settled on Royal Caribbean. Their Mariner of the Seas ship now sails out of Galveston, TX just down the road from Houston. Most people were in Texas, so it made sense for our big group. With that decision made, I still wasn’t sure that I could make this “my” kind of vacation.
Bougie vs. Boujee
As an aside, I should mention that the word “boujee” is not part of my normal vocabulary. I’m pretty buttoned up when it comes to grammar. I draft my texts in full sentences, complete with punctuation and rarely use slang of any sort. I often Google words and phrases and have my kids decode all manner of sayings. Mr. Corkscrew is definitely the way hipper parent and understands their crazy sayings and even listens to their music. But I thought I’d run with “boujee” as one of my daughter’s friends has attributed this word to me. Not sure where she got this from. LOL!
Tipi be honest, I used to have a negative connotation of the word. I always associated it with conceited people who liked to live beyond their means. But then I saw there was a difference between the use of “bougie” vs. “boujee” and did some more digging. Were you expecting anything less? I even viewed some TikTok videos on the subject. Yeah…they don’t really want me over there. Anywho, there are different takes, but it appears that more people view the ”ie” with a negative, show-off, social-climbing lens whereas the “ee” is viewed more as someone with “new money” who can afford to treat themselves. So since I’m positive, rather than negative, I’m going with “ee.”
And Finally, the Trip
Ever the traveler, I actually really got into preparing for the trip. I was so excited when so many family members decided that they were going to come. And then actually paid! I joined various Facebook groups to learn as much as I could, not only about the specific ship, but to get general cruising tips as well. I mean, who even knew about those magnetic hooks for the room?! As the “travel agent,” I was constantly filling the family text with cruise tips and tidbits. And all the while, I was gathering intel to ensure that I could have a “Corkscrew Concierge-like” experience as best I could. And honestly, that was the beauty of the cruise. There was something for most types of travelers. So if you’re like me and want just a touch more luxury (aka boujee-ness) in your Royal Caribbean cruise, here are a few tips.
Pack Great Wine
Even though I purchased the alcohol drink package, I knew I would want some great bottles at dinner as well as just to enjoy on my balcony. I mean, great bubbly – and Bourgogne – on the high seas just hit different!


Every adult can bring a bottle aboard, and since I was traveling with my mom who doesn’t really drink, I had an extra bottle to enjoy. But the drink package was there when I wanted cappuccino, a spritz, or whatever else. And there seemed to be a lot of spritzes.


Do the Chef’s Tasting
I’m a big fan of fine dining, so the first “extra” that I booked was the chef’s tasting experience. I cook for pre-teens and teenagers who have pretty good palates most of the time, but they aren’t always open to quite everything. And yeah, it didn’t hurt that there was wine involved. A friend told me that the tasting sold out pretty quickly, so I didn’t hesitate to book it. And overall, we really enjoyed the experience. The food there was better than anything they served in the dining room. I even got out of my own way and didn’t critique the wines too much. Given that I attend tax conferences and other social events where wine is offered, I tend to be pretty tolerant of a lot of wines. I can assure you that no one’s pouring Grand Cru Bourgogne at a conference social event!









There was only one wine that I absolutely didn’t like – I still think it may have been flawed – but the pours were quite generous. In fact, I don’t think I finished the full glass of any of the wines as there was just too much. I couldn’t finish all the food either! And surprise, surprise, one pairing even gave me a newfound appreciation for Conundrum White Wine. I’ve never been a fan of this wine, but it was an amazing pairing with the smoked tomato soup. Who knew?!!
Attend the Art Auction
To be fair, some people attend the art auction just for the free champagne. I attended for BOTH the champagne and the chance to buy a great piece of art.


Most of the art in our house has been purchased at auctions, so I was curious to see what they had. If nothing else, I got champagne if I didn’t see anything I liked. But, yeah, I ended up being the successful bidder on one painting.

Maybe it was the champagne, but the next thing I knew, I was throwing my number card up in the air. And the rest, as they say, is history. Of course, Mr. Corkscrew is like, ‘where are you gong to put it.’ Details, details…
Spa, Spa, Spa
Of course you have to treat yourself to a spa treatment. It’s almost a rule with any place I go. I particularly enjoy spa treatments during wine trips. My mom and I both got the hot stone massage, and I’d have to say that it was one of the better ones I’ve had. And I’ve definitely been to my share of spas. Plus, my masseuse was just delightful. She’s from the Philippines, so we spent a great deal of time talking about tasty Filipino cuisine. Pancit and lumpia, anyone?
Get a Suite
While Royal Caribbean refreshed and/or upgraded most of the pubic areas on the Mariner of the Seas, the rooms are still a little tired. So if you’re confined to a tired cabin, at least stretch out. The bigger bathroom space alone is worth it.




And if you can’t afford the suite, at least get a room with a balcony.
Enjoy the Blessing of Family
Even though I did things that spoke to me as more of a luxury traveler, I still enjoyed no shortage of activities with the family. I got to laugh at, err, umm support Thing 2 as he wiped out on the flow rider.

Checked in on the family’s daily domino game on the pool deck. Played blackjack with my aunts and uncles. Belted out songs at the top of my lungs as our family took over and won the Michael Jackson trivia game. Cheered on my aunt and cousin at Family Feud as well as my cousins in karaoke, who incidentally, brought down the house. I even got to do the Y-M-C-A during the 70s party. All this and so much more.



But I also got to do some classic “Corkscrew Concierge” things. And again, that is the beauty of the cruise. Definitely raising my glass to having a Black Girl’s Boujee Royal Caribbean Cruise Experience + enjoying my amazing family!
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