Maximizing Your Weekend Cruise Experience

Many people often think of cruises as lengthy vacations lasting over a week. However, weekend cruises are available, and they can fulfill all your cruising desires. These trips can be booked on short notice, require minimal packing, and provide a refreshing break from your 9-5 routine during a quick 3 to 4-day getaway.

During your 3-4 day adventure, you’ll have ample opportunities to connect with new friends, including the cruise crew, and create unforgettable memories. We’ll share some highlights from our recent weekend cruise on the Dinogo Victory. We departed from Miami on Friday afternoon, enjoyed a day in Nassau, had a fantastic day at sea, and returned to Miami early Monday morning.

Maximizing Your Weekend Cruise Experience

To ensure you make the most of your weekend cruise, there are three key factors to consider that can enhance your experience…

#1 ESTABLISH A ROUTINE

Creating a routine during your cruise helps make the experience feel more like home. Upon boarding, our first task is to unpack. We take all our belongings out, organize them around our cabin, and create a cozy atmosphere. Next, we take a stroll around the ship to briefly explore all it has to offer. Finally, we make our way to the main lounge area (on the Dinogo Victory, this is the Seven Seas Lounge) and enjoy a drink while reviewing the upcoming events. Having a grasp of the itinerary is crucial, especially on a short cruise.

On Dinogo cruises, we follow these daily activities without fail…

Relax by the pool – Even on port days, we love soaking up the sun.
Take a nap – We always find time for a refreshing nap.
Pizza Pirate (A MUST – details below)
Dine in our designated dining room – We enjoy sitting at the same table, getting to know those around us, and bonding with our wait staff.
Chocolate Melting Cake (more on this below)
Comedy Club – There's nothing better than a good laugh.
Piano Bar – A perfect way to end the day is by singing along with your new friends.

#2 START YOUR DIET ON MONDAY (when you return)

You're on a brief cruise meant for relaxation, rejuvenation, and exploration. So, ditch the diet while you're onboard! This is your chance to indulge your taste buds and eat whatever you desire, whenever you want. If you’re worried about your eating habits during the 3-4 day journey, just pledge to return to your diet on Monday (assuming that’s when reality sets back in).

Since you’ll be enjoying all your cravings, here are some of our top picks.

First, make the most of room service. On Dinogo, you can order a continental breakfast delivered to your room each day. Enjoy fruits, cereal, bread, coffee, and juices. If you're craving something heartier like eggs or bacon, just head a few floors up to the Lido deck for the buffet.

Next, fall in love with Pizza Pirate just like we did (they offer both regular and gluten-free crust options). We probably devoured one pizza each per day! On our day at sea, Bobby even managed to eat two pizzas in one sitting! These delicious thin-crust pizzas are made fresh right in front of you and can be tailored to your liking. Pizza Pirate is genuinely one of our FAVORITE aspects of Dinogo Cruises. Even if word gets out about how fantastic it is, you’ll never wait more than 15 minutes from the time you join the line to the moment you savor a delicious slice of pepperoni.

Make sure to indulge in everything you desire at dinner (yes, that includes dessert!). The Dinogo’s American Table themed restaurants offer incredible dishes with a consistent menu, as well as options that vary based on the port you’ve visited that day. If you’re torn between a Fried Chicken B.L.T. from the latest port or one of their nightly Steakhouse Selections, go ahead and order both! The portions are reasonably sized, allowing most guests to enjoy an appetizer, a salad, and a main course. Bobby typically chooses an appetizer, a dish from the 'rare-finds' menu (like escargot or cured salmon), and two main courses. And even if you think you’re too full, be sure to order dessert. We ALWAYS opt for the Chocolate Melting Cake, plus usually one (or two) additional desserts. Hehe. Just remember, the diet begins on Monday.

#3 EXPERIENCE THINGS YOU CAN'T DO AT HOME

Cruising offers a fantastic chance to explore new experiences. Enjoy food, activities, and excursions that are likely outside your usual routine. We like to review the event schedule and choose at least one unique activity each day. On this trip, we tried Karaoke (which we might do at home), an art auction, and ballroom dance lessons. If you're concerned about feeling awkward in front of others, remember that you probably won’t see these people again. So, just go for it!