Royal Caribbean Cruises
Overview
Royal Caribbean International stands as the world's most innovative cruise line, consistently pushing the boundaries of what's possible at sea. Founded in 1968, this industry giant has revolutionized cruising with ships that defy imagination - including the world's largest cruise ships and onboard attractions that rival major theme parks.
The line's commitment to innovation is legendary. From the first rock climbing wall at sea to the first surfing simulator, from robot bartenders to the tallest slide at sea, Royal Caribbean has consistently delivered "firsts" that transform guest expectations. The Icon of the Seas, launched in 2024, represents the culmination of decades of innovation - the largest cruise ship ever built, featuring the first suspended infinity pool and a neighborhood design that feels like a floating resort.
Royal Caribbean's fleet spans multiple ship classes, each offering distinct experiences. The revolutionary Oasis Class (including Wonder of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas) introduced the neighborhood concept with areas like Central Park, Boardwalk, and the Royal Promenade. The Quantum Class brought North Star - a glass observation pod rising 300 feet above sea level - and groundbreaking entertainment venues. The Voyager Class pioneered many features now standard across the industry.
What truly distinguishes Royal Caribbean is their appeal to diverse audiences. Families find endless entertainment for children of all ages through Adventure Ocean programs and thrilling attractions. Couples discover romantic dining venues and adult-focused spaces. Adventure seekers enjoy zip lines, surf simulators, and rock climbing. Even those seeking relaxation find luxurious spa facilities and quiet retreat areas.
The line operates globally with ships deployed across the Caribbean, Alaska, Mediterranean, Asia, Australia, and beyond. Their Perfect Day at CocoCay private island in the Bahamas represents the ultimate cruise line private destination, featuring Thrill Waterpark with the tallest waterslide in North America and the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean.
Fleet Information
Royal Caribbean's fleet represents the most diverse and innovative collection of cruise ships afloat:
Icon Class (2024+):
The newest and largest class in the world, Icon of the Seas (250,800 GT, 5,610 passengers) introduces unprecedented features:
- Category 6 waterpark with 6 record-breaking slides
- 7 pools including first suspended infinity pool at sea
- AquaDome - the largest indoor aquatic theater
- 20+ neighborhoods across 18 decks
- Family Infinite Balcony - first of its kind
Starting at $1,299 per person for 7-night Caribbean sailings
Oasis Class:
The revolutionary ships that changed cruising forever:
- Wonder of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas
- 225,000-236,000 GT with 5,400-5,700 passengers
- 7 distinct neighborhoods including Central Park with real trees
- Ultimate Abyss - 10-story dry slide
- Perfect Storm water slides, FlowRider surf simulators
- Broadway shows, ice skating, zip lines
Starting at $799-999 per person for 7-night sailings
Quantum Class:
Ultra-modern technology meets luxury:
- Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas
- 168,000-169,000 GT with 4,180-4,900 passengers
- North Star observation capsule
- RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator
- SeaPlex - largest indoor activity space at sea
- Two70 transformative entertainment venue
Starting at $699-899 per person
Voyager Class:
The ships that pioneered modern mega-cruising:
- Voyager, Explorer, Adventure, Navigator, Mariner of the Seas
- 137,000-142,000 GT with 3,100-3,800 passengers
- Original rock climbing walls and ice rinks
- Royal Promenade indoor boulevard
- Great for first-time cruisers
Starting at $449-599 per person
Freedom Class:
Perfect balance of size and features:
- Freedom, Liberty, Independence of the Seas
- 154,000 GT with 3,600 passengers
- FlowRider, H2O Zone, cantilevered whirlpools
Starting at $499-699 per person
Onboard Experience
The Royal Caribbean experience begins the moment you step aboard, entering a world designed to amaze and delight:
Accommodations:
Royal Caribbean offers extensive cabin variety from inside staterooms to lavish suites:
- Interior Staterooms: Clever Virtual Balconies on newer ships display real-time ocean views via HD cameras
- Ocean View: Traditional portholes or floor-to-ceiling windows
- Balcony Staterooms: Private outdoor space, most popular category
- Suites: Range from Junior Suites to massive Royal Loft Suites, many with access to Suite Lounge and Coastal Kitchen
- Ultimate Family Suite: Two-story suite with slide, air hockey, and LEGO wall on select ships
The Star Class Experience:
Top suites receive Star Class designation with extraordinary perks:
- Royal Genie personal assistant
- Priority boarding and shore excursion access
