Cruise Tips Archives - Northern Viking Explorer

May 20, 2025May 20, 2025

Tour the Vitality Fitness Center on Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas 🚢💪

If you’re planning a cruise with Royal Caribbean and wondering what the fitness options look like on board, you’re in luck! We recently had the chance to check out the Vitality Fitness Center on the Adventure of the Seas, and we’ve put together a full video tour to show you around.

🎥 Watch the Full Video Tour Here: https://youtu.be/y9EEelYzit0

Where is the Gym Located?

The Vitality Fitness Center is located at the front of the ship on Deck 11, offering stunning panoramic views while you work out. Whether you’re walking on a treadmill or lifting free weights, you’ll be doing it with the open ocean right in front of you.

Is the Gym Free to Use?

Yes, the gym was complimentary, which makes it easy to stay active while sailing. The hours of operation during our sailing were from 6 AM to 9 PM, giving guests plenty of flexibility to fit in a workout.

What Equipment is Available?

Even though the gym is on the smaller side, it’s well-equipped with a variety of fitness gear:
🏃‍♂️Treadmills, bikes, and ellipticals
💪Upper and lower body strength machines
🏋️‍♀️Free weights and benches
🌊Massive front-facing windows for beautiful ocean views
🧘‍♂️And more—everything you need for a well-rounded workout at sea

Whether you’re maintaining your fitness routine or just want to get moving, the Vitality Fitness Center has all the essentials.

Why You Should Watch the Video

In our video, we walk you through the entire gym so you know exactly what to expect. It’s great for first-time cruisers, fitness enthusiasts, or anyone curious about what Royal Caribbean offers in terms of health and wellness spaces.
👉 Watch the full tour now: https://youtu.be/y9EEelYzit0

Final Thoughts

The Vitality Fitness Center on Adventure of the Seas might be compact, but it’s clean, well-stocked, and offers unbeatable views. It’s a fantastic spot for anyone who wants to stay active while enjoying their cruise vacation.

Be sure to like the video, subscribe to Northern Viking Explorer, and tap the bell for more cruise tours, tips, and travel inspiration!

May 13, 2025May 13, 2025

🎢 Experience the Thrill of the Dragon’s Tail Coaster in Labadee, Haiti | Royal Caribbean Adventure

If you’re cruising with Royal Caribbean and stopping at Labadee, Haiti, one adventure you won’t want to miss is the Dragon’s Tail Coaster. Perched on the lush hillside of this beautiful private resort, this alpine-style coaster offers sweeping views of the Caribbean and a thrilling ride you won’t forget.

I recently had the chance to ride the Dragon’s Tail Coaster and filmed the entire experience in first-person POV, so you can see exactly what it’s like before you go!
👉 Watch the full POV video here: https://youtu.be/tU0j-mIjhBY

🏝️ What Is the Dragon’s Tail Coaster?

The Dragon’s Tail Coaster is a unique, gravity-driven ride that twists and turns down the hillside of Labadee, overlooking the ocean. Riders control their own speed with hand brakes, making it great for both thrill-seekers and those looking for a scenic cruise excursion. Whether you’re flying solo or riding tandem, this attraction blends adrenaline and panoramic views in the best way.

✅ Ride Requirements (As Displayed on Location)

According to the posted safety sign at the entrance, here are some key rider requirements:

Drivers must be at least 12 years old, 54 inches (1.4 m) tall, and able to operate the brake system.
Passengers must be at least 5 years old and 38 inches (1 m) tall.
Riders aged 5 to 15 years must be accompanied by an adult or responsible person aged 18+.
Maximum combined weight is 375 lbs (170 kg) under normal conditions and 330 lbs (150 kg) in wet weather.

Additional safety rules include:

Long hair must be tied in a bun.
No loose clothing, cameras, or unsecured items.
No horseplay, and always keep a safe distance from other cars.
Remain seated with hands and feet inside the coaster at all times.

(See full sign in the image above for complete safety guidance.)

🎥 What You’ll See in the Video

In my video, you’ll get a first-person view as I speed down the track, navigating curves, hills, and incredible ocean views. I also go over important rider info and give you a real feel for the ride so you can decide if it’s right for your next cruise stop.

👉 Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/tU0j-mIjhBY

🚢 Perfect for Royal Caribbean Cruisers

The Dragon’s Tail Coaster is available as an excursion through Royal Caribbean and is open to guests visiting Labadee on ships like:

Adventure of the Seas
Harmony of the Seas
Symphony of the Seas
and many more!

If you’re planning a cruise with a Labadee stop, make sure to add this exhilarating coaster to your itinerary.

📌 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a coaster enthusiast or just looking for a fun activity with unforgettable views, the Dragon’s Tail Coaster in Labadee delivers. Don’t forget to watch the full ride POV and subscribe for more cruise content!

🎥 Watch Now: https://youtu.be/tU0j-mIjhBY

April 11, 2025April 11, 2025

Adventure of the Seas Ocean View Room Tour – Cabin 2558 with Adjoining Door

If you’re planning a cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas and considering an Ocean View cabin, you’re in the right place. In this post, we’re featuring Cabin 2558, a stateroom located on Deck 2 with a rare adjoining door—perfect for families or groups traveling together.

