Royal Caribbean

The Vibe: Huge Ships, Huge Adventure

Royal Caribbean's vibe can be summed up in one word: adventure. The cruise line is all about "bigger is better" and "more is more," with a focus on delivering innovative and exciting onboard experiences. From the moment you step on a Royal Caribbean ship, you'll feel a sense of energy and fun. It's a brand that caters to a broad range of travelers, but it's especially well-suited for families with children, multigenerational groups, and anyone who wants a vacation filled with action and entertainment.

Destinations & Ports of Departure

Royal Caribbean sails to a wide array of destinations across the globe, including:

The Caribbean & The Bahamas: A core destination with cruises to popular islands like Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Belize, and the Bahamas.
Europe: From the ancient history of the Mediterranean to the majestic fjords of Norway and the charming cities of the Baltic Sea.
Alaska: Discover the last frontier with cruises that explore stunning glaciers and wildlife.
Asia: Experience the vibrant culture and exotic wonders of Japan, China, Thailand, and Singapore.
Australia & New Zealand: Explore the rugged coastlines and unique wildlife of the South Pacific.
North America: Cruises departing from both the East and West Coasts to destinations like Hawaii, Mexico, and Canada & New England.

A highlight of many Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries is a stop at their private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, a destination with its own waterpark, beaches, and exclusive experiences.

Departure Ports

Royal Caribbean operates from numerous ports around the world, making it easy to find a convenient departure point. Some of the most common ports in North America include:

Miami, Florida
Port Canaveral, Florida (near Orlando)
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Galveston, Texas
New Orleans, Louisiana
Baltimore, Maryland
Bayonne (Cape Liberty), New Jersey
Boston, Massachusetts
Los Angeles, California
Seattle, Washington
Vancouver, British Columbia

They also have a strong presence in international ports like Barcelona, Spain; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Southampton, England; and Sydney, Australia.

The Fleet: Small Ships, Big Adventures

Royal Caribbean has a fleet of 29 ships and counting. They are known for having some of the largest cruise ships in the world, with their Icon Class and Oasis Class ships being the most famous for their sheer size and range of amenities. The ships are divided into several classes, from the smaller Vision Class to the massive, record-breaking Icon of the Seas. This variety means you can choose a ship that fits your personal preference, whether you want a more intimate experience or an all-out resort at sea.

The Cabins: Something for every budget

Royal Caribbean offers a range of stateroom options to fit every budget and group size. The four main types are:

Interior: The most budget-friendly option, with no window to the outside.
Ocean View: Features a window to the outside, providing a view of the sea.
Balcony: Includes a private balcony with seating, perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee or watching the sunset.
Suites: A wide variety of spacious and luxurious accommodations, often with added perks like access to exclusive lounges, priority boarding, and a personal concierge (known as a "Royal Genie" in the Royal Suite Class).

Cabins are designed to be comfortable and functional, with essentials like a private bathroom, television, and ample storage space.

What Is Included

‍What is Included in the Fare:

Accommodations: Your stateroom and daily housekeeping services.
Dining: Meals at the main dining room, the buffet (Windjammer), and other casual eateries like the pizzeria and hot dog stand.
Basic Beverages: Water, iced tea, lemonade, and brewed coffee.
Activities: Many of the signature onboard activities are included, such as the FlowRider surf simulator, rock climbing wall, ice skating, mini-golf, and select sports courts.
Entertainment: Access to a wide range of shows, including Broadway-style productions, comedy acts, live music, and more.

What Is NOT Included

Specialty Dining: Restaurants that offer premium menus, such as steakhouses, sushi bars, and Italian restaurants.
Alcoholic Beverages: Beer, wine, and cocktails.
Soda & Specialty Coffee: You can purchase a beverage package to get these included.
Wi-Fi: Internet access is available for an extra fee.
Gratuities: A daily service charge for the crew is typically added to your onboard account.
Shore Excursions: Activities and tours in the ports of call.
Spa & Salon Services: Massages, facials, and other treatments.
Certain Onboard Activities: Some high-thrill activities like the RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator or escape rooms may have an additional charge.

Onboard Activities & Entertainment

Thrill Rides: The Ultimate Abyss, a 10-story slide, and The Blaster, the longest waterslide at sea.
Sports & Adventure: Rock climbing walls, ziplines, ice skating rinks, surf simulators (FlowRider), and sports courts for basketball and volleyball.
Entertainment: Broadway-style shows like CATS and Grease, dazzling aqua shows with high divers, and live comedy and music.
Relaxation: Numerous pools, hot tubs, and the adults-only Solarium.
Family Fun: Splashaway Bay aqua parks for kids, bumper cars, and a wide range of activities for all ages.

Pros

Innovative & Exciting Activities: Royal Caribbean consistently pushes the envelope with new, thrilling, and unique onboard attractions.
Family-Friendly: They are a top choice for families, with dedicated kids' programs, family suites, and activities for all ages.
Variety of Ships: With ships of all sizes, you can choose the experience that's right for you, from the action-packed Oasis Class to the more traditional Radiance Class.
Excellent Entertainment: The quality of the live shows, from theatrical productions to ice skating performances, is a major highlight.

Cons

Can Feel Crowded: The sheer size of the mega-ships means a lot of people, and certain areas can get very busy.
Hidden Costs: While a lot is included, the price can add up quickly with specialty dining, drink packages, Wi-Fi, and shore excursions.
Dated Older Ships: The older ships in the fleet, while still well-maintained, may feel less modern and offer fewer amenities compared to the newer, larger vessels.
Focus on Mass Market: For travelers seeking a more quiet, intimate, and luxury-focused experience, the high-energy, family-oriented atmosphere may be overwhelming.