- Specialty dining included
- Premium beverage package included
- Exclusive Coastal Kitchen access
- In-suite espresso and more
Activities & Entertainment:
Days overflow with options:
- FlowRider surf simulators on most ships
- Rock climbing walls up to 40 feet
- Zip lines spanning ship length on Oasis Class
- Ice skating rinks with professional shows
- North Star capsule (Quantum Class)
- iFLY skydiving simulator (Quantum Class)
- Laser tag and bumper cars (newer ships)
- Splashaway Bay kids' aqua parks
- Playmakers Sports Bar for game watching
- Pools including adults-only Solarium
Spa & Wellness:
Vitality Spa offers extensive treatments:
- Thermal suites with saunas and steam rooms
- Couples' massage treatments
- Acupuncture and medi-spa services
- Fitness center with ocean views
- Jogging track and sports court
The atmosphere throughout is energetic yet relaxed, welcoming families while providing sophisticated spaces for adults. The crew's service excellence is consistently recognized with industry awards.
Dining & Entertainment
Royal Caribbean's dining has evolved dramatically, rivaling shore-side restaurants:
Included Dining:
- Main Dining Room: Multi-course dinner with rotating menus, classic and contemporary options, your-time or traditional seating
- Windjammer Marketplace: Massive buffet with global stations, action cooking, themed dinners
- Cafe Promenade: 24-hour light bites and Starbucks coffee
- Sorrento's Pizza: Complimentary late-night slices
- Room Service: Continental breakfast free; menu items at modest charge
Specialty Restaurants (additional fee):
- Chops Grille: Premium steakhouse with USDA Prime cuts
- Giovanni's: Authentic Italian cuisine
- Izumi: Japanese hibachi and sushi
- Wonderland: Imaginative molecular gastronomy
- 150 Central Park: Intimate fine dining (Oasis Class)
- Jamie's Italian: Celebrity chef partnership
- Hooked Seafood: New England-style seafood
- Playmakers Sports Bar: Burgers and game-day fare
- El Loco Fresh: Mexican specialties
- Portside BBQ: Smoked meats and classic sides
Entertainment Excellence:
Royal Caribbean's entertainment rivals Broadway:
- Full Broadway Productions: Cats, Mamma Mia!, Grease, Hairspray on various ships
- Headliner Shows: Original productions with world-class performers
- Ice Shows: Professional skating performances in purpose-built rinks
- AquaTheater: High-diving acrobatics and synchronized swimming (Oasis Class)
- Two70: Roboscreens and immersive entertainment (Quantum Class)
- Nightclubs & Lounges: Jazz clubs, piano bars, comedy clubs
- Casino Royale: Tables and slots with ocean views
- Adventure Science: Interactive science experiences for families
- Live Music: Bands and DJs throughout the ship
Family Programming:
Adventure Ocean provides age-appropriate programs:
- Babies (6-36 months): Royal Babies and Tots
- Kids (3-11): Adventure Ocean Youth Program
- Teens (12-17): Teen lounges and activities
- All ages: Character breakfasts, parades, and shows
Pricing Guide
Royal Caribbean pricing offers excellent value across diverse budgets:
Base Cruise Fares:
Rates per person, double occupancy, vary by season, destination, and ship:
- Interior: $75-150/night
- Ocean View: $100-200/night
- Balcony: $125-300/night
- Junior Suite: $200-400/night
- Grand Suite+: $350-1,000+/night
Popular Package Add-ons:
- Deluxe Beverage Package: $62-89/day (all drinks including premium alcohol)
- Refreshment Package: $29-38/day (non-alcoholic drinks)
- Dining Package: $39-69/day for specialty restaurants
- WiFi: $12-22/day
- Unlimited Gratuities: $16-18.50/day prepaid
Cruise Now, Pay Later Benefits:
Royal Caribbean works with flexible payment options:
- Book with low deposit ($100-250)
- Payment plans spreading balance over months
- 0% APR promotional financing available
- Final payment 90 days before sailing
- Price protection policies on early bookings
Value Maximization Tips:
- Book early for best cabin selection and promotional rates
- Compare "cruise only" versus bundled packages
- Interior cabins on Oasis Class offer excellent value
- Wave Season (January-March) brings best promotions
- Crown & Anchor loyalty program provides escalating benefits
- Kids sail free promotions common during school breaks
What's Included:
- All meals in main venues
- Entertainment and shows
- Pools, fitness center, activities
- Youth programming
- Port charges and taxes
Additional Costs to Budget:
- Shore excursions ($50-200+ per port)
- Specialty dining ($45-85 per person)
- Beverage packages if desired
- Gratuities ($16-18.50/day)
- Travel insurance (recommended)
Frequently Asked Questions
Royal Caribbean is known for innovation and having the world's largest cruise ships. They pioneered features like rock climbing walls, surf simulators, and now the tallest slides at sea. Their ships offer more activities and entertainment than any competitor, making them ideal for families and adventure seekers.