We’ve created a full video tour so you can see exactly what to expect from this stateroom. 🎥 Watch it here

Cabin 2558 Overview

Located on the port side near the front of Deck 2, Cabin 2558 is a standard Ocean View stateroom with a few standout features. The large window provides great natural light and a scenic view of the ocean—ideal if you want the brightness of a balcony room without the higher price.

One of the most unique aspects of this room is the adjoining door, which connects it to the neighboring cabin. This makes it an excellent option for families or groups booking multiple cabins who want easy access between rooms without going into the hallway.

Inside the Cabin: What You Get

Cabin 2558 includes all the essentials for a comfortable stay:

A king-sized bed that can be split into two twin beds
A flat-screen TV with access to ship information and entertainment
A vanity/desk area with lighting and a mirror
Plenty of storage space, including drawers, shelves, and a closet
A compact but functional bathroom with shower, sink, and toilet

You’ll also find a large window positioned right at the head of the bed, making it a cozy spot to relax and take in the ocean view. The room is well laid out and makes smart use of space, especially for a Deck 2 cabin.

Who Should Book This Cabin?

If you’re cruising with family or friends and need connecting cabins, this is one of the few options available on Adventure of the Seas. The adjoining door is a feature not found in every room category, and it makes traveling together much more convenient.

This cabin is also ideal if you’re looking for a budget-friendly upgrade from an interior room. You still get natural light and a view, which can really enhance the cruise experience, especially on sea days.

Final Thoughts

Cabin 2558 on Adventure of the Seas is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for an Ocean View room with a little extra flexibility. The large window, clean design, and connecting room option make it a top pick for couples, families, or groups cruising together.

April 8, 2025April 8, 2025

10 Fears and Questions We Had Before Sailing Adventure of the Seas (Answered)

Thinking about booking a Royal Caribbean cruise on Adventure of the Seas but have some fears or questions? You’re not alone! Before our 8-night Caribbean cruise, we had plenty too. In this video, we answer 10 common concerns cruisers often have, based on our firsthand experience aboard Adventure of the Seas. If you’re curious or nervous about what to expect, this video is here to help put your mind at ease.

April 4, 2025April 4, 2025

Carnival Radiance Casino Tour | Full Walkthrough of Cruise Ship Casino

Take a full Carnival Radiance Casino tour in this cruise ship casino walk-through! Located on Deck 5 of the Carnival Radiance, this video gives you an up-close look at the lively casino atmosphere, popular slot machines, table games, and more. Whether you’re planning a Carnival cruise or just curious about what the onboard casino looks like, this detailed tour will show you everything you need to know about the Carnival Radiance Casino experience.

April 1, 2025April 1, 2025

Carnival Radiance Arcade Tour: Inside the Warehouse Arcade 🎮🚢

Step into the Warehouse Arcade on the Carnival Radiance with this walk-through tour! Located on Deck 5, near the casino and atrium (midship), this arcade is packed with thrilling games, including arcade machines, virtual reality experiences, and ticket prize games where you can win awesome rewards. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a competitive player, the Carnival Radiance arcade has something fun for everyone. Watch this quick tour to see all the action and plan your next gaming adventure at sea! 🎮🚢

March 21, 2025

Carnival Radiance Ship Tour – Full Walk Through 🚢

Join me on a full Carnival Radiance ship tour as we explore every deck of this incredible cruise ship! This Carnival Radiance ship tour takes you deck by deck, showcasing everything from pools, waterslides, and the buffet on the upper decks to dining, shopping, bars, the theater, and more on the lower decks. Whether you’re planning a cruise or just curious about the Carnival Radiance, this ship tour is your ultimate guide to discovering all the amazing amenities this ship has to offer! 🚢

March 14, 2025

FREE Carnival Radiance Food: What to Expect!

Planning a cruise on the Carnival Radiance and wondering what free food is included? In this video, I’ll take you on a tour of the complimentary dining options aboard the Carnival Radiance, showcasing delicious meals you can enjoy without extra cost. From the Marketplace Buffet and Sunset Main Dining Room to favorites like Guy’s Burger Joint, Blue Iguana Cantina, Guy’s Pig & Anchor, Pizzeria Del Capitano, Shaq’s Big Chicken, and more, you’ll see all the amazing options available. Join me as we explore the free dining on Carnival Radiance and discover the incredible flavors waiting for you!

March 11, 2025March 11, 2025

Carnival Radiance Fitness Center & Gym Tour – What’s Onboard?

Planning to work out in the gym while sailing on the Carnival Radiance? In this video, take a quick tour of the Cloud 9 Fitness Center on the Carnival Radiance, a complimentary fitness center located at the front of the ship on Deck 11 in the Cloud 9 area. Open from 6 AM to 10 PM during our sailing, the fitness center offers a range of exercise equipment to help you stay active at sea. Join me as I explore everything the Carnival Radiance fitness center has to offer, so you can plan your workouts while cruising!

March 7, 2025

Carnival Radiance Review: Our Likes & Wishes from a 4-Night Cruise

Thinking about cruising on the Carnival Radiance? In this Carnival Radiance review, we share our Likes and Wishes from our 4-night Mexican cruise. We’ll discuss the ship’s Layout and Amenities, our Porthole Cabin 2221, the included dining options, and the entertainment and activities. Whether you’re planning your next cruise or just curious, join us as we reveal the truth about our experience aboard the Carnival Radiance!