For maximum activities, choose Oasis Class (Wonder, Symphony) or Icon of the Seas. For technology and unique features, try Quantum Class (Anthem, Odyssey). For better value with solid amenities, Voyager or Freedom Class ships offer great experiences at lower prices.
Absolutely! Royal Caribbean excels at family cruising with Adventure Ocean youth programs, water parks, family suites, and activities for all ages. The Ultimate Family Suite on some ships includes a slide and LEGO wall. Many ships offer nursery programs for babies and toddler areas.
Crown & Anchor is Royal Caribbean's loyalty program. Members earn cruise credits that unlock benefits like priority boarding, exclusive events, cabin discounts, and at Diamond+ levels, complimentary drinks and specialty dining. Joining is free and starts from your first cruise.
The Deluxe Beverage Package makes sense if you'll consume 5-6 drinks daily (including specialty coffee and cocktails). At $75/day average, you need about $75 in drinks to break even. If you're a light drinker, buy drinks individually. Everyone in the cabin must purchase if one person does.
Included: accommodations, all meals in main dining room and buffet, entertainment, pools and fitness center, youth programs, and room service (continental breakfast). Not included: gratuities ($16-18.50/day), beverages beyond basic drinks, specialty dining, shore excursions, and spa services.
Book through Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner online before your cruise or at Guest Services onboard. Booking early ensures availability for popular tours. You can also book independent tours but cruise line excursions guarantee the ship waits if tours run late.
Guest Reviews
We thought we'd seen it all after cruising on Symphony. Then Icon happened. The Category 6 waterpark kept our teenagers busy for days. The AquaDome show was unlike anything we'd experienced. Our suite's service was impeccable. Yes, the ship is massive but never felt crowded thanks to the neighborhood design. Perfect Day at CocoCay was the cherry on top. Already planning our return!
Ship: Icon of the Seas | Destination: Caribbean | February 2024We were skeptical about such a large ship, but Wonder of the Seas converted us. Dining at 150 Central Park surrounded by actual trees was magical. We saw Cats three times! The Solarium provided quiet adult escape when we needed it. Flow Rider took practice but we got it. Twenty years of land vacations and now we're cruise converts.
Ship: Wonder of the Seas | Destination: Caribbean | March 2024Solo cruised on Anthem and had a blast. The North Star ride at sunset was worth the entire trip. Met great people at Playmakers watching football. The iFLY experience was surprisingly realistic. Only knock: specialty restaurants felt overpriced for solo diners. Studio cabins would be perfect but Anthem doesn't have them. Still, exceptional value overall.
Ship: Anthem of the Seas | Destination: Bermuda | August 2023Booked Ovation for Alaska specifically for North Star glacier viewing. Watching Dawes Glacier from 300 feet up was emotional. The ship's size meant we could escape the cold inside whenever needed. Two70 entertainment was incredible. Shore excursions well-organized. Crown & Anchor perks as Diamond members made embarkation seamless. Highly recommend this ship for Alaska.
Ship: Ovation of the Seas | Destination: Alaska | June 2024